Memoirs
of the
Miami Valley
pages 250-299
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John F. Gillespie is a representative of one of the old and influential pioneer families of Butler county, where he is a scion of the third generation of the family in this section of the Buckeye state, and his lineage traces back to Irish and Scotch origin, he being a direct descendant of George and Jane (Allen) Gillespie, the former a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and the latter of Scotland. The sterling progenitors of the Gillespie family, of which the subject of this review is a member, became colonial settlers in Washington county, Pa., where they established their home in the year 1770, but it was later theirs to become pioneers of Ohio. In company with his family, George Gillespie voyaged down the Ohio river and settled near Franklin, Warren county, where they became numbered among the representative pioneers of the beautiful Miami valley. In this section of Ohio they passed the remainder of their lives, and it is of historic interest to record that when the line of the Big Four railroad was being surveyed through this section, its right of way included the little family burial ground, in which were interred the bodies of George Gillespie, his wife and other members of the family, in Warren county, so the remains were disinterred, after the lapse of many years, and were given a new resting place in the cemetery
at Franklin. The children of this sterling pioneer couple were James, John, George, Mary, Mrs. Bradford; Martha, Mrs. Dick; Richard, Thomas, Margaret, Mrs. Kirkwood; Edgar, and Robert, the last named figuring as the grandfather of him whose name initiates this review. There was one other son, William, who died in infancy. Robert Gillespie was a child at the time of the family removal from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and was reared to manhood in Warren county, where his father took up a tract of heavily timbered land and initiated the development of a farm. Robert Gillespie, whose death occurred March 12, 1854, was united in marriage, October 16, 1782, to Miss Mary Robinson, who survived him by a score of years, her death having occurred February 16,1874, and both having passed the closing years of their lives in Butler county, where they settled in the early pioneer days. They became the parents of a fine family of twelve children: Nancy, Mrs. Corwine; John, James, Jane, Mrs. McCloskey; George H., Sarah, Mrs. Fawcett; Mary, Mrs. Wilson; Alexander, Samuel, William R., Robert D., and Wilson. Robert D. Gillespie, father of John F., of this review, was born in Morgan township, Butler county, where he was reared under the conditions that marked the pioneer epoch in the history of the county, received the advantages of the common schools of the period, and eventually became a successful farmer, as gauged by the standards of the locality and times. In 1847 was solemnized his marriage to Miss Caroline Bolser, who was born in Ross township, this county, where her father, John Bolser, was an early settler. After his marriage Robert D. Gillespie continued his farm enterprise in Morgan township until 1860, when he removed to St. Charles, in Reily township, where he and his wife continued to reside until their death. Of their children the eldest is Mrs. Alice Schultz Abbot, of Oxford, Ohio; Delos W. resides at College Corner; Josephine is the wife of Clement Conn; Florence, deceased, was the wife of Richard Barbour; John Franklin is the immediate subject of this sketch; Mary is the wife of Andrew J. Garner; Douglas was the next in order of birth; Caroline, deceased, was the wife of Lumbra Bevis; and Sarah is the wife of Dr. Harry H. Smith. The parents were earnest members' of the Presbyterian church, and their characters and generous attributes gained and retained to them unqualified popular esteem, the while they did well their part in connection with community life and productive farm industry. John Franklin Gillespie was born in Morgan township, Butler county, on November 7, 1856, and thus he was a child of about three years at the time of the family removal to Reily township, where he was reared to manhood and where he profited fully by the advantages afforded in the public schools. Thereafter he supplemented his education by a course of study in the Holbrook Normal school at Lebanon, but from his early youth to the present time he has not faltered in his allegiance to and appreciation of the great basic industry of agriculture, of which he is now a prominent and successful exponent in Reily township. In 1885 he took unto himself a wife, and in the following years they established themselves on their present fine homestead farm, upon which he has made many excellent improvements of modern order,
the place being equipped with good buildings and giving every evidence of thrift and prosperity. Mr. Gillespie, in his civic attitude as well as his industrial activities, has well upheld the sterling reputation and honor of the family name, and has taken loyal interest in all things concerning the welfare of the community, his political allegiance being given to the Democratic party, and he having given a quarter of a century of effective service as a member of the school board of his district. He and his wife are zealous members of the Presbyterian church, in which he is an elder, their active membership being in the church of this denomination at Reily. In 1885 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Gillespie to Miss Alice Lowe, who was born and reared in Bethany, Butler county, where her parents, John and Elizabeth Ann (Pilkington) Lowe, established their home upon coming from Baltimore, Md., to Ohio. Of the Lowe children the eldest is Harry, M. D., who is engaged in the practice of his profession at Piqua, Ohio; Genevieve was the next in order of birth; Mrs. Elizabeth Ayers of Denver, Colo., is the next younger; and Alice is the wife of the subject of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie have five children: Pauline is the wife of Lawrence Reed and they have one child, Harold. Bryce W. married Miss Celia Smith and they have two children, Ellsworth and Ruth. Alice Marie has served since 1917 as a zealous and devoted worker in the foreign mission department of the Presbyterian church, and at the time of this writing she is stationed at the Presbyterian mission in the ancient city of Tabriz, Persia; Robert and Helen remain at the parental home.
Lee B. Gillespie is another of the native sons of Butler county who is here giving excellent account for himself as an exponent of agricultural and live stock industry. The farm which he operates is owned by his father and comprises eighty-two acres of the fertile and valuable soil of Ross township, the place being well improved and giving fruitful tribute of production under the progressive management of the subject of this review. Lee Burton Gillespie was born in Millville, in Ross township, Butler county, and the date of his birth was May 11, 1887, so that he is now one of the younger representatives of farm enterprise in his native township. Lee B. Gillespie early gained fellowship with the varied duties incidental to the operations of the home farm, and in the public schools he continued his studies until he had availed himself of the advantages of the high school at Hamilton. He continued to be associated with his father in farm activities until his marriage, in 1914, when he established his residence on his present farm, to which he has since given his effective supervision, as one of the alert, vigorous and successful representatives of agricultural industry in his native county. He is always ready to lend his support to measures and enterprises advanced for the general good of the community, is a Democrat in his political allegiance and both he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian church. On January 1, 1914, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Gillespie to Miss Frances :Martha Boyle, daughter of Elias and Elizabeth (Hughes) Boyle, of Hanover township. After the death of his first wife, Elizabeth, Mr. Boyle married Miss
Alice Moody, and of the two children of the first union Mrs. Gillespie is the younger, her brother, John M., who married Miss Elizabeth :McClellan, being now a resident of Dayton, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie have a winsome little daughter, Mildred B., who was born May 31, 1916, and who maintains a gracious rule over the pleasant family home.
Orie Gillespie, operating the fine old homestead farm, in Hanover township, is well maintaining the prestige of the family name, both as a loyal citizen and as one of the progressive and substantial farmers of Butler county. On the farm which is his present place of residence, Mr. Gillespie was born February 9, 1874, a son of Robert and Margaret Gillespie, honored citizens, of whom more specific mention is made in the sketch of their son, James B. Orie Gillespie profited duly by the advantages afforded in the public schools, including those in the village of Millville. After leaving school Mr. Gillespie assisted his father in operating his farm until the time of his marriage, in 1903, when he and his bride established themselves on a farm, not far distant from the old homestead. There he continued his activities until the death of his father, July 4, 1908, and then he returned to the old place where he was born, and assumed the control and active management of the same, being exceedingly successful in his operations. In politics Mr. Gillespie, while never ambitious for official preferment, gives his support to the cause of the Democratic party, and he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian church. He contributed liberally to the various loan and war savings stamp drives, as well as to the Noble Red Cross work during the period of the World war, and in all respects he is known as a loyal citizen well worthy of the high esteem in which he is held in his native county. In the year 1903 was solemnized the marriage of :Mr. Gillespie to May Fisher, who was born and reared in Butler county and who is a daughter of Jacob and Mary Fisher, highly respected citizens of Millville. Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie were the parents of a daughter who died in infancy.
William Oliver Gillespie, was born near St. Charles, Butler county, the son of William R. and Elizabeth (Kemple) Gillespie. His father, William Gillespie, was a native of Butler county. His mother, Elizabeth Kemple, was the daughter of George and Catherine Kemple. William R. Gillespie and wife lived on a farm north of St. Charles, and to them were born the following children: Israel B., deceased; Francella, now Mrs. George Huber, of Hamilton, Ohio; Jeanette, deceased; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Emmett Wilson, of Mixersville, Ind.; Catherine, now Mrs. Charles Bess; of Reily, Ohio; and William Oliver. The Reily township No. 8 school was the seat of learning at which Oliver Gillespie received his early education. January 31, 1889, he married Mary Porter, the daughter of Harry and Emily (Davis) Porter, who were the parents of James, deceased; Ellis L.; Mary, wife of William Oliver Gillespie; Martha; and Blanche, deceased. After his marriage to Mary Porter, Oliver Gillespie lived in Reily township for four years carrying on farming successfully, and in 1893 moved on a farm in Morgan township. This farm is his today. It is of 156 acres, and is known as the old
McKinstry farm. To him and wife have been born the following children: Hazel, who married Curtis Conery, who lives in Harrison Ohio, and are the parents of three children, Roberta, Huber, and Morris; Pearl, Warren and Paul.
William Howard Gillispie, belonging to the intelligent class of workers whose activities are contributing to the success of the American Rolling mills, at Middletown, was born at Springboro, Ohio, October 1, 1887, a son of J. Frank and Libbie M. (Stewart) Gillispie, of fine old pioneer stock of the Miami valley, and now residents of Middletown, where J. Frank Gillispie is also employed at the plant of the American Rolling Mill company. William H. Gillispie received his early education in the public schools of Springboro and was about fifteen years of age when he accompanied his parents to Middletown. Here he completed his literary training, and began his independent career as a worker in the American Rolling mill. By degrees he advanced in position till he became a roller, a position in which he is known as a dependable and thoroughly efficient workman. Mr. Gillispie was married June 22, 1910, to Miss Elva Florence Smith, who was born August 23, 1883, in Butler county, and a graduate of the Amanda High school. After taking a course at the Normal college at Lebanon, and Oxford college, she was engaged in teaching school for eight years prior to her marriage. She is a bright and intelligent woman of pleasing and amiable disposition and has numerous friends in Middletown. Her father, Peter Smith, is still residing on the old homestead on Yankee road, Butler county, where her mother passed away June 30, 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Gillispie are the owners of a comfortable home on Yankee road and are faithful members of the Methodist church. He is a Republican in his political views, and fraternizes with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.
G. R. Gilmore is a native son of Butler county, a representative of one of its old and well known families, as well as a constructive farmer and stock grower. Mr. Gilmore was born in Fairfield township, Butler county, October 19, 1859, and is a son of Jeremiah and Susan (Hopper) Gilmore, the former of whom was born in Fairfield township, and the latter a native of the state of Delaware. William Gilmore, grandfather of G. R., was born and reared in Ireland, and became one of the very early settlers of Butler county, coming to this country January 8, 1808. He was numbered among the earliest of the settlers of Fairfield township, where he reclaimed a farm from the forest wilds, and eventually became one of the extensive landholders of the county. At one time he was the owner of 750 acres of land in Fairfield township, and here he continued his farm enterprise until the time of his death. Jeremiah Gilmore was reared to manhood in Fairfield township and long continued his successful service as one of the substantial and representative farmers of Fairfield township, where he was the owner of a well improved place of 115 acres and where he now is a revered member of the family circle of his son G. R., of this review, while his wife is deceased. Of the eight children five are living: Mertie, Josie, James B., G. R., and George. G. R. Gilmore early became familiar with the various duties
involved in the work of the old home farm, and in the meanwhile he profited by the advantages offered in the district schools of his native township. He continued to be associated with the work and management of the old homestead until the retirement of his father, when he assumed full control, which he has since retained. His operations are carried forward on a tract of 115 acres and he gives his attention to diversified agriculture and the raising of live stock. For seven years he operated the place primarily as a dairy farm, but at the expiration of this period he disposed of his dairy herd and resumed general farming operations. He was also an active participant in all activities relating to the World war. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party, and fraternally he is affiliated with the Tribe of Ben Hur, and he attends and supports the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is an active member. In 1884 Mr. Gilmore married Miss Emma Sloffner, and they have three children: Cornelia is the wife of Charles Guilland, and they have one child, Emma Jane; Grace is the wife of Raymond Gates, and they have three children, Gordon, Raymond and Catherine; Sorgen, youngest of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore, remains at home and is his father's assistant in the work and management of the farm.
David Gingerich. Among the progressive business men of Butler county should be numbered David Gingerich, who has been identified with contracting at Middletown since 1903. In his special line of business he has met with marked success and by the energy and zeal which he has manifested has won the confidence, esteem and patronage of the public. Mr. Gingerich was born at Jacksonboro, Butler county, Ohio, in 1879, a son of Christian and Mary (Miller) Gingerich, the former a native of Pennsylvania who came to Butler county as a young man. The district schools of Butler county and the public school at Jacksonboro furnished Mr. Gingerich with his educational advantages, and his boyhood and youth were passed in an agricultural community, although he did not decide on farming when he chose his life career. Instead, he turned his attention to the educator's profession, and for two terms taught school in Butler county, but this period was sufficient to assure him of the fact that teaching was not his forte, and he accordingly sought another avenue of endeavor in which to work his way to substantial position. The business of contracting in a fast growing community seemed to offer opportunities, and as he had some knowledge which fitted him for this business he embarked therein in a small way, and in 1903 came to Middletown. Here he had gradually enlarged the scope of his activities and the volume of his business until he is one of the leading men in contracting in all kinds of brick, stone and frame work. He has numerous large structures to his credit, and has contributed materially to the upbuilding of the community. Mr. Gingerich is the owner of a fine home, located in the Maple Park addition. He was married in 1901 to Clara, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Barr) Morningstar, and to this union there have been born four children: Ralph, a resident of Middletown; and Roy, Mildred and Walter, at home Mr. Gingerich is a Democrat, but is inclined
to be liberal in his views and is not active as a party man. However he has been helpful and constructive in his work as a citizen, particularly in the way of educational affairs, as he has been a member of the school board for seven years, and was mainly instrumental in securing the installation and erection of the new school building at Middletown. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias, and he and the members of his family belong to the Baptist church.
George P. Gingerich holds secure prestige as one of the leading contractors and builders in the city of Middletown, where he has been established in business since 1903 and where his extensive operations as a contractor have included the erection of many of the finest residences that have been here built within that period, besides which he has erected a number of modern business structures and public buildings. In connection with his contracting enterprise he retains a large force of employees, including a number of highly skilled artisans, and he has amplified his activities by engaging also in the manufacture of cement blocks for concrete building construction. He has accumulated valuable real estate in Middletown, and is one of the city's substantial business men, with a reputation that constitutes a valuable business and social asset. As a young man Mr. Gingerich was actively identified with farm industry, from which he deflected himself to learn the carpenter's trade, and this vocation naturally led him eventually into independent contracting business - a line of enterprise through which he has gained independence and substantial prosperity. He has served as a member of the election board at Middletown, but other than this has not touched political service, though he is arrayed as a stalwart in the local camp of the Democratic party and is liberal and progressive as a citizen. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which order he has served for many years as trustee at Middletown, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Mr. Gingerich was born in Butler county, Ohio, May 21, 1869, and is a son of Christopher and Mary Jane (Miller) Gingerich, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Jacksonboro, Ohio. Of the eight children, the firstborn, John, died in infancy; Elizabeth is the wife of Christopher Schubert, of Hamilton, Ohio; Clement V. resides at Westwood, a suburb of the city of Cincinnati; Ellen is the wife of Joseph Randall, of Jacksonboro, Ohio; George Pendleton, subject of this review, was the next in order of birth; Eliza is the wife of Solomon Hill, of Middletown; Mima is the wife of Charles Long, of the same city; and David likewise resides at Middletown. March 21, 1892, recorded the marriage of Mr. Gingerich to Miss Daisy Lanier, daughter of William and Eleanor (Harris) Lanier, who are venerable and honored residents of Middletown and whose children are six in number: Minnie is the wife of Charles Brown, of Richmond, Ind.; Daisy is the wife of the subject of this review; Thomas M. and Edward reside in the city of Cincinnati; Ada is the wife of William Kasseman, of Middletown, where resides also Eva, who is the wife of Grover Selby. Mr. and Mrs. Gingerich have two sons: Earl, who was born
January 4, 1902, is a student in the Middletown High school, in 1919; and Glenn, who was born October 31, 1906, is attending the graded schools.
