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the fifth reader. Later he entered St. Meinrad's College, in Spencer county, Indiana, and attended the school for three years. Upon leaving St. Meinrad's he taught school for ten years, including three years in Perry county, Indiana, at St. Mark's, and seven years in Seneca and Wyandot counties, Ohio. After that he returned to his father's farm in Perry county, Indiana, and took care of his parents until their death. He lived on the farm until 1890, when he came to Clinton county, settling in Wayne township, where he has lived ever since and where he expects to live until his death because, as he says, there is no better place. He owns one hundred and one and one-half acres, but calls himself a "loafing" farmer, having retired from farming twenty-five years ago. Mr. Georges lives on? his farm, but rents the land out to others. He personally has made all of the improvements on his farm,' including, the clearing of thirty acres since moving to Clinton county.
In 1886 John P. Georges was married to Mary C. Clement, who was born on October 16, 1844, the daughter of Hubert and Victoria (Bigonville) Clement, to which union two children have been born, Rose, who died in infancy, and John P., Jr., who is a graduate of St. Mary's College, Dayton, Ohio, having finished the course in 1909 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He now lives at home with his parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Georges have a very pleasant farm home in Wayne township John P. Georges votes the Democratic ticket. Naturally, he is a very highly respected citizen, popular in the community where he lives, and he and his family enjoy the esteem of all who know them.
JAMES E. CUSTIS.
James E. Custis is a successful farmer of Green township, this county, where he owns one hundred and eighty-five acres of land. He was born in that township on September 6, 1867, a son of John W. and Sarah Jane (Bond) Custis, both of whom were born in Clinton county, the former in 1834, and the latter, near Morrisville, in 1837. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Custis were Thomas and Mary Custis, who were early settlers in Clinton county, coming here from Pennsylvania after their marriage. Both are now deceased. The maternal grandparents were George and Mary Bond, who also came from Pennsylvania to Clinton county in an early day, and both died here.
The late John W. Custis was a farmer and stock dealer and was the owner of three hundred and thirty-three acres of land in Washington township He was a Democrat in politics and at one time was a candidate for sheriff of Clinton county. His wife was a member of the Christian church, and he himself was reared in that faith. His death occurred on May 27, 1906. His wife had passed away many years previously. They reared a family of nine children, four of whom, Elisha, Kate, Robert and Sarah, are deceased, 'the living children being George, Prank, Martha, John and James.
James E. Custis was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the district schools of his home neighborhood. Upon reaching maturity, he took up farming for himself in Green township. He has made many improvements on his farm in Green township, where he has lived for nine years.
On July 4, 1889, James E. Custis was married to Carrie Hildebrant, who was born in Green township, this county, the daughter of Jesse and Martha (Pyle) Hildebrant, the former of whom was born near Snow Hill, in Green township, March 3, 1823, and the latter, in Centerville, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, March 29, 1827. Jesse Hildebrant was a son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Crifestein) Hildebrant, both of whom were born in. New Jersey about 1822. After coming to Clinton county they settled on the farm now occupied by Samuel Steele. Both died in Greent own-ship. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Custis were William and Mary (Ewey)
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Pyle, pioneers of Green township, who came to this county from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Jesse Hildebrant was the owner of three hundred and thirty-one acres of land. He was a Republican in politics, while religiously, he and his wife were earnest and devoted members of the Christian church. He died on August 15, 1905. His widow survived him less than three years, her death occurring on March 9, 1908. They had reared a family of nine children, of whom two, Louisa and Judson, are deceased; Avery lives at Webster, Illinois, and the others are Lou, Lizzie, Frank, Luther, Jennie and Carrie. Luther Hildebrant owns a good farm of two hundred and two acres near where Mr. Custis lives. He married Martha Custis, a sister of James Custis. Mrs. Luther Hildebrant was born on. March 9, 1862, in Green township, and she and her husband are the parents of three children, Maud, Clarence and Ada.
To Mr. and Mrs. James E. Custis thirteen children have been born, of whom two, Claude and Willard, are deceased. Claude was born in May, 1890, and died on April 1, 1915. The other children are Durward, Laverne, Irene, Gladys, Fred, Jesse, Harold, Carl, Marion, Wynona and Pauline.
Mr. and Mrs. Custis and family are attendants of the Christian church, in which they are actively interested. Mr. Custis is a Democrat in politics.
EPHRAIM H. URTON.
Ephraim H. Urton, a former commissioner of Clinton county, who is now the proprietor of "Clover Nook Stock Farm" in this county, is one of the best-known citizens of this section of the state. He was born on July 19, 1856, in Warren county, Ohio, the son of Daniel and Nancy A. (Brown) Urton, the former of whom was born, October 20, 1819, in Virginia, and the latter, November 3, 1823, in Ohio. Mr. Urton's paternal grandparents were John and Lucy (Weaver) Urton, both of whom were born in Virginia and who, in 1820; came to Ohio and took up land in Washington township, Warren county, where both died. The maternal grandparents of Mr. Urton were Alexander and Lydia (Hanks) Brown, pioneers of Warren county, where both lived and died.
The late Daniel Urton was reared on a farm and was educated in the public schools. Starting in life a poor boy, he accumulated land from time to time until he owned, at the time of his death, December 16, 1895, five hundred acres of land. He had located in Vernon township, Clinton county, in 1860, and there he lived until his death. He was a Republican in politics, but never aspired to office. His wife was a member of the Baptist church. They were the parents of eight children, Lucy, Lydia, Amanda, John (deceased), Mary Elizabeth, Ephraim H., the subject of this sketch, Barbara Ellen (deceased), and Emma Louisa.
Ephraim H. Tilton was reared on the old homestead farm and was educated in the public schools and in Wilmington College. The old district school was located on his father's farm. After farming for about four years, early in life, he moved to Clarksville, where he engaged in the mercantile business for about twenty-five years. Mr. Urton still owns property in Clarksville. In 1909 he was elected county commissioner of Clinton county and at that time, retired to the farm and built his present residence. He owns one hundred and five acres, a part of the old homestead, and is an extensive breeder of thoroughbred registered Percheron horses and Jersey cattle.
In 1879 Ephraim H. Urton was married to Viola Lewis, who was born in 1860 in Cincinnati, the daughter of Robert and Sarah Jane (Thompson) Lewis, of Cincinnati. They owned the Alice and Phoebe Carey homestead, now the home of the blind and known as "Clover Nook." Mr. Urton's farm is known as the "Clover Nook Stock Farm." To Mr. and Mrs. Urton have been born three children, Sherman Garfield, a farmer in partnership with his father, who married Louise Hadley, of Clinton county; Virgil, who
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died at the age of four months, arid Edith May, the wife of William Greathouse, of Warren county, Ohio, who lives on the Charley Hadley farm, and has four children, Virginia Meredith, Viola Josephine, Ruby Thelma and Ruth Evelyn.
Mr. Urton votes the Republican ticket. He has held, besides the office of county commissioner, several other positions of trust and responsibility. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Clarksville and also of the Knights of Pythias at the same place.
RODNEY T. THORPE.
In a brief sketch it is difficult to do a living citizen exact and impartial justice, not so much from lack of space or words to set forth the passing events of his personal history as for want of the perfect and rounded conception of his whole life which grows and develops and ripens, to disclose its truest and best flavor when it is mellowed by time. There is nothing in the life of Rodney T. Thorpe of Sabina, Ohio, that is startling. Nevertheless, his career has been marked by patient and unremitting endeavor and he has earned and wen a substantial reward for his long and patient application to business.
Rodney T. Thorpe was born on January 3, 1870, at Bloomington, this county, the son of Edman B. and Emily (Culberson) Thorpe, the former of whom was born on March 23, 1840, near Bloomington, in Clinton county, and the latter, in Fayette county, the daughter of George and Priscilla (Stewart) Culberson. Edman B. Thorpe was the son of Joshua and Nancy B. (Fiers) Thorpe, both natives of Virginia, the former of whom was born in 1798, and the latter, in 1806. Joshua Thorpe was a farmer in Southampton county, who came to Clinton county in 1832, locating in what is now Wilson township, on a farm of about seventy-five acres, where he farmed the remainder of his life. It may be said, in passing, that Mr. Thorpe left Virginia as a result of a negro uprising in 1831, when the slaves grew rebellious and slaughtered many of the whites. The spring following the insurrection the Thorpe family came to Ohio, settling in Clinton county.
Joshua Thorpe's father was born in England and came to America as a British soldier during the American Revolution. When peace was declared he decided to remain in America and married and a few years later settled in Virginia. The late Edman B. Thorpe was educated in the common schools of Clinton county and taught school when a young man. Later he engaged in the mercantile business at Bloomington, and still later practiced law there, although he was never admitted to the bar. Edman B. and Emily (Culberson) Thorpe were the parents of five children, as follow : Edna. who died early in life; George, who married Bessie Easts; Norman B., who married Emma Channell ; Rodney T., the subject of this sketch, and 011ie G., who married Seigel Wicol. Mr. Thorpe's parents were members of the Universalist church and the Methodist Episcopal church, the father having been identified with the former and the mother with the latter. Edman B. Thorpe was a Democrat and for many years was a justice of the peace in Wilson township.
Rodney T. Thorpe was educated in the public schools of Bloomington, this county, and when a young man worked as a farm hand. In 1891 he went to Sabina, this county, and there was engaged in the livery business for two years, at the end of which time he sold out and engaged in the retail grocery business. During the past thirteen years he has prospered largely and owns eighty-four and one-half acres in Wilson township. He is also an extensive property owner in Sabina. Mr. Thorpe married Kattie B. Barnhart, the daughter of John and Jane Barnhart, of Greene county, Ohio, and to this union four children have been born, Alfred E., Lawrence R., Maynard B. and Florence C.
The Thorpe family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are held
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in high esteem in Sabina and throughout that part of the county. Mr. Thorpe is a Democrat, and for years has given a good citizen's attention to the political affairs of the county.
JOHN R. ROLSTON.
One and one-half miles from New Antioch is a splendid farm of one hundred and sixty-four acres, belonging to John R. Rolston, one of the most successful farmers in Green township, this county.
Mr. Rolston is a native of Ireland, where he was born on May 12, 1863. He immigrated to America with his parents, Robert and Anna (Wallace) Rolston, when seven years old and was reared on a farm near New Antioch, receiving his education in the public schools. He has been engaged in farming all of his life, his course being marked by energy and enterprise, and it is not a matter of very great surprise that he has made a magnificent success of his chosen vocation.
On December 24, 1890, John R. Rolston was married to Dellie Green, who was born in Green township, this county, in 1876, daughter of George W. and Nancy (Curtis) Green, both of whom are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Rolston two children have been born, William (deceased) and Clifford, who is a student in the Wilmington high school. Mr. and Mrs. Rolston also have a foster-daughter, Ethel Collins, who married Edward Welton, of Springfield, Ohio, and lives on the farm belonging to Mr. Rolston. To Mr. and Mrs. Welton one child has been born, Anna Louise.
Mr. Rolston is identified with the Republican party and takes a good citizen's part in the political affairs of the county. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church. Mr. Rolston is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at New Antioch and of the Modern Woodmen of America at Sabina. He also belongs to the encampment and to the Daughters of Rebekah at Wilmington, Ohio. The Rolston family are well known in Green township and are among its most highly respected and valued citizens.
FRANCIS DANIEL MULFORD.
Among the enterprising farmers of Vernon township, this county, is Francis Daniel Mulford, who was born in that township on April 16, 1875, the son of Joseph Martin and Amanda (Urton) Mulford, the former, a native of Warren county, Ohio, born on March 6, 1844, and the latter, March 6, 1849. The paternal grandparents were Harvey and Eliza Ellen (Doctor) Mulford, both natives of Virginia, the former of whom died on January 20, 1861, at the age of forty-seven years, and the latter, born on January 20, 1819. died in 1906.
The maternal grandparents were Daniel and Nancy (Brown) Urton, the former born in Virginia in 1819, and the latter, in Ohio, in 1823, were early settlers in Warren county, Ohio, who, in. 1861, came to Clinton county, where he died in 1896, and she, in 1899. They had eight children, of whom, Amanda, the third born, was the mother of Mr. Mulford. The other children were, Lucy, Lydia, John William (deceased), Mary Elizabeth, Ephraim H., Barbara Ellen (deceased) and Emma Louise
The late Joseph Martin Mulford was a farmer by occupation, who removed from Warren county Ohio, to Vernon township, Clinton county, where he bought a farm and where he spent the rest of his life. His widow is now living in Clinton county. Joseph Martin and Amanda (Urton) Mulford had three children, of whom. Francis Daniel, the subject of this sketch, was the eldest. Minnie is the wife of James Villars and they have one child, Homer. Pearl is the wife of Edwin Van Dervort and they have two children, Nellie Elouise and John Paul.
Francis Daniel Mulford was reared on a farm and was educated in the public
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schools. He owns a good farm in Vernon township, and is engaged in farming and stockraising.
In 1897 Mr. Mulford was married to Mary Crosley, daughter of William and Carolin (Wood) Crosley, the former of whom was born in Warren county, Ohio, November 24, 1841, and the latter, in Cincinnati, in 1850. William Crosley was the son of Isaac and Rachael (Cook) Crosley, natives of Michigan and Warren county, Ohio, respectively, both pioneers in Warren county and both of whom died there. Carolin (Wood) Crosley was the daughter of Charles and Sarah (Wallin) Wood, of Hamilton county, Ohio, but who had come originally from England and who were early residents of Cincinnati. Both are now deceased. Mrs. Mulford is one of nine children born to her parents, the others being Perry, Lenna, Charles, Dolly (deceased), Martha, Ella (deceased), Edgar and Roy.
To Mr. and Mrs. Mulford two children have been born: Dorothy Pearl, born on September 11, 1898, and Joseph W., who died in infancy.
Mr. Mulford is a Republican, but has never aspired to office. He is an up-to-date progressive farmer and has made many improvements in recent years on the farm where he now lives. He is a member of the Masons and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knight of the Maccabees of the World.
ZEPHANIAH UNDERWOOD.
Among the names of large landowners and men of prominence in their generation in Clinton county, that of the late Zephaniah Underwood is held in pleasant remembrance throughout this whole section. Mr. Underwood was a man of large influence for good in his community ; diligent in business and ever mindful of the public good, so that at his death there was felt a real loss in the hearts of all who had known him during his unusually long and active life. Living to the great age of eighty years, Mr. Underwood had been a witness to the amazing transformation which took place in the general conditions underlying the social and economic life of the people of this section during the last century and had done well his part in helping to bring about better conditions in all the varied relations of his fellow men.
Born in the year 1820, on the eastern edge of Ohio, Zephaniah Underwood came to Clinton county with his parents when he was but five years of age and became one of the best-known men in this section of the state. He was particularly active in behalf of the cause of temperance and for years was one of the most influential workers in the ranks of the Prohibition party hereabout, the liquor traffic having no more uncompromising foe than he in this county. and in all other ways he stood unflinchingly and determinedly as a righteous advocate of things of good report. A birthright member of the Friends church, he and his family were devoted to all works in this community and occupied a very firm place in the regard of all with whom they came in contact. The death of Mr. Underwood in 1900 was widely mourned, for he was a man who had done well his part in life..
Zephaniah Underwood was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, on November 10, 1820, son of Amos and Mary (Shirk) Underwood, the former of whom was a native of York county, Pennsylvania, born on August 3, 1786, son of Zephaniah and Rebecca Underwood, prominent residents of that section.
Amos Underwood was reared on a pioneer farm and received the rudiments of an education in such neighborhood schools as were provided in the days of his youth. In the year 1812 he was united in marriage to Mary Shirk, who was born on September 16, 1791, daughter of John and Barbara (Hoover) Shirk, and to this union eleven children were born, namely : Reuben, born on October 17, 1814; Isaac, September 30, 1816 ; John, October 26, 1818; Zephaniah, the immediate subject of this
(59)
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memorial sketch; Amos, March 5, 1823; Lewis, March 16, 1825; Senath, April 25, 1827; Thomas E., August 22, 1829; Priscilla Jane, December 15, 1831; William June 20, 1834, and Elihu, February 17, 1839, all of whom are now deceased save the latter, who is a well-known and highly respected resident of this county. Amos Underwood and his wife were earnest and devoted members of the Friends church and their children were reared in accordance with the strict tenets of that simple faith, becoming useful men and women in the several spheres of life to which they were called. The mother of the above children died when well past middle age and Amos Underwood married, secondly, Priscilla Lewis, of Highland county, this state, to which latter union there was no issue.
