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MAHLON MEYERS, a well-known resident of Stoutsville. Fairfield County, and formerly one of Pickaway County's most extensive farmers, owns a large amount of valuable land, 320 acres of which are included in a farm in Washington township and an acre and a half in the village of Stoutsville, on which is his home. He also owns the old S. K. Valentine farm of 161 acres, located in Fairfield County, all fine farming land. Mr. Meyers was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, August 6, 1841; and is a son of George M. and Maria (Speacht) Meyers.
George M. Meyers was born in Pennsylvania, where the family name is well known, especially in the southeastern part of the State. He was a lad of 11 years when he accompanied his father, George Meyers, to Fairfield County, Ohio. They settled first in Clear Creek township but later removed to Walnut township, Pickaway County, and later to Washington township.
Mahlon Meyers was a child of two years when his parents settled in Washington township and he was reared on the family farm and attended the country schools. He made the homestead his place of residence until 1900, when he purchased a desirable site in Stoutsville, a well-located tract of an acre and a half, on which he erected his comfortable dwelling, in which he has since resided.
In 1864 Mr. Meyers was married to Mary A. Crites, who is a daughter of Levi Crites, of Clear Creek township, Fairfield County. They have four children, namely: Charles E.; Jeannette, wife of Rev. J. M. Wenrich ; S. H., of Chicago; and W. O., of Washington township. Mr. and Mrs. Meyers are worthy members of the Reformed Church in which they have a wide circle of warm friends. Mr. Meyers has always voted with the Democratic party. He has always been interested in public matters and has been chosen for offices in the township and county on a number of occasions. He was one of the most careful and faithful trustees the township ever had and served through two terms as director of the County Infirmary. He is a man who is held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens.
JACOB LUTHER HOOVER, a representative agriculturist of Walnut township, who resides on his excellent farm of 40 acres, which is situated in section 5, range 21, was born on his father's farm about a quarter of a mile south of his present residence, on December 30, 1852. He belongs to one of the pioneer families of this section, and is a son of Christian and Margaret (Tritch) Hoover.
The Hoover family came to Ohio from Virginia. The great-grandparents of Jacob L. Hoover were George and Martha Hoover, who were natives of the Old Dominion, where the
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greater part of their lives was spent. In age they joined their son Jacob in Ohio, where they died.
Jacob Hoover, the grandfather of Jacob L. Hoover, was born in Pendleton County, Virginia, and was the pioneer of the family in Ohio. He settled on a quarter-section of land in Walnut township, Pickaway County, to which he added other tracts, developed a farm here, but died at the early age of 47 years, on July 30, 1825. In Virginia he married Magdalena Ruhlman and when he came to Ohio they had two children.
Christian Hoover, son of Jacob and father of Jacob L. Hoover, was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, where he died March 13, 1889, aged 77 years. He not only kept his father's farm intact but added to it and at the time of death owned 320 acres. He married Margaret. Tritch, who was born and reared in Maryland. She died July 11, 1874, aged 53 years. Her father was . William Tritch. Both her parents died in Maryland. Christian Hoover and wife had eight children, namely : Mrs. Emeline Knepper, who lives on a .farm adjoining that of Jacob L. Hoover; Madison R., who married Malinda Robinson and resides at Columbus, Ohio; Willis E., who married Sophronia Noecker (now deceased) and resides in Ashville; Mrs. Nancy J. Strouse, who lives on part of the original farm; Jacob Luther; Peter E., who married Olive Scothorn and died in November, 1902; and Mary E. and Clara C., who live in Ashville.
Jacob L. Hoover. was reared in Walnut township. After completing the district school course, in 1874 he went to the normal school at Worthington, Ohio, and for the following 16 years taught in Pickaway and Fairfield counties.
In 1877 Mr. Hoover was married to Mary Snyder, a daughter of Adam Snyder, of Fairfield County, and a granddaughter of Rev. Joseph A. Roof. She died in 1883. Mr. Hoover was married (second) to Emma J. Scothorn, on September 12, 1888. She is a daughter of Monroe Scothorn, of Pickaway County, and was born October 27, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover have one child, Ira Morrison, who was born October 19, 1889.
Mr. Hoover is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at St. Paul, of which he is treasurer and in which he has been deacon and steward. He is one of the directors of the Reber Hill Cemetery. For three years he was president of the School Board of Walnut township.
THOMAS LUDWIG HITLER, one of the most prominent men in Pickaway County, who owns 608 acres of valuable' farm land in Washington township, the residential property--of 214 acres--being located in section 27, was born in Circleville township, Pickaway County, Ohio, April 4, 1842, and is a son of George and Hannah (Ludwig) Hitler. A comprehensive account of the early history of the Hitler family is contained in the sketch of George W. Hitler, our subject's brother, which appears elsewhere in this work.
Thomas L. Hitler was reared and educated in Circleville township, and was married to Martha Lindsey, a daughter of John and Mary Lindsey. After his marriage, Mr. Hitler resided with his father in Circleville for a little over a year and then moved to his present home. Mr. Hitler's property is divided into three farms. The home farm, consisting of 214 acres, is all under cultivation with the exception of about eight acres of timberland. A portion of this farm was at one time owned by Mr. Hitler's father, Mr. Hitler adding 87 acres of land; which he purchased from Joseph Metzger and which was known as the Daniel Heffner farm. The residence which the family occupy is a fine large brick structure. The other two farms are both rented; one contains 227 acres and has a frame dwelling, while the other contains 167 acres and has a large brick house upon it.
Mr. and Mrs. Hitler have had seven children, all of whom are living : Clay Lindsey, who lives on the home farm ; Turney Gay, who lives in Idaho, where he is employed by the Northern Pacific Company; Grace, who lives at home ; and George Thomas, Sterling, Mary and Martha.
Mr. Hitler is a Democrat in politics and
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served two terms as township trustee. The family are attendants of the Lutheran Church. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Hitler accompany this sketch.
OTIS D. MADER, a representative business man of Circleville, a dealer in china, cut glass, silverware and wallpaper, is a native of this city, where he was born in 1873. He is a son of John F. Mader, Sr., who was one of the early settlers of this section and for years conducted a prosperous bakery business at Circleville.
Otis D. Mader began his business career as an employee of Wayne Caldwell, who conducted the leading china store in Circleville. He continued to be associated with Mr. Caldwell for 14 years and during this time learned the business in all its details. In 1899 Mr. Mader purchased Mr. Caldwell's stock and removed it from the First National Bank Building to his present location at No. 109 East Main street in the I. O. O. F. Block. He carries a very superior stock of china, cut glass, silver-ware and wallpaper. Mr. Mader is progressive and enterprising and enjoys excellent patronage.
WILLIAM ROTH, one of the capitalists of Pickaway County, who owns considerable farming land and a large amount of real estate in Circleville, including the American House, which is a very fine hotel, has resided here since 1872. He was born in July, 1849, in Germany, and is a son of George E. and Lizetta Roth.
Mr. Roth was seven years of age when his parents came to America and located at Jeffersonville, Fayette County, Ohio. There he was reared and went to school and later learned the tanning business. In 1872 his father bought the old Jackson tannery at Circleville and operated it with the help of his sons, until his death in 1874. For two succeeding years our subject and his brother Albert operated the tannery, under the firm name of William Roth & Brother, and then Albert sold his interest to another brother, George E., and the business was continued under the name of Roth Brothers. They carried on the business until 1899, tanning 150 hides a week and giving employment to 18 hands. They then retired from the tanning business, each having large outside interests to look after.
In 1876 Mr. Roth was united in marriage with Carrie Mills, who was born at Zanesville, Ohio, and who died in the fall of 1897. Two children survive her--Anna and Louise. The latter is an accomplished musician and has spent three years in Europe in study at Berlin and purposes to spend one more year at Prague, where she is at present. Her specialty is the violin. The people of Circleville are very much interested in her success as many remember her as a little maiden, playing a violin in the church at Circleville, when not more than six years of age. By those qualified to give an opinion, her talent is regarded as remarkable. In politics, Mr. Roth is a Republican.
LYMAN P. MOODY, one of the representative farmers and first-class citizens of Madison township, Franklin County, Ohio, who is identified with all the public-spirited enterprises of this locality, resides on his well-improved farm of 112 acres, 92 of which are situated in Madison township, Pickaway County, and 20 acres, on which is his handsome residence and other buildings, in Madison township, Franklin County. Mr. Moody was born March 5, 1855, in Pickaway County, and is a son of James H. and' Hannah (Bowman) Moody.
James H. Moody was born in Maryland and accompanied his parents when he was a boy to the Pickaway Plains, Pickaway County. Later he removed to Walnut township, where he was an early settler, and died there in 1884. In politics he was a Democrat. He married Hannah Bowman, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio. The following children of this marriage are still living: Benjamin F., of Westerville, Ohio; Alice, wife of Alfred
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Shrock, of Westerville; Lyman P., of this sketch ; Dora B., wife of William McCrumb, of Circleville; and Cynthia V., wife of Clement Beem, of Columbus. The parents of our subject were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were highly respected residents of the community.
When Lyman P. Moody was about 12 years of age, he suffered the loss of his beloved mother and after this he made his home with the family of John Boggs, in Pickaway township, remaining there until he had reached his majority. He secured an excellent education, attending the public schools and the academy at Kingston, Ohio, and was trained in practical farming by Mr. Boggs, a well-known and successful agriculturist.
Mr. Moody was married (first) to Martha J. Cromley, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio. They had one daughter, Martha J., who is now deceased. Mr. Moody married (second) Catherine Knight, who was also a native of Pickaway County, Ohio; She is survived by two sons--John G., the well-known teller of the Groveport (Ohio) Bank, and William C., living at home. Mr. Moody married (third) Ida M. Zwayer, who was born in Madison township and is a daughter of Enos Zwayer, a substantial farmer of this township. Mr. Moody has always been affiliated with the Democratic party.
ADDISON LYMAN STUMP, M. D., a practicing physician in Darby township, who is also a farmer and educator, belongs to an old pioneer family of this section. Dr. Stump was born on the old Glasscock farm in Darby township, Pickaway County, December 21, 1861, and is a son of Alfred and Margaret (Glasscock) Stump.
The Stump family originated in Germany and during the life time of our subject's great-grandfather the name was spelled in the old German way, Stumpf, but the younger generations discarded the final letter. It was the great-grandfather who was the emigrant to America he settled in Pennsylvania, where his son William was born. The latter came to Ohio in young manhood and settled in Pickaway County, where he followed the trade of a blacksmith, but later bought what is now known as the Ballah farm. He married Susan Myers and they had three children--Mary, Caroline and Alfred. Mary married Peter Myers and they had four children--Solomon, Frank, Ella and Carrie; Caroline married James Cunningham, a native of Canada, and they had six children--Belle, Alfred, Jane, Edith, Anna and James.
Alfred Stump, the only son of William Stump and the father of our subject, was born on the old Ballah farm near Darby Creek in Pickaway County, Ohio. In young manhood he married Margaret Glasscock, who was a daughter of John and Mary Ann (Leach) Glasscock. The Glasscock family is another of the old and prominent ones of the early days of settlement in this locality. John Glasscock brought his family in a covered wagon from Virginia to Ohio at an early day, later moved to Missouri, then went back to Virginia, but subsequently returned to Ohio and purchased the fine old property in Pickaway County still known as the Glasscock farm. There were nine children in the Glasscock family, many of whom became connected by marriage with other old and well-established families of the county. They were as follows : Mary, deceased at the age of 13 years ; Newton, who with his wife, Mary Jane Caldwell, is now deceased; Warren, who married Virginia Glasscock, a cousin, and lives in Missouri; Margaret, our subject's mother; Sarah, who married Darius Shockley; Martha, who married Rev. Robert W. Peters, a minister of the Baptist Church ; Thornton, who married Frances Rush and is engaged in farming in Darby township; Alice, wife of Richard R. Leach, of Darby township; and William. The last named was the only member of the family born in Ohio, all the rest having been born in Virginia. He married Ella Ballah, daughter of James and Mary Ballah. Mrs. Margaret Stump, our subject's mother, was born in Virginia, April 16, 1839, and still survives. She came with her parents to Ohio, where she subsequently married Alfred Stump.
The children of Alfred Stump and wife
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were: Joseph, who died in infancy; John W., who died aged 36 years, being at the time county surveyor of Pickaway County; Mary; Charles N., who married Harriet Snyder; Jessie; Clara; and Addison Lyman.