S. S. Glasgow, a native Ohioan and a highly respected citizen, and who is now living in comfortable retirement after many years of connection with business and agricultural interests, was born in Adams county, Ohio, June 4, 1851, a son of William B. Glasgow, a native of the same community. This is an old and honored family of Scotland, from which the city of Glasgow derives its name, and Mr. Glasgow's grandfather was one of three brothers to emigrate from that country to America at an early date, all of whom, however, spelled their names differently. The grandfather located in Rockbridge county, W. Va., and later went to Adams county, Ohio, and became a pioneer settler and later the owner of a large tract of land. He and his wife were the parents of the following children: Polly, who became the wife of John Williams; Becky, who married a Mr. Ralston; Rose, who also married a Mr. Ralston; Margaret, who married Robert P. McClure, a captain in the Ohio State Militia; Eliza, who married William P. Breckenridge, a pioneer of Adams county, who is remembered as a great church worker and possessor of a wonderful singing voice which he used to good advantage in the early days in his religious work; Robert A., a farmer of Adams county, and a pioneer breeder of Red Polled cattle; Arthur, who went to California over the plains as a "forty-niner" and met with great success in his search for gold, but when returning home was drowned; and William B. William B. Glasgow was educated in the common schools of Adams county, and passed his life as a farmer, a vocation in which he gained success, becoming the owner of several valuable properties. His first wife died without issue, and he married for his second wife Maria H. McIntire, of Adams county, who died in 1859. They became the parents of the following children: Mary Jane, who married J. J. Kane, of Brown county, Ohio; Dr. Joseph Anderson, now a retired resident of Seaman, Ohio, since 1914, in early life a teacher, and a graduate, 1878, of the Cincinnati Medical college, who for fifteen years was engaged in practice in Highland county; Robert, deceased; Mary Elizabeth, who married J. G. Williams of Seaman, Ohio; William Arthur, who died at the age of twenty-two years; and S. S., of this notice. During the days that preceded the Civil war, William B. Glasgow was a strong opponent of slavery, and was a member of the Underground Railway. He was a Republican in his political views, but in the latter years of his life was inclined toward the Prohibition party because of his unalterable belief in temperance. While he lived to the age of ninety-one years he had never taken a drink of liquor nor entered a saloon, nor had he ever sworn or used tobacco. Satisfied with his home surroundings, he did not care for travel, and it is said that he never rode on a railroad train in his life. He and the members of his family were staunch members of the United Presbyterian church. S. S. Glasgow received his education in the public schools of his native community and resided at home, assisting his father, until his marriage, April 7, 1881, to Lathie E. McClure, of Vernon, Ky. Three
children have been born to this union: Marion M., who graduated from high school at the age of eleven years, and later secured a teacher's license, went to the county seat alone and earned the money to pay his own hotel bill, entered Miami university in 1900 and received his degree of Bachelor of Arts, August 8, 1904, went to Chicago and secured a position with Sears, Roebuck & company, was subsequently with the Western Electric company and the Bagdad Lumber company as an expert accountant and head bookkeeper for five years, and for the past five years with the American Lumber company of Panama City, Fla., is a Mason and a member of the Presbyterian church; Grace G., residing with her parents, a graduate of Miami university, class of 1907, took the chair of French at the Women's college, Jacksonville, Ill., and remained three years, when her mother's health failing, she returned home, occasionally teaching as an extra; and William Wellington, a graduate of Miami university, went to Chicago, where he was with the Western Electric company and Shaw Walker & company, and is now at St. Paul, Minn., with the Library Bureau company. He married Gladys Jones of Chicago, Ill., and has one child, Grace Marie. After his marriage, S. S. Glasgow settled down in Adams county and remained until 1898, being engaged in farming, saw milling and operating a threshing outfit. He then went to Marion, where for three years he was a salesman for the Huber Manufacturing company, and later traveled through Ohio and Iowa as a representative for the International Harvester company. Returning to Adams county, he farmed and dealt in implements for two years, and following this bought a farm in Oxford township, Butler county, which he conducted and operated five years. At that time he took up his residence at No. 422 E. Church street, and for four years thereafter traveled for the J. I. Case Manufacturing company in Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky and South Dakota. After three years spent in the latter state, he retired from active labor and has since resided in his comfortable home at Oxford. Mr. Glasgow has always been a public-spirited citizen and during a period of five years acted as street commissioner in Oxford, an office to which he was elected on the Republican ticket. He is a faithful member of the Presbyterian church, having been reared in the teachings thereof, and has reared his own children in that faith. Both he and his wife are held in the warmest regard by their neighbors and friends.
Christian Goldsmith, a retired agriculturist of Collinsville, Ohio, is rounding out a long and useful life, and although now not engaged in active labors, can turn memory's pages, decade after decade, and note the development of state and nation, having just reason to take pride in the fact that he has done his part in paving the way to the advantages and privileges enjoyed by the present generation. Christian Goldsmith belongs to one of the early settled families of Butler county, Ohio, having been born in Lemon township, June 29, 1837, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Goldsmith, natives of France. The parents came to the United States as single young people and were married in Pennsylvania, from whence they went to Upper Canada and remained for seven years. On their return to the United
States they located in St. Clair township, Butler county, going thence to Lemon township, where the father engaged in farming ventures. Hearing the call of the West, in 1847 Joseph Goldsmith drove through to Lee county, Iowa, where he rented land and was subsequently joined by his family. Eventually he moved to Henry county, Iowa, where his death occurred in 1876, at the age of eighty years, his widow surviving him until 1900, when she passed away at the advanced age of ninety years, three months. Joseph Goldsmith was one of the early preachers of the Mennonite church and was always active in church work. They were the parents of twelve children: John, Catherine and Lydia, all deceased; Benjamin, a resident of Henry county, Iowa; Joseph, who died in 1912; Peter and Elizabeth, both deceased; Christian; Jacob and Anna, twins, residing in Henry county; Fannie, deceased, also of that county; and Magdalena, living in Henry county, Iowa. Like his brothers and sisters, Christian Goldsmith had but little opportunity to gain an education, but made the most of his chances and since his boyhood has been a close observer and reader, so that today he is an intelligent man, with a knowledge of important subjects that could not be gleaned merely from the study of school books. He remained with his parents until 1860, in which year he returned to Butler county, Ohio, with his brother Joseph, and took up the business of threshing, an occupation which he followed year by year, from 1861 to 1915. After his marriage, in 1866, he located at Overpeck, Ohio, and later moved to Milford township, where he engaged in farming for some years and where he still owns a property of 115 acres in section 16. From 1875 to 1914 he also owned and operated a sawmill, but in 1915 retired from active pursuits and since then has been residing in his comfortable and attractive home which he erected at Collinsville. Mr. Goldsmith is a democratic voter, and his religious connection is with the Mennonite church at Trenton. Despite his eighty-two years, he is well preserved and has a splendid memory, which he exercises in an entertaining way for the benefit of his numerous friends who are always attentive listeners to his reminiscences of the early days. October 22, 1866, Mr. Goldsmith was married to Barbara, daughter of John and Barbara (Slaughter) Slonaker, natives of Pennsylvania and pioneers of Milford township. Mr. Slonaker died at the remarkable age of ninety-six years and his wife when eighty-six years old, both in the faith of the Mennonite church. They had six children: Mary, deceased, who was the wife of the late John Unsicker; Mrs. Goldsmith, who died February 23, 1914; Fannie, the wife of Jacob Urz, of Collinsville; John, of Trenton, Ohio; Kate, who married Christian Ummel, of Trenton; and Joseph, of Hamilton. To Mr. and Mrs. Goldsmith there were born the following children: Levi, a thresher and sawmill man of Collinsville, who married December 30, 1912, Estella Koffer, of Preble county, and has three children, Howard C., Chester S. and Richard Lee; Elmer, formerly a teacher, who went to conduct a newspaper at Petoskey, Mich., and there died, leaving a widow, who had been Katie Somers; Salina, the wife of Edgar Wykopp, of Burlington, Iowa, who has had three sons, Carl, Chester, deceased, and Elmer;
Oscar, single, who at the age of eighteen years enlisted in the United States Regular Army for three years, at Baltimore, Md., and at the expiration of his first term of service, re-enlisted for another three years; and Anna, the wife of Clay Klopp, proprietor of a grain elevator at Camden, Ohio.
Frederick E. Goldsmith. Industry puts an entirely new face upon the productions of nature. By labor man has subjugated the world, reduced it to his dominion, and clothed the earth with a new garment. The first rude plow that man thrust into the soil, the first rude axe of stone with which he felled its pine, the first rude canoe scooped by him from its trunk to cross the river and reach the greener fields beyond, were each the outcome of a human faculty which brought within his reach some physical comfort he had never enjoyed before. From the earliest times, invention has played a great and important part in the advancement of civilization, and today industry and its development are largely dependent upon the genius of men whose fertile minds evolve new methods and intricate machinery which serve to do away with unnecessary labor and add to the comforts and benefit of mankind. In the Miami valley, one whose inventions have led him to a position of recognized importance and prominence is Frederick E. Goldsmith, of Middletown, president of the Ceramic Machine Tool company and of the Columbia Machine and Tool company, of Hamilton. Mr. Goldsmith was born on a farm in Milford township, Butler county, Ohio, a son of Joseph M. and Magdalena (Kensinger) Goldsmith, farming people who passed their entire lives at their country place in Milford township. The father retired and moved to Hamilton, where he died in 1908 at the age of seventy-six years, and the mother in 1910, when seventy-one years of age. They were the parents of nine children, of whom seven are living: Mary; Frederick E.; Samuel, of Hamilton; Catherine, who married O. N. Black of Hamilton; Luella, who married A. G. Banks of Dayton; Elizabeth, who married Frank B. Yingling of Hamilton; Florence, who married Frederick Carnahan, who is deceased, of Colorado. Frederick Goldsmith attended the public schools at Seven Mile and resides at home and assisted his father until he reached the age of eighteen years. From early youth he exhibited a genius for fashioning improvements on the farm machinery, and this inventive genius led him to be discontented with the prosaic surroundings of the rural atmosphere, he eventually leaving home to seek his fortune through the medium of his inventions. During his career he has traveled extensively, not only throughout the United States, but all over Europe, in the interests of his inventions, and at the present time he is the owner of many valuable patents and has the credit for some of the most ingenious machinery that has ever been put on the market. Naturally, his inventions have led him into association with other business men in large business concerns, for Mr. Goldsmith, unlike many inventors, is also of a practical turn of mind and is possessed of excellent business capacity. While his home has been at Middletown, where he has had a modern residence at No. 709 S. Main street, since January, 1916, a large part of his interests are centered at Hamilton, where, as noted,
he is president of the Ceramic Machinery company and of the Columbia Machine & Tool company. His standing in business circles is that which can only be acquired by a man of high principle and unfaltering integrity, while his social and fraternal connections are numerous and important. Mr. Goldsmith married Sarah Abbie, daughter of David and Sarah (Smith) Gruber, who were residents of near Millville Ohio the former a native of Indiana, and the latter of Clermont county, Ohio. Mr. Gruber died in 1867, aged forty-eight years, his widow surviving until June 18, 1907, when she passed away in the faith of the Presbyterian church, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. Of their twelve children, four are living: Emma, of Middletown; Martha E., who married John Burcky, of that city; Jane, the widow of Paul J. Sorg, also of Middletown; and Mrs. Goldsmith. Mrs. Goldsmith is a faithful member of the Baptist church, and Mr. Goldsmith is a Methodist. They have numerous friends at Middletown, who are always made welcome at the pleasant and attractive Goldsmith home, situated at No. 709 S. Main street.
Gustave M. Goldsmith. An identification with a concern of prominence and importance in the business world is always taken as evidence of general worth and executive capacity, and, such being the case, Gustave M. Goldsmith may be noted as one of the substantial and capable business citizens of Hamilton. Coming to Hamilton in 1905, he has since been connected with the Mosler Safe company, of which concern he is now vice-president. Mr. Goldsmith was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1883, a son of Max S. and Dora Goldsmith, residents of Cincinnati. Max S. Goldsmith has long been prominently known in business circles of Cincinnati as a substantial manufacturer, and at this time is president of the Goldsmith Metal Lath company. There were two children in the family: William M., of Cincinnati, secretary and treasurer of the Goldsmith Metal Lath company; and Gustave M. Gustave M. Goldsmith attended the public schools of Cincinnati, and after his graduation from the high school went to Cornell university, from which institution he was graduated in 1905. Mr. Goldsmith has a wide acquaintance in manufacturing circles of Hamilton and other cities, has the full confidence of his associates as a man of marked capacity and thorough business knowledge, and in his daily transactions has exemplified the possession of high principles and a strict code of business honor. He was married in March 1907 to Alma Meyer, born at Chicago, Ill. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Goldsmith: Dorothy, aged ten years; and Gustave M., jr., aged six years. The family residence of the Goldsmiths, a handsome home, is located at No. 154 N. Ninth street, and is the scene of many social gatherings, where Mr. and Mrs. Goldsmith extend the most gracious hospitality to their many friends. Mr. Goldsmith is a member of the Hamilton club, the Butler County Country club and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, and has a number of civic connections. He has not entered actively into public life, but has always been a staunch supporter of movements which have been constructive and beneficial.
Fred W. Goos, one of the most progressive farmers of Butler
county, son of Fred and Catherine (Hartmann) Goos, was born in Germany, the oldest of a family of eight children: Fred W., our subject; Anna, Mrs. William Krauth; Katherine, Mrs. O. Schlichter; William; Marie, Mrs. Albert Hermann; Richard; Albert; Elsie, Mrs. William Lipp. In 1987, Fred Goos, the father, brought his entire family, including Fred W., then quite a lad, to this country and first settled in Hamilton, Ohio, but after a residence of several years there, removed to a farm in Ross township, Butler county, where his death occurred in July, 1919. The mother still occupies the home farm. Fred W. received his education in both Germany and this country at Hamilton, and thus had some advantages in that regard not generally the privilege of the average young person. In Germany, also, he learned engineering, and for some time while living in Hamilton was employed in the capacity of engineer by the Benninghofen company. In 1906 he was married to Mary Heyntermeister, daughter of Samuel Heyntermeister. Her parents were of Swiss nativity, but the death of the father having occurred in Switzerland, the widow and children came to make their home in the United States. To Mr. and Mrs. Goos, have been born four children: Richard, Elinore, Margaret and Helen. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Goos moved to a farm of 174 acres in Ross township, Butler county, and engaged in the active life of a farmer. This farm was known as the John Wilcox place, and then belonged to Mr. Goos's father, but as a result of diligent application and careful management, it is now the sole property of the son and one of the best and most productive farms in Butler county. Mr. Goos is a member of a family whose standing in the community is of the very highest. He is himself very active in any undertaking that tends in any way to advance public interests, and during the World war was one of the most energetic and untiring leaders in important activities. He is a successful man, and that success has been achieved through his own indefatigable efforts. In church relationship, Mr. Goos is a Lutheran and a member of St. Paul's congregation.
Richard F. Goos. Although he was born in Germany and spent the first eleven years of his life there, Richard F. Goos, a prominent young farmer of Ross township, Butler county, Ohio, demonstrated his loyalty to the United States during the recent World war by participating in movements that would promote the best interests of the Allies and by subscribing liberally for Liberty bonds, and from the first day that he landed in this country as a young boy he has manifested a deep interest in the welfare of the country and since reaching maturity has done everything in his power to make himself a useful citizen. He was born in Weinheim Baden, Germany, May 12, 1883, the fourth child in a family of five of Frederick and Catherine (Hartmann) Goos, who were also natives of that country. The father was a miller and as he had heard much of the United States and the excellent opportunities for obtaining employment in his line of endeavor, in 1894 he decided to move his family to this country, and after arriving in the United States he located in Hamilton, Ohio, where he worked for Crout and Benninghofen and later took up farming near Lindenwald, which he continued for a time with success.
