Memoirs
of the
Miami Valley
pages 650-699
* Previous page |
* Surname index | * Next Page
(Shollenbarger)
E. Tyler Shough, one of the well known and esteemed business men of Middletown, Butler county, where he has maintained his residence since 1906 and is now associated with the Westinghouse employment department, a concern which is giving primary attention to the securing of efficient employees for the American Rolling Mills company, was born at London, Ohio, July 23, 1888, and is a son of Charles B. and Minnie (Tyler) Shough, who still reside in that attractive little city. Mr. Shough received his education in the excellent public schools of his native place, and thereafter was associated with his father in the live stock business. In 1906 he established his residence at Middletown, where for four years he was engaged in the retail cigar business, on South Main street. He then assumed a position in the employment department of the American Rolling Mills company, and thirteen months later he left this position to assume one of similar order in the United States Employment office at Middletown. This office was discontinued July 11, 1919, and Mr. Shough is now putting his former experience into effective use as a clerical executive with the Westinghouse employment department. A young man of engaging traits of character and buoyant optimism, Mr. Shough has won a host of friends, in both business and social circles. He did all in his power to aid the government in its campaigns for the furtherance of the war preparations and activities during the late World war, and was specially prominent in supporting and aiding the Red Cross drives in Butler county. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party, and he is a valued member of the Middletown Lodge of the Order of Elks, and both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church in their
home city where they are also popular factors in representative social activities. They reside in one of the attractive modern homes on Yankee road. April 29, 1911, recorded the marriage of Mr. Shough to Miss Mabel Wade, daughter of Waldo and Catherine (Long) Wade, of Middletown, Mrs. Wade being a representative of the Long family that has been one of prominence in the Miami valley since the pioneer era. It may be stated, in conclusion, that the paternal grandfather of Mr. Shough was one of the gallant Ohio soldiers of the Union in the Civil war, and that the gun which he carried while in service is now in the possession of his grandson, E. T. Shough, who naturally places high value upon this heirloom.
Gilbert H. Showers, son of Rev. Lucian Wilson and Clara (Laudenslager) Showers, was born in Brookville, June 25, 1882. There were three brothers in the family, two, Lee and Horace, now live in Charleroi, Pa. Both father and mother died in Kittanning, Pa., the former February 20, 1912; the latter October 18, 1892. December 25, 1903, Mr. Showers was married to Miss Mabel Walters, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Morgan) Walters, and three daughters and a son have been born to them: Janet, Clara, Grace, and Fred. Mrs. Showers had five sisters and brothers: Mrs. Charles Cromling, now living in Cleveland, Ohio; Anna, John, Robert and Gomer with the parents in Middletown. For seven months, Gomer was in the service with the Marines. Mr. Showers is employed as a heater at the plant of the American Rolling Mill company. He is in every way competent and is held in esteem by his co-workers. He owns a splendid home on McKinley avenue and enjoys the companionship of his interesting family. Mr. Showers is a man of principle, and he stands for that element in politics as well as in other affairs.
Thomas Shroyer. Perhaps the best informed man upon agricultural subjects to be found in Butler county is Thomas Shroyer, who, after many years passed in farming, is now living in retirement at his comfortable home at Venice. During a long period Mr. Shroyer has been a regular contributor to leading agricultural publications, and through his pen has added much interesting matter to farming literature. He was born south of Okeana, in Morgan township, Butler county, Ohio, August 23, 1847, a son of John and Margaret (Nelson) Shroyer. His father was a native of Morgantown, Pa., and a son of George and Julian Shroyer, who came early with their family to Butler county and later removed to Brownsville, Union county, Ind., where both passed away when upwards of ninety years of age. They were the parents of nine children. John Shroyer grew up in Union county, Ind., where he was first married to Delilah Retherford, in 1822, four children being born to this union: William, deceased; Jackson, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of Henry Garner; and Joseph, deceased, who fought as a Union soldier during the Civil war. After the death of his first wife, John Shroyer was united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of William and Barbara (Wilkins) Nelson, in 1835. They spent their lives in Morgan township, where they died, and were buried at New Haven, Hamilton county. Mr. and Mrs. Shroyer had eight
children: Nelson; Delilah; John; Catherine; Thomas; Lydia, who married Sanford L. Hutchinson; and two who died in infancy. Thomas Shroyer was educated in the district schools of Morgan township, and as a youth applied himself to the pursuits of farming. Being possessed of a mind of more than average Intelligence, and of the ability to quickly grasp and indefinitely retain knowledge, he secured a much better education than many of his fellows who had equal opportunities, and also was able to acquire the scientific principles of agriculture. For many years he farmed in Morgan township, but eventually, in 1893, retired to Venice, although he is still the owner of l00 acres of good land. Mr. Shroyer is better known as a writer upon agricultural subjects and an agricultural statistician than as a farmer. For a quarter of a century he was editor of the agricultural department of the Democrat and Journal of Hamilton, and for twelve years he was secretary of the Butler County Horticultural Society. From 1890 to 1900 he delivered many lectures before farmers' institutes, a work in which he took great delight. His was the idea and his the work that resulted in the organization of the Scribes Harvest Home Picnic, an annual outing participated in by farming writers. He also acts as crop reporter for the Department of Agriculture, as reporter for the Orange Judd farm publications and as reporter to the Ohio State Board of Agriculture. His other interests are numerous, and among them may be mentioned the Venice Permanent Loan and Building association, of which he is president. His political beliefs make him a staunch Democrat and at times he has filled public office, having been the incumbent of the post of justice of the peace. He belongs to the Christian church, and Mrs. Shroyer to the United Brethren church. December 31, 1891, Mr. Shroyer married Emma L., daughter of John and Mathilda Miles of Mount Healthy, who died without issue in 1904. Mr. Shroyer, in 1907, married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Catherine (Weik) Scheering. Mr. and Mrs. Shroyer have no children of their own, but have reared Elda Walther, a niece of Mrs. Shroyer, since infancy. She graduated from the Venice High school and is now attending Miami university, and was formerly a student at Western College for Women. She is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Albert Shuler, the senior member of A. Shuler & Son, a plumbing and heating concern of Hamilton, Ohio, was born in Lehigh county, Pa., in 1861. He is the son of Moses and Sarah Shuler, who lived all their lives in Pennsylvania. Albert with his brother Maurice are the only members of the family who came to Ohio to live. He received his education in Lehigh county, and after leaving school took up farming and in 1880 came to this county and worked on a farm a short time. He then moved to Hamilton where he began working in the woolen mills of Shuler & Benninghofen, at which place he remained until 1907, when he engaged in the plumbing and heating business. In January, 1917, he took his son Paul in business with him and the firm which has become eminently successful is known as A. Shuler & Son, Plumbing and Heating. He was married in 1882 to Katherine Einsfield and to this union were born two
children: Harvy, who married Mary Holiday and who has one child, Harvy A., jr.; and Paul W.
Shuler & Benninghofen. About sixty years ago the original partnership of Shuler & Benninghofen, proprietors of Miami Woolen mills, was formed in the city of Hamilton, Ohio and during the period that has elapsed this concern has come to the very forefront in the manufacture of paper makers' felts and jackets and a general line of blankets, including bed blankets, crib blankets, Jacquard wrapper blankets, Indian blankets and shawls. The present mill is a modern slow-burning structure, equipped with a complete sprinkler system, operates with steam power and gas, and secures its water supply from its own reservoir. Its equipment is the most highly approved in existence, nine sets of carding machines being operated at present, together with a full equipment of wool washing, picking, spinning, warping, weaving and finishing machinery. The water used is softened with the Kenicott water softening system. The firm is not only one of the longest established concerns at Hamilton, but its long and successful history entitles it to the distinction of being in the foremost ranks among textile industries in the state of Ohio. Its products in fact are too well known to need any extended comment here. In 1862, a new mill was built to accommodate the increasing business, this being erected at Heaton and Lowell streets. Conditions at this time were most auspicious and the business continued to thrive and prosper until the latter part of October, 1865, when a disastrous fire gutted the plant and paralyzed the industry for the time being. With a demonstration of zeal that was noteworthy, plans for a new building were begun at once, and in February of the following year the business was again under a roof and being carried on in its usual efficient way. It was in 1864 that Shuler & Benninghofen made their first felt for use on paper making machinery. The early product differed from that of today in that it was not an endless felt but was seamed. The first endless felt was turned out in 1866 and since then the firm has continued to improve its product and the business has increased wonderfully, the concern today supplying a large part of the felts used in this country. Mr. Benninghofen passed away in 1881 and his two sons succeeded to his interests in the firm. Mr. Shuler's death occurred in 1895, at which time his two sons, C. A. and W. B., took over his interests, and since then the latter, with Messrs. C. and P. Benninghofen, have continued to conduct the business. The big plant was moved to Lindenwald in 1894, and a new and modern four-set mill was constructed. Pleasing in its architecture and of slow-burning and fire-resisting material, the new mill was at once a convenience and an addition to the rapidly developing business district of this suburb. A well-kept lawn and exterior decorations have aided materially in enhancing the value of all property in the vicinity of the big plant. The wool used in this plant is bought chiefly in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Economy in its handling is effected by blowing the raw wool through galvanized pipes from one department to another. The manufacture of papermaking felts requires special machinery of larger dimensions than that usually found in
woolen mills and in this respect the company is equipped with the latest invented of large machines for this purpose. A modern cost system is in use, furnishing exact costs which are so necessary to the present-day manufacturer who wishes to succeed in business. The products of Shuler & Benninghofen's mills go not only to every state in the union, but to Japan, Australia, Canada, Mexico and other countries. The present owners have followed the same policy in the conduct of their business that their fathers pursued before them. An ever-increasing business has made the enlarging of the Lindenwald plant a necessity from time to time, and at present it occupies considerable space, with its mammoth plant and broad grounds. New machinery to meet the growing needs of the concern is constantly being purchased and installed, and the concern is now better equipped than ever before to handle the tremendous business that is coming to it every day.