Addison Lyman Stump was the first born of his parents' family. They were in comfortable enough circumstances to afford him liberal educational advantages and after completing the local common-school course, he entered the National Normal School, at Lebanon, Ohio, in 1883. At that time this institution was one of note and its standard of study was high--its graduates can now be found all over the world. Dr. Stump remained there through 1883, 1884 and a part of 1885. He then began to teach school and followed this profession, more or less continuously as his studies and duties permitted, until 1893, when he entered Starling Medical College at Columbus, where he was graduated March 26, 1896. He has continued in the practice of his profession ever since, although he does not devote his entire time to it. From 1897 until 1900 he engaged in teaching in Madison County and also assumed the management of a farm which he owned jointly with his brother, who died in 1900. After this event, Dr. Stump managed the property alone until 1903, when he sold it and bought another farm, near Derby, but this he retained only a short time. He then returned to his mother's farm and now makes this his home, the family circle including also the venerable mother and his two sisters, Mary and Clara. Dr. Stump still teaches occasionally, having had charge of the Robtown school during 1894-95. He is now most efficiently filling the office of assistant superintendent of' the Derby High School and since September 1, 1903, has been a county school examiner.
LEVI S. CRITES, one of the highly respected residents of Circleville, a re-tired farmer of Fairfield County, was born in that county in 1835 and belongs to a pioneer family of that section. He is a son of Samuel and Mary (Stapleton) Crites.
Samuel Crites was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1808. The country was then practically a wilderness and he was one of the first settlers. At the time of his death he owned 400 acres of fine land and was one of the substantial and prominent men of Fairfield County. He followed both farming and blacksmithing. He married Mary Stapleton and they reared a family of three daughters and one son. The survivors are Levi S., of this sketch, and his sister, Caroline, who married O. Brown, of Fairfield County.
Levi S. Crites was reared and educated in Fairfield County and his interests were centered there until 189o, when he moved to Circleville. He still retains a fine farm of 200 acres in Fairfield County. After coming to this city, he engaged in a milling business until about four years since, retiring then from active life.
In 1859 Mr. Crites was married to Mary Heffner and they had two children, viz.: E. B., deceased, and H. M. The latter is one of the leading grain dealers of Circleville.
The late E. B. Crites was born in 1864 in Fairfield County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. He remained with his father until the age of 18 years and then embarked in the milling business with his brother, H. M. Crites, under the firm name of Crites Brothers & Company. This was the largest grain buying and milling firm in Circleville. Later he became interested in the canning business and the brothers became half owners of the C. E. Sears Canning Company, operating the largest canning factory in the world. He was a very successful, judicious business man. On November 19, 1895, he was married to Ella. Stein, who is a daughter of David Stein, one of the leading men of the county. She still survives, with their one son, Elliott Elsworth. Mr. Crites was a very popular man and he was considered one of the most successful in Pickaway County. In February, 1899, he was taken seriously ill and passed away in two days.
Mrs. Mary (Heffner) Crites died some six years since, her death being occasioned by an accident with a runaway team. She was much beloved by her family and all those with whom
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she was acquainted and her tragic death was a great shock to the community. She was a worthy member of the Lutheran Church.
On October 22, 1901, Mr. Crites was united in marriage to Millie Riegel, of Fairfield County, Ohio. They reside at their home, No. 416 East Main street. Mr. Crites is a member of the German Reformed Church.
E. L. HEIM, whose well-cultivated farm of 47 acres, situated in section 24, Madison township, demonstrates his excellence as a farmer, is also one of the leading citizens of this locality. He was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, January 22, 1861, and is a son of Daniel and Susan (Spade) Heim.
The Heim family, which is of German extraction, settled in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, at a very early day and the Heims of Pickaway County came from there. Daniel Heim was 10 years old when he accompanied his father, Peter Heim, to this part of Ohio, and the family have resided in Walnut, Washington and Madison townships ever since, except one year spent in Union and Madison counties, Ohio. Daniel Heim followed farming all his life and died Feb. 2, 1905. He married Susan Spade, who was born in Washington township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and their surviving children are : Mary A., wife of H. S. Smith, of Fairfield County ; E. L.; and Ivy E., wife of Walter Cole, of Fairfield County. The mother of these children did not long survive the father, dying on May 4, 1905.
E. L. Heim was but an infant when his parents removed to Washington township, where he lived to the age of 14, when the family moved for a short time to Union and Madison counties, but soon returned to Walnut township, Pickaway County, and subsequently settled, about 1878, in Madison township, where both parents died. E. L. Heim was reared in Madison township mainly, attending school wherever the family lived, and completed his education at the Lithopolis High School. For several subsequent years he taught school in Fairfield, Pickaway and Hocking counties, where he is remembered as a very competent educator. His farm of 47 acres is favorably located and under his management is very productive.
Mr. Heim was married December 25, 1888, to Hattie R. Dumond, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, April 10, 1867, and is a daughter of John W. and Elizabeth (Francis) Dumond. John W. Dumond was born in Ohio and is now a resident of Franklin County; his wife was born in Ohio and died December 14, 1905. When small, Mrs. Heim accompanied her parents to Ross County, where she was reared and was married. Mr. and Mrs. Heim have had three children, viz.: Ada M., Ralph D. and William H. (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Heim are both members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison township, in which Mr. Heim has served on the official board. He takes a deep interest in the proper management of the public schools and is serving as school director in his district. In politics he is a Democrat. He is one of the township's honorable, upright men, a useful and representative citizen.
WILLISON LEIST, a retired farmer now making his home in Circleville, was born in Washington township, Pickaway County, Ohio, September 8, 1836, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Row) Leist.
Jacob Leist was born in Pennsylvania and was a son of Andrew Leist, who came to Ohio in Jacob's boyhood and entered land in Pickaway County. Here Jacob Leist was reared, becoming in later years a man of prominence in his locality. He was a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. He married Catherine Row, who belonged to an old pioneer family that also came from Pennsylvania. They reared three children, viz.: Amos, deceased; George, of Washington township; and Willison of this sketch.
Willison Leist was reared on his father's farm and remained at home until he married, when he bought 76 acres of good land and be-
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gan farming on his own account. Later he added to his first purchase and now owns 106 acres in Washington township. This land he improved with good buildings and upon it the family resided until 1897, when they moved into Circleville. Mr. Leist is known as a careful, scientific farmer and stock-raiser and, although he is retired from active labor, he still looks after the farm interests as of old.
Mr. Leist was married in 1858 to Sophia Reichelderfer, a daughter of William Reichelderfer, who was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and died in March, 1903, at the age of 86 years. He was a son of John Reichelderfer, who was born in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio by wagon at a very early day. The Reichelderfers were all prosperous people, great farmers and stock-raisers. The mother of Mrs. Leist was Sarah Davis, who was born in Pennsylvania and was a daughter of Richard Davis, a pioneer settler of Pickaway County. Mrs. Leist was one of a family of nine children, the survivors being: Enos, of Circleville; John, of Washington township; William, of Washington township; Louis, of Circleville; Sophia Mrs. Leist) ; Sarah, wife of William Wolf, of Stoutsville; and Susan, wife of Henry Frankfelter.
Mr. and Mrs. Leist have two sons : Charles H., a farmer of Clear Creek township, Fairfield County, Ohio; and Harley, of Washington township, Pickaway County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Leist are members of the Evangelical Church, of whose official board the former is a member. He has always taken a good citizen's interest in politics and has consistently supported the Democratic party. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The family reside at No. 313 East Mound street.
WILLIAM ALLEN, a trustee of Salt Creek township, and one of its substantial farmers, owning 117 acres of well-cultivated land in section 20, near Whisler, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, July 12, 1837. His parents were John and Nancy (Willard) Allen, the former of whom was born in Virginia and the latter in Pennsylvania.
William Allen was about 12 years of age when his parents removed from Muskingum to Hocking County, and there he was reared as a farmer, obtaining his education in the district schools. In 186o he came to Pickaway County and for a number of years engaged in farming in Pickaway township. In 1885 he settled on his present farm in Salt Creek township, a fine property which is owned jointly by himself and wife.
On July 24, 1873, Mr. Allen was married to Jennie N. Warren, who was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, December 21, 1854, and is a daughter of Thomas and Pleasant (Newhouse) Warren. Her father was born in Salt Creek township and her mother in Pickaway township. Her paternal grandfather, Tillman Warren, was born in Maryland and was one of the earliest settlers in Salt Creek township. Mrs. Allen has one brother and one sister, viz.: Henry, of Salt Creek township ; and Melissa E., wife of Isaac Rossiter, of Salt Creek township.
Mr. and Mrs. Allen have had five children, viz.: Otto W. and Roy L., both residents of Salt Creek township; and Harry T., Wayne and Wilbur, who are deceased.
Mr. Allen is a Democrat in politics and' on that ticket he was elected township trustee, an office he fills most efficiently. Mrs. Allen is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Whisler. Mr. Allen is one of the representative men of Salt Creek township and one of its best and most reliable citizens.
GEORGE S. REICHELDERFER, cashier of the Salt Creek Valley Bank, at Laurelville, Ohio, is one of the leading men of the southeastern section of Pickaway County and belongs to an old and substantial family. He was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, April 18, 1850, and is a son of Venus and Leannah (Mowery) Reichelderfer.
In Pennsylvania the Reichelderfer family was founded by early settlers from Germany,
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and from there came Jacob S. Reichelderfer, the ,grandfather of George S., to Salt Creek township, at a very early time in its settlement. He was a son of John Reichelderfer, of Berks County, Pennsylvania. .Venus Reichelderfer was also born in Berks County, and was a child when he came to Salt Creek township with his parents. He died in 1856.
George S. Reichelderfer was reared in his native township and after completing the district school course he spent two years at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, and later attended Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York, where he was graduated in 187o. Subsequently he taught school in Pickaway and Fairfield counties and for some 25 years was known as one of the leading educators. He owns a farm of 220 acres in Salt Creek township, but resides at the pleasant town of Tarlton and gives the larger part of his attention to the affairs of the Salt Creek Valley Bank.
This financial institution was organized in January, 1901, and Mr. Reichelderfer has been its only cashier. The officers of this bank are these well-known capitalists : George D. Mowery, president; Milton Armstrong, vice-president; W. F. Armstrong, secretary; George S. Reichelderfer, cashier; and D. K. Wilson, assistant cashier. This bank was established on a sound basis and has been carefully and successfully conducted along conservative lines. It stands high in the confidence of the public.
On April 17, 1873, Mr. Reichelderfer was married to Lucy A. Housel, who was born in Pickaway County, and is a daughter of John A. Housel, a native of Pennsylvania. They have one son, John J., who is established at Sheridan, Wyoming.
Politically Mr. Reichelderfer is affiliated with the Democratic party. He has served two terms as treasurer of Salt Creek township, but his many other interests almost preclude office-holding. He is a member of the Lutheran Church at Tarlton, where he owns a pleasant home and takes part in the social life of the town. He is very well known all over the county and enjoys universal esteem.
J. H. HELWAGEN, secretary of New Circleville Canning Company, of Circleville and Washington Court House, Ohio, was born in the former city in 1866, and is a son of C. A. Helwagen.
The father of Mr. Helwagen was born in Germany. In 1856 he came to Circleville, where he engaged first in a shoe business and then became a 'grocery merchant. For many years he conducted a first-class grocery in this city and was a respected and valued business man. He was a member of the City Council for 14 years and on several occasions was elected president of this body. He married Mary Kellstadt, who was also a native of Germany, and they had two children--J. H., and another son, who died in 1884.
J. H. Helwagen was reared and educated at Circleville. In 1889 he was married to Elizabeth Rudy, a daughter of the late Martin Rudy, who was an early settler and farmer in Pickaway County. They have these children : Carl, Walter, Mary, Elizabeth, Paul and Ida. The family belong to the Lutheran Church.
When a lad, J. H. Helwagen began to assist in his father's grocery store; later he was taken into partnership, the firm being C. A. Helwagen & Son. The father subsequently sold his interest to John C. Goeller and the firm became Helwagen & Goeller, which continued for 17 months, when our subject bought out his partner and conducted the business alone until the spring of 1904, when he sold his grocery interests as his entire time was required in looking after the canning business.
The New Circleville Canning Company was organized and incorporated September 21, 1901, with a capital stock of $50,000. The officers and directors of the company are : Samuel W. Courtright, president; Irvin Boggs, vice-president; William T. Bell, treasurer; J. H. Helwagen, secretary and manager at Circleville; W. G. Jacob, W. A. Dern and Joseph Bell, of Circleville; B. K. Johnston, of Pickaway County; O. S. Smith, of Washington Court House; and Z. C. Shepherd, of London, Ohio. The company has plants at Circleville and Washington Court House. The factory at
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Washington Court House is built of cement blocks and is one of the finest factory buildings in this section. The capacity of this plant is 2,000,000 cans of corn annually. The company also packs tomatoes and string beans at this point. About 500,000 cans of tomatoes are packed annually at the Circleville plant. The company's goods meet with a ready sale on account of their uniform excellence, and the business is in a very prosperous condition.
H. R. CLARKE, D. D. S., one of Circleville's leading professional men, where he has practiced dental surgery since 1871, was born in this city in 1849, and is a son of the late E. C. Clarke, D. D. S.