The opportunity of purchasing an attractive farm of 180 acres in St. Clair township, Ohio, presented itself and he took advantage of this, buying and occupying this property for about twelve years, when he purchased another farm of 120 acres, also in St. Clair township and remained here until his death in July, 1919. These two ventures from a financial standpoint proved decidedly successful and he became known to other agriculturists for some years as a man who had a thorough knowledge of farming and one who was equally well versed in farm values, and in addition to crop raising he was engaged quite extensively in cattle raising and dairying, these features to good advantage. He was a devout communicant of St. Paul's church of Hamilton, Ohio. The children, besides Richard F. were: Frederick, who is occupying his father's old place in St. Clair township, and who married Mary Heyntermeister, they having four children: Richard, Elinore, Margaret, and Helen; Anna, who married William Krauth, a well known agriculturist of St. Clair township; Katherine, who is the wife of Oscar Schlichter, an agriculturist of Hanover township, Ohio, and whose family consists of Frederick, Elenore and Elsie; Marie, who is the wife of Albert Hermann and who lives with her husband and two children near Hamilton, Ohio; and Albert. The latter is living on the old homestead with his mother. Richard F. attended the schools in Ross township and lived at the old home until his marriage in 1911 to Louise M Munsfeldt of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany. He had made two visits to the Fatherland and was married during his second trip. On his return to the United States he was associated in farming for two years with his brother Frederick and accumulated sufficient means to purchase his present productive farm of 161 acres in Ross township. This was known as the old Killian place. All of this tract is under cultivation, with the exception of about twenty-five acres. He has twenty-seven head of excellent Holstein cattle. He also raises hogs and does a general farming business. Adhering to the religious belief of his parents with the same admirable devotion he is a member of St. Paul's church of Hamilton, Ohio. He is the father of four children: William, Richard, Alfreda, Gertrude and Ernest. He has never identified himself with any political party, being an independent voter and prepared to support at all times men whom he feels are best suited to hold public office.
John William C. Goshorn. For a period of nearly sixty-five years, members of one family have superintended Greenwood cemetery. Hamilton. Since 1855, when Andrew J. Goshorn \vas appointed, the superintendency has been in the Goshorn name, and during the past quarter of a century William C. Goshorn has been the incumbent of this honored position. It is worthy of note that in all this time not the slightest dissatisfaction has been expressed, an unusual condition of affairs where a more or less public service of this length of time has been rendered. William C. Goshorn was born on the site of the residence in which he now lives at Hamilton, March 21, 1855, and is the only surviving child of Andrew J. and Sarah J. (Clements) Goshorn. His parents were natives of Huntingdon county, Pa., the father born June 14, 1819, and the mother January 26, 1821; and
accompanied their respective .families to Ohio, the Goshorns coming in 1849, and the Clements in 1837. The parents were married at Hamilton, June 24, 1849, and established their own home, and soon after this Andrew J. Goshorn secured employment at his trade of tanner in the business of John W. Sohn, with whom he remained about six years. February 7, 1855, Mr. Goshorn received the appointment as superintendent of Greenwood cemetery, upon the recommendation of one Dr. Cyrus Falconer, being the third to hold this position. His ensuing service extended over a period of forty years, continuing until the day of his death, March 21, 1894, which, by a strange coincidence, was his son's thirty-ninth birthday. At the time that Mr. Goshorn took charge, there had been but 828 interments; at the close of his forty years of service there had been 9,094. During his administration the size of the cemetery grounds had been increased from twenty-one to sixty-seven acres. The great attendance at his funeral, representing people from every walk in life, gave evidence of the high esteem in which he was held at Hamilton and in the surrounding country. He was a staunch Republican in politics, but had no lodge affiliations. He and Mrs. Goshorn were members of the United Presbyterian church. Following her husband's death she went to live with her son, William C., at whose home she resided until her own demise, September 15, 1904. Of the six children in the family, four died in infancy and one at the age of twenty-four years, William C. Goshorn received a good educational training in the public schools of Hamilton, and when his studies were completed became his father's assistant in cemetery work. He succeeded to the elder man's position at his death, because of his natural aptitude for that work and his years of training therein, and was appointed to the superintendency without comment or question. His work as superintendent during a period of twenty-five years has been of a character that has won for him high commendation, a conscientious service that has gained him public friendships, confidence and gratitude. Mr. Goshorn married Miss Laura J. Tiddler, a daughter of Samuel and Catherine Tiddler, early settlers of Hamilton, who had six children, of whom three survive. Mr. and Mrs. Goshorn have had five children, of whom three survive, all having been well educated in the Hamilton public schools. They are: Lou B., who is the wife of Charles Eiver, of Hamilton, but a resident of Jennings, La.; Ida M., the wife of Harry B. Rogers, of Delaware, Ohio, with three sons and two daughters; and Miss Sadie, who still lives with her parents at No. 1123 Heaton street, her father's most capable and energetic assistant, who thoroughly understands the work of handling the cemetery and is able to take full charge when her father is ill or away on business. Mr. Goshorn is a Republican.
Fred E. and Frank H. Graf. The invention of the automobile and its development into its utilization as one of the most important factors in our twentieth-century commercial and social life, has created an entirely new industry, the possibilities of which are not even yet fully appreciated. More and more, of recent years, have men of strong individuality, keen intelligence, firm determination, entered this business, either as manufacturers or dealers, and in the
latter category, at Hamilton, are found Fred E. and Frank H. Graf, who, doing business under the firm style of Graf Brothers, have won notable success and overcome several serious commercial misfortunes. They are sons of Henry B. and Ella S. Graf, the latter a native of Butler county, Ohio, and the former of Indiana. Henry B. Graf was educated in the public schools of his native state, after which he engaged in and followed the foundry business at Hamilton as foreman of the firm known as H. P. Duscher company. In 1898 the family, consisting of the parents and two sons, the only daughter having died in infancy, moved to Miamisburg, Ohio, where the father engaged in the brewery business and remained therein seven years. He is now retired from active affairs and he is a resident of Miamisburg. Mr. Graf was a member formerly of the board of public service at Miamisburg, is a prominent Democrat, and belongs to the lodges of the Elks and Knights of Pythias. Frank H. Graf was born August 30, 1887, at Hamilton and received good educational advantages, attending the graded schools at Miamisburg, high school at Dayton, and a business college in the latter city. Following the completion of his studies he secured employment with the Peckham Garage at Dayton, and subsequently was identified with the Speedwell Motor Car company, and in 1910 embarked in business on his own account at the Gem City. Returning some time later to Hamilton he established himself in business as an automobile dealer in one room, at Third and Market streets, but subsequently moved to the Morey building, and entered into partnership with John Lever. When the Morey building was destroyed by fire, the partnership was mutually dissolved and Mr. Graf embarked in business for himself at No. 321 Market street. In the fall of 1913 he went to Second and Market streets, where he went into business under the style of Graf Motor Car company, but this business was hardly established before the great flood came, damaging the stock to the extent of $10,000. But later the business was moved to its present location at B. & O. and Walnut streets, where the enterprise is now rated at about $45,000. The firm handles Cole, Nash and Maxwell cars and does painting and all kinds of repairing. The brothers are rated high in the business world as men of integrity and ability, and have built up a good business solely through their own efforts and perseverance. November 11, 1909, Frank H. Graf married Anna Hazel Dill, of Dayton, granddaughter of T. C. Lindsey, a prominent jeweler and real estate operator of that city, who erected and owns the Lindsey building there. Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Graf are the parents of one child: Robert, born in 1917. Fred E. Graf was born September 5, 1892, at Hamilton, and received his education in the graded and high schools of Miamisburg. He was variously employed, principally in the automobile industry, until 1915, at which time he entered into business with his brother as a member of the firm. He was married December 22, 1917, to Viola G., daughter of Ernest W. and Ophelia Bringhurst. Mr. Bringhurst was formerly engaged in business at St. Louis, but at this time is general manager of the George Wiedmann Brewing company, at Hamilton. The Graf brothers are Democratic voters, but have found little time to
devote to public affairs, their interest having been engrossed by their business. They are members of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and are popular with their fellow lodge members.
John A. Grafft, M. D. Among the most reliable and successful medical practitioners of Hamilton is found Dr. John A. Grafft, who has also been prominent in public and military life. A man of firm convictions and settled purpose, he is practical in his aims, whether as physician or citizen, and thereby has advanced steadily to a high and substantial professional position, having been effective also in the realization of several projects which have been promulgated in conjunction with other good citizens of modern tendencies. Born at Jacksonboro, Butler county, Ohio, November 28, 1866, Doctor Grafft belongs to an old and honored family, the first member of which to come to America was Hans Grafft, a native of Holland, who emigrated to Maryland shortly after the close of the American Revolution and became a large land owner and slave holder. Later the family migrated to Virginia and descendants of that branch went to Nelson county, Ky., where, at Bardstown, Abraham Grafft, the great-grandfather of Doctor Grafft, located in 1800 near what is now Seven Mile, Butler county. Samuel Grafft, the father of the Doctor, was born on a farm near Seven Mile, October 19, 1841, and there passed a long and honorable career as an agriculturist. He married Margaret, daughter of Lot Abraham, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and they became the parents of two children: John A.; and Mary, who became the wife of Arthur Hunter. John A. Grafft received his early education in the country schools of Butler county, and in 1882 entered Miami university for a two-year course. In 1885 he enrolled as a student at Wooster university, from which institution he received the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1889, and in that same year took up his medical studies at the Miami Medical college, Cincinnati, Ohio, being given his degree as a member of the class of 1892. For a short time thereafter he practised at Cincinnati, but subsequently moved to Hamilton, where, with the exception of eighteen months passed at Seven Mile, Ohio, and the period of his army service, he has since been located, in the enjoyment of a practice that has grown steadily and satisfyingly in both size and importance with the passing of the years and the recognition of his splendid abilities and talents. Doctor Grafft, in a desire to aid his country, filed his application for enlistment in the United States Army Medical Corps June 12, 1917, and was called to the colors July 1, 1918, reporting to the Central Department, at Chicago, Ill. Shortly thereafter he was assigned to the Post Hospital at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Ind., and then was sent to Camp Dodge, where he was assigned to the 163d Depot Brigade. He remained with that organization for three weeks, when he was transferred to the 31st Medical Replacement Unit, with which he went overseas in September, 1918. After reporting at Base Hospital No. 15, Chaumont, France, he was ordered by the commanding general to Evacuation Hospital No. 7, at Souilly, and then to Grand Pre in the Argonne. Later he went to Base Hospital 15, Chaumont, and subsequently to the commanding
officer at St. Aignan, and from there to the commanding officer of the 27th Division, being assigned to the 107th Field Hospital. With that organization he remained until February 1, 1919, when he was sent to the American Embarkation Center, Le Mans, where he became Division Inspector and continued as such until March 28, when he was assigned to duty at the A. E. F. university, Beaune, Department of Cote d'Or. Reassigned to the Allier Department, Saone-et-Loire, he sailed from Marseilles, June 16, 1919, on the Italian ship, "America," by the way of Gibraltar, and landed on American soil July 2. He received his honorable discharge as first lieutenant of the United States Medical Corps, July 28, and returned to resume his practice at Hamilton. Doctor Grafft is serving as president of the local pension board, having received this appointment while he was still in the service. He acted as a member of the Hamilton, Ohio, Pension Board from 1892-1897. On November 11, 1919, Doctor Grafft was commissioned captain in the Medical Section of the Reserve Corps of the United States Army. "All appointments are limited to discharged officers, to men of demonstrated fitness and gallantry in action, * * * * * with the exception of a small number who had been found qualified for special services and whose appointments were stopped by the Armistice. Advance in rank is not given unless appointee had been recommended for promotion, such recommendation having been initiated and on record in the Adjutant General's office prior to November 11, 1918." Doctor Grafft is a member of the American Legion, of the Butler County Medical society, the Ohio State Medical society, the American Medical association and the Association of Military Surgeons of the U. S. A. He has always taken an active interest in civic affairs, and has been the incumbent of a number of official positions, having been president of the city council of Hamilton for two years. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Masonic Blue Lodge, and he and the members of his family belong to the Presbyterian church. Doctor Grafft married Miss Jennie M. Beal, youngest daughter of the late John Timberman Beal and Rebecca (Carr) Beal, pioneer citizens of Butler county, who date their family back as far as 1660. They are the parents of one daughter: Marjorie, who graduated from Miami university with the class of 1919, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
James G. Grafft, M. D. Among the prominent and successful medical practitioners of Butler county, one who has won merited distinction and position is Dr. James G. Grafft, who has been engaged in practice at Trenton for more than a quarter of a century. Not only does Doctor Grafft hold a recognized position because of his talent in a professional way, but because of his connection with one of the oldest of Butler county's families, which was founded here by Abram Grafft, of Maryland, who went early to Kentucky, and came to Wayne township, Butler county, in 1800. At that time this locality was a practical wilderness, overgrown with timber and brush, and the great-grandfather of Doctor Grafft took a prominent part in the early development of the section, clearing his entered farm and making a home for his family.
He passed his life as a farmer, and died, honored and esteemed, on the property which he had secured from the Government. George P. Grafft, son of the pioneer, and grandfather of Doctor Grafft, was born in Wayne township, Butler county, Ohio, in 1804, grew up on the home place, and was a farmer all his life. He married Mary Ann Moorehead, and they became the parents of five children: Thomas, who met an accidental death in his youth; Abram, the father of Dr. James G.; Samuel, who was a farmer on the old home place and died in 1918; John W., who died on the old home place at the age of twenty-six years; and a daughter, the first born, who died when two and one-half years of age. Abram Grafft grew to manhood on the home farm and attended the old Cotton Run school, after leaving which he resumed farming until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted in Company G, 83d Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at Jacksonboro, Ohio, August 30,1862. His regiment was sent to Dayton and later into camp at Cincinnati, Ohio, subsequently going to Arkansas Post. Mr. Grafft was in the engagements of the Red River Expedition and the Siege of Vicksburg, and after a brave and faithful service was mustered out at Galveston, Texas. Returning home, the brave young soldier resumed farming, on the old home place, where he remained until his death in 1902, at the age of sixty-three years. He married Elizabeth James, of Franklin county, Ind., who died in 1885, his second wife being a widow, Mrs. Briggs, who died at Seven Mile, Ohio. Mr. Grafft was a lifelong Democrat, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was a man widely and favorably known in his community, where he had numerous warm friends. The only child of his parents, James G. Grafft was born at Seven Mile, Ohio, February 25, 1867. As a lad he attended school at Jacksonboro, where one of his schoolmates was James M. Cox, who later became governor of Ohio, and from 1885 to 1890 was a student at Wooster academy. In 1893 he was graduated from the Miami Medical college, and at that time took up his practice at Trenton, which has since been his home and the scene of his marked professional success. He has a large and representative practice and stands high both in public confidence and in the esteem of his fellow-practitioners, who have recognized in him a man of medical and surgical skill and of the highest professional ethics. Doctor Grafft is now one of the owners of the old Grafft homestead, with Mrs. A. B. Hunter. In 1893, at the time of his graduation, Doctor Grafft was united in marriage with Lida Williamson, of Collinsville, Ohio, and they are the parents of three children: Helen, who attended Miami university for two years, and now the wife of A. L. Morner, of Trenton, Ohio, connected with the American Rolling Mill company, at Middletown; Jane, who graduated from Miami university in 1918, and is now living at home and a teacher in the high schools of Monroe; and Walter James, educated in the public schools and now at home, who was in the United States Navy for fifteen months, having enlisted December 3, 1917. Doctor Grafft has been variously identified with matters of importance at Trenton, professional, business and civic. For several years he was president
of the Trenton bank. He has always taken a good deal of interest in the welfare of his city and county, and served as a member of the school board and the town council. In political adherence he is a Democrat. In Masonry, he belongs to the Blue Lodge at Middletown, the Chapter and Commandery at Hamilton and the Scottish Rite at Dayton. He and Mrs. Grafft are consistent members of the United Presbyterian church at Trenton.