Elmer R. Sickles. Located on Van Derveer street, there stands one of the handsomest homes of the city of Middletown, the residence of Elmer R. Sickles. This structure rises as a monument to the skill, industry and thrift of one of Middletown's younger workers, a man still in his early thirties, who has been the architect of his own fortunes and who occupies a position as roller in the plant of the American Rolling Mill company. Mr. Sickles was born November 9, 1887, at St. Louis, Mo., being a son of Richard and Jennie (Desmuke) Sickles, the former of whom still makes his home at St. Louis, where the mother passed to her final rest in June, 1907. A brother, Lewis W. Sickles, is a resident of that city, while a sister, Mrs. Henry Ewing, formerly Susie Sickles, died in the fall of 1918 at her home at Saverton, Mo. Elmer R. Sickles was granted a public school education at St. Louis, where he entered upon his career at an early age. He was enterprising and ambitious, applied himself steadily and whole heartedly to the gaining of a competence, and in 1911 came to Middletown to accept a position in the newly opened plant of the American Rolling mill. Here, by reason of his worth and energy, he has been advanced from time to time, and is now a roller and considered one of the most expert workmen in his line. Mr. Sickles was married September 6, 1913, to Laura M. Dallos, who was born November 8, 1890, daughter of William and Emma (Grimes) Dallos, the former now deceased and the latter a resident of Middletown. Mrs. Sickles has two brothers, Walter and Albert, and one sister, Mrs. Louis Fritch. Mr. Sickles votes for principles in politics instead of for party, and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Arthur W. Simms, in his early business days a carpenter and later a carpenter contractor, is one of the sound and substantial business men in his line in the city, and owes the success he has gained solely to himself. Mr. Simms was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, a son of William and Serelda (Ruble) Simms. His father, a native of England, emigrated to the United States in 1858 and first settled in Butler county, near Jones station, where he was residing at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. He fought all through the struggle between the forces of the North and South, as a private,
and established an enviable reputation for bravery and faithful performance of duty. Following his honorable discharge, he went to Hamilton county, where he was engaged in farming, and then to Ross township, Butler county, where he continued his agricultural activities successfully until his death in 1891, at the age of fifty-four years. His widow survived him until 1916 and was seventy-two years of age at the time of her demise. They were the parents of three children: Arthur W., of this notice; Edwin H., a carpenter of Hamilton; and Ellen R., who married J. R. Clark, of Hamilton. Arthur W. Simms received a public school training in his boyhood, and was still a young man when he first came to Hamilton in 1889. He possessed natural mechanical ability and as a youth had thoroughly mastered the carpenter's trade, so that he had only little trouble in securing steady employment. For nineteen years he was identified with John L. Rossin, who was conducting a contracting and building business, but in 1908, embarked in business on his own account and carried on a general contracting business until 1918. In December of that year he started as superintendent for F. K. Vaughn, working on the Ford plant, and has continued to be so associated to the present time. He is a man of marked capability, a skilled workman, a good executive and one absolutely reliable. He is a veteran of the Spanish-American war, having served for five months as first sergeant of Company E, First Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Simms is a staunch Republican in his political views, and while he has never sought public office is a public-spirited citizen who supports all worthy movements. As a fraternalist, he belongs to the local lodge of Elks, in which he is very popular, and he and his wife are members of the Baptist church. Mr. Simms married Emma, daughter of Thomas and Charlotte Cartwright, of Hamilton, her father being a gardener of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Simms are the parents of two sons: William, who is superintendent of street paving work at Perryville, Ohio, for the Federal Asphalt company, and during the war an inspector in the Ordnance Department for the United States Government; and Charles R., who is attending the University of Cincinnati, Ohio.
William A. Simms. One of the forceful personalities among the younger men identified with the American Rolling mill at Middletown, particularly in his work as a member of the Amalgamated Association of Iron Workers, is William A. Simms. As one who has worked his own way upward during an active and vigorous career, he is a firm believer in the value of organization as it applies to the protection of labor, while his belief in co-operation has led him also to be active in fraternal work. Mr. Simms was born at Newport, Ky., June 17, 1880, a son of Samuel and Mary (Waterman) Simms. The family was founded in this country by his paternal grandfather, who came from England to the United States in 1869 and located in Kentucky, where until the close of his active life he was connected with the rolling mill business. Samuel Simms was born near the city of London, England, and was a youth when he accompanied his parents to America. He grew up in the atmosphere of the rolling mill industry, to which he devoted himself during the
period of his active labor. There were two children in the family: William A., of this notice; and Mrs. Nellie Hare, of Newport, Ky., wife of Augustus Hare, a sergeant in the United States Army. William A. Simms received a public school education and from the outset of his career has devoted himself to the rolling mill business. For some years past he has identified himself with the American Rolling mill, at Middletown, where he occupies the position of heater. He is a general favorite with his fellow-workmen and his record with the company is one that stamps him as a faithful and industrious worker. For several years past he has been somewhat of a prominent factor in his local of the Amalgamated Association of Iron Workers, and was a delegate to the recent convention of that body held at Louisville, Ky., in 1919. His popularity among his fellows, and his knowledge of what organization really means make him a valuable man in this connection and his labors have always been of a constructive character. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and, as before noted, active in lodge work, and during the recent war his voice was heard on many occasions when he was speaking in behalf of loan drives, charities, etc. He is liberal in politics. September 27, 1905, Mr. Simms was united in marriage with Catherine Frensdorf, who was born February 19, 1882, daughter of Benjamin Franklin and Minnie (Gloystein) Frensdorf, of Cincinnati. To this union there was born a little son, who was called away shortly after birth. There were ten other children in the Frensdorf family: Herman; Charles; Mrs. Simms; Minnie; Louise; Eleanor, the wife of William Voiers of Kennedy Heights, Ohio; Laura, the wife of W. A. Jurgensen, of Cincinnati; Arthur, of Middletown; Walter, who was with the 147th Regiment of the 37th Army Division, in France, fought in a number of important engagements, and was slightly wounded in the hand, but who returned safely and is now a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio; Florence, of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Harold, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mrs. Simms, who, like her husband, has numerous friends at Middletown, is a woman of superior education, being a junior of Ohio Northern university at Ada, Ohio, and of delightful personality. She and her husband are members of the United Brethren church, and reside in an attractive and artistic stucco bungalow on Logan avenue, which was built by Mr. Simms in 1914.
C. W. Simpson, secretary and treasurer of The Federal Asphalt Paving company, of Hamilton, is a marked proof of the value and necessity of long practical training for the higher officials of concerns engaged in specialized work and of the justice of the workings of a system that awards high place to those who have proved their worth. He is a native of Wabash, Ind., where he received his public school education, and after his graduation from the high school attended a commercial college at Huntington, Ind. For a short time he was located at Chicago, variously employed, but eventually returned to Wabash, where he became connected with the Wabash Daily Times-Star and remained with that paper as a reporter until coming to Hamilton in 1907. At that time he became associated with The Andrews Asphalt Paving company, and remained with
that concern as secretary until 1915, when he assisted in the organization of The Federal Asphalt Paving company, of which he was also one of the promoters. He was chosen secretary and treasurer of this new concern, positions which he has since retained, in addition to being a heavy stockholder and a member of the board of directors. The concern has shown a healthy and continuous growth since its inception and its contracts to the time of this writing have included the laying of in excess of 1,000,000 square yards of paving. The concern is also permitted to do business in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky and West Virginia, and has operated extensively in each state. Mr. Simpson has impressed himself upon business circles and his associates as a man of marked capacity, an energetic and thoroughly informed man of affairs, of shrewd judgment and recognized acumen. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in his political affiliation supports the candidates and principles of the Democratic party. In 1908, he was united in marriage with Miss Nellie Grant Wilson. They have no children.
Col. Martin Sims. Middletown counts upon her roll of departed honored residents none who left behind more numerous and substantial evidences of association with its affairs than the late Col. Martin Sims. As a business man, soldier and public-spirited citizen he came and went among the people of his town for many years until the close of his life, January 29, 1902, and there remains in his wake an impression of practical usefulness, of genuine dependable character, directly traceable to his untiring zeal and ready recognition of opportunity. Colonel Sims was born June 5, 1842, two miles southeast of Middletown, and was one of the first to answer President Lincoln's call for troops at the outbreak of the Civil war, enlisting April 19, 1861, when less than nineteen years of age, in Company G, Twelfth Regiment, O. V. I., with which he served throughout the period of the war, rising through bravery and meritorious service to the rank of colonel. Upon his return to civil life he resumed the duties of peace, and July 3, 1870, was married to Mary Bishop, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, near Lebanon, a daughter of Jeremiah and Louisa (Barker) Bishop, and a sister of Erastus Barker, who lost his life as a Union soldier during the struggle between the forces of the North and the South. To this union there were born fifteen children, of whom all but three, Arthur, Lucy and Madge who died in infancy, grew to maturity. The others were: Olive Louise, who died recently at Terlton, Okla., as the wife of Marion Edgar; Sallie, the wife of Levi G. South, of Middletown; Ella, the wife of James G. Blaine, of Middletown; Hattie, the wife of George W. Brown, of Middletown; Missouri, who resides with her mother; Cora, the wife of John Conrad Hurm, of Hamilton; Henrietta, a graduate of the Middletown high school, who took a three-year course at Christ hospital, Cincinnati, and left for France, July 12, 1918, as a member of the Red Cross, being the only young lady from Middletown to thus volunteer her services for overseas work; she married Lieut. Oliver Buckland Elsworth, and they are residents of Middletown, Ohio; Mary Elizabeth, the wife of
Ralph Elwood, of Bowling Green, Ohio; Eli, who resides with his mother and sister; and Walter, James and Robert Floyd, who are married and residents of Middletown. Colonel Sims was a son of Allen Hamilton and Sarah (Floyd) Sims, the latter of whom was a cousin of Roscoe Conkling, the noted statesman, lawyer and politician. Colonel Sims was a man of liberal and practical ideas, a promoter of education, good government, religion and straightforward living, and to know him was to have one's confidence in human nature strengthened, and one's faith in the homely, honest virtues which tend to public confidence fortified. Mrs. Sims is a faithful member of the Methodist church and has been active in its numerous movements. She is also a helpful member of the Temperance League and prominent in club and social life, and takes an active part in the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, having been a delegate to the recent G. A. R. Encampment held at Lima, Ohio.