Dr. E. C. Clarke was born in Connecticut and settled in 1840 at Circleville, Ohio, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. In 1850 he entered upon the study of dentistry at the Ohio Dental College and was graduated in 1851. He at once opened an office in Circleville, where he continued in the active practice of his profession until 1890. His death occurred some six years later. For years he was at the head of his profession at Circleville.
After graduating from the Circleville High School, in 1866, our subject began preparatory study and in 1867 became a regular student in his father's office, later his father's assistant and during the next few years he attended and was graduated, in 1871, at the Philadelphia College of Dental Surgery. Upon his return to Circleville he continued in partnership with his father until 1877, when he opened an office of his own. He has spacious apartments. which are perfectly equipped in all departments of dentistry and the most modern and approved methods are employed in the treatment of patients. Dr. Clarke is a member of the Ohio State Dental Society and keeps thoroughly in touch with all the improvements made in his profession.
In 1875 Dr. Clarke was married to Clara Barrere, who was born at Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio, where her father, Benjamin Barrere, was in the banking business. Dr. and Mrs. Clarke have three children, viz.: Abbe M., an accomplished musician, a graduate of the Ithaca (New York) Conservatory of Music; Grace B. and Harold, the latter a student in the Circleville High School. The family belong to the Presbyterian Church, of which Dr. Clarke is a trustee. He was actively interested in the building of the present church edifice. He is a man of some means and owns valuable property at Circleville. He built the Clarke Building, on West Main street, which is one of the city's best business structures, having a 22-foot front and a depth of 100 feet, and is three stories in height. He has done other building--all of it of the most substantial character.
Dr. Clarke is prominent in Masonry in the State, is a Knight Templar and is past master of his lodge and past eminent commander of his commandery. He is identified with all the best interests of Circleville and is one of the city's representative public-spirited men.
SAMUEL M. SARK, a resident of Pick away County for 35 years, one of its leading educators and at the present time superintendent of the schools of Darby township, is a son of Isaac and Mary (Marburger) Sark. Isaac Sark died in Walnut township, and the widow was afterward married to George A. Kashner, of Circleville. Four of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Sark grew to maturity and are still living. They are as follows : John H., of Walnut township, who married Ann Markwood; Samuel M., our subject; William, of Scioto township, who married Julia Burton ; and Charles, of Walnut township, who married, Florence Martin.
Samuel M. Sark was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, February 11, 1865, and after thoroughly mastering the elementary and high. school courses at home became a student at the Ohio Northern University, at Ada, graduating therefrom in the scientific and law departments. His record as a
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teacher was noteworthy from the first. From 1889 to 1892 he served as school examiner, and in 1893 he was granted a high school life certificate by the State board. In 1895 his Republican friends put him forward as a candidate for the State Senate, but he was defeated by Hon. Thaddeus E. Cromley, of Ashville. Mr. Sark has several times been elected township superintendent of schools, holding also a professorship in the Derby High School. He has given such eminent satisfaction, both as superintendent and teacher, that his educational career seems destined to be in the future even broader and more prominent than in the past. In the fraternities he is well known as a Mason and Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias.
In 1893 Samuel M. Sark was married to Mary B. Thomas, daughter of Newton Thomas, of this county, the other children of Mr. Thomas being two daughters--Minnie and Lora--and a son--Ralph. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel M. Sark--Emmett, Bernice and Blanche, all living at home. All the members of the family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church and Sunday-school. The comfortable family residence is in the village of Derby.
WILLIAM T. BELL, a highly esteemed resident of Circleville, and for many years a prominent farmer and stock-raiser in Jackson township, where he owns 600 acres of finely-improved land, was born in 1844, in Jackson township, Pickaway County, Ohio. His parents were Hugh and Lavina (Renick) Bell.
Hugh Bell was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1815. He became one of Circleville's early merchants. He was at first a strong Whig, but later became identified with the Republican party. He never accepted a political office. He died at the home of his son, William T. Bell. He married Lavina Renick, who was a daughter of George Renick, a representative . of one of the oldest families in the county.
William T. Bell was about six years of age when his parents moved to Ross County, Ohio,and there he was reared, educated and trained to be a practical farmer. He followed farming and stock-raising in Ross County until 1869, when he bought a farm of 600 acres in Jackson township, Pickaway County, on which he resided until 1898, when he moved to Circleville. Mr. Bell directed his agricultural efforts largely in the direction of raising first-class stock. At present he owns 25 head of the finest Shorthorns in the county and it has been his custom to feed and ship several carloads of fat cattle annually. He was very prominent in agricultural circles in Jackson township during his active years and still retains his property and also much of his old-time interest.
Mr. Bell was married (first) to Mary E. Miskimins, who was a daughter of Joseph Miskimins, of Ross County. Mrs. Bell died in 1891 survived by four children, viz.: Joseph M., who is connected with the Second National Bank of Circleville; Anna T., wife of Rev. George A. Wilber, a Presbyterian minister, located at Belgrade, Montana; N. H., a farmer of Fayette County, Ohio; and Jennie S., wife of Frank E. Robinson, cashier of the Northern Savings Bank, of Columbus. Mr. Bell was married (second) to Mrs. M. Catherine Miller, who is a daughter of Alexander Caldwell, of Jackson township.
In politics Mr. Bell is a Republican. He has always been a ' loyal supporter of the government. In 1863 he enlisted in Company K, 86th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., for service in the Civil War, was mustered in at Camp Dennison and was discharged eight months later, in March, 1864, having served in Kentucky and Tennessee. He is a valued member of Groce Post, G. A. R., at Circleville. He is an elder in the Presbyterian Church. His portrait accompanies this sketch.
EDWARD THOMAS, one of the prosperous farmers of Scioto township, who owns a finely cultivated farm of 90 acres, was born near LaFayette, Indiana, November 23, 1840, and is a son of John and Eliza Thomas.
When he was three years of age, the parents of Mr. Thomas moved to Pickaway Coun-
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ty, Ohio, locating on the William Millar farm in Harrison township. A few years later removal was made to the Philip Renick farm and later the father settled on the John Ruth farm in Scioto township, where he died in 1857. The mother died in Pickaway County in 1860. Their family consisted of two sons and five daughters, namely: Reuben, who died suddenly while attending church, in Allen County, Kansas ; Martha, who married Elihu Spencer and died in Scioto township; Percie, wife of Stephen Boyd, residing in Chillicothe, Missouri; Emma, wife of Lewis All, of Ford County, Illinois; and Maria, wife of William Reed, residing in Scioto township.
Mr. Thomas is a self-made man, from an early age depending upon his own resources. During 1856 and 1857 he worked for Robert Morrow, and in the latter year he went to Illinois, where he remained until 1859. Upon his return to, Scioto township, he worked one year for B. F. Walker and until 1863 for M. L. Walker. After his marriage in the latter year he settled on the Conrad Bohnert farm. There Mr. Thomas farmed for two years and in 1865 removed to the Walker homestead where he engaged in farming for two years. Then, in association with Mr. Walker, he bought the old Thompson farm and lived on it for six years, after which he sold that property to Mr. Walker and settled, in 1871, on his present valuable farm.
This 90-acre property was known as the Myers Reed farm, Mr. Thomas securing it through several business transactions and transfers of land. It is a valuable farm and Mr. Thomas has placed it in excellent condition. He grows corn, wheat and hay and raises considerable stock. Almost entirely through his own efforts, Mr. Thomas has attained to his present comfortable financial condition. When working for Mr. Morrow at $8 and $13 a month, he was provident enough to put some of his wages aside and gradually accumulated capital.
In 1863 Mr. Thomas was married (first) to Melissa D. Walker, who was a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Wertenbaker) Walker, of Scioto township. She died January 13, 1880, and rests in the Methodist Episcopal Cemetery north of Commercial Point. To this marriage seven children were born, as follows : M. Lewis, born in 1864, residing on the Whitney Lamb farm, formerly the Ingle farm, who married Mintie McKinney, daughter of James McKinney, of Scioto township and has five children--Ray, Sarah, Edward, Clark and an infant; Ella, who is the wife of William Ryerson, of Muncie, Indiana, and the mother of four children--Cora, Margaret, Mary and Helen ; Maud, who married N. C. Bohnert, auditor of Pickaway County, resides at Circleville and has had six children--Eddie (deceased), Melissa (deceased), Eldridge, Blandys Christina, Katheryn Ruth and a babe that died in infancy; Tessa, who married Albert Whitesel and died at Gibson City, Illinois, leaving one son, Scott, who resides with his grandfather, Mr. Thomas ; Robert, who married Annie Rose and has one child, Orville; James, who married Josephine Graphis, daughter of Dock Graphis ; and Jesse, who married Edna Welch, daughter of Frank Welch, of Ashville, and has one child--Myrtle.
In 1883 Mr. Thomas was married (second) to Margaret Reed, a daughter of William and Eveline Reed, of Scioto township. The children born to this marriage were : Guy and Gertrude (twins), the former of whom married Eugenia Briggs and resides at Gibson City; Illinois, and the latter of whom married Howard Bowlinger, of Ashville, and has one child, Harold; Clyde and Icy (twins), both deceased ; and Belva, who is living at home.
Mr. Thomas was reared a Whig, later was a Republican but is now a supporter of the Democratic party in national elections. In local affairs he uses his judgment and supports the best man. He is a well-known, reliable and representative man of Scioto township.
M. F. REICHE, dealer in hardware, buggies, agricultural implements and farm seeds, has been in business at Circleville for the past 24 years, during which period he has built up a large trade. He was born in 1856, at Waverly, Ohio.
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Mr. Reiche attended school at Waverly until he was 15 years of age and then accompanied the family in its removal to Columbus. With enlarged opportunities he continued his studies in mechanical drawing and learned the trade of machinist and for about 15 years he was connected with the Columbus Machine Company as a mechanical draughtsman.
In 1878 Mr. Reiche was married to Margaret D. Wardell, who is a daughter of William A. Wardell, of Circleville, in which city Mrs. Reiche was born and reared. They have one child--Ethel C.
In August, 1883, the death of his father-in-law called Mr. Reiche from Columbus to Circleville to take charge of the former's business and this he has continued to do ever since, assuming its responsibilities and enlarging it into one of the large concerns of the city. Mr. Reiche is a member of the Presbyterian Church, while Mrs. Reiche is a Catholic.
JAMES T. TIMMONS, a representative agriculturist of Perry township, has lived almost all his life on the old Timmons homestead, on which he was born December 27, 1860, and is a son of Benjamin and Marian Gladstone (Templin) Timmons. Extended mention of this prominent old family of this section of Ohio will be found in the sketch of Joseph Clark Timmons, appearing elsewhere in this work.
James T. Timmons obtained his education in the schools of Perry township and has given the close attention of many years to the developing and improving of the homestead farm. He spent one year on the old Dorn place and one year on the W. I. Wood place, in Deer Creek township, but with these exceptions his home has always been on the old farm. This is a valuable property and under Mr. Timmons' efficient management grows more and more valuable every year.
Mr. Timmons married Anna D. Yates, who is a daughter of Marcus and Angeline (Harrison) Yates, and a granddaughter of John Yates, who was a pioneer in Deer Creek township. On her mother's side she comes froma family that has supplied two Presidents to the United States, while one of her ancestors signed that noble document, the Declaration of Independence. Mr. and Mrs. Timmons have these children: Carl M., connected with the Market Exchange Bank, at Columbus, who married Laura Kirkpatrick ; Ralph B.; Pearl; Lyle ; George Washington ; and Marian C.
Politically, Mr. Timmons is a Republican, but he has never been very active in public affairs beyond performing the duties of a good citizen. With his family he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. His fraternal associations are with the Masons, the Order of the Eastern Star and the Knights of Pythias.
ALONZO EUGENE WEAVER, whose well-improved farm of 50 acres of excellent land is situated in section 22, Walnut township, was born in Amanda township, Fairfield County, Ohio, January 19, 1852, and is a son of D. F. and Amanda (Cole) Weaver.
The parents of Mr. Weaver moved to Walnut township, Pickaway County, in 1855. In 1859 D. F. Weaver, our subject's father, established his store at a hamlet which later was made the postoffice of Nebraska, where he has continued in business until the present time. For over 40 years he was postmaster at this point and was the incumbent up to the time of the establishing of the rural mail delivery, when the postoffice was discontinued.
Alonzo E. Weaver was three years old when his parents located in Walnut township. His education was obtained in the district schools and at the Circleville High School and his children were educated in the same school where he was first instructed. Until 1882 he worked for his father in the latter's store and then began to farm. In addition to operating his own property, he and his son-in-law, George C. Marion, farm 26o acres belonging to Mary Huber. Mr. Weaver has met with satisfactory success in his agricultural operations and is classed with the good farmers of his section of the county.