Moses Graft. Few men have enjoyed a wider acquaintance, and none have been held in higher respect and esteem, than the late Moses Graft, who was the proprietor of a grocery and dairy business at West Middletown for some years, and whose standing in commercial circles was of the highest. Mr. Graft was born at Middletown, Ohio, April 21, 1861, a son of John and Anna (Barnett) Graft. His father had come from Cincinnati, during the early '50s, and located on the Jim Sutphin farm, where he rounded out a long and honorable career as an agriculturist. Of his ten children, five still survive: John and Samuel, residents of Middletown; William, of Hamilton; Martha, the wife of Dave Lansing, of Middletown; and Fannie, the wife of William Whitehead, of this city. Moses Graft was educated in the public schools and not long after his graduation from the Middletown High school entered upon his business career. He was known far and wide because of his splendid traits of character, and his death, which occurred December 25, 1918, caused deep and widespread sorrow among a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. February 21, 1881, Mr. Graft married Jennie, daughter of Charles and Sarah (Jarvis) Commer, who was born in Virginia and was a mere child when brought by her parents to Middletown. To this union there were born eight children: Stanley, who is deceased; Maude Ellen, the wife of Otis Bruce, of Middletown; Pearl May, the wife of Wilbur Miller, of Middletown; Gertrude, the wife of Clyde Mears, of Middletown; Edward, who married Ellen Frye, and resides in this city; Bertha Elizabeth, who is Mrs. Frank Thompson, of Middletown; Robert, who married Zella Bryant; and Stella, who is deceased. Mrs. Graft, who is highly esteemed in West Middletown, still retains her home here, and finds comfort in visiting among her affectionate children. She is a devout member of the United Brethren church and has accomplished much good work of a religious and charitable nature.
Arthur M. Graham, whose milling and elevator business has been one of the chief commercial factors of Oxford and vicinity since 1912, was born at Morning Sun, Preble county, Ohio, November 16, 1873, a son of Thomas and Elmira (Bell) Graham, also natives of that county, and a grandson of pioneers of Israel township, Preble county, who passed honorable lives in the pursuits of the soil. The parents are deceased and rest in Hopewell cemetery in Preble county. Their children were: Arthur M.; Walter, who married Anna Bolmer and lives at Oxford, where he is connected with his brother's milling business; and Jennie, the wife of Charles Elliot, who is employed at the mill at Oxford. Arthur M. Graham is indebted to the public schools of Oxford for his educational
training. When he put aside his school books, it was to accept a position as a farmhand with R. M. Wilson, and when he reached his majority he embarked upon an agricultural career of his own. The farm, however, held him only for seven years, as he was inclined to follow a commercial life, and in 1901 he came to Oxford and entered into the milling business as a packer in the Oxford Roller mills. Rapid promotion followed and he became thoroughly familiar with every department of the business while rising to the position of miller. In 1912 he became associated in business with William W. Essley and Cecil Pulse. The mill has a capacity of 100 barrels, and its product, the Miami Milling Company's Best Patent, an exceedingly popular brand, has a large sale throughout this locality. Mr. Graham's standing in business circles is one that gives him prestige and marked preferment, and he is held in the highest esteem and confidence by his associates, and his enjoyment of the companionship of his fellows is evidenced in his membership in the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Graham was married November 7, 1912, to Mollie F., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Drain, of Cincinnati. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Graham settled at their new home on South College avenue, Oxford, where have been born their two children: Margaret Sue and James Warren.
William W. Graham was born in the state of Delaware, near Concord, June 9, 1841. During the course of a long and useful career he was known and honored for his sterling integrity, his liberality and sympathy and kindliness, and in his death, on July 18, 1900, Butler county lost one of its well known and highly valued citizens. Mr. Graham was a son of Philip and Ann Graham, who passed their entire lives in Delaware, a state in which the respective families were founded in an early period. William W. Graham attended the public schools of his native state and thereafter found employment for some time as a farm workman in that state, and he was still a young man when he came to Butler county, Ohio, and secured employment on a farm in Fairfield township. He continued thus engaged until the time of his marriage, and after his marriage was for a time engaged in farming near the village of Flockton, whence he finally removed to a farm near what was then known as the Eighteen Mile house. After conducting operations here for several years he purchased and removed to the fine homestead farm on which his widow still resides, and with increasing prosperity he made judicious investments in other tracts in Fairfield township until he became the owner of a valuable property of 265 acres, a portion of which he later sold. Mr. Graham was wide-awake, vigorous and progressive in his activities as an agriculturist and stock grower, and success attended all his efforts. He was loyal to all civic duties and responsibilities, took lively interest in community affairs and served as trustee of Fairfield township, a position in which he continued as the valued incumbent for nine years. He was affiliated with the Knights of Honor. Mr. Graham was married to Mrs. Sarah C. (Bobenmeyer) Morris, widow of L. D. Morris, the one son of the first marriage being
James Wesley Morris, who still resides in Butler county. .Mrs. Graham is a representative of one of the old and honored pioneer families of the beautiful Miami valley. She was born and reared in Fairfield township, Butler county, and is a daughter of John and Saloma (Dubbs) Bobenmeyer, the former a native of Berks county, Pa., and the latter of Lehigh county, that state. John Bobenmeyer was a son of John Frederick Bobenmeyer, who was of Holland Dutch ancestry and a scion of American colonial stock. He was but six months old when an Indian uprising in Berks county, Pa., resulted in the massacre of all members of his family except himself and his devoted mother, who escaped with him into the forest, where she remained until the following morning and thus saved their lives. John F. Bobenmeyer was reared to manhood in Pennsylvania, whence he came to Ohio and numbered himself among the pioneer settlers of Butler county. Eventually he removed to Darke County, and there he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. John Bobenmeyer was a child at the time the family home was established in Butler county, where he was reared under the conditions of the pioneer days, and eventually he became one of the substantial farmers of the county, both he and his wife having passed the closing years of their lives on their old homestead farm on the Deerfield turnpike, and in Fairfield township. They became the parents of ten children, all of whom attained to maturity, and on other pages of this work will be found various data and further reference to members of this sterling pioneer family. Mrs. Graham is now one of the venerable and revered pioneer women of her native county, with a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. and Mrs. Graham became the parents of eight children: Albert, married Anna Fields and they have five children, - Maude, Charles, Paul, Esther and Donald; John, wedded Gertrude Shepard, and their have eight children, - Gertrude, Walter, William, Ruby, Ernest, Howard, Eugene and Shirley; Anna is the wife of Harry Smith; Maude is the wife of William Lank; Henry, who is still a bachelor, remains with his widowed mother and has active management of the home farm; Charles died in childhood; Clara is the wife of Harry Fouracre and they have one child, - Helen; Walter married Helen Davis and their two children are Dorothy and Maxine.
Val. L. Green, one of the representative citizens of Butler county was born in Fairfield township June 19, 1862. His parents were John and Mary (Sheeley) Green; the former of whom was a native of Maryland, where he grew to manhood. Coming to Butler county he engaged in the pursuits of agriculture, working first as a farmhand and after as an excavator at the hydraulic works at Hamilton, following this latter occupation until its completion. Then occurred his marriage and removal to Fairfield township where he began his career as a farmer, renting the A. S. Miller farm, for a period of forty years; at the close of which he moved to Liberty township. Here he took over the Joseph Taylor farm, half mile south of Monroe, farming there for about four years. With increasing age he gradually withdrew from active life and
went into retirement at Middletown. To him and his wife were born seven children: Taylor; John; Reuben; Val. L., the subject of this sketch; Lydia; Thursay; and Ella. Val. L. Green acquired the early principles of knowledge in the public schools of Fairfield township. Afterwards he was employed at the home farm until the time of his marriage, when he became a renter near Monroe, remaining there for three years. He next moved on the John Sheehan farm at Red Lion, Warren county, residing there for a like period, when he moved to Union township, Butler county. In this location he farmed as a renter for eighteen years until 1911 when, as a reward for long continued industry, he acquired a farm of 104 acres in Liberty township, which he still owns. Well versed in scientific management he has enhanced the value and beauty of his estate which cannot fail to be noticed by the most casual observer. He adheres to the principles of the Democratic party and holds membership ill the Presbyterian church at Monroe. In 1897, he took for wife Miss Anna Carr, daughter of James Carr, and to them have been born six children: Leslie, Clarence, Ralph, Mark and Grace; one son died in infancy. Leslie married Marion Lindsey and they have two children: Anna Catherine and Thomas. Ralph married Almerta Stewert.
Charles W. Greer, a superintendent at the plant of the American Rolling Mill company, and a very popular citizen of Middletown, son of Hugh Jasper and Martha (Harpole) Greer, was born in West Virginia, February 7,1869. He came from a fine old family of West Virginia. His father was a member of the legislature of that state and a public speaker of note. Mr. Greer has now in his possession the manuscript of the last public address delivered by his father on the occasion of a Memorial Day observance. Mr. Greer has a brother and two sisters: William Wirt and Emma, Mrs. Lon Gill, both residents of Huntington, W. Va.; Lona, Mrs. John Greer, Columbus, Ohio. February 25, 1893, our subject was married to Miss Delia Coleman, daughter of Hanson and Mary Minerva (Sweasey) Coleman, and who has two sisters and two brothers: Albert and Thomas Coleman, and Rose, Mrs. McClellan Thornton, living in West Virginia; Dicie Jane, Mrs. Charles Parsons, living in Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Greer are the parents of three children: Hugh Jasper, Lena Leona and Helen. The last-named remains at home and is a student in high school; Lena Leona is married to Clyde Smith; Hugh Jasper married Mary Knepschink and to them four children have been born: Charles Russell, Lewis, Mary Ellen and Robert. Mr. Greer is a man of fine presence, generous nature and kindly manner, and is one of the best-liked among the men in the large plant in which he is employed. The family lives in beautiful Lakeside where a magnificent new home has been built. Mr. Greer belongs to the Methodist church in the work of which Mrs. Greer takes a very active interest. In politics, he is liberal.
Henry Grehl. One of the prosperous, hard-working farmers and stockmen of Union township, is Henry Grehl, who owns a large, well managed farm, and is one of the sound, reliable citizens of Butler county. That Mr. Grehl was brought up in an entirely
different line of business, has not interfered with his making a success along agricultural lines for his is considered one of Union township's most judicious and efficient farmers, stockmen and dairymen. He was born m Schlesien, Germany, in 1859, son of Albert and Johanna Grehl, both of whom died in Germany. The father was a dyer by trade, and this trade Henry learned after he had finished his school period. When twenty-two years of age Mr. Grehl came to the United States. He understood, as an expert dyer, considerable chemistry, and found employment in one of the large trade establishments in the city of New York, from there subsequently coming to Ohio and for several years was engaged as a dyer at Dayton, removing from there to Cincinnati, where he worked in dye houses until 1901. In that year he came to Union township, in Butler county, and purchased his present farm of 143 acres. He has spent time and money in improving his property and has a valuable farm. In addition to crop raising, Mr. Grehl sells the milk from fifteen cows, raises stock for his own use and feeds about twenty-five head of hogs yearly. In 1892 he married Mary Wesseler, who died April 10, 1918, mourned by all who knew her. She is survived b)T their four children, namely: Albert, Joseph, Robert, William. Mr. Grehl and his family are members of the Roman Catholic church, attending services at West Chester. In politics he is a Republican but he has never accepted any public office except membership on the Pisgah Special school board, of which he is president.
Henry B. Grevey. One of the public-spirited citizens of Hamilton, who for years, has filled public positions here and given honest, trustworthy service, is Henry B. Grevey, who has been city safety director ever since first appointed in 1918. He was born at Hamilton, Ohio, son of Bernard and Minnie (Kettman) Grevey, the latter of whom still lives in this, her native city. The father was born in Germany and followed the trade of a cabinet maker until his death. Henry B. is the only son in the family but he has three sisters, namely: Carrie, who is the wife of George Johnson, foreman of the Mosler Safe company, and councilman of the second ward; Mamie, who is the wife of Arthur Roden, superintendent of the Mosler Safe company; and Clara, who is the wife of Charles Segmiller, machinist, of Dayton. Henry B. Grevey obtained his early education in St. Joseph's parochial school. His first work was herding cattle, but he learned the machinist trade before he was well out of boyhood, and after he completed his apprenticeship with the Niles Tool company, he worked for eight years as a machinist, then became a representative of the Cincinnati Brewing company, continuing with that organization for fifteen years. In politics a Democrat, he has always taken a hearty interest in public questions and has been prominent in local affairs. For twenty-two years he had charge of Precinct D, second ward, and in 1903, was elected councilman-at-large and served in that capacity for two years. In 1905, he was elected councilman from the second ward and served two years, and from 1908 to 1909 was clerk of the city council; and from 1913 to 1918, was chief deputy supervisor and inspector of
Elections. In him the progressive city of Hamilton found a trained official for the very responsible office of city safety director and Mr. Grevey has full charge of this branch of the city government. In 1899 he married Jennie, daughter of James and Mary Johnson, and they have four sons and one daughter, namely: Gilbert, Clyde, Carl, Harry and Ruth, all the children being well educated. The entire family belongs to St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church. During the late war Mr. Grevey served as chairman of the second ward board in the bond drives. He belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Crescent Aid society, the Eagles and the Mutual Monkeys.
Wilmer E. Griffith, M. D. - Throughout his life Dr. Wilmer E. Griffith of Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio, has been known for his enterprise, aggressiveness and determination to make himself a potent force in movements in which he was aware that his services would be of value. He has always believed that the man who is able to accomplish something for his fellow-man as well as himself is the true type of useful citizen. Accordingly, it was not surprising to his numerous friends to learn that he was the first physician from Hamilton to enter the service of the United States government for medical work in connection with soldier training camps in the recent world conflict. The record he made while engaged in this activity was one of which he might well feel proud and as evidence of the value of his services in this connection it might be stated that he was accorded the honor of a promotion from first lieutenant to a captaincy. The same discriminating care and adherence to the recognized rules of practice that characterized his activities as a physician in Hamilton were given the greatest latitude during the period that he was engaged in war work. It is not amiss to state that his achievements while occupied with the exacting duties of a physician connected with a training camp brought credit not only to himself, but to the medical profession in general. Born in West Brownsville, Pa., July 20, 1868, he was educated in the public schools of that place, later attending the Carleton academy where for two years he pursued the preparatory course which admitted him to Carleton college. After four years of study at this institution he received the degree of Bachelor of Sciences. He then became a student at George Washington university, Washington, D. C., where he was graduated in medicine in 1900. After leaving school he practised his profession in West Brownsville, Pa., until 1910, when he decided to cast his fortune further west and located in Hamilton. This step proved to be a most fortunate one, as he met. with success from the start in his new location. Being of pleasing personality and a man who was always prepared to put his shoulder to the wheel in promoting the best interests of his town he early in his career cultivated a wide and desirable acquaintance in Hamilton. It was in August, 1917, that he decided that he could do the best work for his country in the Medical Corps, U. S. Army, and he accordingly entered the service of his country at Ft. Benjamin Harrison, where he remained three months. Upon completion of this assignment he was promoted to a captaincy. He was then assigned
to the base hospital at Camp Custer, Mich., remaining there until August 2, 1918, when he was assigned to the 10th Infantry as regimental surgeon for a short time. From there he went to the 77th Infantry and received his honorable discharge December 6, 1918. He was united in marriage December 16, 1909, to Miss Rebecca Bell and to them one child was born, Oliver Clark. By a former marriage two children were born, Wilma Clare and Llewellyn Oscar. He is a member of the Butler County, the Union District Medical societies and American Medical association, having been president for the former organization one year and secretary-treasurer four years. Although he has never been active in politics he is identified with the Republican party and is a Thirty-second degree Mason.