Mathias Sixt. A member of that class of practical agriculturists whose early training, quick perceptions and great capacity for painstaking industry have advanced them to position of trust and importance, Mathias Sixt represents not only the vigorous and resourceful present of the Miami valley, but also the promising future, particularly in Lemon township, where he is the owner of a valuable and well-cultivated farm. Mr. Sixt was born on a farm in Lemon township, Butler county, O., and is a son of John A. and Magdalena Nichol, natives of Bavaria, Germany. His father was born June 13, 1831, and was still a young man when he emigrated to the United States, taking up his residence first at Bloomington, Ill. He did not remain long there, however, but moved to Marysville, O., and subsequently to Middletown, where he secured a position teaming for the firm of Oglesbee & Barnitz. In 1860, Mr. Sixt became a farmer, when he settled on a property northeast of Middletown, and after fourteen years in that community disposed of his interests and moved to Lemon township, where he was successfully engaged in tilling soil up to the time of his death. He became a man well known and highly respected in his community, where his integrity was proverbial, and where he had many warm friends, who shared in his prosperity, as did also the Lutheran church, of which he was a lifelong member. His first wife, Magdalena Nichol, of Bavaria, died at the age of sixty-four years, and he was again married, his bride being a widow, Mrs. Margaret Nichold, who died in 1902. His children, all by his first wife, were: Barbara, who married Michael Rider, of Middletown; John, a retired farmer of that place; George, also retired from active pursuits and living at Middletown; and Mathias, of this notice. Mathias Sixt attended the common schools of his home community and was trained to agriculture from early youth. He remained under the parental roof until he attained the age of twenty-eight years, and although his competence was still largely a matter of speculation at that time, he entered upon an independent career and formed a household of his own when he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Schaefer, February 9, 1887. She was born in Fairfield township, Butler
county, O., a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Peift) Schaefer, of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, who emigrated to the United States in 1849 and settled at Hamilton, O., in the vicinity of which place, and in Fairfield township, Mr. Schaefer continued to be engaged in farming until his death in 1914, his widow surviving him until October, 1918. They were faithful members of the Lutheran church and the parents of the following children: Adolph, a farmer of Madison township, Butler county; William, a farmer in the same county, Wayne township; Kate, who married Charles Warner, of Wayne township, and Mary, now Mrs. Sixt. To Mr. and Mrs. Sixt there have been born five children; Carl, who is engaged in agricultural operations in Lemon township; Catherine, who resides with her parents; Walter, also at home; Clara, who attended the home schools, the Middletown schools for two years, and the Woodlawn Normal school for four years, and who for the past three years has been engaged in teaching, now having charge of the orphans' home at Richmond, Ind.; and Jennie, who lives with her parents. All the children were given good educational opportunities, for Mr. Sixt has always been a friend of education and recognizes its benefits. After his marriage, Mr. Sixt settled down to farming operations on his present property of 109 acres, located in Lemon township, where he has since been highly successful as a general farmer. In addition he raises some stock and is successful in this way also, and his business reputation is of the best. During the time he has resided on his present property, he has displayed his progressive spirit by the installation of numerous improvements, including a fine bank barn, 32x50 feet; a corn crib, 30x28 feet; and a tool house, 16x28 feet, and much tiling and fencing, together with machinery and equipment of a modern character. In line with his expressed friendship for education, he has served as a member of the local board of school directors, and, possessed of sterling traits of character, his career has been in an eminent degree useful to those about him. He is an independent thinker on questions of the day and prefers to form his own opinions as to the merit of any candidate or principle, with the result that he admits allegiance to no political party. His religious faith and that of the members of his family identifies them with the Lutheran church, they attending divine services at Middletown.
James Skillman. In the long and uniformly successful career of James Skillman, for the greater part passed at Middletown, there has been much of a commendable nature as represented by his dealings with his fellow-men. Both in war and peace he has held high ideals as to duty and as one of the honored retired citizens of his community is held in universal respect and esteem. Mr. Skillman was born June 2, 1845, near Lockland, Hamilton county, Ohio, one of the twelve children, six sons and six daughters, born to O. A. and Sarah (McCauley) Skillman. His father, who was born in 1805, in Lehigh county, Pa., was an infant when brought to Ohio by his parents, New Jerseyans, in early days of settlement, and grew up amid pioneer surroundings. He became a substantial and highly esteemed agriculturist of his county, reared his children to lives of
probity and industry, and rounded out an honorable and useful career. He and his wife were devoted members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Skillman was a staunch Republican of some influence in his community. Of the twelve children in the family, all are now deceased with the exception of James and his twin brother, Stephen S. Skillman, also a retired citizen of Middletown. These brothers fought in the same company and regiment during the Civil war and have remained practically inseparable ever since. Richard M. and John Skillman fought as members of Company E, Eighty-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the former dying about eight months after enlistment, while the latter went through the war safely but died about four years later from causes ascribed to the hardships and privations of the service. James H. Willis, who was reared by Mr. and Mrs. Skillman from the time he was an infant, fought throughout the war as a member of Company G, Sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and in later life became a well-known and highly esteemed business man of Cincinnati and died at Mt. Auburn, Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1916. James Skillman received his education in the country public schools and at Lockland, and was about sixteen years old when, in September, 1861, he enlisted in the Union army for service during the Civil war, he and his twin brother Stephen S., becoming members of Company A, Seventy-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After three years and four months of brave and faithful service, he received his honorable discharge and returned to the farm, but eventually came to Middletown, where, in 1875, he became the first city policeman. This position he retained for six years, and made a most capable officer. In 1886 he embarked in the grocery business, on the corner of Main and Third streets, Middletown, and conducted this enterprise with success for some years, and was later also identified with a boot and shoe business, but as advancing years came he eventually retired from active affairs, and is now living quietly in his comfortable home at No. 530 Young street. Mr. Skillman is a staunch Republican, but while a good citizen is not a politician and has had no wish to enter the public arena. He was married June 3, 1867, to Ella G. Hand, daughter of I. F. and Catherine (Littell) Hand. Mr. Hand was a New Jerseyan, who, on leaving his native state, went first to New Orleans, as a lad of eighteen years, and in 1842 came to Middletown. Mr. and Mrs. Skillman have had three children: Harry H.; Ida May, who is deceased; and Irene McCauley, now the wife of Perry Davis, of Middletown, with four children, Lucile, Dorothy, Paul and James. Mr. Skillman is a member of the G. A. R. Stephen S. Skillman, a retired citizen of Middletown, and an honored veteran of the Civil war, was engaged in various business ventures at Middletown for many years, but recently has retired from active affairs. He was born near Lockland, Hamilton county, Ohio, June 2, 1845, a son of O. A. and Sarah (McCauley) Skillman. The father was a native of Lehigh county, Pa., of New Jersey parentage, and was still an infant when brought to Hamilton county by his parents in 1805. Here he married Sarah McCauley, and they became the parents of six sons and six daughters, in addition to
which children they reared as their own son, James H. Willis, who entered their hearts and home when a babe. Stephen S. and James Skillman are twins and served in the same company of Ohio Volunteers during the Civil war. Richard M. and John Skillman fought as members of Company E, 83d Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the former dying about eight months after enlistment, while the latter went through the war successfully but died about four years after peace was declared. James H. Willis was in Company G, 6th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, fighting throughout the period of hostilities, and subsequently became a well known and respected resident of Hamilton, where his death took place in 1916. The father of these children was an industrious and successful farmer of his community and became the owner of a highly-cultivated and valuable property. He and his wife were faithful members of the Presbyterian church, while Mr. Skillman was a Republican in high standing in his community. Stephen S. Skillman received a public school education, first attending the country schools in the neighborhood of his father's farm and later going to the more advanced school at Lockland. In September, 1861, when only a little over sixteen years of age, he, with his twin brother James, enlisted in Company A, 75th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which they served three years and four months. Mr. Skillman made an excellent record as a soldier, both for faithful performance of duty and for bravery in action, and when he returned to civil life it was with added self-reliance brought about through army life and discipline. After spending some years on the farm, he turned his attention to mercantile affairs, and various enterprises had the benefit of his ability and industry. In nearly all of his operations as a business man he was associated with his brother James, and their name became known as a synonym for integrity and fair dealing in commercial transactions. Mr. Skillman was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church and has always adhered to its teachings. He has been a lifelong Republican, but his interest in public affairs is largely confined to the casting of his vote for good men and beneficial measures.
George Calvin Skinner, M. D. It is a distinct honor and one of which he might well feel proud for a man to know that he is the oldest physician in point of practice in the community in which he lives. Dr. George C. Skinner of Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio, bears this distinction and it is interesting to note that during the many years that he has practiced his profession in this city he has endeared himself not only to the scores of men, women and children to whom he has ministered professionally, but also to the other townsfolk as a physician of unusual ability and a citizen whose word is as good as his bond. It may be truthfully said of him that he is not only one of the ablest physicians of Hamilton, but he is also one of the most conscientious in looking after the welfare of patients and the enviable success that he has had has been well merited. The reputation that he achieved early in his career for honesty and integrity have been admirably perpetuated and it must, indeed, be gratifying to him to know that, in the closing years of his life, he enjoys the best
wishes of the community. He was born in Hamilton, Butler county, in 1856, the seventh of ten children of John Calvin and Jane (H.) Skinner. But four of these children are now living: Walter M.; Sarah, wife of Daniel M. Kennedy; Frank and Dr. George Skinner. The father was born in Batavia, Ohio, in 1816, and came to Hamilton in 1836. He was a civil engineer and followed his profession for several years, later engaging in the manufacture of paper, the firm of which he was a member being known as McGuire & Skinner. He was active in this field from 1850 to 1889, when he retired. He was recognized as an alert business man who was determined to give the best of service at all times and the success that he had in this regard is best borne out by the uniform and consistent development of his business. In days gone by the firm with which he was identified was known as one of the most progressive in the manufacture of paper in that section of the country and each year of its existence enjoyed a marked increase in business. The mother, born in Hamilton in 1823, was the daughter of Israel Gregg, at one time sheriff of Butler county and in his time one of the most highly regarded citizens of that community. Doctor Skinner was well equipped to assume the responsibilities of life in the city in which he was born, as he was fortified with the prestige of a respected parentage and personally had the opportunities of a thorough education. He was graduated from the high school in 1872, after attending the grammar school at Hamilton, later attending Miami Medical college, where he received his degree in medicine in 1879. He served one year as interne in the Cincinnati General hospital in Cincinnati, retiring in 1879 to take up the private practice of medicine. He met with success from the outset and in the course of a few years developed a lucrative practice which has increased from year to year. He has membership in the county and state medical societies, also the Union District Medical society, of which organization he has been president. He was also president of the Butler County Medical society, his administration of the affairs of this organization having been such that its prestige was furthered materially. In 1898, he was a member of the board of education of Hamilton. His wife was Miss Alice M. Phillips, daughter of Major Alfred Phillips. Four children were born to them: Cornelia, who became the wife of Dr. Malcolm Bronson, and being the mother of two children, Dorothy and Robert; Dan Millikin, who married Bess Eigher, and who is practicing medicine with his father; John Calvin, who married Helen Shaffer, and who is the father of three children: Bettie Jane, Virginia and George C.; and George P. who married Florence Murphy and who is the father of one child, George D. Doctor Skinner is a Republican in politics and an Elk.