On September 10, 1874, Mr. Weaver was
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married to Mary C. Oman, who was born and reared in Walnut township. She died November 1, 1901, being survived by three children, namely : Lulu B., who married George C. Marion and has one son, Alonzo, named for his grandfather ; Edith, who married Walter Marion and resides on the home farm ; and Mary, who is still attending school.
Politically, Mr. Weaver is a Republican. He is serving as a member of the School Board of Walnut township. For 40 years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been a steward and trustee, and for 20 years was the superintendent of the Sunday-school, an office his son-in-law, George C. Marion, now fills. He belongs to Columbia Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Circleville. In 1897 Mr.-Weaver built his handsome brick residence, one of .the most comfortable and commodious in the township.
J. LESLIE STONE, one of Darby township's successful farmers, resides on his well-improved and finely cultivated farm of 95 acres, which is favorably situated on the Five Points turnpike, in Darby township, was born in Madison County, Ohio, May 22, 1861, and is a son of John H. and Rachel (Carter) Stone.
The parents of Mr. Stone reared these children : James, Clarence, Ida, Mary, J. Leslie and Maggie D. During the Civil War, John H. Stone gave years of service to his country, enlisting in 1861 in the 154th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf. He survived all the dangers of war and died at his home, in days of peace, at the age of 75 years. His venerable wife still survives, aged 76 years.
J. Leslie Stone was reared a farmer and obtained his education in the public schools. He is considered one of the excellent farmers of Darby township, managing his land with very satisfactory results. His wife inherited 53 acres of land and also owns a one-fifth interest in 50 acres of land left by her father. Mr. Stone has added 44 acres more and now has a farm of about the right size to be operated safely and successfully without outside help. Mr. Stone has made many improvements of a substantial nature here. His handsome nine-room residence is one of many comforts. It was erected in 1904 and has a number of the modern conveniences which, in these days, make rural homes so desirable. His other buildings are suitable and well placed and his fine barn is one of the best in the township.
On January 25, 1894, Mr. Stone was married to Jennie Dick, who was born in Darby township, Pickaway County, Ohio, July 6, 1868, being a daughter of P. Jackson and Margaret (Bolin) Dick, both natives of Pickaway County. P. Jackson Dick was born near New Holland, Pickaway County, and was seven years old when he removed to Darby township with his parents, Nicholas and Mary (Johnson) Dick. For 63 years he continued to reside on the Dick farm in Darby township, to which he came as a boy, until his death, February 13, 1902. His wife died January 10, 1898. Six children were born to them, as follows : Olivia, widow of Joseph Leist; Maim, who married Smith Beale; O. M., or "Mack," as he is familiarly known, the only son, who married Maggie Stone--he is chairman of the Democratic County Committee ; Mandane, who married Fred Lutz ; Jennie, wife of our subject; and Blanche, who married Edwin Sell man, and died June 5, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Stone have two children, namely : Tura Lucine, born February 13, 1897; and Jackson Leslie, born October 3, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Stone are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The subject of this sketch is a good citizen, always taking an active interest in matters pertaining to the advancement of his neighborhood. He enjoys the esteem and respect of those with whom he is brought into contact and may very justly be mentioned as one of the township's representative men.
GEORGE R. CLIFTON, a well-known, progressive farmer of Muhlenberg township, residing on a finely improved and well-developed farm of 75 acres, was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, near Yellow Bud, January 13, 1856, and is a son of William and Rachel (Bartley) Clifton.
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Mr. Clifton has spent the whole of his life in this county. He grew up on his father's farm and lived at home until his marriage. He was educated in the district schools. When he was 10 years old, his father died. Mrs. Rachel (Bartley) Clifton, the mother of our subject, survived her husband many years, dying in July, 1901, at the age of 76 years. She was the mother of eight children, namely : William, a soldier in the Civil War, who died at Camp Chase, Ohio, in 1865; Thomas, who served over four years in the Civil War and died at Columbus, Ohio, in August, 1900; Benjamin, deceased ; Daniel ; Samuel ; Catherine (Pratt), of Paulding County; Jane (Kelley), who lives in the State of Washington ; and George R., the subject of this sketch.
George R. Clifton was married in 1880 to Missouri Henman, also a native of Pickaway County, where she lived with her parents until the time of her marriage. She is a daughter of Benjamin and Louisa (Grindell) Henman, both natives of Maryland, who came to this county many years ago. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Clifton are the parents of five children: William, born January 5, 1883 ; Elmer, born January 31, 1884; Edgar, born August 31, 1886; Turney, born August 14, 1889; and Harry, born March 5, 1891.
After his marriage, Mr. Clifton rented a farm for 13 years and then bought his present farm of 75 acres, of which a good part was in timber. He has cleared all but 17 acres, doing all the work himself. He has erected good substantial buildings on the place and it is now one of the best improved farms in the locality. Mr. Clifton has been a Democrat all his life and served one term as constable.
CHARLES TRUMP, one of Jackson township's representative men and successful agriculturists, owns a total of 258 acres of valuable land here, 128 of which, located on the Mount Sterling turnpike, constitute his home place--one of the best improved farms in the central section of Pickaway County. Mr. Trump was born June 27, 1832, in (Johann Christoph Carl Trumpp born June 27, 1832, Rot a. See, Gerabronn imm May 1851) Wirttenburg, Germany, and is a son of Leonard and Rosena (Kern) Trump.
The parents of Mr. Trump were born in Wirttenburg, Germany, and both died in Pickaway County, Ohio, the father at the age of 70 years and the mother aged 8o years. They had these children : Rosena, deceased in Missouri, who was the wife of William Roth ; Leonard, of Missouri; William, of Missouri; Charles, of this sketch ; Martin, of Monroe township; Pauline, wife of Christ Schwartz, of Circleville; Carolina, wife of Leonard Bach, of Circleville; and Ludwig, of Cincinnati.
Charles Trump grew up on his father's farm in Germany and was 19 years of age when he accompanied his parents to America. A brother and sister of our subject had already crossed the Atlantic and were located in Pickaway County, Ohio, and this was the family's objective point when they took passage, in 1851, on the "Ernest," a trading vessel plying between Havre de Grace and New York. After 36 days on the ocean, a long trip on the canal and a drive of some miles, the newcomers reached Pickaway County and the family was again united. The father bought a farm of l00 acres in Washington township, within three miles of Circleville, on the old Lancaster road and an older brother of Charles took over its management. The latter hired out by the month but was soon stricken with a fever which incapacitated him for a time. After regaining his health he worked for two years in the neighborhood and for two more on the home farm and then married.
After his marriage, Mr. Trump rented a farm which he operated for three years and then went to Missouri to prospect, but soon returned, satisfied with the farming 'lands of Ohio. He continued to live on rented property until he was prepared to invest in land to his satisfaction. Some 34 years ago he purchased his present farm, which he has developed into one of the excellent farms and comfortable and attractive homes of the township. He owns a second farm which is somewhat larger, containing 130 acres, situated also on the Mount Sterling turnpike and in close proximity, but
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the two farms are different tracts of land, not adjoining. Mr. Trump is looked upon as one of the township's capitalists as well as valued citizens.
On March 1, 1855, Mr. Trump was married to Frances Figlesthaler, who was born in Baden, Germany, January 24, 1833, and is a daughter of Francis and Katherine (Hartz) Figlesthaler, who spent their lives in Baden. Mrs. Trump emigrated to America in 1853, coming alone. Eight children were born to this marriage, as follows : Elizabeth, wife of George Gerhardt, of Madison County, Ohio; William, of Jackson township; Albert, living at home; Rosena, wife of Frank Brown, of Darbyville; Emma, living at home; August, an electrician, of Columbus ; Amelia, living at home ; and Carl, of Jackson Township.
Mr. Trump has always supported the Democratic party. He has been one of the township's most useful men and for two years was supervisor. He is a member of the Lick Run Lutheran Church.
D V. COURTRIGHT, M. D., who is numbered with the successful physicians and surgeons at Circleville, was born in this city on the 4th of July, 1875, and is a son of the late Dr. Alva P. Courtright.
Dr. Alva P. Courtright was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, the family having been settled here for several generations. For a number of years he was one of the leading medical practitioners in this part of the State. He was one of the early physicians here, almost a pioneer in the profession and through a long, busy and useful life built up a reputation for skill second to none of his competitors.
Dr. D. V. Courtright, by choice and heredity, is a physician and surgeon. He was reared in a medical atmosphere and his father's surgery remains among his earliest recollections. After graduating from the Circleville High School, in 1893, he spent one year at Miami University, and then went to Starling Medical College, Columbus, where he was graduated in March, 1897. He immediately became an interne under Dr. Hamilton, at the Mount Carmel Hospital, where he remained three years and was then called to Circleville by the death of his father. Since then he has continued in the active practice of medicine and surgery here and is held in the highest esteem by his fellow-citizens, both personally and professionally. He belongs to the Columbus Academy of Medicine, Ohio State Medical Society and American Medical Association.
In 1901 Dr. Courtright was united in marriage with Nellie L. Straw, who is a daughter of the late David Straw, of Carey, Ohio, who at the time of his death was one of the capitalists and prominent men of Wyandot County. Two children have been born to the above marriage, viz.: Alva Vattier and David Straw. The family belong to the Presbyterian Church and Dr. Courtright is a member of the board of trustees.
Dr. Courtright retains his Greek letter college fraternity membership. He belongs also to the Masons and the Elks.
JOHN C. STEVENSON, a prominent agriculturist and leading citizen of Jackson township, residing on his fine estate of 240 acres, known as the Darst farm, situated on Goosepond turnpike, was born in Circleville township, Pickaway County, Ohio, October 20, 1861, and is a son of John and Jane (Morehead) Stevenson.
John Stevenson, father of John C., was born in County Down, Ireland, November 13, 1823, and was a son of Alexander and Mary Stevenson, who had eight children, three of whom came to America. Mr. Stevenson remained in his own land until he was 25 years of age and then decided to make Ohio his home, locating in Pickaway County in the vicinity of Circleville, where he worked for five years at the coopering business and also on farms at a wage of $6 a month. During this period he saved $500 and with it he returned to Ireland and was married.
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At the time that gold was first. discovered in Australia, Mr. Stevenson prepared to go to that faraway country in search of fortune and subsequently located at Melbourne, where he worked first on the city docks and later secured work in the gold mines 100 miles inland. At first he worked for others but soon saw his opportunity, invested in mining properties of his own, which he later operated with some success. His greatest source of income, however, was in his provisioning of the mines. He bought wagons and horses and carried provisions long distances from Melbourne to the mines, being able to sell almost at his own prices. With some capital he then returned to Circleville, Ohio, accompanied by his wife and three children. He bought 72 acres of land on the Island, this being the nucleus of his later fortune in realty, and continued to live on it for 25 years. In the meantime he kept on buying land' and acquired 400 acres and his wife acquired 200 acres. His death occurred October 14, 1902.
In 1853 John Stevenson married Jane Morehead, who was also born in County Down, Ireland--one day before the birth of her husband. She survived him almost two years, dying May 8, 1904. The seven children who survived infancy were : Alexander, who died December 4, 1905, aged 52 years ; Mattie M., a resident of Columbus, who is taking a pleasure trip to Australia ; Hamilton, a resident of San Francisco, California; Maggie, who died aged seven years ; John C., of this sketch ; Jennie, who is the wife of Rev. Richard Watt, of Ceylon, Minnesota; and Elizabeth, who is accompanying her sister to Australia.
John C, Stevenson, our immediate subject, was reared in Circleville township until he had passed his majority and remained with his parents on the farm on the Chillicothe turnpike for several years, then spent two years on a farm near Circleville. After .selling this property, he went on a farm in Wayne township which his mother had purchased and there he continued to live for 11 years.. It was a tract of 200 acres and he operated it with great success. During this time he married. Later he bought a farm of 177 acres at Fox, his first purchase, and he still retains this farm.
Some eight years ago Mr. Stevenson purchased his present farm and moved on it in the following year. It contains 240 acres and is well improved with good buildings, including a commodious and comfortable residence. It is situated five miles northwest of Circleville.
Mr. Stevenson, in addition to the lands mentioned, has charge of his parents' estate, which has not been settled. He has in charge 153 acres in Circleville township, left to the three sons; loo acres on the Columbus turnpike in Circleville township, left to his sister; a one-sixth interest in 160 acres in Pickaway township; a one-sixth interest in 200 acres in Wayne township; and also manages 408 acres that belong to his sisters Martha and Elizabeth;. and in addition is administrator for his brother Alexander's estate of 160 acres. Mr. Stevenson thus has control of 1,595 acres, of which he owns a considerable portion. He personally operates his homestead and rents the rest for raising grain. There is a sparkling spring of water on his land, which is known as the Darst spring.