Amos Underwood was a man of much strength of character and became a fine force for good in Chester township, where his later years were spent. He came to this county from Columbiana county in the fall of 1825, settling in Liberty township, about three miles south of where Port William is now situated, where he, remained for three years, at the end of which time he bought a farm in that locality, where he made his home until 1854, in which year he bought the farm in the southwestern portion of Chester township where he spent his last days and where his son, Zephaniah, the subject of this memoir, also made his home during the remainder of his life.
Zephaniah Underwood was reared on the farm and in his boyhood received a limited education in the pioneer schools of that day, but in after years acquired considerable self-culture and education. Upon reaching manhood's estate he entered seriously upon the duties of the farm and from the very start of his, agricultural operations prospered, gradually adding to his land holdings until he became the owner of four hundred and twenty acres In Chester township and seventy-eight acres in Warren county, this state, all of which he brought to a high state of cultivation. He was one of the most extensive growers of fruit in this section of the state and at the time of his death had an excellent orchard of one hundred acres. His activities were not confined to the locality of his home and he also owned considerable land in the South and West, being, accounted one of the wealthy men of this county. In 1880 Mr. Underwood was elected president of a Southern railroad company, and in other ways displayed much activity in various business enterprises. As an instance of the varied character of his operations, it is recalled that at one time, he bought one thousand buffalo robes, for which he found a ready market among his friends and neighbors in this county. Reared as a Whig, Mr. Underwood became a Republican upon the formation of the latter party and was active in the local councils of that party until the, organization of the Prohibition party in the eighties, after which he cast the full force of his political and personal influence on the side of that new party, ever having been an earnest advocate of. temperance and an uncompromising foe of the liquor traffic, believing that national prohibition was the livest issue before the people of the United States.
On December 27, 1871, Zephaniah Underwood was united in marriage to Matilda J. Downing, who was born in Centre county, Pennsylvania, April 10, 1851, the daughter of Jacob and Jane (Underwood) Downing, to which .union five children were born, as follow : Ruth Anna, born January 2, 1873, married Alva C. Tomlinson on June 16, 1898, and had, Paul (deceased), Ruth, Matilda, Custis Paul and Faith Marion; Zephaniah, July 5, 1875, married on February 19, 1910, Dale Williams, daughter of Dr.. A. J. and. Eliza (Menies) Williams, who died on January 29, 1911; Joseph Miles, May 24, 1878, married on September 28, 1910, Myrtle Kibler, daughter of Samuel and Eliza (Snow) Kibler, and has one child, Vivian ; Olive, March 23, 1881, who died on October 27, 1882, and Jane Eva, February, 6, 1888, married on February 12, 1910, Corwin Haines, son of Thadeus A. and Eliza (Hiatt) Haines, and has one child, a son, Elvin.
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Zephaniah Underwood died on April 17, 1900, in the eightieth year of his age, having been for many years one of Clinton county's most influential citizens, and his memory is cherished throughout this whole region. His widow has been an active minister in the Society of Friends since 1885, and Mr. Underwood took great pleasure in traveling with her in the work. She, who survives him, together with his children, are held in the highest esteem throughout the county.
DAVID A. MURPHY.
David A. Murphy is a well-known farmer of Green township, this county. He was born in this county in 1860, the son of David and Hannah (Dennis) Murphy, the former of whom was born in Berkley county, Virginia, July 31, 1816, and the latter, in Clinton county, Ohio, September 1, 1831.
The paternal grandparents of David A. Murphy were Jacob and Mary (Lohman) Murphy, both natives of Virginia. The paternal grandfather was born on March 4, 1791, and the paternal grandmother, March 9, 1793. They came to this county in 1826 and settled west of Wilmington. In 1834 they removed to Green township, settling where Isaiah Murphy now lives, and there the grandfather died on December 29, 1871, and the grandmother, January 26, 1873. Jacob Murphy and wife, who were married on April 20, 1813, reared the following children: Rebecca J., David, William, Susannah, John, Catherine, Abraham, Nancy, Isaiah and Mary Ann Jacob Murphy and his wife were members of the Christian church and Mr. Murphy was a Democrat. The maternal grandfather of David A. Murphy was Richmond Dennis, a biographical sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
David A. Murphy was reared on the farm and received his education in the public schools. He took up farming as a vocation after leaving school and now rents sixty-eight acres of land in Clinton county, belonging to his aunt, Sarah Fenner, and is there engaged in general farming and stock raising.
In 1881 David A. Murphy was married to Ella Clark, of Butler county, Ohio, a daughter of Sylvester and Sarah Ann (Gerard) Clark. Sylvester Clark, who served for three years in the Union army during the Civil War, died at New Antioch, this county, in 1888, and his widow still survives him, at the advanced age of eighty years. To Mr. and Mrs. Murphy six children have been born, Hamilton C., Leona, Walter, Preston, Norval Clifton and Sarah Frances, all of whom are living.
CLAYTON A. TRIBBET, M. D.
Among the prominent physicians of this county and the well-known citizens of Westboro, is Dr. Clayton A. Tribbet, the president of the Clinton County Medical Society and a member of the Ohio State and National Medical Associations. He has been a practicing physician in Westboro for nearly thirty years.
Dr. Clayton A. Tribbet, who was born near Goodhope, in Fayette county, Ohio, October 8, 1854, is the son of James and Elizabeth Ann (Dick) Tribbet, the former a native of Ross county, Ohio, and the latter of West Virginia. The paternal grandfather of Doctor Tribbet was Joseph Tribbet, who immigrated to Ohio in pioneer times and from Ohio immigrated to Iowa, where he died. His removal to Iowa followed the death of his wife, when he went to the Hawkeye state to bring back with him his sister, who was to return as his housekeeper. The maternal grandfather of Doctor Tribbet was John Dick, a native of West Virginia, who immigrated from that state to Wabash county, Indiana, where he engaged in farming and where he died.
Left an orphan at a tender age, James Tribbet, the father of Dr. Clayton A. Tribbet, was reared by friends of the family in Ross county and later in Fayette county and finally in Highland county, Ohio. Subsequently, he moved to Clinton county, in
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1880, and located one and one-half miles east of Westboro, where he followed farming. To James and Elizabeth Ann Tribbet were born eight children, of whom Clayton A. was the fifth in order of birth, the others being as follow : Mary Jane ; Dr. John C., who for thirty years, was a practicing physician at Montezuma, Iowa, but who is now deceased; Lemuel, Glendora, James M., Elsworth and Elmer, the latter of whom is general manager of the American Laundry Company, of New York City.
Clayton A. Tribbet received the rudiments of an education in the country schools and in the Greenfield high school, where he pursued his education for a period of five years. He also took in addition to this work, • a course in Greek. Later he was a student at the South Salem Academy for two years, and then taught school for seven years, six years of which were spent in Fayette county, Ohio, During his last year in the school room, Doctor Tribbet was principal of the Westboro high school. After finishing seven years in the school room, he entered the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, and was graduated, with high honors, with the class of 1886. In April, 1887, he took up the active practice of his profession at Westboro, and since then, a period of almost thirty years, has established an enviable reputation as a physician and surgeon, and is highly respected as a man and a citizen in the community where he has lived so long.
In 1888, Dr. Clayton A. Tribbet was married to Letta Jackson, a daughter of Thomas and Isabel Jackson, of Westboro. To this union was born one daughter, Mabel Elizabeth, who died on May 2, 1914.Mabel E. Tribbet, was graduated from the Westboro schools and later from the Blanchester high school. Subsequently she was a student at Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, for a period of two years, and then attended Wells College, at Aurora, New York, from which institution she was graduated with high honors. While working for her Master degree in the year following her graduation, she was assistant instructor in chemistry in Wells College, and this position was open to her at the time of her last sickness and untimely death.
Fraternally, Doctor Tribbet is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Both Doctor and Mrs. Tribbet are faithful and earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are held in high regard throughout the whole Westboro neighborhood.
WARREN W. MILLS.
Agriculture is an inviting vocation to men and women who are thoroughly in love with life in the open; who are not afraid of a reasonable amount of hard work, and who are content to forego the advantages and disadvantages of being huddled together closely in great cities. Warren W. Mills, of Chester township, this county, who was born and reared on the farm where he now lives, found agriculture altogether to his liking and as a consequence has become one of the well-to-do farmers and stockmen in Warren and Clinton counties. Warren W. Mills was born, August 15, 1861, in Warren county, Ohio, a son of William H. and Izellah (Gordon) Mills, the former of whom was born, September 12, 1840, in Warren county, and the latter, near the Middle Run church, north of Waynesville, daughter of Samuel and Martha (Montgomery) Gordon. William H. Mills was the son of Isaac and Annabel (Burnett) Mills, farmers in Warren county, the latter of whom was a native of Pennsylvania.
William H. Mills was educated in the common schools of Warren county and began farming in his native county, where he lived for a few years, after which, about 1864, he came, with his family, to Clinton county and settled in Chester township, where he spent the remainder of his life, and where he owned a tract of two hundred and eighteen acres. William H. and Izellah (Gordon) Mills were the parents of three children, of whom Everett D., the second born, died unmarried. Warren, the eldest is the subject of this sketch, and Martha, the youngest, married William Shanibaugh.
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Mr. Mill's parents were members of the Friends church and his father was connected with the Republican party.
Warren W. Mills was educated in the common schools of Chester township and on arriving at manhood began farming on the land where he now lives, where he is engaged in general farming and stockraising. He owns one hundred and eighteen acres in one tract and a half interest in another farm of one hundred acres.
In 1879 Warren W. Mills was married to Margaret Hurley, who was born in 1863, daughter of Henry and Lauretta (Colvin) Hurley, and to this happy union there have been born three children, of whom one, Nellie May, who was the wife of Daniel Miller, is deceased. Earl, the second born, married Etha Kenney and has two children, Manard and Anna Mae. Coral Mills married Clyde Lewis and has one child, Russell.
Mr. and Mrs. Mills are members of the Methodist church, he being one of the stewards of the church. Mr. Mills votes the Republican ticket and is a man of considerable influence in local politics. Mr. Mills's family are all highly respected in Chester township.
HARVEY W. CLEMENS.
Harvey W. Clemens, a prosperous farmer of Richland township and a conservative business man of this county, owns sixty-five acres of land, one-half mile west of Sabina, the farm formerly owned by his father. Mr. Clemens has had this farm for eight years and, during this time has erected a house, barn and out-buildings and made many improvements on the place.
Harvey W. Clemens was born on October 13, 1857, in Richland township, this county, the son of Robert and Mary (Bishop) Clemens. Robert Clemens was born on July 4, 1816, in Fluvanna county, Virginia, and died on June 23, 1882. On April 30, 1835, he married Mary Bishop, who was born on June 14, 1815, in Albermarle county, Virginia. Robert Clemens, who was a farmer by occupation, came to Ohio about 1846, and brought hip' family with him. They were members of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Robert Clemens died on August 3, 1891. Robert Clemens's father was Robert Clemens, Sr., a farmer, who moved from Virginia to Missouri in an early day and there spent the remainder of his life.
Harvey W. Clemens received a common-school education in the public schools of this county. He was married on August 15, 1883, to Ella Spurgeon, the eldest daughter of James W. and Harriet E. (Lyons) Spurgeon, life-long residents of Sabina, Richland township, and devout christians, members of the Methodist Protestant church, both of whom have passed on to their reward.
Mr. and Mrs. Clemens have no children. They are members of the Friends church and have hosts of friends, among whom they are held in high esteem. Mr. Clemens is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and prominent in the work of that society.
FRANK J. MARTIN.
Frank J. Martin, formerly a well-known school teacher of this county, and now proprietor of a general mercantile store in Midland, was born on November 10, 1881, at Withamsville, Ohio, a son of Joseph and Jennie (Moore) Martin, both natives of Clermont county, Ohio. The paternal grandparents of Frank J. Martin resided in Clermont county during the early part of their lives, but when Joseph Martin was a mere lad, the family removed to Springs, Illinois. The grandfather was a farmer by occupation. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Martin, James Moore, also was a native of Clermont county, where he spent all his life. He was a farmer by occupation also.
Joseph Martin was reared in Illinois, but returned to Ohio, before his marriage. He
934 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.
was a farmer in Clermont county until 1891, in which year he came to Clinton county, locating in Jefferson township, where he farmed for seventeen years, or until his death. He died, however, in the state of Idaho, while on a trip west. Joseph Martin was first married to Hannah Nash, and to his first marriage were born three children, Charles, Ella and Ruth. By his second marriage there was but one child, Frank J., the immediate subject of this review.
Frank J. Martin, who was educated in the common schools of Jefferson township, and also at Westboro, Ohio, taught school for five years in Clinton county, three years at Midland City, and two years in the district schools of the. county. He then purchased the J. F. Harper general store in 1906, and has since been engaged in the management of this store, in which he has been very successful, having built up a large and lucrative trade in Midland City and the surrounding country.
In 1906 Frank J. Martin was married to Zola M. Doughman, the daughter of Elijah Doughman, of Edenton, Ohio.
Mr. Martin is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Free and Accepted Masons. His parents were members of the Baptist church.
SAMUEL WILSON.
Samuel Wilson, who owns a splendid farm in Wilson township, this county, and who is known among a large circle of friends as one who is accustomed to smile whether he gains or loses five hundred dollars in a transaction, was born in Fayette county, near Martinsburg, on February 21, 1853. For the past thirty years he has been extensively engaged in buying and shipping live stock to all parts of Ohio and to the Eastern markets.
Mr. Wilson's parents were James and Margaret (Plymire) Wilson, the former of whom was born and reared in Fayette county, Ohio, and the latter in Washington county, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Martin Plymire, a farmer, who immigrated to this county, and here spent the remainder of his life. He was the father of six children, of whom Mrs. James Wilson was the youngest, the others having been Barnett, Andrew,- Samuel, John and Martin.
James Wilson's father was Joshua Wilson, a native of Ohio and an early settler in Clinton county. He was a soldier in the War of 1812 and owned a farm in Fayette county, near Martinsburg.
Educated in the common schools of Fayette county, James Wilson, who always suffered a physical infirmity, was a shoemaker and farmer and owned one hundred and sixty acres of land in Richland township, this county. He was' a member of the Methodist church and active in religious work during his entire life. Nine children were born to James and Margaret (Plymire) Wilson, of whom four, Susannah, Martin, Ellen and Lavina, are deceased, the living children being Catherine, James, Samuel, Lewis and Julia. Margaret Plymire was Mr. Wilson's second wife.
Samuel Wilson was educated in the common schools and grew up on the farm. He was married on November 30, 1876, to Mary E. Gray, who was born in this county on December 19, 1857, the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Price) Gray, farmers of Wilson township and prominent members of the Methodist church.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson two children have ,been born, George and Ora, the former of whom married Margaret Merriweather, of Wilson township. Ora Wilson married Grover Weical, of Richland township, and has one child, a son, Samuel Exley Eugene.
Mrs. Samuel Wilson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Wilson is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a member of the Wilson township school board. He owns one hundred and sixty-eight acres of land in Wilson and Richland townships, which he purchased in 1883. Not many years ago he rebuilt his barn and is now comfortably situated as a farmer and stockman.
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public business. He has been able during the past six years to read the papers and keep posted on all the important public questions of the day.
Mr. Oren is a member of the Society of Friends and a firm believer in the principles and doctrines taught by that organization. Although he served for more than three years as a soldier, he believes all wars are contrary to the teachings of Christ and that all questions in dispute between nations should be settled by peaceful means, without resorting to force.
On July 8. 1866, Mr. Oren was married to Mary A. Bennett, of West Elkton, Ohio. Five children were born to them : Charles H., Arthur E., Cora B., Clara J. and Alice I,. Two of these, Charles H. and Cora B. are dead.
EDWARD PEELLE.
Edward Peelle, a prosperous farmer of Wilson township, is descended from pioneer stock, his great-great-grandparents, Reuben and Rhoda Peelle, having come to Clinton county from Wayne county, North Carolina. Mr. Peelle was born in Clinton county on November 26, 1865. He is a good-natured man and public-spirited citizen and owns a highly-productive farm of two hundred and seventy acres in Wilson township, equipped with practically every modern convenience known to twentieth century agriculture. He has large and commodious cribs, a gasoline engine, feed grinders and other improved. devices and lives in a comfortable home on Route No. 1, out of Sabina.