Thomas E. Slade, a successful farmer and stock raiser of Butler county, and a representative of one of the oldest and best known pioneer families of the county, where he is a scion of the third generation, is the owner of a fine stock farm of 307 acres, in Fairfield township, the place being improved with excellent buildings. Mr. Slade was born on the old Slade homestead in Fairfield township, Butler county, July 8, 1860. The Slades were among the early
pioneers of Ohio, where they took up land in Liberty township. Micajah Slade, one of the Slade family, was born on this pioneer homestead and received the advantages of the common schools of the period. In 1848, he purchased eighty acres of land in Fairfield township, and the greater part of this he reclaimed from the virgin forest, as did he also much of the land which he later purchased, his holdings at one time having aggregated 570 acres. He long continued as one of the most prominent and influential agriculturists and stock growers of his native country. He served two terms as county commissioner, and during a service of about twenty years as township trustee he did much to further progressive movements in the county, including that of constructing gravel roads. He was long in service as a member of the school board of his district and was the prime force back of the movements which resulted in the erection of the present school building at Stockton and also the church edifice known as the Valley chapel, about the year 1860. This sterling and valued citizen passed from the stage of life's mortal endeavors in the year 1892, his wife having preceded him to eternal rest. The public schools of Fairfield township afforded Thomas E. Slade his preliminary educational advantages, and thereafter he was for some time a student in the Lebanon Normal school. After leaving this institution he was associated in the work and management of his father's farm until 1882, when he married and settled on a farm of 122 acres, where he gave his attention to diversified agriculture and the raising of live stock. There he continued operations until 1893, when he removed to his present model farm, though at that time it was represented in only seventy acres. Here he gave special attention to stock feeding, and of this feature of farm enterprise he has since continued to make a specialty, the while he has increased the area of his farm property until he now has a valuable estate of 307 acres. On his stock farm Mr. Slade feeds an average of from 250 to 300 head of cattle and about as many hogs each year, and he is an authoritative judge of stock values, with the result that he has done much to improve the grades of live stock in the county. His political allegiance is given to the Democratic party, and he served twelve years as president of the school board of his district, besides which he was one of the originators of the movement that resulted in the establishing of the first community church in Butler county. He was one of the organizers of the Eaton Packing company, of Hamilton, and has served as president of the same from its inception. In 1882, Mr. Slade wedded Miss Hattie A. Seward, who is survived by two children, Edna and Homer. Edna is the wife of George Stroh and they have one child, Margaret. Homer first married Miss Pear Ross, and after her death he wedded Miss Ada Shortman. They have two children, Estelle and Ruth. For his second wife Thomas E. Slade married Miss Clara B. Shannon, and they have five children: Marie, Albert, Clara, Charles and Thomas. Mrs. Slade is the gracious and popular chatelaine of one of the attractive rural homes of the county and has made the same a center of generous hospitality.
Samuel Wilson Slagle, whose connection with the American
Rolling mill extends back to 1909, in which year he first arrived at Middletown, is a native son of Ohio, born at Pemberton, Shelby county, November 27, 1872, a son of Albert and Harriet (Wilson) Slagle. The father is still making his home at Piqua, while the mother died December 1, 1874. There were ten children in the family: one who died in infancy; John W. and Frank, residents of Warren county; Fred and Glenn, of Toledo; Mrs. Murie1 Stein and Mrs. Nannie Rengel of Piqua; Raymond, who was in the U. S. service during the war; Samuel W.; and Miss Helen, of Piqua. To the public schools of Pemberton and Piqua, Samuel W. Slagle is indebted for his educational training. He was reared at the latter place, where he learned his trade and there commenced working in a rolling mill. March 29, 1900, he married Olive A. Richardson, who was born May 6, 1876, daughter of Warren and Louise (Lea) Richardson, of Piqua. To this union there were born two children: Samuel Richardson, born in 1905; and now attending high school at Middletown; and Oscar Wilson, born in 1910, who is in the graded school. In 1909, Mr. Slagle left Piqua and came to Middletown, where he at once entered the American Rolling Mill as a heater, a position which he has since retained. On his arrival he established himself in a pretty residence on Superior street, and had an exceedingly happy home until the death of his wife, May 16, 1917, which caused him an irreparable loss. Mrs. Slagle was a woman of lovely, Christian character, a devoted mother and faithful helpmeet and a consistent and devout member of the Christian church. Mr. Slagle is also a member of this church and belongs fraternally to the local lodge of Odd Fellows; in his political belief he is a Republican.
P. M. Sater, M. D., was born in Crosby township, Hamilton county, Ohio, January 25, 1869, son of Martin and Mary Sater, both of Hamilton county. John Sater, his grandfather was among the early settlers of that county, coming from New Jersey. He was the father of three children; Hannah, of California; Judge John E. Sater of Columbus, Ohio, and Martin, father of the subject of our sketch, and who has followed farming all his life, living on the same farm in Crosby township since 1854. In this family were five children, who grew to maturity; C. H. Sater, of Hamilton, veterinary surgeon; L. F. Sater of Columbus; Daisy, at home; M. W. Sater of Chicago, and our subject. Dr. Sater received his early education in the country schools of Hamilton county and at New London, Ohio, after which he attended the Ohio Medical college, at Cincinnati. Soon after receiving his degree in 1893, he located in Winchester, Ohio, where he began the practice of medicine. He was married in 1895 to Mayme Scott, daughter of J. W. Scott. In 1905, he decided to remove to Hamilton, where he opened an office on the west side in which location he has continued his practice. Dr. Sater has always been progressive in his chosen profession, having three times attended the Polytechnic Clinics in Chicago, and been honored with the presidency of the Union District Medical society of Butler county. He is also a member of the Ohio State, and the American Medical societies. In politics, Dr. Sater is a firm believer in the teachings of the Democratic party.
Fenton Slifer, secretary and treasurer of the Slifer Packing company, of Hamilton, Ohio, was born in Butler county, March 7, 1872. He was the son of John and Kate Slifer who were also the parents of Ross Slifer, president of the Slifer Packing company, and whose biography appears elsewhere in this volume. He received his education in this county, attending the Ohio Commercial college at Hamilton, Ohio. After leaving school he went to work at the Fairgrove Paper mills where he remained for two and a half years. He then went to the Fordham Paper mills where he worked as a back tender and finisher for about two years. Desiring to make a change in his business affairs, he engaged in the meat business with his brother Ross. Success crowned their combined efforts, and it was not long until they owned and operated four retail stores. They then organized the Slifer Packing company, of which the subject of this sketch became the secretary and treasurer. This modern packing plant which has a cold storage plant for its own use, is situated on the corner of C and Millikin streets, and is the center of a growing wholesale business. In 1907, they built the well equipped meat market on the west side which they use for their headquarters. He was married to Susan Garver, daughter of Samuel B. and Kate Garver. They have no children. In politics he is a Democrat.
Ross Slifer, president of Slifer Packing company, of Hamilton, Ohio, was born near LaFayette, Ind., in 1866. He was the son of John and Kate Slifer, natives of Ohio, who moved to Indiana, but after remaining for a time returned to Ohio, locating in Butler county. They were the parents of nine children: DeWitt, Porter, Clara, Ross, Otto, Fenton, Clyde, Orville and Van. Here the subject of this sketch received his early education and grew to young manhood assisting his father on the farm, and remaining with him until 1891 when he moved to Hamilton to engage in business for himself. Entering the meat business he opened a butcher shop on the west side which venture proved so successful that later, with his brother Fenton he formed the Slifer Packing company, and now, in addition to their modern packing plant, they own and operate four large retail butcher shops in this city, enjoying a large wholesale and retail business. Mr. Slifer is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and in politics is an independent Republican. In 1893, he was married to Emma B. Foreman and to this union were born three children: Ferman, Ada and John.