On January 17, 1893, Mr. Stevenson was married to Callie M. Barnes, who was born near New Lexington, Ohio, and is a daughter of Arza R. and Barbara Barnes, natives of Ohio: Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson have six children, viz.: John Beryl, Frank Earl, Grace H., George Bruce, Howard Newell and Eugene Morehead. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson are members of the Presbyterian Church.
A strong Republican all his life, Mr. Stevenson takes a great amount of interest in the success of his party. He has served three years as township trustee and is known as one of the most reliable men of his locality, in business, in political and in private life. The large interests he represents are indeed in good hands.
RICHARD TIPTON DENNIS, a representative citizen of Monroe township, president of the Board of Education and a large farmer and stock-raiser, owns 372 acres of excellent land in one of the best sections of the township. He was born in Monroe township, on an
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adjacent farm, on February 1, 1857, and is a son of David H. and Winnie (Funk) Dennis.
Early in the settlement of Ross County, Ohio, came Daniel Dennis and wife Nancy, from Maryland. They settled in the forest, which at that time was so dense that clearings had to be made before the first steps could be taken looking to cultivation of the land. At a later date he sold the Ross County farm to his son Henry and purchased a large farm in Monroe township, Pickaway County, where he died in 1877. His first wife died in Ross County. After he settled in Monroe township, he married Mary Hess, who still survives and resides with two of the children--Effie and George W.--on the farm of 110 acres left her children by Daniel Dennis, at the time of his death. The eldest of his daughters by this marriage, Josephine, who is the wife of Albert L. Shockly, a farmer of Darby township, also shared in the inheritance.
The children of Daniel Dennis' first marriage were : David H., father of our subject; Henry, who married Clarissa Smith--he purchased and later sold his father's old home in Ross County, and died in Monroe township; Millie, deceased, who married (first) Charles Evans, and (second) Robert Timmons; Mary, who married Felix Grindol and lives at Hammond, Illinois; Bettie, deceased, who was the wife of John Dennis; Peggie, deceased, who was the wife of Elijah Dennis; and Nancy, deceased, who was the wife of John Mulnix.
David H. Dennis, father of our subject, was born November 21, 1826, in Ross County, Ohio, and was only a boy when he accompanied his father to Pickaway County. His education was secured in the old log school houses, which were the best afforded at the time, and he grew up his father's helper on the farm. After his marriage he settled on the farm on which our subject was born and which now belongs to our subject's sister, Mrs. Samantha Hill. For many years a rough log house sufficed for a residence. Later, however, Mr.. Dennis .tore down the log cabin and on the opposite side of the road built a comfortable frame residence. He still lives in Monroe township, where he has long had a reputationas a successful farmer and stock-raiser. He owns 211 acres of land situated jointly in Monroe and Muhlenberg townships. He was bereft of his wife on April 29, 1901, after a happy married life of many years.
To David H. Dennis and his wife, Winnie Funk, were born the following children : Nancy, who married Charles Downs and lives in Monroe township near Five Points, on what is known as the Noah Cardiff farm, which her husband owns ; Sarah Jane, who married C. B. Mitchell and lives east of Five Points in Monroe township ; William T., now owning and operating the old William McCafferty farm in Monroe township, who married Rhoda Hatfield; David G., who married (first) Harriet Hanson and (second) Dora Wing and lives on a part of what was once a section of the Florence estate in Muhlenberg township, along Dry Run; Richard Tipton, the subject of this sketch; and Samantha, wife of Seth Hill, of Monroe township.
Richard T. Dennis enjoyed excellent educational advantages and is one of the best-informed and intelligent men in Monroe township. He was an apt pupil in the. district schools and also ambitious. In 1881 he entered the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, and in 1883 took the teacher's special course and secured his certificate. Mr. Dennis then took up teaching as a profession and for the following 21 years taught school in Pickaway County, his time being divided partially thus : First in Deer Creek township, then two years in the graded schools at Darbyville, five years in the Pherson district in Muhlenberg township, six years at Five Points, and several years in .the schools of his own neighborhood. During this time Mr. Dennis may have been the cause of a very general remark, that Monroe township turned out more capable teachers than any other township in the State. The fact is that he took such deep interest in his educational labors that he inspired the young to added effort and, with his encouragement and thorough training, well educated young men and women went out from under his care and many of them found educational work awaiting them because they, were competent. Probably if a
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census was taken of the teachers who are now successfully filling positions in the township, it would be found that a large per cent. have been under Mr. Dennis' instruction. This face must be very gratifying to so thorough an educator as he. From 1888 to 1891, Mr. Dennis served as county school examiner under appointment from Hon. Daniel J. Myers, judge of probate.
On December. 29, 1887, Mr. Dennis was married to Elvira Adkins, who was born May 1866, in Monroe township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and comes of an old pioneer family of the State. Her parents, George W. and Louisa (Walstor) Adkins, reside near Five Points. The other members' of their family, exclusive of Mrs. Dennis, are : Stanton, residing near Five Points, who married Josie Corkwell ; Harry, living in Darby township, who married Carrie Neff ; Elizabeth, who is the wife of G. W. Winfough, a merchant at Five Points; Gertrude, who is the wife of Harry Long, of Five Points ; and Etta, who resides with her parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis have five children, namely : Fern, born October 13, 1888; Gladys, born August 12, 1890; Nita, born April 15, 1894; Eunice Pearl, born August 24, 1901; and Carl .Richard, born December 8, 1903. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Dennis has all his large body of land in one tract, most favorably located along the Williamsport and Era road and the Mount Sterling and Darbyville turnpike. He purchased 215 acres of this farm from Isaac Collins, 43 acres from his sister, Mrs. Mitchell, 45 acres from the John McCafferty property and secured the rest from his father. It is all rich land, well adapted to both the growing of corn, oats and wheat and to the extensive raising of cattle, horses, sheep and hogs: The family residence, a commodious frame dwelling of 10 rooms, occupies a conspicuous place on the farm and presents the appearance of an attractive, comfortable home. Various improvements have been added at various times and modern ideas have .been generally followed.
Mr. Dennis has always taken an active interest in local good government. He served as township treasurer from 1900 to 1906 and in 1904 was elected school director of his district and president of the Board of Education. Scarcely any citizen of Monroe township stands in higher esteem.
JOHN BOLENDER, who owns a very valuable farm of 72 acres in Washington township, was born on this farm on November 26, 1831, and belongs to an old pioneer family of this section. He is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Leist) Bolender.
Benjamin Bolender was born in Pennsylvania and came to Pickaway County at the age of 22 years. He married Elizabeth Leist, who was a daughter of Andrew Leist, and their lives were spent as farmers in Washington township.
John Bolender was reared and educated in Pickaway County, his schooling being obtained partly in the old log schoolhouse near his home. It was not unusual, in his young manhood, for stockmen to drive their cattle to Eastern markets and in 185o he took a lot of cattle, driving them all the way to Baltimore, Maryland. He set out on the 6th of March, safely reached his destination with his cattle and returned more at ease, utilizing the steamboat and stage coach and reaching home on June 28th.
In 1852 Mr. Bolender was married to Sophia Stepelton, who died in 1863, the mother of six children, of 'whom three died in infancy. The survivors are : Isaac, who is in the grocery business at Circleville; Eliza Ann, who married S. E. Valentine; and Noah, who lives on a part of the home farm. Mr. Bolender married (second) Susan Leist, a daughter of John D. Leist. Nine children were born to this union, namely : Lydia A., the widow of the late James Martin Riffle, of Pickaway township;. Henry, who resides at home; George, who married Eda Glick and lives in Wayne township; Lucy, who married William H. Stout; Ida, who lives at home; Charles, .
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Lily and Edward, who live at home and Nelson, who lives in Washington township.
Mr. Bolender originally owned 105 acres, but sold 33 acres to his son Noah. In 1882 he built the present commodious brick residence which adorns the farm. For the past 32 years he has been a member of the township School Board. He enjoys the distinction of having lived longer on one farm than any man in the township. He has seen the country develop and has done his part in promoting public improvements and in adding to the general prosperity of this section. For years he has been a leading member of the Evangelical Association, is one of the trustees and at various times has been one of the stewards. As one of the representative men of this locality, Mr. Bolender is held, in general esteem. His portrait accompanies this sketch.
WILLIAM BYRON FREDERICK, an excellent farmer and representative citizen of Wayne township, belongs to one of the oldest and most prominent families of this section of the State. Mr. Frederick was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, February 19, 1867, and is a son of William and Sophia (Bookwalter) Frederick.
Peter Frederick, the grandfather of William B. Frederick, was one of the earliest settlers in this county. By trade he was a cabinetmaker and farmer and was probably of German descent. He married Katherine Zimmerman and they reared two children. On the maternal side the grandparents of Mr. Frederick were also old and well-known settlers, Henry and Salome Bookwalter. The father of Mr. Frederick lived until February, 5, 1906, the mother having passed away in 1892.
Mr. Frederick's life has been almost entirely devoted to agricultural pursuits. He is now operating the farm of his father-in-law--a tract of 333 acres in Wayne township.
Mr. Frederick was married on Christmas Day, 1895, to Bertha M. Miesse, who is a daughter of Dr. Morris H. Miesse, a prominentphysician of Circleville. They have three children, viz.: Harold Edward, born June 28, 1898; Leland Miesse, born November 17, 1900; and William Byron, Jr., born July 28, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick belong to the Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Frederick is a good citizen and takes an interest in all that concerns his township. He served for three years as a member of the School Board.
ROSS NEFF, of the younger generation of prominent agriculturists, conies of a family well known and thoroughly respected in Pickaway County. He is the owner of 18o acres of valuable land in Darby. township, divided into two bodies. The home farm, which he bought from the Mitchell heirs in 1899, comprises 121 acres; the other tract of 59 acres he purchased in the spring of 1905.
Our subject is a son of Isaac V. S. and Sarah Malinda (Neff) Neff, and a grandson, on the paternal side, of Elijah and Mary A. (Powell) Neff and, on the maternal side; of Absalom and Sarah (Reay) Neff. The grandparents on both sides came to Ohio from Virginia. Seven children were born to Elijah and Mary A. (Powell) Neff, as follows: William, deceased; Isaac V. S., father of our subject, who died on the 14th of June, 1892; James, deceased; three girls who died in infancy; and George S. W., who married Elizabeth Powell and, with his wife, is living in Darby township.
Isaac V. S. Neff was born in Virginia and when 14 years of age came to Ohio with his father. The latter purchased 212 acres of land where George S. W. Neff, the uncle of our subject, now resides. Isaac V. S, Neff lived at home until he married Sarah Malinda Neff, daughter of Absalom Neff, who also had migrated from Virginia. Five children were born to this union, viz.: Mary Jane, who died when a child; Ada, who died in 1885, and William, who died in 1894; Ross; and Catherine, who died when an infant.
Ross Neff was born on the old home farm in this county, September 2, 1868, and on Feb-
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ruary 28, 1900, he was married to Effa May Murphy, daughter of W. F. Murphy, of Derby. Besides herself, there were four children in the family of Mrs. Neff's parents--George, now deceased, who married Emma Neff ; Joseph, also deceased, whose wife was Molly McKinley; Charles, who married Clara Dennison ; and Sally, wife of Abraham J. Dennison.
Mr. Neff is identified with the Knights of Pythias and attends the Methodist Episcopal Church. Although still comparatively a young man, he already is placed in the ranks of the reliable and progressive citizens of the township.
SAMUEL DUNKEL, one of the most substantial farmers and respected citizens in Pickaway County, is the owner of 330 acres in Walnut township, comprising the home farm, and 185 acres in Circleville township. He has. lived in this locality ever since he was an infant, or for a period of more than 83 years, and has had the reputation for years of raising the best wheat in the county.
Our subject was born in Salt Creek township, this county, on the 23rd of February, 1823, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Markel) Dunkel. . His parents were both natives of Berks County, Pennsylvania, and were married in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County. When Samuel was only about a month old, they removed from Salt Creek to Circleville township, where the lad developed into manhood. On March 26, 1862, he was married to Susanna Berger, daughter of Henry Berger, by whom he has had four children. The first born, Elvina, is the wife of William H. Lathouse; they live on the family homestead with their six children--Shirley, Flossie, Homer, Clara, Mary and Florence. Mr. Dunkel's second child died unnamed. Lydia, the third, died single, in September, 1901, aged 30.
Rev. Joel Dunkel, the fourth child of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dunkel, is a Presbyterian minister at Saginaw, Michigan: His primary education was received in the district schools of Walnut township, after which he in his later years attended and was graduated from Heidelberg University, at Tiffin, Ohio. He then took up theological studies at the McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago. While a student at the latter institution, Mr. Dunkel's mother (the wife of our subject) passed away, April 23, 1895, and he thereupon discontinued his course. In the following year, however, he entered the theological department of Princeton University, where he continued for two years. He married Lulu Baker and he is the father of one child, Wilbur Dwight.