Edward Peelle is the son of Isaiah and Susan (Miller) Peelle, the former the son of William and Clarissa (Starbuck) Peelle. William Peelle was the son of John and Lydia (Bundy) Peelle and John Peelle was the son of Reuben and Rhoda Peelle. John Peelle was born in Wayne county, North Carolina, near Contentna meeting house, June 2, 1781, and remained with his parents until his twenty-fourth year, when he engaged in farming. He later emigrated to Grayson county, Virginia, where he remained for one year and then undertook the journey to the "far West," traveling through Ohio and into the territory of Indiana as far as Richmond. Subsequently, he returned to North Carolina, well pleased with the appearance of the Western country. He bade a final adieu to his old home after remaining in North Carolina for a short time and emigrated to Belmont county, Ohio, where, on December 2, 1807, he married Lydia Bundy, the daughter of William and Mary Bundy, of that county, being married according to the rites of the Friends church. Very soon after their marriage John Peelle and his wife moved to Fall Creek, where they lived until 1811, in which year they settled near Bowerville, Green county, Ohio, and after remaining there two years on March 1, 1813, moved to a farm later owned by Mrs. Rosa T. Denver in Clinton county. In 1820 John Peelle built a hewed-log house, which stood for many years. He was an ardent and devoted member of the Society of Friends. His devoted wife died on December 2, 1856, after forty-nine years of marital happiness, she being nearly seventy-three years of age at the time of her death. Fifteen years later, lacking one day, John Peelle died, at the age of eighty-eight years and six months. They were the parents of three sons and four daughters, all of whom, except one daughter, lived, married and reared families.
At the time John and Lydia (Bundy) Peelle settled in Clinton county, William Peelle, their son, was only five years old, he having been born in Highland county in 1808. In 1832, when twenty-four years old, he was married to Clarissa Starbuck, and to that union were born thirteen children. His wife died in October, 1864, and he lived many years later. He was an ardent member of the Friends church and was a man of considerable wealth at the time of his death.
Of the children born to William and Clarissa Peelle, Isaiah Peelle, a native of Clinton county, married Susan Miller, of Warren county, Ohio, daughter of Thomas
938 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.
Miller, who moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio before his marriage. Isaiah Peelle was educated in the common schools and owned a farm of one hundred and thirty acres in Clinton county. During the later years of his life he lived retired in Wilmington. He died in 1905, and his widow is still living in Wilmington. They were the parents of five children, Anna, deceased; Edward, the subject of this sketch; Luther, who died in infancy; Morris and Waldo.
Edward Peelle was educated in the public schools of Clinton county, and at Wilmington College. In 1889 he was united in marriage to Josephine Spurgeon, the (laughter of Thomas Spurgeon, a well-known farmer of Clinton county, and to this union three children have been born Edna, Walter and Robert. The latter two are unmarried and live at home with their parents; Edna was married on May 27, 1915, to Eber K. Haines, of Simberton, Greene county, Ohio.
Mr. Peelle's farm, comprising two hundred and seventy acres, is a part of the land, owned by his great-grandparents, John and Lydia (Bundy) Peelle, after their removal to Clinton county.
DAVID A. HUMPHREYS.
David A. Humphreys, a prosperous farmer and banker of Vernon township, is one of the best-known citizens of Clinton county. The ninth child in a family of twelve children, he is one of those men who, by indefatigable labor, careful business management and, cordial relations with, his neighbors and fellow citizens, has made for himself an enviable place in the life of this great county.
Mr. Humphreys is a native, of Vernon township, where he was born on November 3, 1852, the son of John L. and Julia Ann (Sidels) Humphreys, the former born in Warren county, Ohio, October 1, 1815, and the latter, in Clinton county, September 19, 1819.
The paternal grandparents of David A. Humphreys were James 'and Elizabeth (Long) Humphreys, the former of whom was a pioneer in Warren county, Ohio, and a farmer in Washington township, where both he and his wife spent their last days. Mr. Humphreys' maternal grandparents were Israel and Nancy (Morrison) Sidels, pioneers of Clinton county, where both spent practically all of their lives and where both passed away.
Mr. Humphreys' father located in Vernon township, this county, in March, 1854. He was an extensive farmer and landowner and had about six hundred acres of land in this county. A Republican in politics, he was always active, in the councils of his party and came to be known as one of the foremost .citizens in the community where he lived. He died on January 4, 1893. His wife had preceded him to the grave on August 4, 1890. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom James, Mattie, Filmore, Nancy, John, David A., Joseph and Julia are living, and Hannah, Mary, Israel and Sarah are deceased.
David A. Humphreys was reared on his father's farm and educated in the public schools at Pansy, in Vernon township. He has always been engaged in farming and at the present time owns approximately three hundred acres of land, but also formerly owned one hundred and thirty-five acres, which now belongs to his son, Raymond J. Besides his extensive interest in farm land, Mr. Humphreys is a director of the First National Bank, of Blanchester, and of the Farmers National Bank, of Clarksville.
In December, 1877, David A. Humphreys was married to Caroline Goodwin, who was born in Indiana, daughter of James Goodwin, a brother of Levi Goodwin, mentioned elsewhere in this volume in the biographical sketch of E. M. Goodwin, of Marion township. James Goodwin was a farmer by occupation, who lived in Warren county, Ohio, and 'who is now deceased, To Mr. and Mrs. Humphreys two children have been born, Raymond J., who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume, and Vance,
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born in 1886, who was educated in the Blanchester high school and is a farmer by occupation. He married Ona Haines and has one child, Uhlan.
Although identified with the Republican party in political matters, Mr. Humphreys has never, aspired to office and has never been especially active in politics. He has always stood foremost in the ranks of those who favor public improvements and has done much for the material development, not only of Clinton county, but especially of the community in which he lives.
JOHN QUINCY SMITH.
John Quincy Smith was born in Wayne township, Warren county, Ohio, November 5, 1824. son of Thomas and Mary (Whitehill) Smith, Thomas Smith was born in Powhatan county, Virginia, in 1783, the son of Rev. James and Elizabeth (Porter) Smith. James Smith's father was Thomas Smith, and his mother Magdalen (Trabue) Smith, she being a daughter of Sir Antoine Trabue, who fled from France about 1685. during the persecution of the Huguenots, and came to America about 1700.
Thomas Smith, born 1719, died 1786, the father of James, was of English descent, being a son of George Smith, and Ann (Bailey) Smith. They lived in what is now Powhatan county, Virginia, early in the 18th century. Mary (Whitehill) Smith, born 1788, deceased 1849, was a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Kennedy) Whitehill, who lived in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The Whitehills were a Scotch-Irish family who settled in that part of Pennsylvania about 1720. This branch emigrated to Ohio in 1815, settling near Lebanon, Warren county. Thomas Smith and Mary Whitehill were married on February 6, 1817.
The Rev. James Smith, grandfather of John Quincy Smith, was .a farmer and slave-holder in Virginia, but being very much opposed to the institution of slavery, freed his slaves and removed to the territory northwest of the Ohio river, in the fall of 1798, where he died of a fever soon after their arrival. His widow, Elizabeth (Porter) Smith and her family of nine children removed to their farm near the mouth of Caesar's creek, Warren county, where she died in January, 1825, and where Thomas and Mary (Whitehill) Smith lived and reared their family.
John Q. Smith, the subject of this sketch, attended the neighborhood schools, and for a short time, Miami University, from which he was recalled by the death of his father, in 1841. He lived at the family home> until his marriage, in 1852. His wife, Lydia Emma (Evans) Smith, born near Lebanon, September 4, 1834, was a daughter of Charles and Susannah (Throckmorton) Evans. The Evanses were of an old New Jersey family, belonging to the Society of Friends, who emigrated to Warren county, Ohio, about 1809.
The Smith family were Whigs, but John Quincy Smith identified himself with the Freesoilers at an early date and later with the Republican party at its formation about 1856. He served as state senator and representative in the Ohio Legislature, 1860-3 ; was a member of Congress, 1873-4; United States Commissioner of Indian affairs, 1875-7, and consul general of the United States in Canada, 1878-82. Shortly after his return from Canada he identified himself with the Democratic party on the tariff issue, being an earnest believer in free trade. For more than fifty years he was active in the political affairs of his state and country, as a writer and, speaker. In 1854 he moved to a farm near Oakland, Chester township, Clinton county, where he died on December 30, 1901, his widow surviving him until June 16, 1906.
Of the three, children of. John Q. and Lydia E. (Evans) Smith now living, Mrs. William C McCune, lives at Kokomo, Indiana, and. Miss Ellen H. Smith, at Wilmington, Ohio. The eldest son, Horace Whitehill Smith, born October 2, 1853, is one of the leading citizens and business men of Clinton county. He was married in 1877, to Mary
940 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.
Eva Campbell, of Chester township, daughter of James W. and Mary Elizabeth (Brown) Campbell, to which union three sons have been born, Irving, Quincy and Edwin.
One son of John Q. Smith and wife, Kennedy, died in infancy. Another, Charles T., a young man, died in Georgia. Another son, Prescott, died in 1912, a judge of the superior court at Cincinnati.
HORACE M. HALL.
Horace M. Hall is a successful contractor and builder of Blanchester, this county. He was born on December 10, 1865, in Preble county, Ohio, the son of Andrew J. and Martha A. (Elliott) Hall, the former a native of Clinton county, and the latter a native of Preble county. The paternal grandparents of Horace M. Hall came from the French frontier in Europe, and, after coming to America, located in Clinton county, where they were early settlers. The maternal grandparents of Horace M. Hall were William and Mary (Hall) Elliott, natives of Virginia. William Elliott died in that state and after his death, his widow came to Ohio, passing away, in Preble county, Ohio, in 1872. William Elliott was a soldier in the War of 1812.
Andrew J. Hall, the father of Horace M., a native of Clinton county, was educated in the common schools of this county but left Clinton county some time before the Civil War and settled in Preble county, where he enlisted in the Thirty-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served three years and four months. In the battle of Chickamauga he was twice wounded, a bullet passing through his shoulder and another through his hip. Four children were born to Andrew J. and Martha A. Hall, Charles, Horace M., Prudence and Alice.
Horace M. Hall, who was educated in the common schools of Preble county, learned paper-making in Middleton, and followed this occupation for about five years. Later he learned the carpenter's trade at Cincinnati and has been engaged in this trade ever since, having moved to Blanchester in 1895, just after the town was destroyed by fire. It is an interesting fact that the first house he built after arriving in Blanchester is the one in which he now lives. For many years he has been a contractor and builder and has erected many buildings in that part of the county.
On September 22, 1896, Horace M. Hall was married to Cora Willoughby, of Blanchester, who has borne him three children, Corliss, Mary and Marjorie.
The Hall family, with the exception of Mr. Hall, are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Hall is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has served as councilman of Blanchester and is now a member of the board of public affairs. Formerly, he served as deputy assessor of that township He is a man who performs his duties conscientiously, whether those duties be public or priyate, and has many friends in that section of Clinton county.
GIDEON MOODY FULLER.
Gideon Moody Fuller and his wife, Amy Solomon Fuller, came to Clinton county from North Carolina, in 1811, and settled on Wilson's run, about three and one-half miles from Wilmington. These, were pioneer days and their nearest neighbor was two miles away and they had to go to Waynesville for their groceries. As soon as the sun went down, the wolves would begin to howl and would come right up to the house, whereupon the pioneers would have to bar the doors. There were no such things as locks then in Clinton county, merely a wooden latch, with a string, "which always was out." The only way these pioneers had to get to Cincinnati was by wagon, through the woods most of the way. Most of the roads were marked through the country by "blazing" trees. This procedure consisted of scalping off the bark until the white wood shone. By following this trail repeatedly, in time, the pioneer wayfarers created a road.
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Mr. Fuller afterward bought the farm known as the Fuller farm, one mile from the court house, on the old Cincinnati road and in 1831 built a brick house, considered a mansion in that day. It still stands in excellent condition.
Benjamin Fuller, a Revolutionary soldier, came to Clinton county in 1826 and lived with his son, Gideon. He died in 1848 and was buried in the old Methodist graveyard.
Gideon Fuller's children were, William, John, Warren, David, Benajah, Mary Ann, Louisa Jane and Milton Riley.
Judge D. B. Van Pelt, of Dayton; Cyrus M. Van Pelt, a Methodist minister, of Madisonville, and Mary L. Geffs, of Denver, are children of Mary Ann Fuller Van Pelt and Cyrus Van Pelt. Amy F. Hale and Lulu F. Huffman, Wilmington, and Mary L. Wright, of New York, are daughters of Milton Riley Fuller and Margaret Rose Gaither Fuller.
JOB CLARK.
Seven years of faithful service as township trustee of Green township, this county. during which the affairs of that office were administered with the highest regard for the best interests of the public, proved most excellent training for the proper performance of the broader duties of the more important office of county commissioner, which office Job Clark is now filling with equal regard for the wider interests of the whole county. Mr. Clark not only is a member of one of Clinton county's old families, but he ever has taken a most hearty interest in the general advancement of his home county along all lines of human endeavor. Diligent in business, he has prospered in his own affairs; enterprising and public spirited, he brought to the duties of the office of township trustee of Green township the same degree of diligence and attention to business details which had insured success in his personal career, and now, in the administration of the affairs of the county commissioner's office is serving the public in the same diligent and public spirited manner, his services having proved very satisfactory to all acquainted therewith.
Job Clark was born on the farm in Green township, Clinton county, Ohio, on which he still lives, on March 8, 1872, son of Cary and Rebecca J. (Hildebrand) Clark, both natives of the same township, the former of whom was the son of Benjamin Clark, a Virginian, one of the early settlers of that part of the county, and the latter a daughter of Christopher Hildebrand, also a Green township pioneer.
Cary Clark, who was born on a pioneer farm in Green township, this county, was reared to the life of the farm and received his education in the early schools of that time.' About the year 1849 he bought a small tract of fifty acres at the point where his son, Job Clark, now lives and by industry gradually acquired a farm of three hundred and thirty acres. Cary Clark was an energetic, enterprising citizen and early became one of the most influential men in the county. For years he served his township as trustee, his efforts in connection with the administration of the affairs of that office undoubtedly having been productive of large results in the way of the rapid advancement in educational and other standards thereabout. Then for twelve years he served the county as county ,commissioner from his district, his influence in that office, covering the period from 1873 to 1885, ever having been directed toward the advancement of the county's best interests, so that he left a name that is indelibly written fair on the records of Clinton county. Cary Clark was a Republican and for many years was regarded as one of the leaders of that party in this county, his sound judgment and thorough acquaintance with local conditions giving unusual weight to his counsels in the deliberations of the party managers. He and his wife were members of the Christian church and their children were reared- in that faith, the family being one- of the most active supporters of the church in that neighborhood. Cary Clark was, a member of the Masonic lodge at
942 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.
New Vienna. to the affairs of which he for years directed his most intelligent attention and Was looked upon by the Masons throughout the county as one of the most active members of that ancient fraternity in this county. He and his wife were the parents of the following children: Alfred, Salina, Ida, Frank, Jefferson, Etta and Job.
Job Clark was reared on the paternal farm and received his education in the district school in his home neighborhood and in the high school at New Vienna. Upon completing his studies he entered seriously upon the life of a farmer and has given his most intelligent and indefatigable efforts to his life work, prospering accordingly. He owns one hundred and thirty-seven acres of the old home place and has a delightful home, where he and his pleasant family live in much comfort. In addition to general farming, Mr. Clark has given much attention to the raising of hogs and has found considerable Profit in that line. A valuable feature of his farm is a fine sugar-maple grove, from which, in season, Mr. Clark secures a superior quality of maple syrup.
The deep interest Mr. Clark ever has taken in public affairs and his ardent desire to see the largest advancement of the public interest, early was recognized by his neighbors and years ago he was elected to the office of township trustee, a position which he filled with the most gratifying results for a period of seven years. About one year later he was elected to the office of county commissioner from his district, on the Republican ticket, and entered upon the duties of that important office on September 15, 1913, and is still serving in this capacity, performing faithfully his highest duty to the public.
On April 4; 1896, Job Clark was united in marriage to Mary McMahon; of Hillsboro, Ohio, daughter of Michael McMahen, and to this happy union two children have been born, Geneva and Clay Richard. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are members of the Christian church at New Vienna, and are deeply interested in all good works in the community, being regarded as leaders therein, and are held in the very highest regard throughout that section of the county.
Mr. Clark has proved himself a faithful public official, devoted to the welfare of the county, and in all circles is considered a valuable factor in the development of the best interests of the community as a whole, in consequence of which he possesses the full confidence of all.