George O. Sloneker, who has been connected with the office of the sheriff of Butler county at Hamilton since 1909, is one of the public officials of this county who has rendered faithful and efficient service to the people. He was born at Collinsville, Ohio, August 31, 1868, a son of Jacob and Sarah (Williams) Sloneker, and a grandson on the paternal side of a native of Alsace-Lorraine who came to the United States in 1824, and on the maternal side of Virginia and Kentucky. Settling in Milford township, Butler county, where he was subsequently married, the grandfather pursued both farming and the grocery business, the latter at Collinsville, and rounded out a long, successful and honorable career. Jacob Sloneker was born near Somerville, Ohio, on a farm, and was a young man when his
career was abruptly interrupted by the outbreak of the Civil war. He enlisted in the 2d Ohio Heavy Artillery, with which he served until honorably discharged, and had many hardships during his army life, on one occasion being nearly frozen to death while detailed on guard duty in southern Indiana. After receiving his honorable discharge he went to Collinsville, where he was married in 1867 to Sarah Williams, who was born in 1846, at Terre Haute, Ind., and moved to Hamilton with her mother and sisters in 1861. Her stepfather was a soldier of the Civil war and a veteran of the Mexican war while her mother served as a nurse in the War between the States. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Sloneker settled at Collinsville, where the father was for many years engaged in stone and cement contracting and in 1891 moved to Oxford, Ohio, where he and his wife now live in comfortable retirement. They are the parents of the following children: George O.; Charles E., engaged in the real estate business at Hamilton; Albine, of Oxford, an inspector for the state highway commission; and Ethel, who has attended Oxford college, engaged in social and church work, and residing with her parents. George O. Sloneker was educated primarily at the public schools and did special work at the Y. M. C. A., and his first employment was in the general offices of a railway company at Cincinnati. Later he went to Oxford, where for a time he studied law with Daniel B. Vermilye, but did not continue in that profession, turning his attention instead to the real estate business, in which he was engaged for a time at Cincinnati. This was followed by six years of experience in the employ of the United States Express company, and in 1909 he took up his work in the office of the sheriff of Butler county, at Hamilton, where he has since been employed under Sheriffs Andrew Graff, Harry Metcalf and F. E. Pepper. He is accounted a reliable, conscientious and thoroughly efficient official and has the confidence of the people and the respect and friendship of his associates. Mr. Sloneker was married in 1914 to Edith May, daughter of B. F. and Ellen M. Pierce, of Arcanum, Ohio, and they have one child: George O., jr., born December 10, 1915. Mr. Sloneker is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. During the period of the United States' participation in the Great war, Mr. Sloneker was captain of the First Ward Team in Red Cross work and other war drives. Mrs. Sloneker is a member of the Baptist church, where she has many congenial friends.
Robert W. Smart, prominent horseman and extensive farmer in Union township, is a native of Ohio, born in Clinton county, October 4, 1866, son of Henry and Mary (Thomas) Smart. The father was born at Bristol, England, where he lived until twenty-one years of age, in the meanwhile learning the trade of chimneyman, then came to the United States and located in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, although at a later period he bought a farm in Clinton county, it was mainly because he desired his children to be reared in the country, for he continued his work as a chimneyman in the city as long as he was in active life. Of his family of nine children the following are
living: Harris, Charles, Robert W., Mary and Elizabeth. Robert W. Smart grew up on his father's farm in Clinton county, which bordered the Warren county line and thus gave him an opportunity of attending the public schools in both counties, and he continued a student until he was graduated from the high school. For two years afterward he followed farming on the home place, then went to Lebanon Ohio as he had been appointed deputy sheriff, in which office he served six years. Mr. Smart then established himself at Wyoming, Ohio, going into the horse business, in which industry he has been extensively concerned ever since, dealing in fancy and fast road horses and at times has owned some noted prize winners, for he has exhibited his horses in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. It was not unusual for him to bear off prizes when he had such fine animals to display as Black Mat and May Bird, which, in their day, were distinguished for speed. In addition to his horse business, Mr. Smart is now giving much attention to his farm of 258 acres, and is particularly well pleased with the results from his sixty-acre alfalfa tract. Mr. Smart married Ella, daughter of Stephen Howard, and they have four children. In politics, Mr. Smart is a Republican, and he is serving very usefully as a member of the Butler County Fair board. For many years he has been a Mason, a member of the Blue lodge at Sharonville, Ohio.
Clement D. Smedley, M. D. Aside from the achievements which he has attained in the regular practice of his profession at Hamilton, Dr. Clement D. Smedley has the distinction of having risen to the highest rank of any man in Butler county in the United States Medical Corps. His overseas record during the World war was a splendid one and his services won him promotion to the rank of major. Doctor Smedley was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, December 7, 1875, a son of Clement and Amelia Smedley, who came to Hamilton when their son was a small child. Here he obtained his education in the public schools, graduating from the high school in 1894, and when the Spanish-American war broke out enlisted in the 1st Louisiana Volunteer Infantry. He was engaged for six months in that struggle, and on his return became a railroader for a short time. In 1899 he entered the Ohio Medical college, at Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in 1903 with the degree of M. D., and began practice at Higginsport, Brown county, Ohio, where he remained until 1915. Doctor Smedley then established himself at Lindenwald and was there actively engaged until April, 1918, when he secured a commission as first lieutenant in the United States Medical Corps. While in this country he was stationed at Camps Greenleaf and Mills, and was then sent to Liverpool, England, where he arrived June 15, 1918. From there he was sent to Le Havre, France, and then transferred to Blois, then to St. Nazaire, where he was serving as chief of the medical staff of Base Hospital 101, when promoted to major, having been formerly promoted to captain November 20, 1918. The promotion to the rank of major, which came in May, 1919, while he was at St. Nazaire, France, gave him the distinction of having attained the highest rank in the army of any man from Butler county during the war. Doctor Smedley received his honorable
discharge in June, 1919, and returned to Hamilton, where he has since been engaged in the general practice of his calling. He has an excellent professional business and is highly regarded by his fellow-practitioners and much esteemed by his clientele. He is a valued member of the County, State and National medical bodies, and fraternizes with the Masons and Moose. As a voter he supports the principles of the Democratic party. Doctor Smedley was married in 1902 to Miss Mabel Vance, and they are the parents of two children: Margaret and Clement V.
Allen Clayton Smith, the owner of a handsome and valuable property in Ross township, was born in Reily township, Butler county, Ohio, August 6, 1873, a son of Roll and Mary E. (Bowman) Smith. Roll Smith was born in Hanover township, this county, a son of Thomas Smith and his wife, who had been a Miss Elkins, and there grew to manhood. When the Civil war came on he answered the call of his country and enlisted in the Union army, fighting bravely with an Ohio Volunteer Infantry regiment until receiving a serious wound which incapacitated him for further service. He then returned to Reily township, where during the rest of his life he divided his time between farming and following the carpenter's trade. Mary E. Bowman was born near Union town, Pa., and as a young girl was taken by her parents, George and Lydia (Roderick) Bowman, to Benton, Mo., where she lived for some years. While on a visit to the home of her sister, in Butler county, she met and married Mr. Smith, and they became the parents of two sons: Allen Clayton and David. David, who resides at Mount Healthy, Ohio, married Minnie Pierson, and they are the parents of one child, Audrey. Educated as were most farmers' sons of his day and community, in the district schools of Reily township, when he completed his studies Allen C. Smith began farming in association with his father. Later he went to Missouri, where he spent about two years in St. Charles county, but then returned to Venice, Ohio, where he was married in 1891 to Ada J., daughter of Frederick and Julia (Patorning) Shocke, the former a native of Franklin County, Ind., and the latter of Cincinnati, Ohio, of French descent. Mr. and Mrs. Shocke were the parents of four children: Ada J., Josephine, Mary and Joseph. At the time of their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Smith first settled in Reily township, where they resided for six years, moving then to Oxford township and spending four years there. For the eight years that followed they lived on a farm east of Millville, in Ross township, and in 1919 came to their present property of 109 acres, the old Lutes farm, near Venice. His farm is one of the most valuable in its locality, and its product affords a handsome income for the owner. Mr. Smith's life has been an open one as well as useful, and he has won the reward and esteem of his fellow men. Mr. Smith is a Democrat in politics. During the war period he was a generous contributor to all activities, including war stamp, liberty bonds and the Red Cross. He and Mrs. Smith are the parents of four children: Ruth, Ilo, Earl and Fred R.
D. B. Smith. Among the numerous prosperous agriculturists of Butler county there are to be found many who have never left
the home farm for any extended period. Here they have found contentment and prosperity in the daily round of duties, with the added responsibilities that advancement in their vocation brings and with the care pertaining to the rearing of their families to lives of honesty and industry, the home ties being so strong as to preclude the idea of their being broken through the attractions of other communities. In this class is found D. B. Smith, of St. Clair township, a well-to-do and substantial citizen, who has passed a useful, industrious and well-lived career on the property on which he was born in 1858, a son of Reuben and Mary Ann (Bertch) Smith. This branch of the Smith family is an old and honored one in Butler county, and was founded here by the grandfather of D. B. Smith, who bought 112 acres of land upon his arrival in St. Clair township and who was the builder of the present house. A brother of the grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier, and had fought under Gen. "Mad Anthony" Wayne against the British and Indians. Like her husband's family, Mary Ann Bertch came from Pennsylvania, her birth having occurred in Lehigh county, that state. She married Reuben Smith in St. Clair township, Butler county, and moved to a place three miles north of the present home of their son, but subsequently took up their residence in Wayne township, where they resided for seventeen years, eventually moving to the old home place in St. Clair township. They were the parents of the following children: Isaac M., living near the home place, who married Mollie Wehr; Joshua M., who is deceased; Eliza Jane, also deceased; Mary R., who resides with her brother, D. B., and is unmarried; and D. B. Mrs. Anna (Marks) Smith, widow of Joshua M. Smith, resides in Wayne township and is the mother of one child, Day, who is a librarian at Cincinnati. After leaving the public schools, D. B. Smith worked on the home farm until his marriage, in 1898, to Elizabeth Gentry, of Oxford, a daughter of Henry Gentry. Following their marriage they settled down on the home place, which is now owned by Mr. Smith, who is carrying on extensive operations in farming and stock raising in a successful way. He uses practical and progressive methods and has good improvements on his property, which is one of the modern and productive ones of his locality. Politically a Democrat, Mr. Smith has exerted some influence in the ranks of his party in his section, and for fifteen or sixteen years has advanced the cause of education as a member of the board of school directors. In other ways he has shown his good citizenship, especially during the great war, when he was a generous subscriber to bonds, war savings stamps, the Red Cross, etc.. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Carl J., who is employed as a mechanic at Hamilton; Amanda May, who is attending the Hamilton High school; and Mary Ethel, who has been given specialized instruction and is now an accomplished reader and elocutionist.