In 1864, two years after his marriage, our subject moved from Circleville township to Walnut township, and in 1868 erected the large and handsome brick residence still occupied by him. His homestead comprises a finely improved farm, devoted chiefly to wheat, corn and clover. Mr. Dunkel has taken little interest in politics, but has served as township trustee, having been elected on the Democratic ticket. In religious matters, however, he has always been deeply concerned. He is a stanch member of the Reformed Church, and has served as an elder of that organization for a period of 40 years.
A. A. PETERS, whose fine farm of 260 acres is located in both Pickaway and Fairfield counties, and whose comfortable and attractive home is situated in Walnut township, Pickaway County, is one of the leading men of this section. Mr. Peters was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, August 14, 1852, and is a son of A. A. and Famah (Swisher) Peters.
A. A. Peters, the subject of this sketch, was one year old when his parents settled on the homestead farm in Walnut township he now owns and occupies. He has lived here until the present time. His father erected the comfortable and commodious residence and it has been still further improved by our subject. Here he spent his boyhood and attended the district schools, and on these broad acres he was trained to be a practical farmer. In addition
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to managing this large body of land, Mr. Peters, for years, has efficiently discharged the duties of public office, having, on numerous occasions, been elected as the choice of the Republican party. He served one term of three years as county commissioner, retiring in the fall of 1905, declining a re-election. He has been township trustee for two terms and has always taken an active part in all movements looking to the advancement of the township's interests. For 12 years he served as a director of Reber Hill Cemetery, giving careful attention to the duties pertaining to this office.
Mr. Peters was married (first) to Emma Brobst, who was a daughter of David Brobst. She died some two and a half years after marriage, leaving no issue. Mr. Peters was married (second) to Olive Meeker, who passed away one year later, leaving no children. Mr. Peters was married a third time, to Elizabeth Stein, who was a daughter of David Stein. Mrs. Peters died September 14, 1905, the mother of four children, viz.: Annie, who married Frank Glick, a successful attorney at Columbus and has had three children--Helen and an infant, deceased, and Dudley; Chester, who resides at home; David, who died aged seven months; and Mary, who lives at home.
Both Mr. Peters and his son Chester are members of the Masonic order. The family is a leading one in Walnut township.
FRANK N. BOWMAN, a well-known citizen of Darbyville, who has been in the undertaking business here for the past 12 years, was born in Frederick County, Virginia, November 8, 1862, and is a son of Conrad and Ruth (Ritter) Bowman.
Conrad Bowman was born in Germany, in 1829, and was nine years old when he accompanied his widowed mother to Virginia. He married in Virginia and lived in that State until 1864, when he came to Pickaway County, Ohio. His wife was born in Virginia and died in Monroe township, Pickaway County, at the age of 54 years. Of the family of eight sons and two daughters born to them, Frank N. was the fifth in order of birth.
Frank N. Bowman was 18 months old when his parents came to Pickaway County and located in Deer Creek township. He lived on the home farm until he was 21 years of age and secured his education in the public schools. About this time Mr. Bowman made a trip to the West and spent about three and a half years in Washington, Oregon and along the Pacific Coast, handling stock in partnership with his brother, D. W. Bowman. After his return and marriage, he located at New Holland and conducted a grocery business for six years and then removed to Darbyville and opened an undertaking business. In May, 1904, he established an undertaking establishment at Mount Sterling and conducts both, his duties requiring all of his time. At first he conducted a hotel and grocery in addition to his main business but closed out those interests. Prior to returning from the West, he disposed of a farm of 320 acres he owned there. He owns property at Darbyville and at Mount Sterling, dwellings and offices at both points and is what may be termed "on Easy street."
On November 24, 1887, Mr. Bowman was married to Sotie N. Stinson, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Hugh and Roxanna (Dick) Stinson, natives of Pickaway County. They have one son, Avery Elton, who was born at Darbyville, January 12, 1900.
Mr. Bowman has been a lifelong Democrat. He served three years as township trustee and was elected by a majority of 66 votes, although in a Republican district. He has served a number of times as a delegate to conventions. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Darbyville. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Atlanta and to the Modern Woodmen of America Camp at Darbyville.
CAPT. WILLIAM B. DAVIS, one ofWilliamsport's most successful business men, a veteran of the Civil War and a worthy representative of one of the old and honored families of Pickaway County, was born at Williamsport, Pickaway County, Ohio, March 15, 1844, and
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is a son of Ebenezer S. and Sedanay (McFarland) Davis. Elsewhere in this work will be found extended mention of the late Ebenezer S. Davis, who for years was closely identified with all the important interests of Williamsport and vicinity.
William B. Davis was reared at Williamsport and attended the schools of the village, scarcely completing his education when he offered his services, as a youth of 17 years, to defend his country from disruption. On November 11, 1861, he enlisted as a private soldier in Company E, 73rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served continuously until the close of the war, although confined for one year in a hospital, recuperating from honorable wounds received in gallant action. His mettle was that of a true soldier as his rapid promotions show, these in order being as follows : Corporal, December 30, 1861; sergeant, November 1, 1862; orderly sergeant, March r r, 1863; sergeant major, May 1, 1864; 1st lieutenant, September 8, 1864; captain, February 10,. 1865. He was detached as acting adjutant of the regiment, April 1, 1865, and as assistant inspector general of the Second Brigade, Temporary Division, 14th Army Corps, June 17, 1865. On the terrible field of Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, he was wounded by an exploding shell, and at Dallas, Georgia, he received a serious gunshot wound in his right leg. For one whole year these injuries made it necessary for him to remain in a hospital, where he endured almost mortal suffering, but the memory of this did not prevent his reenlisting as soon as released. His second enlistment was on January 1, 1864, at Lookout Valley, Tennessee, and he was finally mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, July 20, 1865.
Captain Davis' long service necessarily caused his participation in a large number of the most important battles of the Civil War, and among these may be mentioned : McDowell ; Cross Keys; Freeman's Ford ; Waterloo Bridge ; Second Bull Run, where the brave 73rd Ohio lost 144 men in killed and wounded, while 20 were taken prisoners and but 148 were left for service;. Fredericksburg; Chancellorsville; Gettysburg; Raccoon Ridge, having in the meantime, been transferred to General Hooker's command at Chattanooga. It was in this engagement that the regiment so distinguished itself that General Hooker, in making his report, used these words : "No troops ever rendered more brilliant service, driving three times their number from the entrenchments." Then came Mission Ridge; the siege of Knoxville; Buzzards' Roost; Resaca; Cassville; Dallas ; Sherman's march to the sea ; siege of Savannah ; Averysboro and Bentonville. The army then marched north to Washington and took part in the magnificent review, after which the banners were furled, the tattered remnants of many telling the story of the conflicts through which they had been borne, and the gallant survivors of the great Civil War returned to peaceful pursuits. Captain Davis revisited Washington in 1902 and, with many of his old comrades in attendance upon the great national encampment, again marched through the historic streets of the Capital.
Upon his return in 1865 to Williamsport, Captain Davis was in partnership for a time with his father in conducting a general store and when his father retired continued the business until 1882. He then moved to Washington Court House, Ohio, and became traveling representative of a hardware house and continued in this line until 1902. He then located permanently at Williamsport and established his present general hardware store. Mr. Davis carries here a very complete stock of goods in his line and commands a very satisfactory trade.
Captain Davis was married in 1866 to Melvina Harmount, who was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and is a daughter of John Harmount, who came to Pickaway County prior to the Civil War. Of the two children born to this marriage, but one survives, Maude, who is the wife of Henry E. Edwards, of Washington Court House. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards have two children : Davis and William Henry.
Politically Captain Davis is a stanch Republican. He belongs to Heber Lodge, No. 501, F. & A. M., of which he was the organizer and first master; of R. B. Hayes Post, G. A. R., of Washington Court House; of Fayette Council, No. 168, U. C. T.; and of the Ohio State Hardware Association.
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IRA REICHELDERFER, formerly county commissioner of Pickaway County, and a prominent citizen of Salt Creek township, resides in section 23, where the Reichelderfer family has owned a quarter-section of land for several generations. Here he was born, on December 29, 1842, being a son of Samuel and Sarah Reichelderfer.
The Reichelderfer family originated in Holland. For many years it has been one of agricultural importance in Pennsylvania and been known in Ohio since 1865, when John Reichelderfer entered land in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, from the government. He was the great-grandfather of our subject, and his farm has been handed down from father to son ever since. . Samuel Reichelderfer was born in Salt Creek township and was a son of Henry Reichelderfer, who was born in Pennsylvania. The family has always been noted for the production of fine farmers and our subject is no exception to the rule. He has always lived on his present farm and since it came into his hands he has continued to make many substantial improvements.
On May 10, 1868, Mr. Reichelderfer was united in marriage with Missouri Dillon, who was born at Adelphi, Ohio, and is a daughter of John Dillon, formerly of Ross County. Mr. and Mrs. Reichelderfer have these children : Harry D., of Circleville; Florence, wife of James Kittsmiller, of Logan, Ohio; Ettie B. and Annie, both at home; Fannie, widow of Lewis Riggins, residing with her father; Charles F., of Laurelville; and Jennie, Frederick P., E. Grace and Gladys, all at home.
Mr. Reichelderfer is one of the prominent Democrats of the southeastern section of Pickaway County and, as a man of standing, has been very frequently chosen by his party and elected by his fellow-citizens to offices of responsibility. For three years he served as trustee of Salt Creek township, for several years was assessor and for two successive terms served as a county commissioner of Pickaway County. In Ohio this is a very responsible and important county office. During two years of his terms of service. Mr. Reichelderfer waspresident of the board and made a careful, conservative presiding officer.
Mr. Reichelderfer is an old member of the Lutheran Church at Tarlton and is liberal in contributing to its support. Formerly he was active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is well known as a good citizen and honest, intelligent, upright man, all over Pickaway County, where he can count his business and political friends by the score.
LEWIS C. ODAFFER, a prosperous and respected agriculturist who occupies a valuable farm of 350 acres in Harrison township about half a mile northwest of Ashville, was born near Tarlton, in Fairfield County, Ohio, on the 30th of April, 1855. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Camp) Odaffer. When an infant of one year he was brought by his parents to Washington township, Pickaway County. They were good, industrious people, well-known members of the Presbyterian Church and Lewis C. Odaffer was brought up in the healthful discipline of farm labors and taught to think for himself. When the young man moved to Pickaway township in 1879 he was a thoroughly trained farmer and stock-raiser, and was well prepared to establish a home of his own and commence an assured career of honorable usefulness.
In 1880 Mr. Odaffer was married (first) to Lina Hosler, daughter of Daniel E. Hosler, of Washington township, Pickaway County. Their daughter, Maud, was reared in Kansas by her grandparents and married Barton Brewer, a resident of Lyon County, that State. Mrs. Lina Odaffer died in 1881, .and in March, 1889, our subject married as his second wife Ann Rader, daughter of James and Mary (Shock) Rader. His present wife is a native of Pike County, Ohio, but as she was reared in Pickaway County she is closely identified with this section of the State. James Rader, who was a native of Pike County, Ohio, moved to Pickaway County in 1875 and died on his farm in Pickaway township April 17, 1902,
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aged 62 years. His wife, also a native of Pike County, Ohio, died on the home farm in Pick-away township June 12, 1891, at the age of 50 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Odaffer are the parents of two sons: Harold, born March 17, 1890; and Ray, born November 8, 1898. Both are attending school at Ashville.
The father of our subject, John Odaffer, was born May 16, 1818, and died November 4, 1905, at the advanced age of 87 years. His widow, at the age of 72, is living with her three sons, (who have never married) in Lyon County, Kansas, where they are engaged in farming and stock-raising. In the order of their birth the children of James and Elizabeth (Camp) Odaffer are : William Allen, Lewis C. (our subject), Charles and Arthur Clinton.
Since 1903, Lewis C. Odaffer has been the owner of his present fine property, which was formerly known as the Morris farm. Since it came into his possession it has been greatly improved and now gives ample evidence of the energy, thrift and industry which have marked the entire course of Mr. Odaffer's life. He is a Democrat in politics, but only takes the interest of a faithful, intelligent citizen.
GEORGE J. McMULLEN, one of Circleville's successful men of business and the senior member of the well-known hardware firm of G. J. McMullen & Son, was born in this city in 1845, and is a son of Robert J. McMullen, one of the early settlers in Pickaway County, of Scotch descent.
Mr. McMullen was reared and educated at Circleville, where in 187o he embarked in a hardware business with a partner, the firm name being Hoffman & McMullen. This partnership continued for 16 years and then Mr. McMullen bought his present place of business and continued under the name of the McMullen Hardware Company. Later a nephew, W. M. Murray, was admitted to the firm and remained five years. n 1899 Mr. McMullen took intopartnership his son Roy and the present firm style of G. J. McMullen & Son was adopted. This is one of the large business enterprises of the city. The firm deals in all kinds of hardware, furnishing goods and mantels and also does expert plumbing and gas fitting. In his son, our subject has an energetic, progressive partner who keeps fully posted on all matters concerning hardware and at all times the house is ready to meet competition.