William J. Griffith - This sterling citizen of Middletown, where he is identified with the American Rolling mill, was born at Brady Bend, Armstrong county, Pa., October 26, 1870, a son of John and Mary (Morgan) Griffiths, the former a native of Wales and the latter of Pennsylvania. John Griffiths came to the United States as a lad of six years, and when he had attained young manhood became connected with the Great Western Iron works at Brady Bend, Pa. He was thus employed when the Civil war came on, and enlisted in the 104th Pennsylvania Volunteers, known as the White Horse Infantry. At the expiration of his term of service, he re-enlisted, this time as a member of Company A, 107th regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the struggle, making an excellent record for bravery and fidelity to duty. Under General Reynolds, his regiment was among the first troops in the field at the battle of Gettysburg, where his command lost its leader. His military career closed, Mr. Griffiths returned to his home community, where he resumed work at his trade, and so continued until his death in 1883. The loss of his father when he was but thirteen years of age cut short the educational training of William J. Griffiths, who at that time started to work as a newsboy in his home town. Later he was attracted to railroad life and for seven years was employed in construction work on the Pennsylvania railroad. Next, he entered the sheet mills at Apollo., Pa., whence he went to Buffalo, N. Y., and in 1911 came to Middletown, where he entered the service of the American Rolling mill, with which he has since been identified as a sheet roller. He has gained and held the full confidence of his employers through faithful and skilled service and conscientious application to the duties of his position. Mr. Griffiths was married to Maude, daughter of Reuben and Sarah (Jackson) Kuhns, who had two sisters, Madge and Myrtle, the latter of whom married Will Shane of Apollo, Pa. Laverne, one of the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths, died April 14, 1907; Hazel, the other daughter, is attending high school. Both the grandfather and father of Mrs. Griffiths served as soldiers during the war between the North and the South. During the period that the United States was a participant in the great war in Europe, Mr. Griffiths was very actively engaged in behalf of the various movements connected with war relief. He also was a champion of the dry movement which
resulted in the adoption of Prohibition, and has been one of the influential members in the Association of Steel workers, having been delegate to five conventions of that body as a representative of Miami Valley lodge. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar Mason and past chancellor of his lodge in the Knight of Pythias. In his religious views he is a Methodist and his liberal idea on political questions have led him to acknowledge no party allegiance. Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths and their daughter live in a pleasant home on Stanley avenue.
Wayman C. Grimes - Among the young men of Middletown who were called to the colors of their country when the United States threw the force of its fresh young manhood into the terrible struggle raging overseas, was Wayman C. Grimes. Still little more than a lad when the call came, he did a man's part with the hundreds of thousands of others depended upon to crush militarism, and on his safe return to his native land again resumed the duties of peace as an employee of the American Rolling mill. Mr. Grimes is a son of Emmett and Cora (Harry) Grimes, natives of Lexington, Ky., the former born February 6, 1871, and the latter October 7, 1875. The parents were married in Kentucky, July 19, 1889, and are now residents of Middletown, where Emmet Grimes occupies the position of shearman at the American Rolling mill. They have been the parents of six children: Wayman C.; Verna, who is the wife of Robert Quinn; Alma, who is deceased; George, a resident of Middletown; one who died in infancy; and Verna, who is still attending school. Wayman C. Grimes received a public school education, and when he laid aside his studies secured a position with the American Rolling Mill company. He was there employed when the United States entered the World war, and March 29, 1918, went to Camp Sherman, where he was attached to Company L, 332nd regiment, 83d division. With this division he went to New Jersey, May 25, 1918, and June 6, 1918, sailed for overseas, going first to England and later to Le Havre, France. From that point of disembarkation he was sent with his regiment to Genoa, Italy, and participated in the battle of Vittoris Veneto. After seeing much active service he returned to the United States, arriving April 3, 1919, and immediately upon his return to Middletown resumed his duties at his old position at the American Rolling Mill company's plant. He is accounted a valuable man by his employers, a steady, skilled and energetic worker, and among" his fellows is extremely popular. He votes the Democratic ticket, and is a faithful member of the Christian church.
Paul M. Grollmus - The younger generation of the agricultural element of Butler county is well represented in Wayne township by Paul M. Grollmus, who is now carrying on successful and extensive operations on what is known as the Nathan Jacoby place, situated north of Seven Mile. Mr. Grollmus' activities consist of farming and stock raising, in both of which departments he has met with the well-merited success that is the result of industry and well-directed management. He was born at Detroit, Mich., July 14, 1883, a son of William and Mary (Rice) Grollmus, natives of Germany. The
parents of Mr. Grollmus came to the United States as young people and met and were married at Detroit, where the father, a lock setter by trade, worked for several years for the Pullman Car company. In 1890 William Grollmus brought his family to East Hamilton, Ohio where he built a grocery store at No. 2, Harmon avenue, which he conducted for seven years. Selling his interests therein, April 16, 1897, he bought a farm one mile north of Seven Mile, on the old Trace road, a tract of fifty-two acres, on which he made numerous improvements and on which he continued farming until his death in 1914, at the age of fifty-six years. His wife had preceded him in death one year before, when she was forty-eight years of age. They were faithful members of St. John's church, at East Hamilton, and the parents of two children: Paul M., and Anme, who married Anderson Rudisel, and owns and lives on the old family place. Paul M. Grollmus attended the public schools of Detroit, Mich., and East Hamilton, Ohio, and remained with his father until the elder man's death, when he bought his present property. On this 150-acre property he built, in 1918, a fine barn, 40x80 feet, with a cement floor, which has accomodations for twenty-five head of stock and a loft capable of holding fifty tons of hay and feed. He has made numerous other improvements, including the installation of a Delco lighting system for his buildings, and has made this one of the model farms of Wayne township. In addition to engaging in general farming, he raises Shorthorn cattle and Draft horses, and, owing to his uninterrupted industry and the careful manner in which he directs his operations, his work has proved uniformly successful and productive of good results. Mr. Grollmus is a popular member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Seven Mile, and he and Mrs. Grollmus belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. As a voter he is independent, and has found no time to engage in politics, save as showing a public-spirited citizen's interest in the welfare and advancement, as well as good government, of his community. June 30, 1908, Mr. Grollmus was united in marriage with Luella Chapin, of West Chester, Ohio, a daughter of William and Kate (Long) Chapin, the former of Somerville and the latter of West Chester, Ohio. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Grollmus, namely: William, Carl, Helen and Hazel, all at home.
Thomas M. Grubbs - A well-known and popular employee of the American Rolling mill, at Middletown, with which he is identified in the capacity of heater, was born at Bolivar, Pa., a son of William and Mary Grubbs, the latter a woman of seventy-two years of age, hale and hearty and an affectionate mother, lives on the old home place in Bolivar, Pa., and once a year visits her children in their respective homes, where she finds a hearty welcome. His grandfather was an early settler of Pennsylvania, with his three sons, William, Silas and Kearnel, the latter two of whom met soldiers' deaths during the war between the North and the South. The land that was taken up by the grandfather as a claim was handed down by him to his son William, who died thereon in 1908, and this property is still the home of the mother. There was a large family of children, including: Alice, who is Mrs. Charles Welshons,
of Pennsylvania; Catherine, Mrs. George Foust; Thomas M. Harry, who died at Pittsburg, Pa., in 1903, of appendicitis. John of Wilkes Barre, Pa.; James and Charles, of Pittsburg, Pa.; and Frank, Edward and Elmer, of Steubenville, Ohio. Thomas M. Grubbs received his education in the public schools of Bolivar, and as a youth became connected with the steel industry. In 1911 he came from Zanesville, Ohio, to Middletown, to enter the plant of the American Rolling mill and here has been located ever since. He is popular with his fellow-workmen at the plant, where he has earned the reputation of being a skilled and faithful workman, and as a citizen and a neighbor is held in high esteem. In 1914 he built a beautiful home on Logan avenue, where he has the companionship of an estimable wife and bright and interesting children. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Masons, while his religious connection is with the Presbyterian church. August 1, 1906, Mr. Grubbs was married at Zanesville, Ohio, to Edna, daughter of Albert and Sadie (McGowan) McIlvaine, of that city, and a sister of Albert, of Warren, Ohio, who is Mrs. William McClellan, of Cincinnati; and Orpha, who is Mrs. William Barnes of Sonora, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Grubbs there have come three children: William Harold, born at Zanesville, December 9, 1908; Orpha V., born at Middletown, October 24, 1914; and James Richard, born at Middletown, May 29, 1916. Mrs. Grubb's father, who was for years an employee of the Brown Manufacturing company of Zanesville, Ohio, moved to a farm in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1895, was killed in 1896 by a falling tree. The mother is still living and makes her home mostly with her daughter, Mrs. Grubbs.
Joseph T. Guillaume, a native of Butler county and long actively identified with its interests, was born in Madisonville, Hamilton county, Ohio, September 15, 1857, son of Henry and Mary (Sobley) Guillaume, both of whom were born in Ste. Marie, Belgium, near the French border. They were married in Belgium, where he followed the trade of a stonecutter. They came to this country and first settled near New Albany, Ind., where his brothers had previously located with his parents. The brothers were Joseph and Frank. The parents later moved to the John A. Jones place at Madisonville, Hamilton county, thence to Tylersville, Butler county. Mr. Guillaume was a high-class mechanic, and prior to coming to this country had been employed on many of the great structures in Paris, France. For a number of years he worked as a stone mason at Tylersville and both he and his wife died there and were buried in West Chester cemetery, Butler county. Their children were, John B., who lives at Urbana, Ohio; Joseph T., our subject, lives at Flockton, Ohio. Joseph T. Guillaume received his education in the Tylersville schools, after leaving which he worked at the trade of a stone mason, which he had acquired through work and with instructions from his father. He continued in this calling for a number of years as contractor in the erection and construction of bridges and the construction of public works generally. He retired from general contract work in 1913, but at different times has served as inspector of concrete work done for the state, and is at the present time inspector of
the work done on the Dixie Highway. About twenty-five years ago Mr. Guillaume purchased a farm of 122 acres, located in Fairfield township, which has been brought to a high state of cultivation, and is now being farmed by his son, Joseph, jr. Mr. Guillaume was married February 16, 1881, to Ella Vail, of Hylersville. To this union two children were born: Charles and Cary. Charles married Cornelia Gilmore, has a daughter, Emma Jane. Cary died at the age of nine months. Mr. Guillaume was married (secondly) to Jennie Vail, sister of his first wife, and to this union two children were born: Joseph and Stanley. Joseph married Nellie Gift, and have a son, James; Stanley married Henrietta Brinkman. Mr. Guillaume has always taken an active part in public affairs and has been a positive factor in the development and growth of the county of his nativity. For nine years he served as trustee of Union township, and for ten years he filled the same office in Fairfield township. Mr. Guillaume belongs to the Elks and Odd Fellows and is a Democrat.
Mrs. Byron Hadley. Among the families of Middletown, and one that became well and favorably known because of the worthy support of all beneficial measures and for the setting of a high standard of living and honorable citizenship, was that of Hadley. Byron Hadley, the head of this family, and son of Alfred V. and Rachael (Kennedy) Hadley, was for a number of years principal machine-tender at the Gardner-Harvey Paper company's plant at Middletown, but at the present time resides at Lockport, N. Y., where he is similarly employed. He was married June 2, 1888, to Agnes L., daughter of Philip and Maria Beam, native Americans, who for some years resided in the locality of New York City, but later moved to Albany, N. Y. Mrs. Hadley was educated in the public schools of the Empire state, and married her husband at Hoboken, N. J., and they became the parents of a large family, and while residents of Middletown settled in a pretty and comfortable home on North street. Mrs. Hadley is a woman of superior intelligence and intellectuality, and during her residence at Middletown gathered about her a wide circle of friends. Her children were: Ethel May, who is deceased; Walter Byron, of Middletown, who married Hazel Schueller; Arthur Jefferson, of Middletown, who married Edith Gudgeon; Grace and Milton, who are deceased; an infant who died at birth; Raymond Milton; Norman Fischer; Alfred Dillon; Harry Ellsworth, and Theodore Roosevelt. Norman Fischer Hadley was one of the brave young soldiers from Middletown who went to France and won fame with the American Expeditionary Forces. He went to France with the Second Replacement Overseas Battalion, United States Marine Corps, March 13, 1918, having previous to that time been stationed for three months at Paris Island. From his disembarkation point, Brest, he went to Coblenz, and was then transferred to the 5th regiment and sent to the front, at Verdun. After thirteen days of fighting, he was wounded while serving on a patrol, by a high explosive shell, and for three months lay temporarily blinded in a hospital. When again fit for service he rejoined his unit in time to take part in the famous engagement of Chateau
Thierry, where he was shell-shocked and again sent to the hospital for three months. July 13, 1918, as a casual, he received his honorable discharge and returned to his home. In a curious manner the number "13," which the superstitious regard with awe, figured in this brave young soldier's service. He arrived at Paris December 13; February 13, shot for a record; March 13 shipped for France; took thirteen days to cross the ocean; was in France thirteen days before he went to the front; the thirteenth day at the front was wounded; was on a stretcher numbered 13 when taken to the hospital; was discharged July 13; October 13 received word to leave for the United States; and was one of a party of thirteen Marines on board the ship which thirteen days later arrived at Hoboken. There was also a 13 included in his rifle number. Mr. Hadley has taken up the study of commercial art, which he intends to follow as a vocation when he actively takes up the duties and responsibilities of civil life.
John Hafner. Of the younger generation of agriculturists of Butler county, prominence is deservedly accorded to John Hafner, the greater part of whose career has been devoted to a study of practical farming, and who is now superintendent of operations on the farm of Mrs. Louis Mock, in Madison township. He comes of the second generation of his family to reflect credit upon this part of the state, as his father was for many years one of the representative men of this locality. Mr. Hafner was born in Montgomery county, O., in 1877, a son of Roman and Anna (Fabing) Hafner, natives of Baden, Germany. His father was a young man, ambitious and enterprising, when he emigrated to the United States, without friends or means, but filled with a determination to make a success of his life. Locating first at Bethany, he secured employment by the month from John Salzman and John Mart, and while residing there was married, a step which caused him to seek a home and property of his own. He accordingly came to Madison township, Butler county, where for several years he lived on the Jack Hoffman farm, then going to Montgomery county, where he made his home for nine years. Upon his return to Madison township, in May, 1887, he bought a farm of eighty acres in section 35, and was engaged in making extensive improvements when suddenly called by death, August 10, 1907, at the age of sixty-eight years, six months and ten days. He was a man of worth and stability, who was highly respected in his community, and whose death was sincerely mourned. He and Mrs. Hafner were consistent members of the Catholic church at Middletown, and the parents of five children: a daughter who died young; John; Lizzie, who married Walter Cass and lives on the old home place in Madison township; Annie, who married Anthony Lewing, of Middletown; and Katie, who married Ben Nulist, of Madison county. John Hafner was educated in the home schools and had just attained his majority when he entered upon his independent career. His youth had been one characterized by close application to the work of the home farm, as he had been but fourteen years of age when his mother died, February 17, 1891, and he had little opportunity, as the only son, to do anything aside from
work, or to enjoy the recreations that youth considers its prerogative. For one year after starting upon his own career, Mr. Hafner worked out by the month, and then returned to the homestead, where he remained until his father's death, this being followed by one year's work for William Hollenbaugh and a like period for Frank Michaels. At that time he was selected by Mrs. Louis Mock, of Madison township, as superintendent of operations on her farm in section 9. During the ten years that he has been thus employed, Mr. Hafner has succeeded in developing the property in many ways and adding to its value through improvements and the installment of up-to-date features. In addition to carrying on a general farming business, he deals quite extensively in stock and fertilizer, and is regarded as an expert, thorough and energetic farmer and a man of unblemished character in business dealings as well as in personal life. He has always been too busily occupied with his agricultural activities to give much thought to public affairs, as far as his own candidacy for office might be considered, but as a public-spirited man, realizing the benefit of progress to the community as well as to the individual, he has given his moral and material support to various movements which have promised to benefit the locality and its people. Personally he possesses qualities that are likable and attractive, and as a result among a wide circle of acquaintances he can boast of many warm and sincere friends.