David L. Smith. Among the substantial citizens of Butler county is David L. Smith. He is one of the progressive agriculturists of Reily township, where he makes his home on a 160-acre farm. Mr. Smith was born on this farm, the homestead place of his
parents, John W. and Catherine (Warfield) Smith, the former a native of Reily township and the latter of Rush county, Ind. The paternal grandparents were early settlers of Butler county, of Irish extraction, while the Warfield family, pioneers of Rush county, Ind., were of sturdy Pennsylvania-Dutch origin. The parents of Mr. Smith were married near Millville, Ohio, and following their union lived on the farm which is now occupied and operated by their son. They were highly respected people and devoted themselves unreservedly to the task of developing their property and making a home for their children. In his younger years the father was a staunch Whig, and when that party went out of existence became a Democrat. He and his wife were the parents of twelve children, of which nine grew to maturity: Evelyn, deceased, who passed her life as a resident of Reily township; Joseph B., who died in 1918; Margaret, a resident of California; Rebecca, who died in the Philippine Islands; Phoebe J., who is Mrs. Moorhead, of Reily township; J. W., who is successfully operating a farm in Reily township; David L., of this review; Kate, a resident of Lindenwald, Ohio; and Dr. H. H., who lives south of Oxford. David L. Smith received his education in the public schools of Reily township, and has always lived on the old home place, of which he is now the owner. This property consists of 160 acres, in addition to which he has another eighty acres to the north, and both of these farms prove conclusively that he is possessed of the proper requirements for successful participation in agriculture. In politics he is a Democrat, and he and the members of his family are Presbyterians in religious faith, and he justly deserves the high regard in which he is held. Mr. Smith was married October 27, 1878, to Anna J., daughter of Ebenezer and Sarah (Salsburg) Henry, the former born in Pennsylvania and the latter a native of Butler county, Ohio. As a young man, Mr. Henry came to this county and settled down to farming, which he followed all his life, in addition to which he devoted some of his time and energy to work as a minister of the Presbyterian church, frequently appearing in the local pulpits. The Salsburgs were old settlers in the community. Mr. and Mrs. Henry, who rounded out their lives on their Reily township farm, were the parents of three children: one who died in infancy; Halsey E., who married Lizzie Clark and died at Hamilton; and Anna J., who became Mrs. Smith. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Effie May, who attended Oxford university, and is now the wife of Field S. Conn, of Franklin county, Ind., with one child, Ray; Grace Marie, the wife of Thomas Conn, of the same community, with one child, - Marie; and Homer H., a graduate of Oxford university, who married Iva Gates of Mount Carmel, Ohio, and is identified with the Exide Battery company, of Rochester, N. Y.
Edward Smith. Prior to founding his present business, known as the Dixie Highway garage, Edward Smith was widely known in the tobacco business through his connection with Col. Isaac Hale, the "Tobacco King" of Middletown. Since founding his automobile establishment, Mr. Smith has added to his long list of business
acquaintances and has continued to maintain his reputation at one of his city's most prominent, as well as most popular; business citizens. He was born at Glendale, Ohio, September 15, 1864, and was but twelve years of age when he was left an orphan. He had only meager educational advantages and was forced to make his own way, but his honesty, determination and industry carried him safely through this hard period of life, and he emerged a strong and self-reliant man, capable of holding his own in the face of stern competition. Following his marriage, in 1891, Mr. Smith went to Chicago, where he spent three years in mercantile ventures, then returning to Middletown to become associated with his father-in-law, Col. Isaac Hale. Colonel Hale was not only one of the wealthy tobacco men of Middletown, but was also for many years one of the leaders of the Republican party in this part of the state. At the time of his death, in 1914, Mr. Smith disposed of his interests and holdings in the tobacco business, and established the Dixie Highway garage, an enterprise that has proved greatly successful. His place of business, on North Main street, has grown and developed extensively under the urge of the proprietor's industry and business ability, and is now accounted one of the prominent establishments of the city and a leader in its special line. Mr. Smith is a man of large heart, who has made himself popular by his business methods and integrity. He is a staunch Republican, and his fraternal connections include membership in the Masons and Elks. Their home, on South Main street, is one of Middletown's handsome residences. September 12, 1891, at the Methodist Episcopal parsonage, at Middletown, Mr. Smith was married by the Reverend Vance, to Lulu E., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Hale, of this city, and three children have been born to this union: Hale, born in 1893; Eddie W., born in 1895; and Irene D., born in 1898. The children have excellent war records. Hale volunteered in November, 1917, in the 211th Aero Squadron; Eddie subsequently joined the 226th Field Artillery, and Irene was employed in the War Risk Bureau, at Washington, D. C.
F. G. Smith, M. D., physician and surgeon, was born near Hamilton, Ohio, on a farm, March 8, 1885, the son of Jacob and Margaret (Schwarm) Smith. Jacob Smith was a native of Germany, while his wife was born in Reily township, Butler county, Ohio. He came to this country with his parents when four years of age, and they settled near Hamilton, in Hanover township. After marriage, Jacob Smith and wife settled on the old Frechtling homestead in Hanover township, five years later removed to Reily township, which was their home for nearly thirty-five years, until in 1916 they retired and moved to Reily. To Jacob and Margaret Smith were born four children: Henry, who lives on the old farm; Dr. F. G. Smith, the subject of this sketch; William Smith, now a resident of Hamilton, Ohio, and one daughter, deceased. Doctor Smith was educated in the common schools of Butler county, and at Miami university, also the department of medicine at the University of Cincinnati. After his graduation in 1910 he was appointed assistant surgeon at the Soldiers' home at Sandusky, Ohio, for four
years. Then he went to New York and took a post-graduate course in his chosen field of effort, and located in Reily in 1916. He specialized in children's diseases and obstetrics. Doctor Smith is well known in the western part of Butler county and his practice extends into Franklin county, Ind., being frequently called in consultations in addition to his regular practice. During the great war he served as a member of the Medical Reserve corps. Doctor Smith is also prominent in fraternal as well as professional circles. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and Masons. His is a high type of citizenship and his services to the community in which he lives cannot be too greatly emphasized in its value to his fellow-men.
Harry H. Smith, M. D. Good birth and breeding, augmented by the best general and professional training obtainable, contribute to the present success of Dr. Harry H. Smith, a prominent medical and surgical practitioner of Oxford. Doctor Smith is a man of superior ability who brought with him to Oxford in 1903 an earnest and clearly defined purpose, and who has developed about him that atmosphere of intellectual and moral refinement peculiar to those families which trace their ancestors back for many generations in this country. Doctor Smith was born at Riley, Ohio, January 16, 1862, a son of John W. and Catherine (Warfield) Smith, natives of Butler county, as were also the grandparents. The family traces its ancestry back to Pocahontas, and its founders in Ohio were the great-grandparents, who located in Riley township, Butler county, where subsequent generations have been honest tillers of the soil and people honored and respected by their fellow-citizens. James Smith, the grandfather of the Doctor, served for five years in the regular United States Army, following which he took up farming, but his career was cut short by an early death. He married Phoebe Bartlow, and they became the parents of these children: John W., the father of Dr. Harry H.; James, who died young; Martha, who became Mrs. Martha Crane and lived in Missouri; and Amos, who served as a soldier in the Mexican war, during which he carried a sword that is now in the possession of the son of Doctor Smith. John W. Smith was a farmer throughout his career, and died in 1893, at the age of seventy-six years, on the farm adjoining his original property. His widow survived him for many years, passing away in 1912, when she had reached the advanced age of ninety-four. They were the parents of the following children: Eva, who married Oliver Beard and died in Riley township; Joseph, who married Jean Brown; John, who died in infancy; Phoebe; Margaret, who first married Oliver Beard and later Chris Sloneker, who lives in California; James, who first married Annie Samuels and later Maggie Boyd; David, on the home farm, who married Anna Henry; Van Landingham, who died in infancy; Mary, who also died in infancy; Harry H., of this notice; Catherine, who is the widow of Wilson Jones and lives at Hamilton; and Rebecca, who married Alex Bayer, a noted artist and portrait painter who died at Manila, P. I., where she now makes her home. The early education of Dr. Harry H. Smith was secured in the public schools of his native place and the high school at Shannon, following which he
attended Miami university. He was graduated from the Ohio Medical college at Cincinnati in 1883, and at once entered upon the practice of his calling at Riley, where he remained until 1903, then coming to Oxford. He has acquired a practice as gratifying personally as it is financially, is genial and approachable in manner, skillful in diagnosis and treatment, and has completely won the confidence of even the most conservative members of the community. In 1907 he built his present magnificent residence on South Main street. Doctor Smith takes a keen interest in civic affairs as a good and public-spirited citizen, and has many important connections, business, social and professional. He was married in 1887 to Sarah Louise, daughter of Robert and Catherine (Balser) Gillespie, and they have one son, Parke Gillespie, born August 13, 1890. After attending the public schools and graduating from Miami university, Parke G. Smith took up his medical studies in the medical department of the University of Cincinnati. Prior to this he had been secretary to Mr. Gamble, of the firm of Procter & Gamble, and while so engaged was united in marriage, June 27, 1912, with Iva Irene Stock, of West Alexandria, Ohio, daughter of John P. and Bertha C. Stock. Shortly thereafter he took up his medical studies and in 1917 was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He was house surgeon of Christ Hospital for one year and then associated himself with Dr. G. F. McKim, of Cincinnati, but his practice was interrupted by the great war, and July 13, 1918, he entered military service and was assigned to Fort Oglethorpe, later going to Fort Logan, Ark., and then to Charleston Port Terminal, S. C. He had the rank of first lieutenant in the regular army, and was commissioned captain of the Medical Reserve Corps, and received his honorable discharge May 13, 1919. At the expiration of his military service he rejoined Doctor McKim, with whom he is associated in the Union Central building, Cincinnati, in practice as a specialist in genito-urinary work, in which he had also specialized while in the army. He is a Mason and a member of the college fraternities of Phi Delta Theta and Alpha Kappa Kappa.