In 1868 Mr. McMullen was united in marriage with Martha J. Flohr, and they have three children-Fannie, Grace M. and Roy, The last. named is in business with his father as mentioned above. The eldest daughter is the wife of O. S. Howard, who is in the furniture business in Circleville. Grace M., a very talented and highly educated lady, a graduate of the Circleville schools and of Delaware University, was superintendent of the Girls' Industrial Home for five years. At that time she had the distinction of being the only superintendent in the State, of her sex. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. McMullen has for years been a trustee and a steward.
Mr. McMullen has always been an active man in public matters and has served as a member of the City Council. He is one of the directors of the First National Bank of Circleville. Fraternally he belongs to the Royal Arcanum and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in the latter organization he has served for 22 consecutive years as treasurer.
WILLIAM HENRY HOTT, a representative business man of Ashville, manager of the Hott Bakery and a veteran of the Civil War, was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, September 16, 1847, and is a son of William and Sarah (Whitesel) Hott, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively.
William Hott, who was a son of Henry Hott, a native of Virginia, was born October
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23, 1809, and was one year old when he was taken by his parents to Ohio, his. father settling in Walnut township, Pickaway County, near the village of Ashbrooks, now known as Ashville. Here William Hott was reared to manhood and educated and here he learned the rudiments of farming. On April 30, 1829, he married Sarah Whitesel, who was born April 29, 1809, and at once went to farming on his own account. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hott, as follows : John H., deceased, who was born January 29, 1830, and died June 13, 1887; Mary (Resler), born September 10, 1831; Catherine, born January 29, 1834, who died in infancy; Susannah (Hott), born March 1, 1836; Eliza Jane, born April 27, 1838, who died September 11, 1839; Mathias, born July 27, 1839; Sarah M. (Harkleroad), born September 1, 1841, who died June 25, 1905; Julia Ann (Green), born January 6, 1845, who died March 4, 1881; Elizabeth (Wheaton), born January 6, 1846, who died September 7, 1885 ; William Henry, the subject of this sketch, and Milton T., born June 25, 1852. Three of the sons--John H., Mathias and William Henry--fought for the preservation of the Union in the Civil War. William Hott was a faithful member of the United Brethren Church, in which he was a class leader for many years and also Sunday-school superintendent for an extensive period. In politics he was first a Whig and, then a Republican. His wife's death. occurred February 12, 1865, while his own took place nearly 16 years later, on February 9, 1881.
William H. Hott continued to live at home on his father's farm until he was 17 years old, when, in 1864, he enlisted (under the name William Hott) for service in the Civil War for one year, becoming a member of Company A, 193rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. Mr. Hott was mustered in at Circleville and then proceeded to Camp Chase where the regiment was formed. After a short time the regiment was sent to Harper's Ferry and thence to Stephenson, where Mr. Hott rejoined it, having been left behind on account of an attack of measles. Later he was detailed as orderly of the court martial at Winchester, Virginia, where he continued to serve until he was mustered out on August 4, 1865. He received. his pay and final discharge at Camp Chase. After his return from the army he engaged in various lines of business, but his principal line of work was following the carpenter's trade. On September 16, 1898 he established the Hott Bakery at Ashville of which he is the present manager.
On October 7, 1872, Mr. Hott was married to Mary A. Smith, daughter of Joseph and Christina (Metzger) Smith, to which union were born six children, namely : Frank H., born May 20, 1873 ; Milton M., born March 19, 1883; Earl S., born January 1, 1892, and three who died in infancy. The eldest son is a resident of Ashville where he represents the C. H. Bloomstrom Motor Company of Detroit and the Forest City Motor Company of Massillon, Ohio. He married Lola E. Tanquay and they have three children : Alice, Eugene and Lois. Milton M., the second, son, also a resident of Ashville, is engaged in the bakery business. He married Anna Agnes Hay.
William H. Hott is a Democrat in politics and has filled some minor offices. He was tax collector in Pickaway County for several years and served as councilman of Ashville at the time the town was organized and for several subsequent years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is one of the best known members of the W. H. Morral Post, No. 167, G. A. R., of Ashville, of which he is a charter member and. in which he has filled almost all of the offices from commander down. Mr. Hott draws a monthly pension of $30 from the government on account of an affection of his eyes and throat, brought about by the measles he had in the army.
JAMES MARTIN RIFFLE. The death of James Martin Riffle, which occurred suddenly, as the result of an accident, on October 3, 1900, removed from Pickaway township one of its best citiizens and brought sorrow into a happy home and deep regret to a community in which he was most highly esteemed. Mr. Riffle was
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born in Washington township, Pickaway County, Ohio, September 19, 1854, and was a son of Sylvester and Aurelia (Jones) Riffle.
Sylvester Riffle was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1834, and is a son of Martin and Martha (Beavers) Riffle. They were pioneers to Perry County, Ohio, where they settled when Sylvester was 11 years old. He remained; at home until his 18th year and then started out to make his own way in the world. He took up his residence in Pickaway County and for many years was a farmer in Pickaway township. This venerable citizen still resides in his home near Thatcher, in Pickaway township. His wife died a number of years ago.
James M. Riffle was reared in Pickaway township and obtained his education in the district schools. Throughout life he added to his general knowledge by a liberal course of reading, always being interested in what was going on in the outside world as well as in local circles, and he also gave time and attention to the study of the Scriptures. He engaged in farming for a number of years but during the last nine years of life he worked at the carpenter's trade in connection with his agricultural duties. But a few days prior to his death, he had removed his family to his own farm, from that of Noah Weaver, in Washington ' township, which he had operated the previous year. His death was caused by his team becoming frightened by a railroad freight engine, while he was preparing to deliver a load of corn at an elevator in Circleville.
On February 5, 1886, Mr Riffle was married to Lydia A. Bolender, who was born January 27, 1864, in Washington township, Pickaway County,. Ohio, and is a daughter of John and Susan (Leist) Bolender, both . parents being natives of Washington township. The maternal grandfather, John D. Leist, was a very early settler of Pickaway County. The paternal grandfather was Benjamin Bolender, a pioneer of Washington township. The family and its connections belong to the best old stock of the county. Mr. Riffle is survived by his widow and five daughters and one son, viz.: Lucy F., Arista M., Lyman R., Nellie A., Susan R. and Lydia B. Mr. Riffle was a consistent member of St. Paul's Evangelical Church, .the pastor of which, Rev. A. E Wright, conducted the impressive services at his funeral. The beautiful sermon preached was from the appropriate text: "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow, for what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little while and then vanisheth away." The Foresters and Modern Woodmen of America attended the burial of their beloved comrade, the former organization having charge of the details. Attended by the largest concourse of people gathered on such an occasion in this locality, for many years, the remains were tenderly laid. away in the peace and quiet of the Hitler-Ludwig Cemetery.
Mr. Riffle had been an industrious, prudent man and left a good farm of 56 acres to his family, on which they still reside. Mrs. Riffle is a member of the same church to which her husband belonged. She has a wide circle of acquaintances and many friends. The late James M. Riffle will long be recalled, for he possessed those qualities which inspired family affection and the respect and esteem of those with whom he had business or social relations.
WILLIAM C. HILL, one of the representative citizens and prominent farmers of Jackson township, resides on his fine farm of 128 1/2 acres, all in one body, situated just off the Darbyville turnpike. Mr. Hill was born in Muhlenberg township, on the Florence Chapel turnpike, two miles east of Darbyville, on May 16, 1846, and is a son of Thomas and Julia A. (Sharp) Hill.
The Hill family is of Scotch ancestry. It was founded in America by our subject's great-grandfather, who subsequently served' in the Revolutionary War. His son, Capt. William Hill, was born in Virginia and came to Pickaway County and settled in Muhlenberg township, in 1815. Here he lived until the age of 83 years and at his death owned al-
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most 700 acres of land, a large portion of which was under cultivation. During the War of 1812 he served as a captain of a Virginia company of volunteers.
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 10, 1885, leaving an estate of 215 acres of land. For about a quarter of a century he was a trustee of Muhlenberg township. Politically he was a Whig and later a Republican. He married Julia A. Sharp, who was born in New York, July 1, 1813, and died May 14, 1893. She came here with her parents, who were of German descent. Thomas Hill and wife had 10 children and all are living except Marcus, who died aged three years. The nine surviving members 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 this sketch ; Mrs. Matilda Wilson, of White County, Indiana; Robert C., residing on a part of the old homestead ; Ezra Florence, of Darbyville; and Mrs. Sarah Stiverson, of Columbus.
William C. Hill remained on the home farm until January, 1872, and then worked on several farms until March 5, 1878, when he bought 100 acres of his present farm, which he has increased to 1283, acres. Mr. Hill owns other property, being one of the county's large landowners. One farm of 50 acres is located on the Circleville turnpike; another, of 30 acres, in Deer Creek township, occupied by his son ; and a third of 66 acres, located on the Darbyville turnpike. Mr. Hill operates all these with the exception of the farm on which his son lives, devoting them to grain and stock, His property is well improved, his buildings being of a substantial character. He raises a great deal of first-class stock and' is numbered with the intelligent and successful farmers of the county.
On October 26, 1871, Mr. Hill was marriedto Minerva A. Gulick, who was born in Muhlenberg township, near Darbyville, September 12, 1848, and is a daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth (Seymour) Gulick, the former of whom was born in Virginia and the latter in Ross County, Ohio. The Gulick family is a pioneer one of this section. The children of our subject and wife now living are : Charles, of Deer Creek township; Addie May; Maude, now a bookkeeper in Columbus, who was formerly a school teacher; Seymour; James; Josephine; Ellen; Marion, 'who died July 11, 1875; an infant, deceased ; and Lizzie, who died in November, 1880, aged two and a half years.
Mr. Hill is one of the leading Republicans of Jackson township, in which he has served two terms as justice of the peace and 20 years as school director. In 1900 he was the property appraiser of the township. He is one of the thoroughly reliable business men and valued citizens of Jackson township. Portraits of Mr. and' Mrs. Hill accompany this sketch.
JACOB T. OBERDORFER, proprietor of a large planing mill and an extensive manufacturer and dealer in dressed. lumber, sash, doors, blinds, shingles, etc., at Tarlton, is carrying on a very successful business and has a large trade territory. Mr. Oberdorfer was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 17, 1867, and is a son of John and Barbara (Myers) Oberdorfer.
The parents of Mr. Oberdorfer were born in Germany. They came to America early in the '50's, and settled in Fairfield County, where John Oberdorfer operated a woolen mill, in Hocking township.
Jacob T. Oberdorfer attended school in Hocking township and then went into his fathers mill, where he worked until he attained his majority. His natural inclinations were in the direction of mechanics and for several years after leaving his' father he engaged in sawmilling through Pickaway, Ross, Hocking and Fairfield counties. n 1894 he located at
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Tarlton and engaged in business, entering into partnership with Elmer E. Dickson, under the firm name of Dickson & Oberdorfer, which continued until 1889, when the firm was dissolved, since which date Mr. Oberdorfer has been sole proprietor of what is one of Tarlton's most prosperous industries. Mr. Oberdorfer conducts a general planing mill business, manufactures sash, doors, blinds, etc., sells all kinds of dressed lumber, shingles, lath, etc., and makes estimates to builders and fills contracts. He owns a fine farm of 145 acres in Salt Creek township, which is very satisfactorily managed and brings in quite an income.
Mr. Oberdorfer married Laura A. Dickson, who was born in Hocking township, Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Isaac Dickson, of that county. Five children have been born to this marriage, namely : Ralph L., Beulah E., Paul E., Winnifred L. and Mary C.
In politics Mr. Oberdorfer is a Democrat. He has served on the board of directors of the Tarlton Special School District, with other prominent citizens. He belongs and liberally supports the Lutheran Church. In all that goes to make a good citizen, Mr. Oberdorfer is one of the representative men of Tarlton.
THADDEUS WILLIAM BAUM, a prominent citizen and representative business man of Duvall, Pickaway County, where he has operated an elevator and been largely interested in dealing in grain and livestock for the past seven years, was born October 26, 1863, in Madison township, Pickaway County, Ohio. He is a son of Jacob and Eliza (Cromley) Baum.
The paternal grandfather, Christian Baum, came to Pickaway County from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and settled on a farm in Madison township, developing it from a wild state. This property is still in the family and is owned by our subject. Christian Baum married a Miss Shook, a member of another old and prominent German family of Pennsylvania, and they had these children : Joseph; George.; Lewis; John; Jacob; Elizabeth, wife of W. T. Conklin, of Madison township ; and Mary, who was the wife of Samuel Posey. The only survivors of this family are Lewis and Mrs. Conklin.