MARGARET E. McCOY.
The subject of this brief and modest biographical sketch, Mrs. Margaret E. McCoy, was born in this county on September 10, 1855, daughter of John A. and Johanna (Bailey) Oren. Mrs. McCoy is a very earnest member of the Friends church in this county and for the past ten years has been an elder in the same. She was one of the first students to enter Wilmington College, which she attended in the years 1874-75, and she also was a student in Earlham College. Her father, John Adkinson Oren, was born near Springfield, in Clark county, this state, on October 2, 1818, son of James and 'Margaret (Adkinson) Oren and a grandson of John Oren, who was a son of Jesse and Abigail (Kirk) Oren. The senior John Oren was born in Yorktown, York county, Pennsylvania, in 1756 and grew to manhood in that vicinity. He married Ruth Lousier, of the same place, and Was the father of sixteen children and lived to greet the coming of one hundred and five grandchildren. He was a consistent member of the Friends church and' took a prominent part in the work of establishing the church at Dover, near his home. His death occurred in 1845. John A. Oren, father of Mrs. McCoy, was n birthright member of the Society of Friends and was honest and upright hi all his dealings with his fellow then, without which he believed no man could be a true follower of Christ: In his Younger Manhood 'he was a carpenter, but after his marriage turned his attention to farthing and was quite successful. His death occurred at his farm home near Highland, in Highland county, this state, on February 12, 1888.
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Mrs. McCoy's mother, Johanna (Bailey) Oren, was born on a farm four miles north of Wilmington, this county, which farm now is owned by W. A. Starbuck, on May 12, 1820, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Haworth) Bailey, who came to this section of Ohio from Virginia in 1804 and also took a prominent part in the work of establishing the Dover church. Daniel Bailey was the son of Abidan Bailey and was born in Virginia. He was active in all his relations to his church and was a consistent member of the same all his life. His death occurred in 1844. He and his wife were the parents, of eleven children, those besides Mrs. McCoy's mother having been, Mrs. Martha Oren, George Bailey, Mrs. Susanna Hunnicutt, Mrs. Sarah Hunt, David Bailey, Josiah Bailey, Rebecca Bailey, Elizabeth Bailey, Daniel Bailey, Jr., and Mrs. Mary Hornida, all of whom married and settled near their father's home, except Elizabeth, who spent all her life at the' home place, and Rebecca, who died at the age of eighteen years.
THOMAS E. CRAIG, M. D.
Dr. Thomas E. Craig is one of the leading physicians of Sabina, this county, and, in a county which takes just pride in the personnel of its professional men, especially its physicians, he has won for himself an honorable position in the hearts of his fellow townsmen. Good intellectual training, thorough professional knowledge and the possession and utilization of these qualities and attributes have made Doctor Craig locally eminent in his life calling.
Thomas E. Craig was born on October 26, 1865, at Stanton, in Fayette county, Ohio, the son of Thomas J. and Susannah J. (Rosebrough) Craig, the former of whom was born at Greenfield, in Highland county, Ohio, and the latter a native of Fayette county, the daughter of John Rosebrough, who married a Miss McDaniels. The grandfather of Doctor Craig was James Craig, who emigrated from New Jersey to Highland county, this state, and who married Sarah Ann Cooley. They' had six children: John, Williams, Thompson, David, Mary and Thomas J.
Thomas J. Craig was educated in the common schools of Highland county, Ohio, and when a young man worked on a farm. Later 'he operated a wholesale notion wagon between towns, also owning a general store at Stanton. During the later years of his life he lived on his farm of fifty acres. Thomas J. and Susannah J. Craig had nine children, as follow : John, who enlisted in the Civil War from Iowa, where he was living, died on a forced march and was buried at Little Rock, Arkansas; Nancy, who married George Rowe; Josephine, who married I. N. Rowe; Williams, who died young; Mary Alice, who married S. S. Cockerelle; Parthenia, who became the wife of J. L. Lines; Eliza, who is the wife of Eldridge Cockerelle; David S., who married Grace Wilcox; and Dr. Thomas E., the subject of this sketch. The father was an ardent Republican in politics and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Thomas E. Craig began his pursuit of an education' in the common schools of Stanton, 'Ohio, and when a young man taught school, later attending the normal school at Ada. Upon reaching his decision to 'become a physician, he entered Starling Medical School at Columbus, Ohio, and later was a student at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Maryland, from which latter institution he was graduated with the class of 1892. He began practicing in' Sabina in July, 1892, and has practiced there ever since.
In 1893 Doctor Craig was married to Mary A. Adams, daughter of Elias and Sarah B. (Bentley) Adams, and to this happy union have been born three children, Sarah Helen, Thomas Eugene and Carl.
Politically, Doctor Craig is a Republican. He and his wife and family, are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He 'is a member of the Ohio State Medical Association and of the Clinton County Medical Society.
944 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.
DAVID KING POLK.
A prosperous farmer of Wilson township, this county, David King Polk, owns one hundred and twelve acres of land in that township, comprising a fertile and productive farm. He is interested in Shorthorn cattle and for many years has been engaged in raising them for the market.
David King Polk was born on November 11, 1872, in the township where he lives, the son of William H. and Mary M. (Prunk) Polk, the former of whom was born south of Wilmington, in Clinton county, and the latter in Bureau county, Illinois, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Hammond) Prunk, of that state. Daniel PrunK was born on July 21, 1796, in Virginia, and was married to Catherine Hammond, who was born on November 22, 1797. This worthy couple reared a family of twelve children, whose names in the order of their birth are as follow : Martha, born on November 11, 1818; James, June 2, 1820; John, February 19, 1822 ; Hammond, April 8, 1824 ; Madison, April 23, 1826; Maggie, January 26, 1828; Daniel, November 3, 1829; Leander, August 15, 1830; George, February 3, 1834; Washington, March 21, 1836; Catherine, May 15, 1841, and Mary M., the Mother of Mr. Polk, June 31, 1843.
Mr. Polk's paternal grandparents were William and Hannah (Hobson) Polk, natives of Tennessee, who were the parents of seven children, of whom Martha, the youngest, is living at Muncie, Indiana, at the advanced age of ninety-six years. The others were Sallie, John, James, William. H., Robert and Nathaniel. After his marriage, in 1775, William Polk moved to Ohio from Tennessee, and located in Clinton county, near where the city of Wilmington now stands. He entered one hundred and flfty-six acres of land from the government in that vicinity, but later moved to Wilson township. He died about 1825, and his remains are buried on the farm now owned by his son, Edward Polk, brother of David K. Polk. He was a Baptist minister and prominent in the pioneer life of this county.
William H. Polk, the father of David King Polk, received only a very limited education, attending school altogether about six months. Nevertheless, he was a well-read man and a man of strictly moral habits. During the Civil War he furnished, free of charge, food and supplies for many widows and orphans. He owned three hundred and seventy-three acres of land in Clinton county, and was an extensive stock raiser. He imported a thirty-thousand-dollar Shorthorn bull .from England, the first animal of the kind in this part of the country. He also kept mules and Cotswold sheep. William H. Polk was very active in the affairs of the county, and at the time the Baltimore & Ohio railroad was constructed through Clinton county he gave five hundred dollars towards its construction.
To William H. and Mary M. (Prunk) Polk were born eight children, namely: George, who married Deborah Freeman, died at his home in Springfield, Ohio; William P., who married Alice Thompson, lives in Oregon; Daniel, who died in infancy ; Lillie, who married Joseph Reynolds, died in Clinton county ; Mary, who is the wife of S. T. Groves, lives in Sabina ; Edward, who married Bertha. Ray; John J., who married Eva Wilson, owns one hundred and five acres in Wilson township, and David K., the subject of this sketch.
Born and reared on the farm and educated in the country schools of Clinton county, David King Polk lived at home with his parents until his marriage on February 25, 1903, to Ada Ray, daughter of Collins Ray, who for twenty-five years was the section foreman for the Baltimore & Ohio railroad at Sabina. Mr. Ray was a very devout member of the Christian church.
To Mr. and Mrs. Polk three children have been born, Mary Magdalene, Elizabeth and Sampson. Mrs. Polk is a member Of the Christian church at Sabina, and one of the active workers in the church. Fraternally, Mr. Polk is a member of the Independent
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Order of Odd Fellows and of the Modern Woodmen of America, as well as of the Daughters of Rebekah. He is a Republican and has served as judge of the elections in Wilson township for three years.
In 1911 Mr. Polk built a modern and full-equipped country home on his Wilson township farm. Mr. and Mrs. Polk are, popular in Wilson township. They believe in enjoying life and in getting out of it all that may be had in the way of enjoyment.
JOHN DENEHY.
The venerable John Denehy, of Wilson township, is one of those thrifty sons of the Emerald Isle who have found comfortable homes and snug fortunes in America. Mr. Denehy is a highly respected citizen of his community and a man who believes in helping worthy public movements. He was born in Ireland, December 8, 1844, the son of Jeremiah and Johanna (Dineen) Denehy, both natives of Ireland. Mr. Denehy's paternal grandfather was John Denehy, also a native of Ireland, a farmer by occupation' and a devout Catholic.
Jeremiah Denehy, the father of John, was also a farmer and a member of the Catholic church. He died in 1893 in his native land. He and his wife were the parents of three children, John, Jerry and Honora, all of whom came to America and of whom the two last named now are deceased.
John Denehy had but little opportunity for an education. He came to the United States in May, 1873, and after landing in this country, proceeded directly to Wilmington, this county, where his sister, Mrs. Honora Haley, and her husband were already living. Mr. Denehy brought over his sister's son, whom she had left behind in Ireland on coming to this country. Afterwards Mr. Denehy moved to Liberty township, this county, where he rented one hundred and seventy acres of land for eight hundred and fifty dollars .a year, and this arrangement continued for nineteen years. In 1894 be purchased the farm where he is now living, which consists of one hundred and eighteen acres, and since purchasing this tract, has added, by purchase; sixty-four acres, giving him a total of one hundred and eighty acres of excellent farming land.
On March 1, 1870. John Denehy was married to Honora O'Leary, the daughter of Patrick O'Leary, and to this union have been born nine children, Jerry, Johanna, Honora, Patrick, John, Daniel, William, Dennis and Julia. The family are all earnest and devoted members of the Catholic church, at Wilmington, to the support of which they are liberal contributors, and in whose welfare they are deeply interested.
SAMUEL J. IRVIN.
Samuel J. Irvin, who is a prosperous farmer and stockman of Vernon township, this county, was born in Marion township, Clinton county, March 7, 1876, the son of James and Alice S. (Losh) Irvin, the former of whom was born in Warren county, Ohio, May 18, 1849, and the latter, July 9, 1851, in Hamilton county, Ohio.
James Irvin, the father of Samuel J., is the son of Samuel and Martha (Crosley) Irvin, the former of whom was born in. Ross county, Ohio; March 9, 1821, and the latter in 1826, in' Warren county. The parents of Samuel Irvin were Andrew and Sarah Irvin, the former of whom came to the United States with his parents and settled in Pennsylvania. Andrew Irvin and wife moved from Ross county, Ohio, to Warren county and there spent the rest of their lives, residing near Hopkinsville, where they kept a hotel for many years. Andrew Irvin died shortly after the Civil War and his widow died about thirty years ago. They had a large family, their children being John, Samuel, James B., Sarah, Millie, Martha, Eliza, Nancy, Hannah, Isabel, Hester and
(60)
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Malinda. Andrew Irvin was identified with the Whig party and later with the Republican party.
Samuel Irvin was reared on a farm and was educated in the public schools. In 1857 he came to Clinton county and here bought and sold land, having owned at different times several different farms. At his death he owned about three hundred and sixty acres. Martha (Crosley) Irvin was the daughter of Isaac and Rachel (Cook) Crosley, the former of whom was born in Michigan, and the latter near Lebanon, Warren county, Ohio. Both died in Warren county. Samuel Irvin was identified with the Republican party. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died in 1899 and his widow in 1907. They had a family, of seven children, namely : Nathan, born in 1847, who died in 1900; James, who is hereafter referred to; Caroline, who married' Clark Smith, deceased; George, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; Abram, a resident of Blanchester, this county; Emma, the wife of J. E. Reeder, and Dora, who is the wife of Charles Shank, a son of Martin Shank, of Marion township, who is ninety-four years old.
Born and reared on the farm and educated in the public schools, James Irvin has been a farmer by occupation, He is now living retired in Blanchester, to which place he moved in 1903, the Irvin home being situated on Center street. James Irvin owns three hundred and sixty acres of land in Marion and Vernon townships and other property in Blanchester. He is a Republican in politics and has served as a member of the school board and as trustee of Marion township. He has also served as a member of the Blanchester council for six years. Mr. Irvin attends the Methodist Episcopal church.
On January 1, 1871, James Irvin was married to Alice S. Losh, daughter of James and Eliza (Hawthorn) Losh, and to this union eight children have been born, namely: Irene F., who is the wife of Charles Sears, and has three children, Dan, Charles Raymond and Emma, (deceased) : Estella J., who is the wife of Harley Carnahan, and has four children, James Estel, Lucille, Harry and George; Samuel J., the subject of this sketch; Stanley A., who married Elsie Leonard; Georgiana, who died at the age of three years; an infant daughter, deceased; Ethel Eva, who married Carl H. Smith, of Miamisburg, and Charles Raymond, who married Viola Conner, and had two children, Edna Ray, who died at the age of three years, and Carl Harold.
Mrs. James Irvin, who is the daughter of James and Eliza (Hawthorn) Losh, Is descended from pioneer stock in this section of Ohio. Her father, James Losh, was born near Terrace Park, Hamilton county, Ohio, in 1817, the son of John Losh, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Hamilton county, Ohio, when a young man. John Losh married a Miss Highland. Some time afterward he started to New Orleans in a boat and was never afterwards heard from. He lived at Milford, Ohio, where he had a tannery. His widow died at Terrace Park, Ohio. James Losh was a farmer by occupation, a Republican in politics and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His first wife was Martha Canada, the daughter of Frank and Johanna Canada, pioneers in Hamilton county. He died at. the age of about seventy-four years and his wife at about sixty. James Losh and wife were the parents of only one child, Frank K.. who now lives at Blanchester. The second wife of James Losh was Eliza Hawthorn, who was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, and who, for a number of years, was a teacher in that county. to this second marriage there were born seven children, Mary (deceased), Martha, Alice S.. James (deceased), Charles, Samuel and Arthur Willis (deceased). James Losh died at Clarksville, Ohio, in 1890. His first wife died in 1843, and his second wife in 1863, after which he married a third time.
Samuel J. Irvin, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm and was educated in the public schools. Mr. Irvin has always been engaged in farming and now owns two hundred and fifteen acres of land in Vernon and Marion townships and has devoted
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practically his entire attention to the cultivation of this land. He is a progressive farmer, judged from any point of view and one who has made many improvements on his farm. In late years Mr. Irvin has given most of his attention to stock.
On February 22, 1899, Samuel J. Irvin was married to Clara M. Florea, who was born in Clinton county, daughter of Parker N. and Maria (Athey) Florea, and who formerly was a teacher in the schools of this county. Parker N. Florea is deceased, and his widow now lives at Midland City.
Parker N. Florea was born near Cuba, in Clinton county, the son of Harrison and Nancy (Seaman) Florea, both natives of this county. Harrison Florea was the son of Isaac and Elizabeth Florea, pioneer settlers of the region round about Macedonia. Nancy Seaman was the daughter of Ebenezer and Lillis (Mitchell) Seaman, of Virginia, who settled near Cuba about 1808. Harrison Florea was a farmer by occupation and he and his wife had two children, Parker N. and Caroline. Parker N. Florea was educated in Clinton county and became a farmer. For fifteen years before his death, he operated a tile factory at Midland City. He was married in 1867 to Maria Athey, who was the daughter of George W. and Charlotte (Biggs) Athey, natives probably of Virginia and Clinton county, respectively. George W. Athey was the son of Robert and Rhoda (Follis) Athey, natives of Virginia, who came to Clinton county about 1808, and spent the rest of their lives in this county. Charlotte Biggs was the daughter of *illiam Biggs, who settled, about 1808, near Cuba. He owned a tract of land stretching almost to Clarksville. He served in the War of 1812 and remained in this community until his death. Parker N. Florea was a soldier in the Civil War, serving in an Ohio volunteer regiment.