Isaac Milton Smith. In the pioneer days of Butler county, when the country was wild and the settlers few and far between, the Smith family became identified with its history. Since then its members, for the most part sturdy agriculturists, have evidenced the possession of the characteristics of industry, energy, honesty and fidelity, qualities reflected in the person and career of one of the worthy representatives of this family, Isaac Milton Smith, a well known farmer of St. Clair township. Mr. Smith was born in the township in which he now resides, in section 1, January 21, 1850, a son of Reuben and Mary (Bertz) Smith. His grandfather, Daniel Smith, of Pennsylvania, was the first of the family to come to Ohio, settling in St. Clair township, then a wild country, where he cleared a farm and made a home. He was a well known and highly respected citizen who made a success of his life work and in his declining years retired from active labor and moved to Seven Mile where his death occurred. He married Mary Ann Jacoby, and
they had eight children: Mrs. Mary Busendark, Mrs. Lydia Warwick, Mrs. Sallie Hitchcock, Mrs. Elizabeth McNair; Joel, Daniel, Henry and Reuben. Reuben Smith attended the district schools, but his education was somewhat limited, and resided at home until his marriage, at which time he settled on a farm in section 1, St. Clair township. He later moved to Cotton Run, Wayne township, where he resided for twelve years, following which he purchased his father's home-place, upon which he made many improvements. He was a skilled farmer and a good judge of livestock, making a specialty of raising fine horses, and was well and favorably known in his locality. He was a Democrat in politics and a member of the Hickory Flat congregation of the United Brethren church, in the faith of which he died at the age of seventy-six years. He and his wife were the parents of the following children: Isaac M.; Joshua, deceased, who was a resident of Wayne township; Daniel, a farmer on the home place in St. Clair township, who married Elizabeth Gentry; Eliza Jane, who died unmarried; and Rosetta, single, who lives with her brother Daniel. The necessity of his working hard in his boyhood and youth in order to assist in the support of the family, he being the eldest son, gave Isaac M. Smith little chance to obtain an education, and the somewhat extensive knowledge which he now possesses and which makes him a practically educated man, has been self-gained. He grew up on the home place and made his residence there until his marriage, March 14, 1900, to Mary A. Wehr, who was born in St. Clair township, a daughter of Enos and Elizabeth (Fetherland) Wehr. Mr. Wehr was born in Pennsylvania and was an early settler of St. Clair township, where he became a prominent man, a successful distiller and a leading farmer. He married September 30, 1841, Elizabeth Fetherland, who was born in St. Clair township, and who died July 22, 1897, and their children were: Nathan, of Oklahoma; Michael, of St. Clair township; Frederick, also of this township; William, deceased; Emmeline S., who married William Craig, of St. Clair township; and Mary A., who became Mrs. Smith. Enos Wehr was born May 2, 1812, and died July 10, 1895. The Wehr family came to Butler county in 1816, the progenitor being Jacob Wehr, of Pennsylvania, grandfather of Mrs. Smith. He was the father of eleven children: Eli, Enos, Nathan, Gabriel, Jacob, Frank, an infant, Polly, Elizabeth, Catherine and Millie. Mrs. Smith's parents were active in the work of the Presbyterian church and were liberal donors to the fund for the building of the Hickory Flat church. Mrs. Smith has five nephews in the army, all in the cavalry: Pvt. Robert Staley, 2d Lieut. Donald Staley, and Pvt. John Staley, all of Carthage, Ind.; 1st Lieut. Roy Craig, and Pvt. Paul C. Billingslea. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Smith located on their present farm, the old Charles Berger place of sixty acres, where Mr. Smith carries on general farming. He has made a success of his operations and is accounted one of the substantial men of his community. Mrs. Smith joined the Lutheran church, April 10, 1887, at Hickory Flat, but she and her husband are now members of the First Presbyterian church of Overpeck, and are active in church work. Mr. Smith is a
Democrat in politics, although not a politician. He is a progressive citizen who shows his public spirit by his support of good movements.
Jacob Smith. Among the old and honored. citizens of Middletown who are now living in comfortable retirement after many year; passed in agricultural labors, none is more deserving the rest and comfort which have come to his declining years than is Jacob Smith an honored resident of Yankee road. For a long period Mr. Smith was one of the industrious farmers in the vicinity of Blue Ball where through his own effort and good management he became the owner of a valuable property, and at all times in his career, in whatever community he has resided, he has maintained high ideals of citizenship and has joined other public-spirited men in advancing beneficial movements. Mr. Smith was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a son of Jacob and Kate (Leffler) Smith, who were married near Strasbourg, Alsace-Lorraine, in 1848. Following their marriage they emigrated to the United States, first settling at Cincinnati, where, in a colony of his fellow-countrymen, Jacob Smith the elder plied successfully his trade as a maker of wooden shoes. Later he turned his attention to other pursuits. His father, the grandfather of Jacob of this review, was a pioneer settler of the community of Cincinnati, where he built a log cabin on what is now the site of Colerain avenue in that metropolis, burned charcoal for his fire and hunted deer for his food. He passed away many years ago, but not before he had seen the wilderness thickly populated and the old frontier pass away before the rapidly rushing tide of westward immigration. In the family of Jacob and Kate (Leffler) Smith, there were seven children: Joe, Andrew, Jacob, Mary, Lou, Kate and Ben. Jacob Smith received a public school education and when he was ready to begin a career of his own turned to the soil as a means of livelihood. For some years he operated a threshing outfit among the farmers of his locality, in which he is still engaged in the Miami valley. He also owned and cultivated a farm in the locality of Blue Ball, where he developed a valuable and well-improved property and made a comfortable home for his family. He became one of the substantial citizens of that fertile region, and finally retired from active affairs and transferred his residence to Middletown, where he had built a modern home at No. 1515 Yankee road. There he is now surrounded by all the comforts that reward a well-spent life, and is one of the well-to-do and highly esteemed men of his community. He has been a worthy and active worker in the various movements which have served to advance his city. Mr. Smith is a Democrat, but has not been an office-seeker. During the Civil war he was anxious to serve his country, but was too young to take active part, and the family's military honors rested with his brother, Joseph, who fought in the Union Army. April 3, 1874, Mr. Smith was united in matrimony with Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew and Kate (Haig) Weekley, of Dearborn county, Ind., and they became the parents of the following children: Albert Thomas; Anna Cecelia, deceased; Frank Andrew; August, deceased; Catherine Isabel, who married Conrad
Lewing; Jacob, deceased; Martha Jane; Myrtle May, Clarence Jacob and Nora Elizabeth. In addition to their own children, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, through their goodness of heart, took into their home Mary Farries, whom they reared with all the love and devotion of real parents.
John B. Smith. To the time of his retirement to Seven Mile, John B. Smith was one of the most industrious and successful agriculturists of Wayne township, Butler county. He had good judgment, common sense and the commercial capacity well developed, and his career was one in which prosperity rewarded his efforts. Mr. Smith was born August 22, 1842, on the old Smith homestead in Wayne township, a son of Samuel and Ann (Wilson) Smith. His paternal grandfather was Oliver Smith, a native of Pennsylvania of Irish stock, who married Ann Bolton, of English stock, and who came to Ohio in 1802 and settled in Butler county. Taking up his residence in section 30, Wayne township, he was one of the first settlers of that locality, and shared in the early work of development in what was practically a wilderness at that time. Mr. Smith's land was covered with a heavy growth of timber, the removal of which entailed hard and constant labor, and during the early years his surroundings were of a pioneer character, his home a log cabin, and his implements and household effects of the crudest and most primitive order. The early settlers were almost constantly harassed by the Indians, and one of Mr. Smith's sons, Samuel, the father of John B., was carried into captivity by the redskins, but was eventually returned to his home. Wild game was plentiful and formed a large part of the provisions for the family. Oliver Smith and his worthy wife continued to make their home on this property throughout their lives, and in dying left their children well situated as to material things and with the heritage of an honored name. Their children were: Robert, Bolton, John, Samuel and Sarah. Samuel Smith was born in 1803 on the home farm about one year after the arrival of his parents in Butler county, and his boyhood was passed under circumstances that built up and developed his body and instilled in him a spirit of self-reliance, as he had to work out most of his own problems. His education was that of the usual pioneer's son, and his principal school was that of hard work and experience, but he developed into a man of worth and sound caliber and was able to make a success of his life, becoming one of the substantial agriculturists of his locality. He was a Republican in his political views, and he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church. They had a family of four children: Mary, who died at the age of thirteen years; Sarah, the widow of Robert McClintock, residing at Oxford, O.; John B.; and Wilson B., who was a farmer of Wayne township, and who died in 1914, leaving a widow, Ann (Patton) Smith, now a resident of Middletown. John B. Smith attended the district schools of Wayne township, following which he received the added advantages of attendance at the academy at Seven Mile, and Miami university, at Oxford. He was reared as a farmer and was engaged in agricultural pursuits until May 2, 1864, when he enlisted in Company D, 167th
Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was sent to West Virginia, above Charlestown and several other places, his service covering a period of four months. On his return he again engaged in farming on the old home place and remained until 1873, at which time he removed to Seven Mile, this having since been his place of residence. In 1872 Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Rachael Paulin, who was born near Middletown, Ohio, a daughter of Henry and Ellan (Williamson) Paulin, farming people of Madison township, Butler county, the former of whom died in 1881 and the latter in 1900. They had eight children: Jacob, deceased, who married Agnes Wilson, also deceased; Henry C., deceased, who was a farmer, married Jane Long, now a resident of Illinois; Samuel, of Warren county, who married Hannah Post; Mary Ann, the wife of Samuel Cox, of Madison township; Elizabeth, the wife of Gabriel Thomas, of Poast Town, O.; Sarah Jane, deceased, who was the wife of the late Daniel Carney; Elinor, who married Jonathan Wykoff, of Warren county; and Rachael, who is now Mrs. Smith. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith: a son who died in infancy; and Mary Edith, the wife of Arthur C. Baird, professor in a high school at Pittsburg, Pa. Mr. Smith has always voted the Republican ticket, and is a member of the Presbyterian church at Seven Mile. He also belongs to Wetzer Post, No. 96, G. A. R. Both he and Mrs. Smith have a wide acquaintance and are highly esteemed wherever they are known.