Ellsworth Hagan was born near Seven Mile, Ohio, August 17, 1874. His father, George Hagan, born in Butler county and his mother, Elizabeth (Clark) Hagan, born in Hamilton county, are now deceased, having passed the latter end of their lives on a farm near Seven Mile. To this union were born Clifton, of Hamilton; Newton; Ellsworth and Nannie. Ellsworth Hagan was educated in the public schools of Seven Mile; immediately after leaving school he entered upon a career of farming, an industry which he has followed with an unusual degree of success to the present time. Two years after his marriage, September 25, 1901, to Emma K. Knouse, daughter of Peter and Catherine (Behl) Knouse, he moved on to a farm of 180 acres in Ross township, which he has improved and brought to such a high degree of cultivation through scientific crop rotation and management that its equal is rarely to be met with even in this most fertile section of the United States. Mrs. Hagan's parents were natives of Germany, but realizing the greater opportunities for success in life in the new world they early came to this country, locating in Morgan township, Butler county. To them were born the following children: Peter, of Morgan township; Louise, of Chicago; George, deceased; Edward, of Arizona; Frank, of Montana: William, of Hamilton; Kathran, now Mrs. Bowman, of Ross township; Emma; Anna, now Mrs. Eschenbrenner, also of Ross township; Mary, and one child who died in infancy. Mr. Hagan has always voted the Democratic ticket, but has never been induced to relinquish private life for public office, although he has been very prominent in war activities of his community. To him and his wife have been born two children: Howard, aged fourteen, and Floyd, aged nine.
John B. Haldeman, the proprietor of the 
old Kemp property in Madison township and a farmer and citizen of substantial standing, still in the prime of a useful life, is a native of Preble county born June 4, 1847, a son of James and Hannah (Fall) Halderman. The first of this family to come to Ohio was the grandfather of John B. Halderman, Christian Halderman, who migrated at an early day from his native state of .Pennsylvania to Preble county, when the latter community was still much of a wilderness, with a great deal of wild game. During the early days the grandfather did a great deal of teaming to Cincinnati, and became favorably known among the early settlers of his vicinity as a man of sterling character and strict integrity. He was of the Dunkard faith and a man who lived up to his religion and the dictates of his conscience. His son, James Halderman, was born near Gratis, Preble county, and grew up on his father's farm, remaining under the home roof until his marriage to Hannah Fall, of the same county, daughter of Benjamin Fall. Mr. Fall was a Southerner and a slave owner, and came to Ohio with his wife, who had been a Miss Leslie, to Preble county where he secured a large tract of land, a good deal of which he cleared. They became well known in their new community, and died there as highly respected people and as faithful members of the Baptist church. James Halderman took up farming after his marriage near Fairhaven, but subsequently moved to Madison township, and settled on a farm on which Mrs. Wilson now lives. He passed the rest of his life on this farm, and died at the age of seventy-seven years. In politics he was a Democrat, and in his community he had universal respect and confidence. He and Mrs. Halderman, who died at the age of seventy-four years, had three children: Joseph, whose health suffered greatly by reason of his three years of service in the Civil war, but who spent many years in farming in Madison township, Butler county, and finally went to Cuba, Mo., where he died July 28, 1918, he married a Miss Ferguson; John B., and Mrs. Wilson. John B. Halderman was educated in the home schools and resided with his parents until reaching the age of twenty-one years. When he left the homestead he established a home of his own by his marriage with Eliza Jane Hursh, who was born in Madison township, a daughter of Henry and Susanna (Snyder) Hursh, natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers of Madison township, where they cleared a farm and made a home. There were four children in the Hursh family; Mrs. Halderman; John, of Middletown; Samuel, of Delphos, and Catherine, the wife of Ezra Hinkle, also of Middletown. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Halderman: Florence, the wife of E. Craig, a contractor of Overpeck, with two children, Roy, now first lieutenant in the United States Regular Army at Fort Bliss, and Myrtice, the wife of Emmett Meehan, of Middletown; Edward E., who died April 18, 1898; Alfred, formerly a farmer and paper mill worker at Middletown, and now engaged in government work at Elyria, married Agnes Stoddard and has four children: Harold, Hilda, Mildred and Florence; and Elbert, who attended the West Middletown schools, later took a commercial course in civil engineering, engaged for a
time in the moulding business and is now a large farmer near Jacksonboro, married Mamie Yost, and has three children: Jane, John Edward and Charles Joseph. After his marriage, Mr. Halderman located near the old home place, and for twenty-eight years was engaged in renting land. In 1896, however, he became a proprietor, when he moved to his present property, known as the old Kemp place. When he took over this property it was greatly run down, through poor management and much neglect, and it was only after strenuous work that the property was placed in presentable and profitable condition. Mr. Halderman remodeled and renovated the house built a new home and made numerous other attractive and valuable improvements, with the result that he is now the owner of a fine country place. He has always been a general farmer, and in former years raised Jersey cattle, but now makes a specialty of Holstein cattle, mixed hogs and Graft horses. He takes a good deal of interest in current public affairs in his locality, and has served very efficiently in the past in the capacity of township trustee. His political support is given to the Democratic party. For many years Mr. Halderman has been a member of the board of directors of the Miltonville Cemetery association and other connections testify to the fact that he is a public-spirited man and a supporter of religion, education and good citizenship. December 25, 1917, Mr. and Mrs. Halderman celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary, at which were present three of their children, several grandchildren and one great-grandchild as well as the many friends whom they have made during their residence in this community.
Edward Haller, son of Mathias and Selimina (Jacobs) Haller, was born near Darrtown, Butler county, Ohio, September 4th, 1880. His father was of German, his mother of English ancestry. The father, who still lives, was a veteran of the Civil war, having served four years; the mother died March 11, 1897. He had seven brothers and sisters: Lewis, now in Middletown, Ohio; Joseph, in Dayton, Ohio; Elizabeth, Mrs. Adah Sohn; Samuel, in Ohio; Charles, in Dayton ; Jacob, deceased; Jonas, in Pittsburg, Pa. Mr. Haller was married to Bertha Maud Dye, daughter of William and Sarah (Thomas) Dye, who came from Campbell, Ky., to Middletown, where they still reside. Mrs. Haller had six brothers and sisters: Walter, Edgar Lewis, deceased; James Luther, Sara Pearl, Mrs. Chester Jones; Charles; and Stella, Mrs. Martin Kohler. Mr. and Mrs. Haller are the parents of four bright children, Paul, Eleanor, Zola and Thurman, in whom they take much delight and of whom they are justly proud. For a number of years they lived in Hamilton and Miamisburg, Ohio, and came to Middletown in 1911, when Mr. Haller became associated with the American Rolling Mill Company in the capacity of heater. Mr. Haller owns a splendid home on Yankee road which he finds a haven of rest on completion of a day of arduous toil. He is a member of the St. Paul church, and politically a Progressive.
James Washington Halsey. A resident of Middletown since 1910, James Washington Halsey has so conformed to the ideals of reliability, integrity and good citizenship as to have won and
held the esteem of his fellow-citizens. He belongs to the vast army of workers who form the integral parts of the human machinery operating the plant of the Middletown Rolling Mill, where his position is that of crate maker and his status that of a thoroughly trustworthy, steady and capable mechanic. Mr. Halsey was born in Nicholas county, Ky., December 6, 1864, a son of Harvey Thomas and Nancy Ann (Williams) Halsey. His father, born in Virginia, January 16, 1840, was still a youth when he removed to Kentucky, and is still living and following farming, while his mother died in Wolfe county, December 12, 1907. James W. Halsey received a common school education in his native state, where he remained until 1910. In that year he came to Middletown, and for the past nine years has been employed as a crate maker at the plant of the American Rolling Mill, where he has numerous friends. A man of thrifty habits, he has accumulated property, and since coming to Middletown has built a comfortable modern home located on Lefferson street. He is known as a man of the strictest honesty and integrity, a strong temperance advocate and a devout member of the Nazarene church. He is married and has reared a large family of children, and his son, Kelly O., served with the American Expeditionary Forces on the battlefields of Aisne, Marne, St. Mihiel and Argonne.
John W. Halsey, a prosperous citizen and successful business man of Middletown, son of Harvey Thomas and Nancy (Williams) Halsey, was born in Wolfe county, Ky., March 13, 1874. He was educated in the public schools of his home town and attended Berea college one term. Upon leaving school, he engaged in lumber work, then made a trip to Alaska, subsequently arriving in the state of Washington where he remained six years. His next change was to Middletown, Ohio, where he was married to Edith Chevault, daughter of Harvey Chevault. To this union were born two children: Amiel Raymond and Edward. Mrs. Halsey's father is deceased and the mother resides in Pike Ridge, Ky. Mr. Halsey's father is still living, the mother dying December 25, 1906. Shortly after he arrived in Middletown, Mr. Halsey started a grocery business on a comparatively small scale, but by reason of his correct methods, unfailing courtesy and untiring energy, the venture has assumed large proportions and continues to grow. Mr. Halsey has purchased and now owns several very valuable properties. His rating among the successful business men of Middletown is high. Mr. Halsey is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and is liberal in his political views.
Fred M. Hammerle. There is no one man connected with the official life of Butler county to whom the people are indebted in greater degree for practical and permanent improvements than to Fred Hammerle, county surveyor since 1913 and for several years previous identified with civic affairs in minor capacities. His earnestness, honesty and unassuming ability have retained him in office by election through several changes of administration. The final result of his faithful and progressive service is not only to firmly establish him in the confidence of the local public, but to
give him a national standing on all matters connected with the work of public improvements along the lines of bridge and road building. Mr. Hammerle was born at Hamilton, October 27, 1878, a son of Frank and Catherine (Meyer) Hammerle, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Hamilton, she being the daughter of a Swiss shoemaker. Frank Hammerle followed gunsmithing throughout the active years of a long and honorable life, having a store at Main and C streets, and also did United States Government work during the Civil war. He still survives, at an advanced age, and on occasions still does odd jobs at his trade. He was one of the substantial and influential men of his day, and was trustee of St. Clair township for several years and a member of the school board for twenty years. Mrs. Hammerle also survives and like her husband is well preserved in body and mind. They were the parents of four children: Fred; Henry, of Hamilton, who married Grace Sheely; Frank, also of this city, who married Etta Brown; and Louise, of Hamilton, the widow of the late Allison Grover. Educated in the public schools of Hamilton, Mr. Hammerle was first employed in the United States Geological Survey for three years, a position in which he traveled to various parts of the United States. With this experience, he returned to Hamilton, where in 1910 he became assistant city engineer, and three years later, in 1913, was elected surveyor of Butler county, a position to which he has been elected four times. In this capacity, Mr. Hammerle has built the river bridges, costing over $1,000,000, one of these, at Middletown being the longest concrete bridge in the state, being 1706 feet in length. He also built the bridge at Woodsdale and two bridges at Hamilton, as well as twenty-three miles of brick roads, all this in addition to the general work of his department. His service to the county has been of inestimable value, and his official record is one that is creditable to himself, his office and the community which he serves. Mr. Hammerle is a valued member of the local lodges of the Benevolent and Protect Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Mutual Monkeys. He was united in marriage in June, 1912, at Hamilton, to Jane, daughter of William and Hannah (Welsh) Cline, farming people of the Hamilton community of Butler county. To this union there has come one child: Betty Kate, who was born May 24, 1913. The pleasant family home is located at No. 225 Main street. Mrs. Hammerle is a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic church.
Walter D. Hancock, M. D. It has been truthfully said that the professional man, particularly the physician, who chooses to follow his profession in the community in which he was born and reared, especially when the population of his town is comparatively small, sincerely believes that he commands the fullest confidence of the townsfolk. He realizes that unless he is of unblemished character his prospects for developing a profitable practice are not rosy, regardless of his ability. It was because of his faith in the loyalty of his neighbors and townspeople in general that Walter D. Hancock decided to practise medicine in Millville, Ross township,
Butler county, Ohio, after he had been awarded his college degrees. Fortified with a most thorough training in both the practical and theoretical phases of medicine he came back to the village of his birth to minister to the physical ills and aliments of his people with the knowledge that he was welcome among them as a practicing physician with the same cordiality that he was as an unobtrusive young man in the days before he had been honored by the foremost colleges with degrees for learning. Today Doctor Hancock is one of the foremost physicians and surgeons of that section of the state and those who have been his intimates for years (and it might be stated that his bosom friends are legion) manifest almost as much pride in the commanding position which he has attained in his profession as though they themselves had won the laurels. It was on May 25,1847, that he first saw the light of day in Stillwell, now known as McGonigle, being the eldest son of Alfred and Emeline (DeCamp) Hancock. There were two other children, Joel of Sheridan, Ind., and James of Kendallville, Ind. Doctor Hancock was educated in the public schools of Millville and then attended Miami university. His purpose was to study medicine and he realized that the doctor who first has a solid foundation for an education is far better prepared to pursue the medical course than the student so unfortunate as not to first have the advantages of a university education. It was in 1869 that he received his degree, A. B., from Miami and immediately entered the Miami Medical college in Cincinnati. As an indication of his perseverance and indomitable spirit he was determined to obtain the most thorough instruction possible in the mysteries of medicine and accordingly undertook a post-graduate course at the University of Vienna after his graduation from Cincinnati college. Incidentally, it might be stated that during his years in college Doctor Hancock was recognized as an apt student whose one purpose was to apply himself diligently and conscientiously at all times. Thus equipped he was admirably qualified to "hang out his shingle" in Millville. The success that has attended the practice of his profession at this place has been even beyond his fondest expectations. He was united in marriage in 1876 to Miss Sally Oliver, only daughter of John and Ellen (Cassidy) Oliver. Her father was a native of Flemingsburg, Ky., and her mother was born in Eaton, Ohio. One child was born to Dr. and Mrs. Hancock, Miss Nellie, deceased. Doctor Hancock's father was born in Riley township and was one of the ten sons of Joel and Jane (Lintner) Hancock. Joel was a pioneer of Butler county and was a veteran of the war of 1812. One of his sons, John, served in the Civil war. Emeline DeCamp was a daughter of Walter and Sally (Bird) DeCamp. Walter DeCamp was a son of Ezekiel and Mary (Baker) DeCamp, who came from Westfield, N. J. Her paternal ancestor was Capt. John Baker who came from England in 1660 and was chief military officer by appointment in 1665 at Albany. Daniel Baker, a descendant, was a Revolutionary soldier. He was the great-great-grandfather of Ezekiel DeCamp, who was born in New Jersey and came overland to Riley township. Ezekiel DeCamp met Nicholas Longworth near
Cincinnati and the latter endeavored to persuade him to settle in that vicinity. Mr. Longworth subsequently became very wealthy from his land and other holdings in that section. Mr. DeCamp however, had great faith in the future of Butler county and took up his abode there. In 1812 the other members of the family joined him in Butler county, they being Moses DeCamp, aged seventy-seven years, Sarah, sixty-five, and Ezekiel, thirty-three, the latter having a wife and ten children. Doctor Hancock, it may thus be seen, comes from pioneer American stock who had much to do with moulding the future of the country's greatness. Aside from medicine Doctor Hancock is active in the Presbyterian church, is a Mason and a Democrat in politics. He is also a member of the Medical Reserve Corps and was active in recent World war movements.