To Mr. and Mrs. Samuel J. Irvin one daughter has been born, Velma, who was born on January 3, 1900.
Mr. Irvin is a Republican in politics, but has never aspired to office, devoting all of his time to his private interests:
J. M. RICHARDS.
J. M. Richards, who is a hustling business man of Sabina, this county, a man with very cordial manners and tactful in all of his relations with the public, was born on January 19, 1865, at Hillsboro, Ohio, the son of Milverne and Amy (Miller) Richards. the latter of whom was born near Hillsboro, the daughter of John Miller, a farmer of that community and a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
The paternal grandparents of J. M. Richards were William and Lucinda (Gibson) Richards, both natives. of Pennsylvania, but who were married in Ohio after coming to this state. They settled on what was known as Little Rocky fork near Hillsboro and there owned three hundred and fifty acres of land. They spent their last days in Hillsboro, living retired. Both the grandparents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were very active in church work. They had five children, Milverne, Newton, John, Samuel and Margaret, of whom Margaret is the only one now living. Newton was a physician in Atlantic, Iowa ; Samuel was a physician at Hillsboro, Ohio; and John and Milverne were farmers.
Milverne Richards, the father of J. M., was educated in the common schools and was always engaged in farming. He first married Amelia Barrow, and to them were born two children, Newton and Minerva, both of whom are now deceased. Newton Richards married Emma Fisher, and after her death, Emma Reno. Minerva Richards married Minor Smith, a resident of Denver, Colorado. Upon the death of Amelia (Barron) Richards, Milverne Richards married, secondly, Amy Miller, to which union were born three children, J. M., the subject of this sketch; Mary, the twin sister of J. M., and Anna. Both Mary and Anna grew to maturity, but Mary died unmarried. Anna
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married Elmer Hunter, of Hillsboro, Ohio. Milverne Richards died on April 2, 1900, at the age of eighty years, his death having occurred on the anniversary of his birthday. His second wife died on September 17, 1884.
J. M. Richards was educated in the common schools of Hillsboro, Ohio, and was married on December 29, 1889, to Mahala Woods, who was born near Hillsboro, the daughter of John and and Ellen (Bernett) Woods. To Mr. and Mrs. Richards have been born two children, Martha, who married Burch Riber, a wholesale dealer in cigars, tobacco and candy, at Hillsboro, Ohio, and has one child, Margaret Ellen, and Margaret, who married Frank Pavey, of Sabina this county.
Mr. and Mrs. Richards have been living in Sabina for about four years. Prior to moving to Sabina they were residents of Hillsboro, and Mr. Richards was in the dairy business at that place for nine years. Since locating at Sabina, he has been engaged in the livery business. He owns property in that city and is now one of its prominent citizens.
Mr. and Mrs. Richards are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally, Mr. Richards is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is active in the work of the Methodist Sunday school at Sabina and is much interested. in work of that kind.
ZENE G. HADLEY.
The earliest Hadleys of whom there is any authentic record in this country came to America from England about 1680, when Simon Hadley settled in Bucks county, Penn sylvania. Zene G. Hadley, one of the present county commissioners of Clinton county, and a prosperous farmer of Adams township, is repreentative of the third generation of the family in Clinton county. He is a well-known breeder of mule-foot hogs, which he has exhibited at the Ohio state fair, the Indiana state fair and the Forest City fairs, as well as at many minor fairs in the state of Ohio.
Zene G. Hadley was born on May 31, 1875, near Clarksville, in Vernon township, a son of Evan H. and Susannah (Nickerson) Hadley, the former of whom Was born, September 20, 1842, in Adams township, this county and the latter, July 21, 1846, daughter of Clark and Martha Nickerson. Evan Hadley and Susannah Nickerson were married on January 16, 1863. Evan H. Hadley received his education in the common school of Adams 'township, and spent practically all, his life as a farmer in that township. For about eight years, however, he operated stores at Springboro and Harveysburg, in Warren county, Ohio. He also owned about one hundred and fifty acres of land in Adams township. Mr. and Mrs. Evan H. Hadley were members of the Friends church, and Mr. Hadley voted the Republican ticket. They were the parents of three children : James C., born on June 19, 1864, who died on May 10, 1889; Cora L., January 17, 1869, who married John L. Kittrell, minister in the Friends church at West Milton, Ohio, and Zene, the immediate subject of this sketch.
The paternal grandparents of Mr. Hadley were Jonathan and Susannah W. (Clawson) Hadley, the former of whom was born, August 10, 1810, in Adams township, and the latter, May 14, 1812. They were married on December 29, 1831. Jonathan Hadley was educated in the common schools of Adams township, and spent practically all his life as a farmer in that township. He owned one hundred and twenty acres of land, and was one of the pioneer farmers of the county. He and his wife were members of the Friends church, and politically, he was a Republican.
Jonathan Hadley and wife were the parents of four children : Louisa, born on November 8, 1832; Mahlon, February 13 1835; John W., December 22, 1839, and Evan H., September 20, 1842.
Jonathan Hadley was a son of John and Lydia (Harvey) Hadley, the former of whom was born on December 25, 1770, and the latter,- January 19, 1774. Mr. Hadley's
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great-grandparents were the parents of twelve children, namely : William, born on July 18, 1795; Simon, November 1, 1796; Elizabeth, June 14, 1798; Joshua, 'September 5, 1799; Jacob, May 3, 1801; Isaac, December 9, 1802; Eli, September 27, 1804; John, October 3, 1806; Thomas, August 21, 1808; Jonathan, November 10, 1810; Ruth, November 5, 1812, and James, July 20, 1815.
Zene G. Hadley received his elementary education in the 'common 'schools of Adams township, at the "Bunker Hill" school, and later attended the high school and college at Wilmington for two years. After finishing his schooling he began fainting in Adams township; and in 1904 purchased one hundred acres of land in that 'township.
In November, 1907, Zene G. Hadley was married to Minnie Johns, 'who was born at Wilmington, this county, August 15, 1875, the only daughter of Rodney and Anna (Burke) Johns, the former of whom, born on January 26, 1843, in Wilmington, died on June 18, 1900, and the latter, born on October 29, 1858, died on June 16, 1892. Rodney Johns Was a well-known road contractor of Wilmington.
Rodney Johns was one of ten children born to his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth, (Denver) Johns, the former of whom was born on September 12, 1812, died on May 17, 1881, and the latter, born on June 6, 1819, died on October 29, 1901. Samuel and Elizabeth (Denver) Johns were the parents of ten children, namely : William F., born on, January 5, 1840; Mary C., June 1, 1841; Rodney, January 26, 1843; Cary Carothers, December 5, 1844; Arthur Denver, April 22, 1847, who died on March 2, 1848; Arthur Denver, II, September 23, 1849, who died on February 14, 1851; Jane Campbell, January 19, 1852; Harry D., October 23, 1856; Elizabeth, June 23, 1860, Who died On December 19, 1913, and Samuel, September 23, 1862.
Mrs. Zene H. Hadley is a member of the Presbyterian church, in which she takes an active interest. Mr. Hadley, who is a Republican in politics, has been serving as commissioner of Clinton county- since September, 1913, and is accredited with having in this period given a most capable and efficient administration of the duties of his important office. Several years ago he served as township assessor of Adams township. Fraternally, he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
ROLLA E. MOON.
Even before the organization of Clinton county, in 1810, the Moon family was established and prominently known in this section of the state, the founder of the family in this county having been Thomas Moon, a native of Sevier county, Tennessee. who came here in 1809 with the famous "Moon Colony." Thomas and Elizabeth (Hocket) Moon, the latter of whom also was a native of Tennessee, were the parents of several children, including Joel and Jason Moon, who became two of Clinton county's best-known residents. The latter for many years was one of the county's most Successful teachers. Among his self-acquirements was a fine technical knowledge of surveying, a form of knowledge which he often was called on to put into practical use in the laying of lines in the original divisions of property hereabout, and for one term he served a s deputy in the county surveyor's office, under Hiram E. Moon. He also served for six years as clerk of Jefferson township. Jason Moon's wife was Lydia E. Cravens, daughter of John and Elizabeth Cravens.
Joel. Moon was born on the old Moon homestead in Jefferson township, this county, on May 5, 1827, and was married on March 8, 1851, to Rebecca Jane Moore, born in Washington township, this county, on October 8, 1835, daughter of Micajah and Rebecca (McGee) Moore, pioneer residents of this county, to which union were born six children, namely: Ella J., born in October, 1852, who married Wilson. Peele; Emerson E., August 13, 1855, who married Florence E. Hale; Americus E.. December 26,
950 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.
1859; George F., April 27, 1866; Rolla E., the immediate subject of this biographical sketch, and Harley A., March 21, 1869. Joel Moon owned a well-kept farm of sixty acres in the Westboro neighborhood and was regarded as one of the leaders in the community life thereabout. He and his wife were earnest members of the Christian church and were active in all good works in their community. Mr. Moon was a Republican and gave thoughtful attention to the political affairs of the county, for many years having served as a member of the board of trustees of Jefferson township. He was one of the most active workers in the Odd Fellows lodge at Westboro and was highly regarded throughout that whole region. Upon the death of his wife, Joel Moon retired to the home of his son, Rolla, where his last days were spent.
Rolla E. Moon, son of Joel and Rebecca Jane (Moore) Moon, was born on the old home farm near Westboro, in Jefferson township, this county, on January 26, 1868, and was educated in the district schools of that neighborhood. Just before reaching his majority he bought the farm of one hundred acres in Washington township, where he now is living, and ever since has made his home there. This was practically an unbroken farm when he bought it, and all improvements on the same have been made by Mr. Moon, whose enterprise and industry have combined to give him a most comfortable home, his well-tilled acres also giving him an ample competence.
In 1889 Rolla E. Moon was united in marriage to Sarah Bond, who was born in Union township, this county, daughter of John Edward Bond and wife, well-known residents of that part of the county, and to this union seven children have been born, Libbie, Ella; Golda, Emmet, .Ruby, Marjorie and Jason, the latter of whom now is the only one of these children remaining at home, the others having gone out in the world to do for themselves, and all are doing well.
Mr. and Mrs. Moon are interested in the church work of their nieghborhood, the former being a member' of the Baptist church and the latter a member of the Christian church, and both are held in high esteem by all who know them.
HARLEY D. PENNINGTON.
Among the well-known and pleasant young business men of Wilmington and Clinton county is Harley D. Pennington, the scion of an old family of this county, who owns and manages a general store at Cuba and a garage in Wilmington. He is a very capable young business man, who has the confidence of all of his patrons and whose friends expect to, see win an even larger, measure of success as the years come and go.
Harley D. Pennington was born on July 30, 1877, the son of Daniel M. and Laura A. (Thatcher) Peunington, the former of whom was born on December 23, 1852, in Washington township, this county, and the latter on December 23, 1856, the daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Crouse) Thatcher.
Mr. Pennington's paternal grandparents were Isaac and Sarah (Burke) Pennington, the former of whom was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, March 10, 1800. and the latter, near Lebanon, in Warren county, Ohio. In 1818 Isaac Pennington. who was the son of Thomas Pennington, a native of England, came from Pennsylvania to Clinton county and located in Washington township, where he bought one hundred and eighty acres of land and engaged in general farming and stock raising. He cleared the land, draining the swamps and brought the soil to a very high state of cultivation. Isaac and Sarah Pennington had eight children, Elizabeth, Thomas- Isaac, Mary, John Henry and James (twins), and Daniel M., the father of Harley D.
Daniel M. Pennington received the rudiments of an education in the schools of Washington township and began his career as a farmer in that township. In 1881 he purchased a farm of ninety-six acres, upon which he lived until 1904, when he retired and moved to Cuba, this county, where he lived until 1914. at which time he moved to
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Wilmington, where he now lives. Daniel M. and Laura A. Pennington had four children: Ida May who died early in life; Harley D., the subject of this sketch; Alta M., who also died early in life; and Jesse R., who married Martha Applegate and has two children, Frances and Edwin.
Harley D. Pennington, who was educated in the common schools of Washington township, taught four years in the district schools of his home neighborhood, and later spent one year as principal of the graded school at Morrisville. In 1902 Mr. Pennington embarked in the mercantile business at Cuba, where he has operated a general store ever since. In September, 1913, he moved to Wilmington and established a garage on Lincoln street. In August of the succeeding ,year, the garage was moved to its present location on Main Street, where he conducts a local agency for two high-class cars.
To Mr. and Mrs. Harley. D. Pennington four children have been born, Mildred B., Thelma P., Kathleen and Paul E. The mother of these children, before her marriage, was Maude M. Brown, daughter of William R. and Martha Brown.
Harley D.; Daniel M. and Isaac Pennington, three generations of the family in this county, have all been identified with the Democratic party. Mr. and Mrs. Harley D. Pennington are members of the Christian church and take an active interest in church work and are regular attendants at the services. Fraternally, Mr. Pennington is a member of the Independent Order of. Odd Fellows, of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, of the. Fraternal Order of Eagles and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
GRANT MARTIN.
Among the successful farmers of Richland township, this county, is Grant Martin, who owns one hundred and three acres of land which he purchased in 1899, upon which he has been living since 1900. Mr. Martin is a native of Fayette county, Ohio, born on January 25, 1869, the son of Jehu and Martha Jane (Thompson) Martin, the former of whom was born on January 3, 1834, in Wayne township, Clinton county, Ohio, the son of Stephen and Martha (Curtis) Martin, the former of whom, a native of Pennsylvania, came from that state to Ohio when he was still a young man and settled in Clinton county. He was one of the pioneer farmers of this county and lived to rear a family of nine children.
Jehu Martin was educated in the common schools -of Wayne township, this county, and when a young man began farming, eventually becoming the owner of about three hundred acres of land in Fayette county, to which county he moved about 1865. He died on September 13, 1900. His wife had died on January 21, 1894, some six years previously. They were the parents of nine children, as follow : Sinatha, who married P. B. Black; Elmer E., who married Ella Rogers; Margaret E., who is unmarried; Eli E., who married Effie Punimell; Grant, the subject of this sketch ; May, who married O. A. Pollard; Lawson, who married Anna Lawson; Quincy C., who married. Stella Goodson, and Edna, who died at the age of twenty-seven years. Jehu and Martha Jane (Thompson) Martin were members of the Friends church, and their, children were reared in that faith. Mr. Martin was a trustee of Concord township, Fayette county, having been elected to this office as a Republican. For many years he served as superintendent of the Sunday school at the Friends church and was very well known in his county.
Educated in the common schools of Concord township, Fayette county, Grant Martin began farming when a young man, starting in Concord township, where he farmed for six years. In 1899 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and three acres and there he has been living since 1900. Before removing to the Richland township farm he operated a grocery store at Sabina for two years, and during one of these two
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years bought grain at Sabina. „Since removing to his farm, Mr. .Martin has been .engaged in general farming and stock .raising. He has dealt to a considerable extent in farm land and is a director of the First National Bank at Sabina.
On September 6, 1891 Grant Martin was married to Zepha Winters, daughter of Zephaniah and Margaret (Edginton) Winters, who were the parents of eight ,children, as follow William W.; Dellia, who married. H. E, Kincaid; Sarah, who married James Sollars;. Zepha, who married. Mr. Martin; Charles, who is unmarried; Ida, who married James Watson; Leota, who is unmarried, and Edward, who married Mamie Fey, and who is a farmer in Brown county, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin have no children. He is a Republican, and, Mrs. Martin is a member of the Friends church at Sabina. They live on their farm about one mile east of Sabina, on the Washington pike.
CLAYTON A. THOMPSON.
Clayton A. Thompson is a well-known farmer living at Sabina, this county, who ()AIMS a tract of two hundred and fifty-two acres' of laud in Jefferson township, Fayette county, and a fine home in Sabina. He 'has achieved a marked success in the business world, and has arisen to 'honorable position among the enterprising residents of Sabina. His record; .however, is rendered remarkable by no strange or mysterious adventure, no wonderful or lucky accident and no tragic situations. He is; nevertheless, a good man and a popular citizen in the community in which he lives.
Clayton A. Thompson was born on- March 22, 1866, in Fayette county, Ohio, a son of John and Presocia Ann (Sheley) Thompson, the former of whom, born on March 21, 1832, in Fayette county, died on January 9,. 1903, and the latter, born in 1832, in Greene county. Ohio, was the daughter of, William and Elizabeth (Gatch) Sheley, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Maryland. John, Thompson was the son of James and Mary (Boyd) Thompson, both natives of Virginia, and the parents of nine children; Roland, Joseph,. Daniel, John, Truston, Castle, Wade, Harriet and Catherine. .James Thompson emigrated from the Blue Ridge region of Virginia and located near Buena Vista, in Fayette county, Ohio, where he became a prosperous farmer. He was a member of the Methodist church, and voted the Democratic ticket.