Jacob Baum, father of our subject, was born on the homestead in Madison township, Pickaway County, in September, 1832, and died in 1876, having spent the whole of his long, useful and exemplary life in his native place. He married Eliza Cromley, a daughter of Christian Cromley, and they became the parents of three children, namely : Linnie, who died in infancy ; Thaddeus William ; and. Mattie J., deceased, who was the wife of Rev. D. E. Snapp.
Thaddeus W. Baum received his primary education in the schools of Madison township, later spent two years at Lebanon, Ohio, and completed his education by taking a commercial course at Eastman's Business College, at Poughkeepsie, New York. Mr. Baum then spent one year teaching school at Nebraska, in Walnut township, and then settled down to farming. He continued to follow agricultural pursuits until 1899, when he purchased the elevator at Duvall and since then has been devoting his time, in large measure, to dealing in grain and livestock. He still retains possession of much valuable farming land in Madison township, aggregating some 76o acres, and has other business interests. He is a member of the board of directors of the Citizens' Bank at Ashville, of which he is vice-president; is senior member of the firm of Baum & Herr, operators of an elevator at Groveport ; and has a large interest in the 'Seeds, Grain & Hay Company, a concern recently organized and incorporated.
On March 19, 1890, Mr: Baum was married to Mattie Conklin, who, is a daughter of W. T. and Elizabeth Conklin, of Madison township. They have three daughters : Ruth, born July 12, 1892, who is a student in the township schools ; Helen, born September 20, 1894; and Dorothy, born March 21, 1906.
Mr. Baum is one of the leading members of the Masonic fraternity in this section, being a 32nd degree Mason. As a business man he
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stands very high in commercial life. He was left fatherless at the age of 12 years and business responsibilities fell upon his shoulders at an unusually early age. These he met with courage and handled with ability, and a large part of his ample fortune has been the direct result of his own efforts. His beautiful home at Duvall is one of comfort and luxury, and his family are prominent factors in the town's pleasant,. social life. Personally, Mr. Baum impresses the stranger favorably, his fine appearance and cordial manner inspiring confidence and friendship.
HON. GEORGE W. BOWERS, one of the younger members of the Ohio State Legislature, is probably one of the most popular citizens of Walnut township, Pickaway County, where he operates a fine farm of 173 acres. Mr. Bowers was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 21, 1871, and is one of a family of seven children born to his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Gessley) Bowers, prominent farmers of Amanda township, Fairfield County.
Mr. Bowers spent his boyhood on his father's farm and obtained his early educational training in the common schools. Later he attended college, at Lebanon, Ohio, where he was graduated with credit, in 1889., Mr. Bowers followed the profession of teaching until he went actively into politics, and during this time he was principal of the schools of East Ringgold, Ohio, for three years. He was reared a Democrat, and in the fall of 1905 his party saw his availability as a legislative candidate. Prior to this he had served as a justice of the peace and was thus well acquainted with Ohio laws. Mr. Bowers went into the campaign without any opposition from members of his own party, being personally very popular and was elected by a plurality of 1,087 votes, leading his ticket. He is a man of education, judgment and honest convictions and his friends predict for him a very successful career. He has always taken great interest in educational matters and is president of the School Board in Walnut township.
Mr. Bowers was married to Clara L. Brown, who is a daughter of the late Joseph H. Brown, and they have one son--Harold J. Mr. Bowers' wife's family belong to the Baptist Church, but he is a Lutheran. He is a member of Lodge No. 747, I. O. O. F., at Ashville, and also belongs to Nebraska Grange, at Nebraska.
CHARLES A. PALM, a retired farmer now residing at Circleville, has been a resident of Pickaway County for 60 years. He was born in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1832, and was 14 years of age when he came to America.
All of Mr. Palm's business life was devoted to farming and gardening. For 25 years he was known as one of the most successful market gardeners in the vicinity of Circleville and he still owns a finely-improved farm of 117 acres in Washington township.
Mr. Palm has been twice married ; first to Mary Metz, who died in 1865, leaving one child, Mrs. Christina Landenberger, who has two children. Mr. Palm was married (second) on November 9, 1865, to Christina Doering, who was born in Germany and came to America with her parents, at the age of seven years. The children of this marriage are as follows : Anna Martha, who is the widow of William Leist and the mother of four children; Meinhard G., who married Ella Miller, daughter of William Miller and has five children; Flora Matilda; and Frank Henry, who married Cora Williams and has one child.
Mr. Palm has always supported the Democratic party but he has not been willing to accept the cares of political office. Both he and his wife are worthy members of the Lutheran Church. During his long residence here Mr. Palm has seen all this section develop. He can relate many interesting events which took glace long ago and knows personally the surviving members of most of the old and leading families which have made Pickaway County what. it is.
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WILLIAM M. DEWEY, who is extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising in Jackson township, resides on a 207-acre farm in this township, and owns a farm of 226 acres located on the Goosepond turnpike. Mr. Dewey was born in Harrison township, Pickaway County, Ohio, March 3, 1859, and is a son of Lemuel and Adeline (King) Dewey.
Lemuel Dewey was born in Vermont and belongs to the same family which gave the United States her great naval hero, Admiral George Dewey, a cousin of the father of our subject. Lemuel remained in Vermont until he was a man of 40 years of age. After coming to Pickaway County, he mainly followed, teaming. At one time in his life he was an officer of the law and it was while fulfilling his duty and attempting to make an arrest, that he was injured in a way that caused the loss of an eye. He died in 1865, aged 60 years. He was twice married, his first wife leaving at death four sons and two daughters. His second marriage was to Adeline King, who was born in Pennsylvania and still survives, residing in Harrison township, at the age of 76 years.
Our subject is the fifth in the family of eight children born to his parents, the others being : Mary (Dolby), of Ashville ; Samuel, of Harrison township; Emma (Hall), of Scioto township; George, deceased; Edward, of Ashville; Ella, who died young; and Maggie.
William M. Dewey was only six years old when his father died and his childhood was spent among strangers. As soon as he was old enough, he began to work and as a child was so industrious that he more than earned his keep. When he was 18 years old he :went to work for Alexander Caldwell, who employed him by the month until his marriage, when Mr. Caldwell rented the young man one of his farms on which he continued to reside until he settled on what is known as the Link Huston farm. This property Mr. Dewey rents. n 1897 he purchased 102 acres of land on the Goosepond turnpike and later added a 124-acre tract, on which is a good tenant house.
This tract Mr. Dewey lets on shares but works the rest of his land himself, devoting it to grain and stock. He has been a farmer all his life and is a very sensible, practical one who thoroughly understands his business.
Mr. Dewey was married (first), in 1880, to Lucy Malone, who was born in Pickaway County and was a daughter of Whitfield Malone. She died in 1886, aged 24 years, leaving three children : George, of Jackson township; and Charles and Ezra, who live at home. In 1888 Mr. Dewey was married (second) to Leah Gochenouer, who was born in Pickaway County, and is a daughter of Joseph Gouchenouer. To this union four children have been born as follows : Nellie May; Clara Ann; Lemuel Addie, who bears the combined names of his paternal grandfather and grandmother; and Gardner--all living at home.
Politically Mr. Dewey, like his distinguished cousin, has been a lifelong Democrat. He has been a school director for many years and for the past four years has been township trustee. In manner and appearance, Mr. Dewey bears a striking resemblance to the honored admiral of the United States Navy.
G. H. COLVILL, M. D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Circleville, where he has been established since 1899, was born in 1855 in Jackson County, Ohio, and is a son of Robert G. Colvill, formerly' a farmer of Jackson County, but now living retired in Circleville.
G. H. Colvill. spent his boyhood and youth' on his father's farm, going to school and assisting in the homely duties which make up a large part of the farmer boy's life. He spent some time also in the Hamden High School and then began teaching and also preparing for medical college. After three years of school teaching, he went to Columbus and became a student of medicine with Dr. Kinsman and at the same time attended medical lectures at the Columbus Medical College, where he was graduated in the class of 1879. In 1898 Dr.
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Colvill took a post-graduate course at the New York Post Graduate College.
After receiving his degree, Dr. Colvill settled for practice at Harrisville, in Harrison County, Ohio, where he remained for 20 years, . faithfully performing the duties of his arduous profession all this time. In the spring of 1899 Dr. Colvill removed to Circleville, where his reputation for medical skill had preceded him. During his seven years of practice here he has justified the expectation of those who have sought his experienced services. He is one of the valued members of the older medical organizations of the State, having belonged to the Ohio State Medical Society for nearly 20 years, to the Belmont County Medical Society for 15 years and for a like period to the Eastern Ohio Medical Society.
In 1881 Dr. Colvill was married to Melissa G. Southward, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Rev. John A. Southward. Dr. and Mrs. Colvill have four children, viz.: Edith; Robert G., a student at Wooster College; Lillian E. and Helen I. The family belong to the Presbyterian Church, of which Dr. Colvill is an elder and one of the active workers in the Sunday-school. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar Mason, and at present is prelate of Scioto Commandery, K. T., at Circleville.
MRS. MARGARET E. McKENZIE, a highly esteemed resident of Pickaway township, lives on her excellent farm of 87 acres, which she has practically managed for some years. Mrs. McKenzie was born in Vinton County, Ohio, May 10, 1856, and is a daughter of Patrick and Mary (Murphy) Ward.
The father of Mrs. McKenzie was born in County Donegal, Ireland, and her mother in County Longford. The father died July 23, 1882, but the venerable mother, now in her 80th year, is an inmate of St. Anthony's Hospital at Columbus. Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Ward were early settlers in Vinton County, Ohio, whence they removed to Pickaway County in 1860, locating in Jackson township. Oftheir seven children, these survive : Margaret E. (McKenzie) ; Patrick, who lives in Randolph County, Virginia; Frank, of Columbus; Catherine, wife of Judge C. C. Shearer, of Xenia, Ohio; and John, of Aberdeen, Washington.
Mrs. McKenzie was only a child when her parents located in Jackson township, Pickaway County, where she was reared. She obtained her education in the public schools of Circleville and later became a teacher, following the profession through two years. She was a successful and popular educator and made many friends among her pupils and their parents.
On .April 26, 1875, Margaret Ward married Leo McKenzie, who was born May 5, 1848, and is a son of Samuel and Margaret McKenzie. In another part of this work in the sketch of 'Frank S. McKenzie, may be found extended mention of the McKenzie family. The children born to this union were : John J., Mary C., Samuel P., Leo M., Frank C., Catherine E., Margaret Elizabeth S., Ruth H. and Antoinette A. (deceased).
Mrs. McKenzie and her children are devoted members of the Catholic Church. She is a woman of remarkable business capacity and is much respected by all who know her. On account of Mr. McKenzie being an invalid, many unusual cares have been placed on her shoulders. These she has supported with fortitude and cheerfulness. Her children have been carefully reared, her home and land well looked after, her religious duties have never been forgotten and there are many of her neighbors who have had reason to feel grateful for her kindness when they have been in trouble or visited by sickness. She is conceded to be an admirable woman.
JACOB MERZ, dealer in staple and fancy groceries, at Circleville, has been identified with the business interests of this city for the past 28 years. He was born at Circleville, in 1859, and is a son of John Merz.
John Merz is well known at Circleville, where he still resides, having reached his 78th
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year. He was born in Germany and located at Circleville in the year of his son's birth. He is an expert gardener and many of the beautiful lawns and productive gardens of the city have come under his supervision.
Mr. Merz was reared and educated at Circleville and was graduated at the High School in this city. For two years he was with C. R. Goldfredrick, in the capacity of clerk, and then embarked in a grocery and provision business of his own. He has ever since been located at the corner of Watt and Pickaway streets and controls a large and profitable trade. His stock is full and varied, while his methods of business have always been those based on strict honesty.
In 1880 Mr. Merz was married to Elizabeth Schlagetter, who is a daughter of Frank Schlagetter. Mr. and Mrs. Merz have three children, viz.: Frank H., who is a practicing dentist; W. Robert, who assists his father; and Anna L., a talented young lady who will graduate during the coming year from the Conservatory of Music of Lima.
Mr. Merz has been a lifelong Democrat. As a man of substance and reliable character, he has frequently been called upon to hold office. For 12 years he served as president of the City Council and at present is city treasurer. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Red Men and Foresters. For many years he has been a member of Trinity Evangelical Church and is one of its most liberal supporters.
GEORGE S. W. NEFF, a substantial agriculturist and leading citizen of Darby township, is the owner of 269 acres of valuable farm land, lying in three compact bodies. The largest tract, containing 165 acres, is the homestead on which he resides, situated on the old Federal road. Another farm of 52 acres is on the same thoroughfare, and the third, almost equal in size, is located on the Darbyville and London road.
Our subject is a son of Elijah and Mary A. Neff, Virginians. Seven children were born to their