William Thomas Hancock. In the prosperous agricultural sections of the Miami valley it is often found that the vocations of farming and banking go hand in hand, numerous individuals, after years of tilling the soil, turning their ability to good account which has been developed through extended transactions with their fellowmen. Among the citizens of Somerville, is one who for many years was engaged in farming, but who is now interested principally in his duties as president of the Somerville National bank. He has also been prominent in the civic life of the community, and for four years served as mayor of his city. He was also engaged for thirty years as an undertaker. Mr. Hancock was born on a farm located in Butler county, one mile directly east of section 2, Milford township, June 30, 1850, a son of Rev. William and Elisabeth (James) Hancock. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Hancock was Elisha Hancock, of New Jersey, who came to Ohio as early as 1804 or 1805 and secured wild government land in Preble county. There he developed a valuable and productive farm in Somers township, upon which he resided and carried on operations for a number of years, but eventually went to Richmond, Ind., where he died at the advanced age of ninety-one years, while his widow lived to be nearly 100 years old lacking 27 days. They were of the Quaker faith, Mrs. Hancock having a birthright in the Society of Friends and being a remarkable woman in many ways. She followed the business of coatmaking in the early days to assist her husband in gaining success, and when she had reached the age of ninety-six years wrote an interesting, full and accurate account of the Rev. Elias Hicks, one of the early ministers of the Miami valley. There were four children in the family: Elizabeth, who married Samuel Reddick and resided near Seven Mile; Mary, who married Benjamin Bell and lived at Camden; Isaac, who died unmarried; and Rev. William. Rev. William Hancock was born September 9, 1818, in Preble county, Ohio, was educated in the home schools, and was ordained in young manhood as a preacher of the Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal church. He filled pulpits at various places in Ohio, and in 1837 came to Butler county and settled on the northeast quarter of section 2, Milford township. Later he came to Somerville, where he died in March, 1884, while his wife passed away
in 1883. They were splendid Christian people and widely known and greatly respected in their community. During the days prior to the Civil war, Reverend Hancock was a strong, fearless and unfaltering Abolitionist, his home was a station on the "Underground Railroad," and in direct opposition of the Dred Scott Law. He and his wife were the parents of eleven children, of whom five died young: Elisha Morgan, born January 16, 1842, who fought as a soldier during the Civil war, subsequently lived in Illinois and Ohio, and died at Hamilton in the latter state; John, born April 4, 1844, a carpenter by trade, who also fought as a soldier during the war between the North and the South, married Harriet Brown, and had six children of whom two died young; Mary, who died unmarried at the age of twenty-one years; Isaac, born August 20, 1848, who married Mary Moravy, now deceased, and is engaged in farming west of Camden, Ohio; they had one son, William, who died young; Augusta and Wiley E., who are deceased; and William Thomas. William Thomas Hancock was educated in the home schools and Richmond (Ind.) academy and remained under the parental roof until 1873, in which year he went to Georgia because of ill health and remained in that climate for four years. While there he was engaged in clerking, but on his return to Somerville, Ohio, in 1877, again took up farming and engaged in the undertaking business. He was married September 4, 1884, in Butler county by Reverend Kyle of Seven Mile, to Clara B. Bourne, daughter of Marsh W. and Mary (Hinsy) Bourne, old settlers of Butler county, Ohio, who also lived for a time in Indiana and Kansas, but who died at Somerville. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hancock: Lillian Elizabeth, who married Thomas E. Thompson and resides near Springfield, Ohio; Ollen Dale, who married Roy E. Kissling, telegraph operator at the Pennsylvania Railway station, Somerville, for many years, with two children; and Mary and William Thomas, jr., who reside at home. All of the children are graduates of the Somerville High school, Mary is taking special instruction in music, and William Thomas, jr., was a student for a time at Miami university. After his marriage, Mr. Hancock purchased ninety-two acres of land in Butler county, a part of which is included within the corporate limits of Somerville, a place which has always known him for he has always lived in this vicinity. In the year 1909, he took part in the founding of the National Bank of Somerville, of which he has since been president. A man of the strictest integrity in all business matters, he has also been active and public-spirited in public affairs and his private life has been one of probity and conscientious performance of responsibilities. As a fraternalist, he belongs to the Chapter of the Knights of Pythias at Somerville, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the Masonic Blue Lodge and Chapter; the Commandery at Hamilton, and the Consistory at Dayton, where he belongs to the thirty-second degree, as well as Syrian Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., at Cincinnati. He is a member of the Baptist church, while his wife and children belong to the Methodist Episcopal faith. Until the year 1871 Mr. Hancock was a Republican,
but in that year transferred his allegiance to the Prohibition party, and ever since that time has been a leader in his community in assisting the cause of temperance. He has taken a great deal of interest in public affairs, and during the four years that he served Somerville in the capacity of mayor gave this city an excellent administration, characterized by a number of greatly needed reforms.
William H. Hann, one of the best known citizens and foremost farmers of Reily township, Butler county, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, near New Haven, in 1867. He is the son of Mortimer and Susan (Toph) Hann. Mortimer was born near Harrison, Ohio, and served as a soldier in the Civil war, answering President Lincoln's call to arms after the firing on Fort Sumter. Susan (Toph) Hann, his wife, was also a native of the Buckeye state, having been born near Miami town on the old Toph farm. William H. Hann, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the country schools at Edgewood, and later went west to Arkansas, remaining there for twelve years, where he engaged in the stock business, buying stock in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas. He was known as the Arkansas Hog Man, buying thousands of stock hogs. He now owns land, 400 acres, in Arkansas, and also 268 acres in Reily township, Butler county, Ohio. He was married to Mary Burer, daughter of John W. Burer and wife of Symmes Corner. To William H. and Mary (Burer) Hann the following children were born: Anna, Charles, Susan, Agnes, William, Benjamin, Donald and Louis. The family record is also one of patriotic achievement, for in addition to supporting all war work and liberty bond drives at home, two of the girls entered the service of the United States government at Washington, D. C., and a son served the colors in the famous United States Marine Corps, Anna was employed in the War Risk department and Susan in the Treasury department of the United States at the national capital. Anna was formerly a teacher and is a graduate of McGuffey High school, also a student for two terms in the Normal school, Oxford. Charles Hann entered the army at the age of eighteen years. Enlisting in the marines he saw about three years active service in San Domingo. The members of the family are Methodists in their church affiliations and held in the highest esteem by all who know them, being in accord with every movement pertaining to community welfare and social advancement.
Charles Byron Hannah, one of the highly esteemed citizens of Middletown, and a citizen of recognized worth and standing. He has been a resident of this community since 1900, and at present is identified with the American Tobacco company, where his business abilities are highly regarded. Mr. Hannah was born in Bracken county, Ky., April 23, 1857, a son of John W. and Hannah (Miller) Hannah, of Brown county, Ohio. His father was for some years a teacher of vocal and instrumental music at Georgetown, this state. There were seven children in the family: Laura, the wife of C. S. Lloyd, of Middletown; Gussie Louise, the wife of John Morris, of Bracken county, Ky.; Birdie, Biddie and Alfonso, of Middletown; and Nellie, the wife of Frank Grimes; and Charles B. Charles B.
Hannah received a public school education in his native state where he resided until nineteen years ago, at that time coming to Butler county to become manager of the DuBois Lefferson farm. He remained in that capacity for eight years and then resigned, and for some time has been employed at the factory of the American Tobacco company. Mr. Hannah is a man noted for his honesty and generosity. He has something more than a local reputation as a musician, a talent doubtless inherited from his father, and for fifteen years was leader in a church choir. In politics he is a Democrat. March 4, 1879, at Johnsville, Ky., Mr. Hannah married Miss Rebecca Kinnett, and they became the parents of nine children: Ida Lou, who is now Mrs. A. Grimes, of Middletown; Hannah; Leslie, the wife of Wright Brown, of Perintown, Ohio; John Edgar, of Cincinnati; Lloyd, of Middletown; Verna, the wife of W. Houston, of Cincinnati; and Reynolds, Sylvia Reeves and Elbert Harold, of Middletown. Mrs. Hannah died September 17, 1894, and February 27, 1898, Mr. Hannah married Miss Jane Houston of Kentucky. They reside on the pleasant residence street of Lefferson, where they have their own home and welcome their many friends. The first Mrs. Hannah died when her youngest son and child, Elbert Harold, was but eleven months of age, and he was reared in the home of Mrs. Laura Lloyd. He has become a noted athlete. As a professional basketball player he assisted in the winning of a championship for the organization of which he was a member, and his prowess as a baseball player attracted such attention that he was signed by the Cincinnati Baseball club, the famous Reds, who won the world's baseball championship in 1919. When the war broke out, he entered the United States Army, enlisting March 29, 1918, in Company H, 331st Regiment, 83d Division, and was first sent to Camp Sherman, and then to England and on to France, arriving June 2. He was in active service at Chateau Thierry and St. Mihiel and returned to this country with a corporal's stripes on his sleeves after brave and valiant service.
George R. Hansel. Of the men who represent the farming and stock raising interests of Butler county, one who is eminently worthy of mention in a work pertaining to the careers of honorable citizens of the Miami valley is George R. Hansel. This progressive agriculturist of Milford township has passed his entire life in this part of Ohio, where he has built up and steadily maintained a reputation for stability, integrity and good citizenship. He was born March 30, 1854, at Darrtown, Ohio, a son of Frederick Hansel. The latter was born in Franklin county, Ind., a son of Christopher Hansel, a native of Holland, who in 1811 settled in Franklin county and secured wild land, on which he made a clearing and established a home. Eventually he succeeded in clearing l60 acres, and this property is still in the family name, five generations of the Hansels having resided thereon. Christopher Hansel passed his life as a farmer on this place, and at his death left five children: David Christopher, John, Frederick, Frank and Susan Rosanna. Frederick Hansel received only a limited schooling and as a young man left Indiana and came to Butler county, Ohio, where he met and married Marietta Cone, of New York state, who had come with her parents as a girl
down the Ohio river in a flatboat. The Cones secured land in Butler county and here passed the rest of their lives in tilling the soil. Their children were: Isaac, Lafayette, Sylvester, Asa, Esther and Marietta. After their marriage Frederick Hansel and his wife located in Reily township and lived on different farms until they secured their property north of Darrtown, in 1847. This consisted of 150 acres and it constituted the home place until Mr. Hansel purchased the farm where his son George R. now lives, in section 21, a tract of 154 acres. Mr. Hansel died on this property in 1899, at the age of eighty-three years, while his wife passed away in 1899, aged seventy-five. In early life a Whig, he later joined the Republican party, and he and Mrs. Hansel were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They were the parents of six children: Esther J., deceased, who was the wife of Robert E. Scott, of Hamilton, and had three children, Russell, Charles and Bertha; Elizabeth, who married George Kramer, of Oxford; Adeline, who married Oren E. Young, of Greenville and had two children, Bessie and Laura; Ursula, who died in 1873, married A. R. Young, of Illinois; George R., of this notice; William C., a millwright of Hamilton, who married May Keck, and has three children, Florence, Frederick and Howard. George R. Hansel was educated in the common schools and at Earlham college, which he attended in 1871 and 1872. Subsequently he went to Lebanon college in 1873, and then returned to the home farm, where he assisted his father until his marriage, March 2, 1881, to Nellie Nichol, of Hanover township, daughter of Joseph W. and Henrietta Nichol, natives of Pennsylvania, and granddaughter of Thomas Nichol, a native of Scotland, who was an early settler of Hanover township. Thomas Nichol married Isabelle McCook, and they became the parents of four children: John, who married Martha Love and had two children, Mary Ann and Elizabeth; Margaret; John and Joseph W. Joseph W. Nichol was born in Hanover township, where he secured 200 acres of land, to which he later added by purchase. He was always a farmer and became a well-known citizen of his community, where he took a good deal of interest in politics and was known as a staunch Republican. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Darrtown, in the faith of which they died respectively in 1895 at the age of seventy-three years, and February 21, 1904, at the age of seventy-five. They had six children, as follows: John Wells, a farmer of the Darrtown community, who married Maria Clements; Nellie, who became Mrs. Hansel; Sarah, who married Lewis Herron, a farmer of the Oxford community; Mary Louise, who married George Coulter, of Hamilton; Elizabeth, deceased, who was the first wife of George Coulter; and George, who married Elizabeth Snyder and is engaged in farming on the old Nichol place. Mrs. Hansel was educated in the Women's college, at Oxford. She and her husband are the parents of two children: Mary W., who died September 20, 1918, as the wife of Frank McVicker of Milford township; and Charles N., who married Essie Shears, farms the old home place and is the father of one son, George W., born March 27, 1919. Charles N. Hansel is a Mason at Oxford and belongs to the Knights of Pythias at Darrtown.
George R. Hansel has resided on the old home place all of his life and has always applied himself to the vocations of farming and stock raising, in which he has achieved success. He is accounted one of the good and useful citizens of his community and has served his locality creditably and conscientiously in several public offices to which he was elected as a Republican. He and the members of his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church at Darrtown.
William D. Hardin. Numbered among the citizens of Butler county who are now living practically retired after many years passed in agricultural pursuits, is William D. Hardin, one of the highly esteemed residents of Seven Mile. He comes of sturdy pioneer stock and of Revolutionary ancestry, and the family has lived in the Miami valley for well over a century, its members having been notable factors in the agricultural development of this section of Ohio. Mr. Hardin was born at Collinsville, Butler county, Ohio, in 1846, a son of James and Durinda (Carter) Hardin. His paternal grandfather, also named James Hardin, was born at Philadelphia, and as a youth enlisted in the Patriot army and fought bravely as a privateer on the high seas for four years of the Revolutionary war. He learned the trade of shoemaker, and after his mother had been left a widow with a large family of children, followed that trade as a journeyman at Frankstown, Pa., where he lived for five years. In 1791, with one of his brothers and a Mr. Davis, he came down the Ohio river to Fort Colerain, in Hamilton county, where he and his companions endeavored to carryon farming operations. There were difficulties innumerable to be overcome, for conditions were still primitive, and the Indians, who still roamed this section, were a constant menace. It was found necessary that two of the party stand guard with loaded rifles to watch for the unfriendly redskins while the others did the work in the fields, and as this was found an unprofitable proceeding the little party returned to Pennsylvania. However, they had become enamored of the country, and in 1796 returned to this locality and located six miles north of Fort Colerain, at this time finding conditions greatly improved. Securing government land, James Hardin cleared and cultivated a farm and made a home, and continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1837. He and his wife were the parents of a large family of children, of whom James was the youngest. James Hardin the younger was born near Fort Colerain, in Hamilton county, and had what was considered a good education for his day and locality, being for several years a teacher in the public schools in the Carey neighborhood. Eventually, however, he turned his attention to the family vocation of farming and came to Butler county, where in Milford township he took over a timber tract of 160 acres which his father had entered and upon which there was $5,000 worth of walnut lumber. After clearing a small space, upon which he erected a round log cabin, he settled down to agricultural pursuits and continued to be engaged therein until his retirement in 1877, when he moved to Seven Mile, his death occurring at that place in 1883, while his widow survived him until 1903 and was ninety years of age at the time of her demise. Mr. Hardin was
a staunch Republican and served his community as township trustee. His religious connection was with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Hardin was twice married, his first wife being Susan Withrow, of Wayne township, a daughter of John Withrow, the first settler of that township. There were five children born to this union: John, who was a farmer and died in Iowa; Ella, who married George Dutrow; Anna, who married James Miller; Jane, who married John Gilmore; and Giles, who lives on the old home farm. William D. Hardin, the only child of the second union, was educated in the public schools and under the private instruction of Professor Starr, of Hamilton, who was his preceptor for three years. Following this he took up farming on the old home place, 160 acres of which he still owns. His first marriage was to Hannah Doddridge, who was born at Milton, Ind., a daughter of David Doddridge, an Indiana farmer, and a highly esteemed and genial citizen, whose family were strict members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Hardin died in 1887, leaving on child: Ollie, who is the wife of Ira Pottinger, a farmer on Pleasant Run, Butler county. Mr. Hardin was again married in 1890, to Mary Jane Pottinger, who was born in Wayne township, Butler county, a daughter of John Pottinger, of Butler county, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hardin have had two children: James, the first born, died in 1893, at the age of five years, and Harry, who spent two years at the university in Valparaiso, Ind. He enlisted in September, 1918, for service in the United States Army. He is a splendid vocalist and a fine musician, playing on a number of instruments. While attending university he was a member of the glee club, and in addition has done a good deal of church and concert work, and is a leader among the young people of his locality, with whom he is a general favorite. William D. Hardin lived on the farm in Wayne township until 1897. In 1903 he built a home at Seven Mile, where he has since resided. He now rents his 160-acre property, but is not entirely inactive, as he has several acres at his home, and engages in fruit growing and truck gardening in a small way. A stalwart supporter of the Republican party, he has always taken a keen interest in county and township affairs, and has served efficiently as a member of the Seven Mile town council. His religious connection is with the Methodist Episcopal church, and for many years he has served as treasurer of the church at Seven Mile. Mr. Hardin is a well-read man and keeps fully abreast of the times. An interesting conversationalist, he also possesses an excellent memory, and it is the frequent pleasure of his friends to have him relate some of his reminiscences of the early days of Butler county.