Educated in the common schools of Fayette county. Ohio, the late John Thompson, the father of Clayton A., began farming in Fayette county, when a young man and followed that occupation all his life in that county, becoming the owner of four .hundred and fifty acres of land in Jasper township, and was there :engaged in general farming and stock raising: John Thompson and wife were the parents of eight children, namely: Ethel, who married Charles ,Harper; Harlan T., who married Etta Hydie; Clayton, the immediate subject of. this review; Addle, who married William Hatfield; Charles M.; who married Odie Coe; Johu F., who married Dora Thornton; James William; married,- and- Daniel, who died at the age of twenty years. The father of these children was a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Protestant church.
Clayton A. Thompson received his education in the public, schools of Fayette county, and in 1887 was 'a student in the Commercial College at Ada, Ohio. Upon finishing his schooling he began farming in Fayette county, and farmed there until 1892, when he removed to Van Wert county, Ohio; where he lived until- 1895. in which year he removed to Mercer county, Ohio, remaining there for nearly ten years, or until 1904. In the latter year he removed to Sabina, this county, where he has lived since. He erected the house in which he now lives, a fine structure, located in Sabina, in 1912. Mr. Thompson owns two hundred and fifty-two acres of land in Jefferson township, Fayette county,. and personally manages 'tire operation, of this 'large farm,. although the actual
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work is done by hired men. On this place he carries on a system of general farming and stock raising, and has been very successful.
On May 12, 1889, Clayton A. Thompson was married to Kittie Mathew, daughter of James and Abby (Drake) Mathew, and to this union has been born one child, Golda Ethel, who was born on October 18, 1891, and who is a graduate of the Sabina high school and of Wilmington College. Miss Thompson finished the course at Wilmington College in 1912, and since that time has been engaged in teaching in the high school at Port William, this county.
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the United Brethren church, while their daughter is a member of the Friends church. Mr. Thompson is a Democrat and has served as a member of the Sabina school board for a period of three years, and has given general satisfaction in this office. He has a host of friends in and about Sabina, and is generally popular with all classes of people thereabout.
W. H. LAMB
One may take his place in public life through some timely stroke which affects the public policy, and carve out for himself a fame that will endure. But to acquire a position of prominence and respect in a community by reason of an upright life and without craving for exaltation or popularity, is worthy of the highest praise and commendation. The late George Lamb, in his day a prominent farmer of Clinton county, and one of the public spirited citizens of this section of the state, was a man widely respected and honored during his life. Strong and forceful in his relations with his fellow men, he not only made his presence felt, but also won and held the good will and commendation of those people with whom he came into contact. At his death in 1908, he left four children, among whom was W. H. Lamb, now a prominent resident of Moose Jaw, Canada.
W. H. Lamb was born on February 29, 1868, in Clinton county, the son of George and Harriet (Levergall) Lamb, the former of whom was born, December 28, 1837, in Clinton county, and the latter, April 28, 1840, in Ross county, Ohio, the daughter of William Levergall, a farmer of that county, who later moved to Clinton county and still later to a farm near Kokomo, Indiana. George Lamb and Harriet Levergall were married on February 23, 1860.
George Lamb was the son of Eri Lamb, by the latter's second wife. Eri Lamb was a native of North Carolina, who came to Ohio very early in the last century, By his first marriage, he had two children, 'son and Harriet. By his second marriage, he had four children, Lafayette, John, Finis and George. Of these children, Lafayette Lamb served as a soldier in the Union army during the entire period of the Civil War and survived the war. John and Finis Lamb also served as Union soldiers during the war and both died in the service.
The late George Lamb was educated in the common schools of Clinton county and was a farmer by occupation all of his life. He owned nine hundred and sixty acres of land, most all of which was located in Wilson township, and as a farmer, was well known among the leading agriculturists of this section. He was a devout member of the Society of Friends and remained loyal and faithful to this creed throughout his life. He passed away in May, 1908, and his widow some years later, March 15, 1915. They were the parents of four children, namely: Anna, born on December 11, 1860, who married Theodore Gray and is a resident of Fayette county, Ohio; Rebecca, December 22, 1862, who married James Thompson and lives in Lafayette, Indiana; Blanche, September 18, 1874, who married Charles McCoy, and lives in Arkansas, and W. H., the subject of this sketch.
W. H. Lamb was educated in the common schools of Clinton county and married (61)
954 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.
Belle Alexander, daughter of Robert Alexander, a farmer of Ross county and a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church in that county. Mrs. W. H. Lamb died in 1903. She was the mother of three children, George, Elmer and Hattie, the first named and the latter of whom are deceased. Elmer Lamb married Ella Thompson and they have one child, Hiawatha. They are residents of Wood Mountain, Canada.
In 1905, after the death of his wife, W. H. Lamb went to Canada, where he now holds a lease on ten sections of land at Swift Current, Alberta. He also has a homestead of three hundred and twenty-one acres at Moose Jaw and owns the Hotel Empress at that place. Upon the death of his mother, in 1915, Mr. Lamb was appointed administrator of the estate and spent several months, in Clinton county, making a legal distribution of the property owned by his father and mother,
G. H. PLUMMER.
G. H. Plummer, a prominent citizen of Clinton county, and the present assessor of Wilson township, was born in September, 1856, in Adams county, Ohio, one of the seven sons of William Plummer, a farmer and minister of the Gospel, who lived and died in Adams county.
Mr. Plummer received his education in the common schools of Adams county, Ohio, and was reared to the life of a farmer. After leaving school he engaged in that vocation on his own account. He married Clara Matthews, who was born in this county, daughter of Silas and Mary (Gallimore) Matthews, farmers, both of whom are now deceased. Silas Matthews was a large landowner in this county, especially in Wilson township. To Mr. and Mrs. Plummer three children have been born, namely: Grace. who married M. W. Anson, of Greene county, and has one son, Charles; Wyema, who married Isaac Kersey,, a farmer of this county, and has two children, Harold (deceased) and Albert, and Raymond, who was married on August 16, 1906, to Stella Early, and has one son, Adrian, who was born on January 28, 1908. Raymond Plummer and his wife live on the home farm, renting it of his father. This farm consists of about seventy-five acres of land. Raymond Plummer also owns seventeen acres of land in Wilson township. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while fraternally, she belongs to the Royal Neighbors of America. Mrs. Stella (Early) Plummer is a daughter of Elias and Sarah E. (Thompson) Early, who were farmers of this county, and the owners of about three hundred acres of land.
In 1890 G. H. Plummer erected a new and comfortable house on his farm, and in 1912 he also built a large and commodious barn. On December 23, 1892, Mrs. Clara (Matthews) Plummer died,- sincerely mourned by all who knew her, and her loss was keenly felt by her friends and neighbors, as well as by her family.
WILLIAM D. NIBLE.
William D. Nible is a progressive young farmer of Washington township, this county, who was born on February 15, 1869, near Edenton, in Clermont county, Ohio, the son of David and Sarah E. (Smith) Nible, the former of whom was born near Morristown, in Warren county, in January, 1844, and the latter of whom was the daughter of George and Margaret Smith. David Nible was the son of William Nible, a native of Germany, who came to America when a young man, about 1840. He and his wife settled in Warren county on a farm, where both died of cholera about 1850.
David Nible, who was educated in the public schools of Clermont county, began farming near Edenton when a young man, but in 1892 moved to Vernon township, this county, where he has lived and farmed ever since, and is a well-known and highly-respected citizen of that township. To David and Sarah E. Nible eight children were
CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 955
born, namely: Ada, who married W. D. Jones; William, the subject of this sketch; Frank C., who is a farmer; Mary L., Enis H., and George C., all of whom are deceased; Cecil, who married Gladys Heistand, and Sarah S., who is the wife of William Reynolds. The mother of these children died in 1889. The father is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a man of, deep religious convictions and an ardent church worker.
Educated in the common schools of Wayne township. Clermont county, Ohio, William D. Nible drove a huckster wagon for about ten years during the early part of his life. In 1900 he took up farming in Washington township, this county, and has been engaged in this occupation since that time.
Mr. Nible has been twice married. His first wife was Ida M. Stouder, the daughter of Benjamin Stouder. To this union there were born two children,. Frank R. and Russell L.
In 1901 Mr. Nible was married to Mrs. Jennie (Moon) Brown, widow of H. C. Brown, who is a member of the Universalist church and owns a splendid farm near Cuba.
The Nibles are well-known citizens of Washington township and highly respected by all of the people who live in that community.
CHARLES WADE.
Charles Wade, who is a prosperous farmer owning one hundred and sixty-seven acres of had one mile from Melvin, in Wilson township, this county, was born in Union township, Clinton county, August 26, 1866, son of James It. and Martha C. (Sherman) Wade, the former of whom was born in Union township, this county, April 15, 1843, and the latter, also a native of Clinton county, was the daughter of William and Sarah BC (Hester) Sherman, early settlers in Clinton county and' the owners of about five hundred acres of land. James R. Wade was the son of George Wade, a native of Virginia, who, after his marriage, emigrated to Ohio, and became the owner of a section or more of land in Clinton county, being one of the pioneers of this section. He and his wife were the parents of six children, Robert, Washington, Clark, James, Frances and Lila, all of whom are now deceased.
The late James R. Wade was educated in the common schools of Clinton county and was engaged in farming during his entire life. He owned about four hundred acres of land and was active in local public affairs. He died on Julie 28, 1901, and his widow survived him several years, her death occurring on March 17, 1912. They were the parents of seven children, namely: Seymour, who married Ollie Hawes, and lives at Jamestown, Ohio; Charles, thesubject of this sketch; Joseph, who married Odie Snodgrass and lives in Greene county; William, who married Susie Humphries and lives in Wilson township; Laura E., who married Ephraim ThOmpson, of Richland township; Carrie R., wife of John Hoover, of Wilmington, and Cora E., who has been twice married, her first husband being Henus Hall, after whose, death she became the wife of David Rogers.
Charles Wade received his education in the common schools of his home neighborhood, and has been engaged in farming during his entire life. Mr. Wade located on his present farm many years ago, and in 1908, built a large and commodious baru on the farm. On August 2, 1890, he married Mattie Mannahan, a native Of Adams county, Ohio, daughter of Sampson Mannahan, who was a carpenter by trade, and to this union have been born three children, Lawrence A., Mary Ruth and Harold Millard, all of whom are unmarried and living at home with their parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Wade and family are earnest and devoted members of the Methodist Protestant church. Charles Wade has always been a hardworking man and his success in life is due, perhaps, as much as anything else, to his persistent industry and determination.
956 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.
HENRY DRAKE.
Henry Drake is a well-known farmer of Liberty township, this county, where he owns one hundred and eleven acres of land. He was born in Richland township, this county, the son of John S. and Rebecca (Ford) Drake, the latter of whom is the daughter of Robert and Eliza Ford. His maternal grandfather was a farmer of Clinton county and a member of the Methodist Protestant church, and his paternal grandfather, Daniel Drake, was a native of New York state, born on Staten Island, who moved to Clinton county and engaged in farming.
John F. Drake was educated in the common schools and was a contracting carpenter and builder. He was also a farmer and owned considerable land in this county. He was active in the affairs of the Methodist Protestant church, of which he was a member, and was a successful business man. He died in 1883. His widow is living at Melvin, this county.
Henry Drake, who was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools of Clinton county, was married on November 8, 1894, to Bertha Beckett, who was born in this county, daughter of Isaac and Emma (States) Beckett, of Starbucktown. Isaac Beckett was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War and served for three years in that great struggle between the states, and he and his wife lived in Starbucktown practically all of their lives and were members of the Methodist Protestant church. Isaac Beckett was a son of Joseph Beckett, a native of Indiana who served in the War of 1812 and who, subsequently, engaged in farming near Elwood, Indiana.
After his marriage, Henry Drake located near Melvin, this county, and later took up farming. He purchased the farm where he now lives, in February, 1914, and expects to make many improvements on the farm in the next few years. The place consists of oue hundred and eleven acres and in time should be made one of the best farms in the county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Drake have been born two children, Lawrence and Inez. Mrs. Drake is a member of the Christian church at Bloomington.
JACOB STOLTZ.
Jacob Stoltz is a well-known retired farmer of Sabina, who owns a farm of two hundred acres one and one-half miles from Sabina, where he has built a comfortable home, and where he has lived for some time. He was born on February 20, 1848, in Germany, son of John and Francena Stoltz, both natives of Wurtemburg, Germany, the former of whom, born on December 25, 1812, died in February, 1895, while the latter died in August, 1872, at the age of fifty-six years. John and Francena Stoltz were married in their native land, where they were engaged in farming. When they came to America they had five children, Rachel, Dora, Frederick, John and Jacob, of whom the two eldest, Rachel and Dora, are now deceased. After landing in New York City, they came directly to Ohio, and settled in Adams county, where John Stoltz became the owner of two hundred and fifty acres of land. He sold this farm, however, and came to Clinton county about 1881, in which year he purchased one hundred and fifty acres of land. and spent the rest of his life there. Six more children were born to John Stoltz and wife after coming to America, as follow: William, Christopher, Fannie, Callie, Elizabeth and Mary, the last two of whom are deceased. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. John Stoltz, Frederick married Mollie O'Neal, and lives at Wilmington. John married Dean Bigley and lives in Greenfield, Ohio. William, who lives in Verona, Ohio, married Ellie Oldaker. Christopher, of Antioch, Ohio, married Elizabeth Firmer. Fannie. who is unmarried, lives in Wilmington with Elizabeth, who 'is the wife of R. M. McCoy.
Jacob Stoltz received his education in the schools of Adams township, and was
CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 957
reared to the life of a farmer. He was married in 1884 to Anna Pavey, who was born in Clinton county, daughter of William and Mary A. (Kirby) Pavey, the former of whom was born in Fayette county, Ohio, September 4, 1833, the son of William and Anna (Johnson) Pavey, and the latter of whom was the daughter of William and Jordena Kirby. Mrs. Mary A. (Kirby) Pavey was the second wife of William Pavey, a biographical sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume.
Mr. and Mrs. Stoltz are the parents of two children, Fay and Alma, both of whom are unmarried and living at home. The family are all earnest and consistent members of the Methodist Protestant church. Mr. Stoltz was formerly a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and remained a member until the lodge at Sabina disbanded. In 1910 he built a new house in Sabina, to which place he had moved about fifteen years ago.
JOHN J. POLK.
Improvement and progress may be said to form the keynote in the character of John J. Polk, a prosperous and influential farmer of Wilson township. Not only has Mr. Polk been interested• in advancing his own personal affairs, but his influence has been felt in the community where he lives. It was his early ambition to study law, but he was unable to carry out his youthful design and, instead, buckled down to farming, in which vocation he has made a rather large success, a fitting result of his energy, foresight and good management, and each year has found him farther advanced, more prosperous and with a larger circle of friends.
John J. Polk was born on May 3, 1869, in Wilson township, this county, the son of. William H. and Mary M. (Prunk) Polk, the former of whom was born on a farm south of Wilmington, in Clinton county, and the latter, in Bureau county, Illinois, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Hammond) Prunk, of that state. Daniel Prunk was born on July 21, 1796, in Virginia, and was married to Catherine Hammond, who was born on November 22, 1797, and to this worthy couple twelve children were born as follow : Martha, born on November 11, 1818; James, June 2, 1820; John, February 19, 1822; Hammond, April 8, 1824; Madison, April 23, 1826; Maggie, January 26, 1828; Daniel, November 3, 1829; Leander, August 15, 1830; George, February 3, 1834; Washington, March 21, 1836; Catherine, May 15, 1841, and Mary M., the mother of Mr. Polk, July 31, 1843.
Mr. Polk's paternal grandparents were William and Hannah (Hobson) Polk, both natives of Tennessee, who were the parents of seven children, of whom Martha, the youngest, is living at Muncie, Indiana, at the advanced age of ninety-six years, the others having been, Sallie, John, James, William H., Robert and Nathaniel. After his marriage in 1775, William Polk moved to Ohio from Tennessee, and located in Clinton county, near where the city of Wilmington now stands. He entered one hundred and fifty-six acres of land from the government, but later moved to Wilson township. His remains are buried on the farm owned by his grandson, Edward Polk, brother of John J. He was a Baptist preacher and prominent in the pioneer life of this county. He died about 1825.
William H. Polk, the father of John J., received only a very limited education, attending school altogether only about six months, but nevertheless he became a very well-read man and was a man of strictly moral habits. During the Civil War he furnished free of charge food and supplies for many widows and orphans. He owned three hundred and seventy-three acres of land in Clinton county, and was an extensive stock raiser. He imported a thirty-thousand-dollar Shorthorn bull from England and this animal was the first of the kind in this part of the country. He also kept mules and Cotswold sheep. William H. Polk was very active in the affairs of the county.
958 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.
and at the time the Baltimore & Ohio railroad was constructed through Clinton county, gave five hundred dollars towards its construction.
To William H. and Mary M. (Prunk) Polk were born eight children, namely: George, who married Deborah Freeman and died at his home in Springfield, Illinois; William P., who married Alice Thompson and lives in Oregon; Daniel, who died in infancy; Lillie, who married Joseph Reynolds, and died in Clinton county; Mary, who married, S. T. Groves and lives in Sabina ; Edward and David K., who married sisters, Bertha and Ada Ray, and live in Clinton county, and John J., the subject of this sketch.
John J. Polk received his early education in the common schools of Sabina, this county, and completed his educational training in the high school at Muncie, Indiana. Upon the death of his father he was compelled to return to the farm. While attending school, it was his earnest desire to study law, and he still wishes that he had been able to do so. While he was a student in the high school at Muncie, he became acquainted with Eva Wilson, the daughter of Levi and Julia (Priest) Wilson, farmers near Muncie, and subsequently married her. Mr. and Mrs. Polk are the parents of four children, Levi Roy, Margaret, Claudia and Pauline.
Mr. Polk owns one hundred and five acres of good land in Wilson township. In 1912 he built a commodious barn on his place, and has but recently erected, a new home, equipped with all modern conveniences. He is engaged in general farming making a specialty of the breeding of Shorthorn cattle, and expects gradually to take up the breeding of only thoroughbred stock. His whole farm is well equipped for stock raising.
Mr. and Mrs. Polk are members of the Baptist church of Sabina, and take an active interest in the affairs of that denomination. Fraternally, Mr. Polk is a member of the independent Order of Odd Fellows, including the subordinate lodge and the encampment. He is also a member of the Daughters of Rebekah, the Royal Neighbors and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mrs. Polk is also a member of the Daughters of Rebekah and of the Royal Neighbors.
ISAAC ALEXANDER.
Isaac Alexander is a farmer of Clark township, this county, who was born in 1845 in Brown county, Ohio, the son of Hugh and Clarinda (Covolt) Alexander, natives of Virginia and Brown county, Ohio, respectively. The paternal grandparents of Isaac Alexander died in the Old Dominion state and his maternal grandparents died in Brown county.
Hugh Alexander was educated in the schools of Virginia, and emigrated to Brown county, Ohio, some time before his marriage, and in that county he and his wife spent the rest of their lives. They were the owners of fifty acres of land and reared a family of fourteen children, of whom four sons, Robert, Abraham, Johnson and Jeiel, were soldiers in the Union army during the Civil War. Robert and Abraham, died of camp diarrhea shortly after their return home and .the other two sons survived the effects of the war.
Isaac Alexander was educated in Brown county, Ohio, and shortly after his marriage, moved to Fayette county, where, for three years, he rented land. At the end of this period, he moved to Clark township, Clinton county, and there purchased fifty acres of land, where he now lives. He and his wife have a comfortable home and are highly respected in the community in which they live. They are the parents of four children., Stella, Walter, Frank and Mary. Mrs. Alexander, before her marriage, was Sophia Rhonemous and was married to Isaac Alexander in 1877. She was reared in Jefferson township, Clinton county.
Mrs. Alexander has always been a member of the Protestant Methodist church and is prominently identified with all of the activities of that congregation.
CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 959
SAMUEL H. SKIMMING
One of the best-known and most prominent families in Clinton county is the Skimming family. This family was among the earliest settlers in the county and has always been prominent and active in the public affairs of the county. At the present time the usefulness and progressiveness of the family is still being maintained by the subject of this sketch, Samuel H. Skimming, of 328 North South street, Wilmington, Ohio.
Samuel H. Skimming was born at Burtonville, Union township, Clinton county, on February 25, 1858, the son of Robert and Mary (Babb) Skimming. Robert Skimming was born in Allegheny county, Maryland, on June 3, 1830, and died on March 10, 1914. He was the son of Anthony and Mary (McDow) Skimming, who were born near Edinburgh, Scotland, and emigrated to the. United States in 1818, settling in Allegheny county, Maryland, where they lived until the autumn of 1836, when they came to Clinton county, locating at Wilmington, where they lived until 1839, in which year they removed to Washington township, where they lived until the time of their death in 1855, the former dying on April 22, and the latter on the 16th of the same month.
Robert Skimming passed his early manhood on his father's farm and was educated in the district schools and in Wilmington Academy. At the age of eighteen years he embarked in the teaching profession which he followed successfully for six years. Through the pursuit of this profession he laid the foundation of his present possessions. In 1860 he engaged in a merchandising business in Burtonville and continued in this business there until in October, 1875, when he retired to farming and stock raising which he followed with marked success. His farm consisted of a tract of two hundred and seventy acres of very valuable land, on which was a commodious frame residence, along with other modern improvements. Robert Skimming was one of the most enterprising and influential men of his day and was elected again and again to some office within the gift of the people, in which public service he did credit, not only to himself, but to his office and his community. In 1873 he was elected infirmary director ; he was at one time a member of the board of trustees of Union township and at various other times held minor offices. On December 6, 1853, he was married to Mary E. Babb, a daughter of :Henry and Matilda (Woodruff) Babb and a native of Union township. To this marriage there were born the following children: Emma, who was born on November 26, 1854 ; Samuel H., the subject of this sketch; Charles W., August 14, 1866, and Wilbert, January 10, 1872.
Mrs. Robert Skimming's .father was born in Virginia and was brought, by his pareuts, Henry and Elizabeth Babb, to Clinton county when an infant. Henry Babb was cruelly assassinated in Wilmington, on the evening of February 25, 1863, on account of his pure Union sentiment, by John McCourter, a radical Secessionist. Elizabeth Babb was the daughter of Joel and Elizabeth Woodruff, who were among the earliest pioneers of Clinton county. Mr. Woodruff was a man of considerable prominence in the early history of Wilmington and at one time was sheriff of Clinton county. Elizabeth Babb died on January 25, 1830.
Samuel H. Skimming, the subject of this sketch, attended the district school at Burtonville and assisted his father there in his store until he was seventeen years old, at which time his father moved to the farm and the son went with him, and worked there until his marriage on January 31, 1886, when he rented a farm which he farmed for five years. He then returned to the home farm and took the management of the place and cared for his parents until their death. He then bought out the other heirs to one hundred and seventy-two acres of the home place, to which he added, by purchase, a tract of sixty-two acres adjoining, all of which he cultivated in person until in August, 1912, when he left the farm and purchased the beautiful brick residence in Wilmington where he now resides.
960 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.
On January 31, 1886, Samuel H. Skimming was united in marriage to Geneva McKenzie, who was born in Nebraska City, Nebraska, on May 1, 1864, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Morton) McKenzie, both of whom were born near New Antioch, in Green township, this county, the former on September 18, 1830, and the latter, July 15, 1830, daughter of Isaiah M. Morton, who was a son of Joab and Jane Morton, natives of Kentucky, who moved to Ohio about 1820, where they located on a small tract of heavily wooded timber land which' they cleared and cultivated and on which they spent the remainder of their lives, Joab Morton dying on August 18, 1846, and his widow on August 8, 1869. They were the parents of six children, two of whom died in early infancy, the others being Richard, Elizabeth, wife of William McKenzie; Isaiah M., and Betsey, the wife of Eli Carson. Joab Morton was a soldier in the War of 1812. He was a member of the New Light church at Antioch, and maintained his faith until his death. William McKenzie died in Nebraska. City on January 12, 1867. He had gone there soon after his marriage and had engaged in the. hotel 'business which employment he maintained until. his death. He and his wife were the parents of the following children: Ferry, a carpenter who lives in Martinsville, this county; Stanley, who lives on a farm in Green township; Alwilda, who married John Stephens and lives on a farm in Union township; Geneva, the wife of the subject of this sketch, and a son Who died in infancy. The mother of these children is still living.
To Samuel H. and Geneva (McKenzie) Skimming two children have been born, Mary Jane, born on May 19, 1889, who is teaching school at Middletown, Ohio, and Reba Louise, February 24, 1891, who married A. 0. Campbell, an architect, and lives in Dayton, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Skimming are both active members of the Walnut Street Christian church of Wilmington and Mr. Skimming is a Republican.
JOHN S. DRAKE.
John S. Drake is a well-known. and enterprising farmer of Jefferson township, this county. He was born in this county, October 3, 1880, son of Samuel and Hannah N. (Holliday) Drake, the former of whom was born at Georgetown, Ohio, and the latter in Clinton county. The paternal grandfather of John S. Drake was Jonathan Drake, a well-known tobacco raiser of the Georgetown district. The maternal grandparents, William and Anna (Carter) Holliday, settled on the farm now belonging to Doctor Dennison. They cleared the land and lived there all the rest of their lives.
Samuel Drake received the rudiments of an education in the public schools near Georgetown, and there he was first married to a Miss Davis, and for some years was engaged in farming' near Georgetown. After the death of his first wife he removed to Clinton county, and was here married to Hannah N. Holliday, the mother of John S. Drake. Aside from five years spent in the state of Missouri, Samuel Drake lived in Jefferson township most of his life. At the time of his death he was the owner of three hundred and seventy-one acres of land where his son, John S., now lives. Two sons were born to Samuel Drake by his first marriage, and one son, John S., to' his second marriage.
John S. Drake was educated in the schools of Clinton county, and with the exception of 'five years spent in the state of Missouri, between the ages of thirteen and eighteen years, he has spent his entire life in this county on the old home place in Jefferson township.
In 1901 John S. Drake was married to Laura Wickersham, the daughter of J. C. Wickersham, and to this union two children have been born, Walter and Eugene. Mrs. Drake is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while Mr. Drake' is affiliated with 'the Christian church.
CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 961
ARTHUR CALVIN LEONARD.
What a wonderful heritage the pioneer settlers of Clinton county have left to their descendants in leaving behind them the memories of an active life well spent and evidences of good accomplished for their respective generations and communities. To be considered among the foremost families of a county with a lineage dating back to the earliest times does not fall to the lot of every man It is the representatives of these old families who are capable of winning the trust and confidence of the people and it is this trust and confidence which has placed them in positions of leadership. Arthur Calvin Leonard, an honored young citizen of Union township and a prominent farmer of Clinton county, has the privilege of knowing that his ancestors, pioneers of this county, were worthy people, who possessed strong hearts and able hands.
Arthur Calvin Leonard was born on his father's farm, near Center, in Union township, this county, January 5, 1879, the son of Calvin Brazilla and Mary (Hazard) Leonard, the former of whom was born at Center, in Clinton county, June 18, 1848, and the latter of whom was a daughter of Zebalon and Hazard, who was born in 1826 and died in 1861, the son of John and Rebecca (Conger) Hazard, who were natives of Virginia and of English descent. They belonged to the Friends church. John Hazard came to Clinton, county about 1820 and settled on what is now known as the Petticord farm, one mile east of Wilmington. He died at the age of sixty-five. He and his wife, the latter of whom was a Dwiggins, had ten children. His wife lived to be ninety-two years of age. Zebalon Hazard was twice married, the second time to Phoebe Wolary, by which marriage there was one son, Frank T. Mrs. Mary (Hazard) Leonard died on February 26, 1890.
Calvin Brazilla Leonard is the son of Ezekiel and Permilia W. (Moorman) Leonard, the former of whom, born on September 3, 1813, died on March 30, 1882, and the latter, born on March 4, 1826, died on December 11, 1910. Ezekiel Leonard was born on his father's farm near Center, and his wife, Permelia W. Moorman, who was the daughter of Samuel and Lucy (Johnson) Moorman, was born near Xenia, Ohio. Mrs. Ezekiel Leonard's parents lived in Xenia. Ohio, until she was several years old and then moved to Peru, Indiana, from which point they moved to Port William, this county, where they spent the rest of their lives. He was a brick and stone mason and a prominent and influential member of the Methodist church. Ezekiel Leonard learned the blacksmith's trade under Jonathan Doan in Wilmington and worked with David Miars on the Xenia pike. After his marriage, he operated a shop at Center in Union township for eighteen years but subsequently purchased sixty acres of land near the shop and later added to this tract, by purchase, one hundred and two acres. He and his wife had six children, of whom two, Louisa, the first born, and Allen, the third born, are deceased. Louisa was born, in 1843 and was married to Robert R. Mitchell. She died in October, 1909, in Wewoka, Oklahoma. Allen was born in 1847 and died in 1850. The living children are: Calvin Brazilla, the father of Arthur C.; Samuel M., who was born in 1850 and who married Mary E. Miars and lives on the old home farm in Union township; Lydia Emily, born in 1854, who is unmarried and lives in Wilmington. and Lucinda, born in 1854, who married T. T. West, a farmer, of near Thayer, Kansas.
Ezekiel Leonard was one of fourteen children born to John. and Lydia (Starbuck) Leonard. John Leonard was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, and was married to Lydia Starbuck. During the early part of 1806, with one child and a small outfit, they left their native state for Ohio and after a long and weary journey through Tennessee and Kentucky, crossed the Ohio river, at Cincinnati and finally located on Todd's fork in Union township, this county, where some of their friends had previously settled. John Leonard was a man of herculean frame, great physical strength and
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well fitted for pioneer life. In 1806 he selected land, built his rude log cabin and united his destiny with that of the other colonists. John Leonard died on December 7, 1870, at the age of eighty-eight years, one month and eleven days. His widow survived -him nearly four years, dying on March 30, 1874, at the age of ninety-one years, seven months and twenty-one days. Her remains lie by his side in the cemetery at Center. Of their fourteen children, thirteen grew to manhood and womanhood, rearing families of their own. George W., born in 1805, in North Carolina, who married Hannah Dwiggins; Rachel, in 1806, who married Jacob Miars; James, in 1808, who died in 1809; Abner, in 1809, who married Ruth Irwin, died in 1854; John, in 1811, who died in 1827; Abigail, in 1812, who married John Frazier, died in 1854; Eunice, in 1814, became the wife of Azariah Wall; Lydia, in 1816, who married John Ballard; Ezekiel was the grandfather of Arthur Calvin Leonard; Joseph, in 1819, who married Abigail Smith; Thomas, in 1830, who married Eliza Price and died in 1857; Brazilla, in 1823, who married Susan Hiatt; Priscilla, in 1823, and Melinda, in 1825; who married Beverly Burgess.
Calvin B. Leonard, the father of Arthur Calvin Leonard, grew up on the home farm at Center, and when a young man, operated his father's farm on the shares. After his marriage, he purchased the I. Dwiggins farm of ninety-seven acres in Union township and soon paid for it. Afterwards he purchased fifty acres adjoining and built a house on his farm in 1888. It is a splendid farm with large and commodious buildings kept in a high state of repair. The father retired in 1907 and moved to Wilmington, where he now lives. He was first married on October 15, 1867, to Mary Hazard, whose parents died when she was young. She was a school teacher and made her home with her uncle, Robert Dwiggins, near Dover. After her death, Calvin B. Leonard married, secondly, February 22, 1894, Nancy Ann Compton, who was born near New Burlington, Chester township, this county, and who is a minister in the Friends church, she having been the pastor of Center meetings for the past fifteen years. No children have been born to this second marriage. By Mr. Leonard's first marriage there were seven children, two of whom are deceased,: Alta Dell, born November 13, 1868, who, was first married to W. H. Williams and later to W. R. Lewis; Cora P., April 8, 1870, who married Dr. James A. Ross, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma ; Robert Samuel, September 26, 1872, who died on June 24, 1874; DeElla Martha, September 2, 1875, who married Roy Newlin, Of San Diego, California ; Arthur Calvin, who is the subject of this sketch; Walter E., August 1, 1881, who died on October 18, 1881, and Mary Emma, November 18, 1883, who married Harry Green, who lives near Martinsville, this county.