Edward Bruce Harkrader. One of the old and prominent families of the Miami valley is that which bears the name of Harkrader. Its members for the most part have been agriculturists and during the time the family has resided in this section they have been factors in the work of development and progress which has made this one of the most fertile parts of the state. A worthy representative of the family in Butler county is found in the person of Edward Bruce Harkrader, a leading and prominent farmer of Lemon township,
and a citizen who has contributed to his community's welfare in a number of ways. Mr. Harkrader was born on a farm in Turtle Creek township, Warren county, O., February 28, 1850, a son of John and Sarah Ann (Kyle) .Harkrader. His grandfather, the original pioneer of the family in Ohio, was Benjamin Harkrader a native of Virginia, who married Mary Ann Long, of Pennsylvania. The grandfather invaded Ohio at a time when Cincinnati was but a hamlet, and could he have seen future developments, it would have been possible for him to purchase land where the present court house stands for $7 per acre. Instead, Mr. Harkrader drove through in his wagon into Warren county, where he purchased seventy-five acres of land, on which had been made a small clearing, with a primitive log cabin. Settling down to the work of development, he cleared about thirty-five acres, and then, satisfied with the future prosperity of the region, bought 135 acres more. During the rest of his life he was engaged in making improvements and in harvesting the bounteous crops which rewarded his good management, skilled methods and tireless industry, and before his death erected a substantial and commodious brick house and various other buildings. He died at the age of seventy-nine years. Mr. Harkrader's first wife died at the age of sixty-two years, in the faith of the Dix Creek church, which she and her husband used to attend by making the journey on horse-back. They had a large family of children, including Allison, John, Joseph, Martha Ann and Eliza. Mr. Harkrader's second wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Brown, bore him one child: Benjamin. John Harkrader, the father of Edward B., had little chance to secure an education, such advantages as came to him being furnished by the primitive log cabin school of his district. He was brought up to hard work, and when still a young man earned thirty-seven and one-half cents a hundred splitting rails. The capacity for industrious labor thus ingrained in him in young manhood, never left him, and throughout his career he was noted and respected for his energetic operations. Mr. Harkrader married Sarah Ann Kyle, of Lemon township, a daughter of Samuel and Mary Ann (Long) Kyle, of New Jersey, and the progenitors of this family in Ohio, where Mr. Kyle was a lifelong farmer. He and his wife were the parents of nine children. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. John Harkrader lived on his father's farm for one year, and then bought 100 acres of land, to which were subsequently added purchases of eight and nineteen acres, all on Turtle Creek, Warren county. As a result of his industry, Mr. Harkrader was able to clear a good deal of land and became independent as to financial matters, while at the same time he continued to hold the esteem and confidence of his neighbors and all with whom he had business dealings. He was a Democrat in politics, and was honored by his fellow-citizens by election to various township offices. He was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church, as was also his wife, who died in that faith at the age of seventy-seven years. Following her demise he went to live with a daughter, and later settled at Monroe, O., where his death occurred at the advanced age of ninety-one years, five months and twenty days. He and his wife were the parents
of nine children: Martha Ann, who married first Russell Doty and second Isaac Marshall; Catherine, deceased, who was the wife of the late George Meyers; Edward Bruce, of this review; Jane, deceased, who was the wife of the late James Compton of Warren county; Emma, the wife of Presley Stewart, of Monroe; Ida, the wife of Charles Grubb, of Franklin; John Clement, who died young; and two who died in infancy. Edward Bruce Harkrader attended the home schools in Warren county, including the old Bigger school, which he left at the age of seventeen years, to start upon his career of self-support. He was married in 1872 to Miss Phoebe Jane Compton, of Turtle Creek township, Warren county, a daughter of Enoch and Martha (McClellan) Compton, the former of Hamilton county, O., and the latter of Lemon township, Butler county. Mr. Compton was the owner of a good farm on Dix Creek, which he had himself cleared and improved, and upon which he died at the age of sixty-six years, his wife passing away at the age of eighty-two years. They were both well known and highly esteemed in the community in which their home was made. Mr. and Mrs. Compton were the parents of eight children: Sarah, Mary Ann, Phoebe Jane, James E., Wilson, Catherine, Charles and Frank. To Mr. and Mrs. Harkrader there were born six children: Charles, deceased, who married Nellie Currier; Albert, president of the Bert Harvester company of Middletown, who married Minna Brill; Carrie, the wife of E. Wilson, a farmer of Warren county; Artie, the wife of B. S. Leeds, of Middletown; Clarence, who died in infancy; Elmer, a practising dentist of Middletown, who married Bessie Boyd; and Ethel, who married Ernest Wilson, lives in Middletown. After his marriage, Mr. Harkrader located on his father's old place, but in 1880 made removal to Lemon township, Butler county, and settled on the Ellison Harkrader place, which he had purchased in 1879. This property consists of 104 acres, of which ten acres of the clearing was done by Mr. Harkrader, who has also installed numerous valuable and attractive improvements. In addition to carrying on a general farming business, he raises Poland China hogs and a good grade of cattle, principally Shorthorns, and is considered a good business manager, a skilled and thoroughly well-informed farmer and an excellent judge of live stock. His reputation as a man of integrity has been firmly established through many years of honorable dealing with his fellow-men. As a citizen he has given his unqualified support to all progressive movements, and has been particularly interested in the cause of education, having given impetus to an elevation of school system methods through his twenty-seven years of service as a member of the Lemon township school board. His political faith makes him a staunch Democrat. In religious matters he has been energetic and active, and for forty years has been a trustee and for sixteen years treasurer of the United Presbyterian church of Monroe.
Thomas Harley. During a period of years approaching a quarter of a century, Thomas Harley has been identified with the agricultural interests of Reily township, Butler county, and has also been identified with various movements which have resulted in the betterment and advancement of his locality. This well-to-do and progressive
farmer was born on a farm in Hanover township, Butler county, Ohio, in 1857, a son of Thomas and Anna (McAnnelly) Harley, natives of County Mayo and County Galway, Ireland, respectively. Thomas Harley the elder was a young man when he emigrated to the United States and first worked as a boatman on the Ohio river. While thus employed he met and married at Hamilton Miss McAnnelly, who had also come to this country alone, and not long thereafter they settled on a farm in Hanover township, where they lived for some years. Later they moved to Franklin county, Ind., and there rounded out their lives as agriculturists, winning and holding the respect and esteem of their neighbors as honest, honorable and God-fearing people. They were faithful members of the Catholic church and the parents of the following children: John, Andrew and Anna, who are all deceased; Stephen, a resident of Erie, Pa., and Thomas. Thomas Harley of this notice was a small child when his parents removed to Franklin county, Ind., and there his education was acquired in the public schools. He grew up as a farmer's son, and in 1884 was married in Franklin county to Lydia, daughter of Eli Myers, of that county. At that time he began farming on his own account, but alter several years returned to Butler county, his native place, and settled on a farm in Oxford township, eventually coming to Reily township about the year 1896. In 1907, Mr. Harley purchased his present property, a well-cultivated tract on which he carries on extensive and successful operations, and which he has improved and made more valuable by the erection of substantial buildings and the installment of modern devices for eliminating many of the objectionable features of farm work. He is progressive, although practical, in his views, and is justly accounted one of his locality's substantial men. In politics a Democrat, he has taken an interest in public affairs, and has served as township trustee. During the period of the war he generously supported all war activities and evidenced his patriotism and public spirit in a number of ways. Mr. and Mrs. Harley had one son: Harry, who is deceased.
William L. Harris, a representative farmer of Oxford township, Butler county, was born in Fayette county, Ind., March 31, 1848, a son of John and Rebecca (Hamilton) Harris; the former of Warren county, Va., the latter of South Carolina. Archibald Hamilton, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was originally from County Antrim, Ireland. Coming to the United States, he settled in South Carolina and in 1813 located in Israel township, Preble county, Ohio, where he subsequently died. In Ireland he followed the weaver's trade; was twice married and had two children by the first wife and three by the second. John Harris was a son of Josiah Harris of English stock, his father, accompanied by a brother, having emigrated from England to this country. John was born in Virginia and upon reaching manhood removed to Kentucky, where he passed the remainder of his days in the pursuit of agriculture. He married Miss Margaret Kirkham, and to this union were born: James, John, Robert. Ann and Phoebe, all of whom settled in Preble county, Ohio, with their mother in 1813. John Harris was married in 1830
and lived in that county until 1845, when he went to Fayette county taking up forty acres of land, which he worked until the time of his death, in the year 1862. The following year, 1863, his wife died. Nine children were born to them: Josiah, died in Illinois; Sarah, Margaret, Nancy, Archibald, all deceased; Samuel, Robert, Scott and William L., of this sketch. He received his education in the paid schools in the county of his birth and in 1864, after the death of his parents, he moved to Preble county. He married Mary Jane Bell, daughter of William and Sarah (McCollum) Bell, both natives of Antrim County, Ireland, who came early to South Carolina and later to Israel township, Preble county, where they became respected members of the agricultural community. The following children were born to them: Mary Jane Bell, wife of the subject of this biography; Nancy C., in Indiana; Samuel, in Eaton, Ohio; William J., Matilda, Susan, Elizabeth, and Edward, all of whom are now deceased. After his marriage Mr. Harris moved to Pawnee county, Nebr., where his eldest son was born. After working as a carpenter for ten years in that state he returned to Preble county and resumed farming. In 1916, he disposed of his property and acquired his present farm of 113 acres in Oxford township, Butler county, which was known as the old Davis place. Although he has been in possession but a comparatively short time he has already made striking improvements and conducts a successful general farming business. To Mr. and Mrs. Harris have been born four children: William J., Helen, Grace, Clara May, and Samuel S. The three oldest children attended school at Columbus, Ohio. The family is actively identified with all movements concerning the betterment of public conditions, and holds membership in the United Presbyterian church at Hopewell.
W. T. Harrison. The largest insurance agency of Middletown, and one that has gained during a long and progressive career the full confidence of the people, is that conducted by W. T. Harrison, who is likewise a dealer in real estate and bonds, a notary public, and one of his city's most active and successful business citizens. Mr. Harrison was born at Springfield, Ohio, in 1863, a son of John D. and Barbara (Metzger) Harrison, the former a native of Lancashire, England, and the latter of Pennsylvania. The parents were married at Springfield, where they resided for several years, and in 1865 came to Middletown, where the father secured employment at his trade as a machinist. Subsequently he became a partner in the Middletown Agricultural company, which later was succeeded by the firm of Harrison & Company, and with this latter he continued to be identified until his death in 1876. W. T. Harrison .grew to manhood at Middletown, where he secured his education in the graded and high schools, in the latter of which he spent but one term. He then secured his introduction to business affairs in the employ of W. H. Jones & Co., a grocery concern with which he remained seven years. At the end of that time he established a grocery business of his own, which he conducted with success for fourteen years. During this time he had become attracted to the life insurance business and this ultimately grew to such proportion, that he applied himself
uninterruptedly to the matter of selling insurance. Gradually from a strictly life business, he developed into an operator in all lines of risks, and at this time handles policies in the best companies for insurance against loss by fire, cyclone, death, accident, ill health and burglary and theft, in addition to handling plateglass, boiler, automobile and employers' liability insurance. As a real estate operator and dealer in bonds he has also built up an excellent business, and maintains large modern offices at 225 S. Main street, ground floor. Mr. Harrison is a business man of marked ability, and his standing in business circles of Middletown is evidenced in the fact that he has served as treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as having been treasurer of the Y. M. C. A. war fund, during the period of the great war. Although his business interests are numerous, he has always found time to devote to his community in the discharge of his duties of citizenship, and for seven years served as city treasurer of Middletown. He is an active and interested member of the Home Guards and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, and his political sentiments make him a Republican, although he is inclined to be liberal rather than radical. In 1885 Mr. Harrison was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Michael and Ellen (Warner) Simpson, of Butler county, Ohio, natives respectively of Virginia and Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have been the parents of six children: Fern, who is deceased; Ernestine, who is the wife of Freeman Essex; and Merrill Allen; Dorothy S., wife of Albert Munzenmaier; Mary Frances, who lives at home with her parents; and Warner Simpson, deceased.
George Harvey. The wonderful success which has attended the growth and development of the Gardner and Harvey interests of Middletown, may be ascribed in large part to the genius of members of the Harvey family. Coming of a long line of paper manufacturers, who have made this business their sole occupation for a number of generations, these men have contributed freely of their talents and industrious spirit to the furtherance of the interests of this concern, which is now recognized as one of the leading paper manufacturing industries of the country. A worthy representative of this family is found in George H. Harvey, treasurer of the Gardner Paper company, who was born near London, England, March 11, 1866, a son of Thomas and Frances (Roberts) Harvey. Thomas Harvey was born in Buckinghamshire, England, March 13, 1846, and as a young man applied himself to learning the family vocation of paper making. In 1872 he came to the United States and located first in Connecticut, going then successively to Massachusetts, New York, and Hull, Canada. He returned to Castleton, N. Y., and then went back to Canada, and for thirteen years was superintendent of a large paper mill near Ottawa, a plant which manufactured several different grades of paper. About 1899 Mr. Harvey came to Middletown to become paper maker at the plant of the Gardner Paper company, and to his almost marvelous genius in this direction is ascribed the phenomenal growth of this enterprise. Mr. Harvey is still considered one of that greatest paper making experts in the country. December 30, 1864, Mr. Harvey married Frances, daughter of Robert
and Anna (Watts) Roberts, born June 14, 1844, in England, and to this union there were born two sons: George H. and Tom, who were mere lads when they accompanied their parents to the United States. George H. Harvey has always been, since boyhood, identified with the paper making industry. As secretary and general manager of the Colin-Gardner Paper company and treasurer of the Gardner-Harvey Paper company, he is one of the most prominent men in the industry in the country, and his various other business connections are proportionately important. He is the owner of a beautiful home on Yankee road, and is variously identified with the activities of Middletown, being a generous contributor to movements of a religious, educational and civic character. May 5, 1891, he married Elizabeth Jane, daughter of Robert and Agnes Ross, of West Springfield, Mass., and they have one son: Arthur Ross, born October 13, 1895, who attended the public schools of Middletown and is a graduate of Culver Military academy. He is now attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and married Miss Ruth Louise Bunnell, one of Middletown's most beautiful and accomplished young ladies. Tom Harvey, brother of George H. Harvey, was born in England, March 9, 1868, and after completing his education in the New England states, took up paper making. From New England he went to Canada and then successively to Kalamazoo, Mich., Chicago, Ill., and New York state, and about 1897 came to Middletown to build the Gardner-Harvey Paper mill. October 14, 1902, at Kalamazoo, Mich., he married Sarah Pinchon, of London, England, and they have three sons: Harold, attending Culver Military academy, at Culver, Ind.; George Edward and Gardner. Mr. Harvey owns one of the most palatial homes of Middletown, located on South Main street. The Harveys are all Methodists and take an active part in church work. At the Methodist Episcopal church corner there stands a beautiful fountain, with the inscription: "That we may never forget a Christian mother," which was erected by George H. and Tom Harvey as a memorial to their mother. The members of this family are public-spirited and quick to respond to good causes, men of genius, high moral character and manliness. They are supporters of the Republican party at elections.
Charles Hauserman, owner and proprietor of the White Section Stock farm, situated in Union township, Butler county, is a man of wide agricultural experience and is one of the county's representative and respected citizens. He was born in Mt. Carmel, Clermont county, Ohio, April 27, 1861. His father, also Charles Hauserman, had come to Clermont county when a boy thirteen years of age, was a farmer there all his active life, married in the county and six of his eight children are yet living, Charles being the only one in Butler county. The latter obtained a good common school education in Clermont county and assisted his father on the home farm until he was twenty-one years old. When he started out for himself, Mr. Hauserman came to Butler county, worked for farmers one year, then bought a team of mules and went into the hay hauling business, which he continued for twenty-three years. In the meanwhile he kept on investing in land and operated a small farm
until 1912, when he bought his present farm of 212 acres, which he conducts as a stock and dairy farm, keeping fifteen milch cows and annually feeding 150 head of hogs: Mr. Hauserman owns 362 acres of valuable land in Union township and his home place is well improved with comfortable and substantial buildings such as are necessary to wholesome farm life and the carrying on of large farm industries. In 1889 Mr. Hauserman married Miss Emma, daughter of Henry Heisel, and they have three children: Cora; Ada, wife of Ernest Anderson: and Stanley. As a prominent citizen of his township in a business way, Mr. Hauserman has often been tendered public office, but has declined, although always interested in public matters and giving his political support to the Republican party.
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