Arthur Calvin Leonard attended the common schools at Center and for three years was a student at Wilmington College. In the meantime and subsequently, he worked on his father's farm until his marriage in 1907, when his father moved to Wilmington, after which he took charge of the farm of three hundred acres near the Center meeting house in Union township. Mr. Leonard raises mule-foot hogs and Shorthorn cattle and sells young stock for breeding purposes. He carries on farming extensively and has been very successful.
On October 22, 1907, Arthur C. Leonard was married to Jane Amanda Smith. who was born in Greene county, Ohio, near Jamestown, the daughter of John W. and Sarah E. Smith, the former of whom died on April 16, 1915, and the latter of whom is still living at Xenia', Ohio. John W. Smith was a retired pork packer and for seven years was a commissioner of Greene county: He also served as infirmary director of Greene county for several years and, although he lived in Xenia, he spent his winters in California. Mr. and Mrs. Leonard have one child, a son, John Calvin, born on February 15, 1010.
Arthur Calvin Leonard is serving his second term, as township trustee of Union
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township, having been elected to this office twice on the Republican ticket. His second election is perhaps the best proof that can be given for the efficiency and vision with which he has filled this office. He served as road superintendent for two years and has been prominent in other ways as a farmer and citizen. Mr. Leonard is well respected by the people of Clinton county.
CLAUD B. MILLER.
Claud B. Miller is a well-known resident of New Vienna, this county. He was born in Green township, this county, September 24, 1869, the only son of James M. and Elizabeth (West) Miller, the former of whom was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1838, and the latter, in Clinton county, in 1850, the daughter of William and Rebecca (Crawford) West.
The late James M. Miller owned about six hundred and forty-three acres of land in Clinton county, in Green and Union townships. He was a farmer by occupation, a Republican in politics and a member of the Friends church. He died in 1906, and his widow, who later married Henry Hildebrant, is living in Wilmington. James M. Miller was a. member of the Kmghts of Pythias and of the Royal Arcanum at Wilmington.
Claud B. Miller was reared on the farm and was educated in the public schools and at Wilmington College. He owns two hundred and sixty-six acres of land in Madison township, Highland county. In 1910, he removed to New Vienna, this county, where he ,has since resided. Claud B. Miller was married in 1894 to Lucy Stivens, who was born in Green township, this county, in 1871, daughter of Daniel Stivens, and to this union one child has been born, a daughter, Mildred Marie, born on November 11, 1895, who was graduated from the New Vienna high school with the class of 1915.
Mr. Miller is a Republican and is now serving his fourth year as trustee of Green township. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at New Vienna, and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, lodge No. 797, at Wilmington.
HENRY L. SWINGLEY.
Henry L. Swingley is a successful young farmer of Green township, this county, where he owns one hundred acres of land, a part of the original Swingley homestead. Mr. Swingley is an extensive farmer and stockraiser and an extensive breeder of Belgian horses: He was born in Green township, on the Swingley homestead, June 29, 1885, the son of Michael Duroc and Sarah (Bernard) Swingley, both natives of Green township, the former born in 1843 and the latter, April 10, 1862. They were the parents of six children, as follow : Henry L., Thomas, Clara, Chloe, Daniel and Edith, the latter of whom is deceased. Michael Duroc Swingley is deceased, and his widow is now living on her farm in Green township near New Vienna.
Michael Duroc Swingley was the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Gillespie) Swingley, the former of whom was born in Berkeley county, Virginia, in 1816, and the son of Michael and Nancy Swingley; the latter died early in life in the Old Dominion state. The former came to Clinton county, Ohio, in 1825, and died in Clinton, county in 1854. Henry Swingley was the only member of the family who ever came to Ohio. He was reared on a farm in Green township and owned eleven hundred acres of land in this township. He was a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife were members of the Christian church. Henry Swingley died in 1884, and his wife, who before her marriage was. Elizabeth Gillespie, died on May 1, 1890. They had six children: Michael Duroc, deceased;. Thomas, deceased; Susannah; John, of New Vienna; Hanna, deceased, who married Charles Custis, and Catherine, who married Thomas Custis Bond, of. Green township
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Michael Duroc Swingley and Sarah Bernard were married on May 4, 1884. Sarah Bernard was the daughter of Thomas and Almeda (Young) Bernard, both born in Clinton county, Ohio, the former in 1835, and the latter in 1838. Thomas Bernard was a son of Thomas and Mary (McConnell) Bernard, who spent their last days in Clinton county, Ohio. The parents of Almeda Young were pioneers of Clinton county,, where both died.. Thomas Bernard, maternal grandfather of Henry L. Swingley, died on July 25, 1914 His widow is now living at Sabina, Ohio. He and his wife had a large family of children, as follow : May (deceased), Clara, Laura, Sarah, Jenette, William (deceased), Ida Bell (deceased), Elmer (deceased), Milton, Eva and Everett, twins.
Reared on the old Swingley homestead in Green township, and educated in the public schools, Henry L. Swingley has been a farmer all his life. He owns one hundred acres of the original Swingley homestead and has made an exceptional success of fanning. Mr. Swingley was married on October 20, 1906, to Gertrude DeLong, of Ross county, Ohio, born on October 15, 1886, daughter of William Penn and Eva Fisher (Richardson) DeLong, the former of whom was a native of Ross county, and the latter of whom was a native of Meigs county, Ohio. William Penn DeLong was the son of Peter DeLong, a pioneer of Ross county. Mrs. Swingley's parents now live near Denver, in Ross county, Ohio. They had a large family of children, as follow : Laura Holmes, Emma W., Gusta Beecher, Catharine, Martha Washington (deceased), Estella Myrtle (deceased), Edith Gray, Eva H., Edna B., Laura Gertrude, Milburn Elihu, William Penn and Lowell Mason, twins.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. Swingley are the parents of four children, as follow : Grace, born on May 20, 1908; Emma, December 11, 1909; Maxine, January 7, 1912, and Michael Mimc, October 1, 1914.
Mr. Swingley votes the Democratic ticket. He was reared in the Christian church, and is an adherent of this denomination. He is one of the highly-respected citizens of Green township.
J. WILLARD MOCK.
J. Willard Mock is a successful photographer and artist, who has enjoyed a wonderful and diversified experience in photographic and art work, has worked in many parts of the country and today has a first-class studio in Wilmington and a large and flourishing patronage in that city and throughout the county, which demands the help of an assistant.
Mr. Mock was born on October 15, 1854, near Jamestown, Ohio, where he was reared, and is the son of John and Mary (Pearson) Mock, the former of whom was a native of Fayette county, and both of whom were natives of the old Buckeye state: John Mock was a successful farmer and large landowner, possessing two hundred and fifty acres of land. He died on the farm, in 1899, at the age of seventy years. During his life, he had been a devout member of the Baptist church and a deacon in the church for twenty years or more in Fayette county. In early life, he had voted the Democratic ticket, but later became a Prohibitionist. John Mock was one of a family of seven children, consisting of four daughters and three sons. He was married to Mary Pearson in Fayette county, and they owned the first cookstove in their section of the country. They had personally made all of the furniture used in their house, and had a comfortable home during their entire life. Mrs. John Mock died in 1906, at the age of seventy-eight years, at the home of a daughter in Jamestown. Ohio. She and her husband had seven children.
Of the seven children born to John and Mary (Pearson) Mock, 0. Martin Luther lives in Enid, Oklahoma. After serving four years in the Civil War, he re-enlisted and served until finally mustered out. For many years he was a pension attorney and real
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estate dealer in Guthrie, Oklahoma. He is married and has three children Alfred Pearson, the second born, died in middle life, while attending the World's Fair at Chicago. Lavenia Katherine is a widow of Arthur Boteler, and lives at Jamestown. J. Willard was the fourth born. Frank died in middle life. Charles Edgar died in young manhood, shortly after his marriage. Lona married Willis McDorman, and lives at Jamestown. They have two children.
J. Willard Mock received a common school education, and supplemented this by a course in the Art School at Cincinnati, finishing the course under James Jessup, a noted English artist and photographic educator. Mr. Mock also worked under Joseph Appleton in Dayton, Ohio, and, at the age of twenty years, took up art work for himself. After graduating, he worked for various photographers in Ohio, and, in 1883, opened a gallery at Washington C. H., where he remained one year. After selling out there, he moved to Lima, Ohio, where he was in business for seven years. He then sold out at Lima and traveled as an expert demonstrator for a photographic plate company for three years, and then settled in Marion, Indiana, where his establishment burned. He then became head operator for James F. Ryder, of Cleveland, and held that position for three years. He then returned to Jamestown, Ohio, and engaged in business there, so that he might be near his parents in their declining years. After being at Jamestown for fourteen years, Mr. Mock moved to Wilmington and opened his present establishment' After his parents had died. He has been very successful and employs one assistant at the present time.
On December 28, 1876, J. Willard Mock was married to Ida Frances Homey in Fayette couuty, Ohio. She is the daughter of William J. and Sallie Ann (McMillan) Homey, and was born in Fayette county, March 3, 1860. To Mr. and Mrs. Mock three children have been born, Lorena, who died at birth; Wenona Ruth, who is the wife of E. I. Bennett, of Dayton; and Russell Eugene, who is living at home with his parents.
The entire history of the Mock family does not disclose that any member has ever been addicted to the use of intoxicating liquors, nor can anything be said detrimental to the character of any one who bears the Mock name.
Mr. Mock is independent in his political views. Political parties have no charm or fascination for him, and he chooses the men for whom he votes, without regard to their party affiliations. He As a devout member of the Baptist church, and is leader of the choir. Mr. Mock is also a student of music. While living in Jamestown, he served as treasurer and clerk for the school board for some time.
CHARLES STEELE RUNYAN.
Charles Steele Runyan is one of the best-known farmers of Vernon township, this county. He was born on September 22, 1846, in Warren county, Ohio, son of William Riley and Emily (Goodwin) Runyan. the former of whom was a native of Warren county, having been born there on July 15, 1808, and the latter, of Virginia, where she was born on December 8, 1813. William R. Runyan followed his trade of shoemaking all of his life. He died on February 19, 1852, his widow surviving him many years, her death occurring in 1888. They were the parents of five children, Benjamin H., Mary Jane, Lydia L., John William, and Charles Steele, all of whom have passed away, save the subject of this sketch.
Reared and educated at Black Hawk and Butlerville, Charles S. Runyan came to this county in 1889. He lived at Clarkesville for a time, and in 1900 purchased the farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres on which he is now liviug and has become well known as a general farmer and stock raiser.
On March 21, 1895, Charles S. Runyan was united in marriage to Nannie Runnells, who was born in this county on January 26, 1868, daughter of Samuel and Isabel
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(Floyd) Runnels, the former of whom was born on February 10, 1837 in Tennessee, the latter, in this county, in 1835. Mrs. Runyan's paternal grandparents were Elias and Sarah (Black) Runnels, pioneers of this county, who died in Wayne township. Her maternal grandfather married Mary Roberts, the pioneer couple becoming early settlers of this county, where they spent the rest of their lives. Samuel Runnels came with his parents to this county when he was a young child and here he was reared, becoming a well-known farmer in the 'county. He was a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died in Warren county on December 4, 1914. His wife long had predeceased him, her death having occurred in 1888. They were the parents of five children, Sarah, Nannie, Henry, Elias and Samuel, the latter of whom is deceased.
To Mr. and Mrs. Runyan three children have been born, Helen, born on April 7, 1896; Emily, October 6, 1898, and Charlestine, born in 1905, who died in 1912.
CHARLES PEMBERTON DUNLAP
There are individuals in almost every community who. by reason of pronounced ability and force of character, rise above the heads of the masses and command the esteem and attention of their fellowmen. Characterized by perseverance and a directing spirit, two virtues that never fail, such men always make their presence felt. The vigor of their strong personality serves as a stimulus and an incentive to the young and rising generation. To this energetic and enterprising class, C. P. Dunlap, of Liberty township. very properly belongs. Mr. Dunlap has devoted his life and energies to the industries of his home neighborhood and has succeeded remarkably well.
Charles P. Dunlap was born on May 10, 1851, in Highland county, Ohio, the son of James Dunlap, Jr., and Mary Cravens. The former was born in 1819, in Connecticut, and the latter was born in 1821, in Pennsylvania, the daughter of Benjamin F. and Mary Cravens. Benjamin F. Cravens moved to Ohio some time in 1836 and located in Highland county. where he owned about six hundred acres of land. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and an enterprising, progressive citizen. He possessed a remarkable financial ability and the subject of this sketch inherited that characteristic.
C. P. Dunlap's grandfather, James Dunlap, Sr., was a native of New York state, born in 1794, and died in 1872. He was first married to Henrietta Pemberton, by whom he had seven children, Mariala, Horace, Arabella, Albert, Sarah, Sinai and Frank L., all except Frank L. being deceased. The second wife of James Dunlap, Sr., was a Mrs. Cox, who moved to Ohio about 1830.. James Dunlap, Sr., was a merchant at Salem, Ross county, Ohio, but later moved to Highland county, where he lived retired. Me was a member of the Methodist Protestant church.
James Dunlap. Jr., father of Charles P., was a well-informed man both in religion and politics. He was a member of the Christian Union church. He was quite a prominent citizen in the township and served as township trustee at one time. From about 1830 he Pied in Highland county. He was first married to a Miss Foraker, cousin of Senator Foraker. By this union, however, there were boru no children. By his second marriage there were only two children, John N. and Charles P., the subject of this sketch. John N. was twice married, first to Mollie Kester, by whom he had three children, Earl, Chloe and Minnie. His second wife was Anna Williams, sister to his brother, Charles P.'s, wife. James Dunlap, Jr., the father of these children, died on June 13, 1886. The mother is still living and on August 4, 1915, was ninety-four years old. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The father owued one hundred and twenty-seven acres of land in Highland county. The father was of New England Puritan (English) stock. The mother was of Scotch-Irish descent.
Charles P. Dunlap was educated in the common school& His character was
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moulded and formed by the determined will of his devoted father, assisted by the patient care of his loving mother. Mr. Dunlap has taught school for thirty-four years, sixteen years in Highland county, Ohio, and the remainder in Greene and Clinton counties. In 1886, he removed to Greene county and the same year, on August 7, he applied for a teacher's certificate at Xenia, Ohio, and was granted one for four years, averaging ninety-one per cent. in the examination. Mr. Dunlap was considered a most successful teacher, but abandoned the profession in 1904 and went to farming. In 1902 he was elected a justice of the peace, and will hold the office until 1918. A Democrat in politics, Mr. Dunlap was, four years ago, a candidate for county auditor. Although defeated, he made a most flattering race. He is the present chairman of the Democratic central committee of Clinton county. He believes in the doctrine both in church and state, "equal justice to all but special privilege to none."
Charles P. Dunlap was married, on August 27, 1874, to Martha J. Williams, who was born in Highland county, Ohio, January 2, 1853. She is the daughter of John and Mary (Duncan) Mary (Duncan) Williams was the daughter of Alexander Duncan, a native of Ireland and a soldier in the War of 1812. He located near Hillsboro, Ohio, and there became a large farmer. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church Mrs. Dunlap's father, John Williams, was a native of Ohio, and farmed one hundred acres of land. He was a member of the Dunkard church, and lived in Highland county during his entire life. Born in 1806, he died in 1.891. His wife, who was born in 1812, died in 1903. They had ten children, but Elizabeth, Ellen, Martha and Anna are the only ones living. Mandy, Eliza, Susan, Allenmah, Agnes and Thomas died a few years ago.
Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap have had seven children, Lola E., John C., Charles R. James L., Olive, Clifford and Frank. The latter three died in early childhood. Of these children, Lola E. married Thomas Middleton, of Xenia, Greene county, Ohio, and they have three children, Wilton E., Roy S. and Harold D. John C., of Liberty township, married Frances Pearl Mason, and they have three children, Mary Audra, Rollo, and Charles Mason. Charles Russell married Belva Bales and they have two children, Charles R. and Frances Willard. They live. in Clinton county, Ohio. James L., a resident of near Xenia, married Berdie Craig.
Charles P. Dunlap is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. For more than forty years he has been a Sunday school teacher, and superintendent of the Sunday school at Port William for four years. Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap have a farm of one hundred acres in Liberty township, which they purchased August 25, 1899. C. P. Dunlap and wife are members of the Methodist Protestant church. Mr. Dunlap has become well known in this. county as a breeder of good stock, especially flocks of coarse wool sheep. However, money-getting and money-making are all right in their place, but he thinks both in teaching and in life, our highest ideal should be "building and molding character for eternity."