J. W. Smith, who resides in Reily township, not only owns and operates the home farm of 166 acres, but two other tracts of eighty and forty acres, respectively, and the neat and thrifty appearance of these properties well indicates his careful supervision. Substantial improvements are surrounded by well-tilled fields and all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm are there found. Mr. Smith was born on a farm to the east of the one on which he now resides, in Reily township, Butler county, Ohio, October 4, 1850, a son of John W. and Catherine (Warfield) Smith, the former a native of Reily township and the latter of Rush county, Ind. The paternal grandparents were early/settlers of Butler county, of Irish extraction, while the Warfields were pioneers of Rush county, Ind., and were of Pennsylvania-Dutch origin. John W. Smith and Catherine Warfield were married near Millville, and following their union lived on a Reily township farm, where they passed their peaceful and honorable lives in the pursuits of the soil. During his earlier years John W. Smith was a staunch and aggressive Whig, and in later life gave his allegiance to the Democratic party. He and his wife were the parents of twelve children, of whom nine grew to maturity: Evelyn, deceased, who passed her life as a resident of Reily township; Joseph B., who died in 1918; Margaret, a resident of California; Rebecca, who died in the Philippine Islands; Poebe. J., who is Mrs. Moorhead, of Reily township; J. W., of this notice; David L., of Reily township; Kate, a resident of Lindenwald, Ohio; and Dr. H. H., a practicing physician residing in Oxford. J. W. Smith procured his educational training in district school No. 9, and divided his boyhood and youth between his studies
and his labor on the home farm. After leaving school he farmed for his father and also resided at Hamilton for three years, and in 1875 purchased the farm which he now owns, and which consists of 166 acres of valuable land, which has been brought to a high state of cultivation under his capable management and industrious efforts. With the exception of the residence, all of the buildings on this property have been erected by Mr. Smith, and in the meantime he has also found the inclination to supervise the operation of two other farms, of eighty and forty acres, which, like his home place, have an air of prosperity that evidences his capable management. Mr. Smith was married in 1874, when he was united with Anna M., daughter of Gilbert and Rebecca Samuel, of Peoria, Ind. Four children were born to this union: Gilbert D., an agriculturist living one mile north of Mixersville, Ind., who married Winnie Hitchener and has one child, - George; Katie, the wife of William Reardon, living one mile east of her father's home, with one child, - Smith; Lula, the wife of Edward Hughes, cashier of the First National Bank of Hamilton, with one son, - James; and Harry L., a farmer six miles north of Hamilton, who married Verna VanNess, and have six children: Anna May, Catherine, Emery, James T., Mabel L. and Harry, jr. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Margaret May, daughter of Hughie and Ella Boyd, of Cedar Grove, Franklin county, Ind. They have no children. The Democratic party finds Mr. Smith a staunch supporter of its principles, and he takes a deep interest in public affairs, having served twenty-five years as a member of the school board and one term as township trustee. He belongs to the Presbyterian church, while his wife is a member of the Christian faith. In his farming operations he has met with the success that usually follows the industrious and enterprising man and as a citizen is held in high regard by all who know him.
William Smith. For more than three-quarters of a century William Smith, sr., has been a resident of Middletown, and during over forty years of this time has been identified with the building interests of the city. To his skill and ability are due many of the imposing and substantial structures now occupied for residences or used for business, and evidences are abundant of his having contributed very largely to the generally pleasing architectural aspect of the community. Mr. Smith has made his success in his native locality, for he was born at Middletown, July 4, 1841, his parents being Walter Van Cleve and Lucia (Longstreet) Smith, natives of Trenton, New Jersey, where the former was born July 17, 1806, and the latter April 28, 1804. Her father was Christopher Longstreet, who came from New Jersey at an early day and settled first at Carlisle, subsequently becoming the proprietor of a tavern between Franklin and Springboro. Walter Van Cleve Smith removed to Carlisle, Ohio, in 1825, and three years later was married, and for a short period followed his trade of tailor at that point, but eventually moved to Middletown. Here he conducted a tailor shop until 1852, when he disposed of his interests therein and entered the teaming business, with which he was connected until the time of his
death, in 1867. William Smith was reared at Middletown, where he received his education in the public schools, and for some time was variously employed, his work including almost any honorable occupation that came to hand. In 1871 he started to learn the business of bricklaying, which he followed as a journeyman for a time, but, discerning greater prosperity in a business of his own, started to do contracting on his own account. His energy and ability soon found recognition on a small scale, but as his work became his advertisement, it was not long before his prospects of success became an assured fact. Mr. Smith now employs more than a dozen men in his work, and has had some of the largest contracts in the city, having built all the tobacco warehouses in the city, numerous churches, schools and places of business, as well as residences, and has also done a large business in places outside of the city. In spite of the fact that he has reached an age at which the majority of men would retire, he is still busily engaged, and with firm step and clear intellect goes about his daily routine of business. Mr. Smith is a man of strong character, has lent solidity and worth to the place of his nativity, and is worthy of the high esteem in which he is held by his business associates. Mr. Smith married Elizabeth Ann Clafton, daughter of John and Sarah Clafton, natives of England, and to this union there were born nine children, as follows: Lucia, born August 26, 1863, now Mrs. Sam L. Clark; John Clafton, born December 20, 1865, who died in 1901; Christopher L., born October 25, 1867, now deceased; William Anderson, born February 20, 1870; Mary Jane, born June 20, 1872, now deceased; Rolland B., born October 23, 1874, now deceased; Joseph B., born December 13, 1876, now deceased; Lathrop George, born December 13, 1878, now deceased; and Bertha B., born October 20, 1881, now Mrs. Beaty Bramble, of Middletown. The father of these children is a Republican and a member of the I. O. O. F. William Anderson Smith, son of William Smith, received his education in the public schools, following which he associated himself in business with his father, with whom he has since continued. He was married in 1895 to Inez Ely, daughter of Joseph Ely, who died in 1909, without children. In 1911 Mr. Smith married Amida Dillman, daughter of Lurton and Flora (Tidball) Dillman, now of Cincinnati but formerly of Connersville, Ind.
William Kaiser Smith, M. D. Since 1913 the list of physicians and surgeons of Middletown has included the name of Dr. William Kaiser Smith, who, since his arrival, has built up a large and remunerative practice and has thoroughly established himself as a thorough, learned and skilled practitioner. The branch of the Smith family to which the Doctor belongs numbers 1500 members in this part of the country, and he is also a descendant of General McClernand, of Revolutionary fame. Doctor Smith was born December 8, 1875, at Mount Washington, Ohio, on a farm, and until fifteen years of age attended the common schools. Subsequently, he spent three years at Mount Washington Normal school, where he took a teacher's course, and began his medical studies at the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical college, from which institution he was graduated
with the class of 1898. The young physician began the practice of his calling at Bainbridge, Ohio, where he remained nine years, and then made removal to Franklin, where he practiced successfully for six years. In 1913, he came to Middletown, and here has since gained steadily in reputation, standing and practice. His well-appointed offices are situated at 118 E. Third street. Doctor Smith belongs to the various organizations of his profession and is recognized by his fellow-practitioners as a man who respects the strictest professional ethics. He is a Republican in politics and he and Mrs. Smith are members of the Methodist church. November 2, 1906, Doctor Smith was united in marriage with Margaret A., daughter of Isaac and Rachael A. (Eley) Smock, the former a native of Trenton and a sawmill owner by vocation, and the latter born in Indiana. Mrs. Smith is a descendant of Martha Custis, wife of George Washington, and was born at New Carlisle, Ohio, the youngest of her parents' four children, the others being: Phoebe M., Aaron A. and Harry. Doctor and Mrs. Smith have two children: Margaret A., born August 9, 1907; and William K., jr., born January 18, 1912, both attending school. Both the Doctor and his wife are very popular at Middletown, where they have made numerous friends and where their social standing brings them into contact with the best families.
Philip R. Snively, a well-known citizen and successful business man of Middletown, Ohio, is a son of Isaac and Malinda (Ray) Snively, natives of Seven Mile, Ohio. Here the subject of this sketch was born and grew to manhood. He had a brother and three sisters who also reached maturity: Andrew, now in Richmond, Ind.; Mary, Mrs. C. Fessener, in Seven Mile; Hapnah, deceased; Ella, Mrs. C. Clark, who is deceased; Harry, in Hamilton, Ohio. The death of his father occurred in August, 1868; that of his mother, October, 1914. September 13, 1888, Mr. Snively was married to Miss Emma Horner, daughter of B. J. and Elizabeth (Kinsey) Horner. Her father was born in Preble County, Ohio; her mother in Virginia. His death occurred May 8, 1898; that of the mother Feb. 14, 1908. Four children were the result of this union: Lee Homer, Elmer Ray, Marks Deam, Mary Frances, who died in May, 1903, aged five and one-half months. All the boys had part in the World war and acquitted themselves with credit and honor. Lee Homer after the cessation of hostilities received an honorable discharge; Elmer Ray joined the Engineering Corps November 23, 1917; Marks D. entered the United States Navy in 1917, at once "went across" and served fourteen months at the front. He was shell-shocked in service which kept him in the hospital for many weeks. On his discharge from the Navy, Marks returned to Middletown and at high noon on Easter Sunday, 1919, was married Hazel Edna, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Reece, of East Third street. Since coming to Middletown, in 1904, Mr. Snively has been a stucco cement contractor and has established a very profitable and extensive business. He possesses large property interests and is greatly esteemed as a citizen. His family relations are charming and in Mrs. Snively he has a real helpmate. Mr.
Snively is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Christian Henry Sohn. From the year 1875 until his death in 1915, the late Christian Henry Sohn was accounted one of the leading and most progressive bussinessmen of Hamilton. During that period he had been one of the founders and main developers of one of the city's largest industries, had been interested in a number of other enterprises that contributed to the municipality's prestige in the world of business, and had been generous in offering his abilities in behalf of movements calculated to advance the general welfare. Mr. Sohn's career was an interesting and honorable one. He was born at Bessingen, Wurtemberg, Germany, May 15, 1846, a son of Christian Frederick Sohn, a native of the same place. The father came to the United States in 1819 and settled at Cincinnati, where he engaged in brewing, and in the following year sent for his wife and four children, who were brought to this country by a cousin. The latter became the guardian of Christian Henry Sohn, reared him, and kept him in school until he was fourteen years of age. In 1860 the family came to Hamilton and the youth secured employment with John G. Rupp, with whom he remained until he was fifteen years of age, at that time running away from home to enlist in the Union army. When his real age was discovered by the recruiting officers, he was sent back home, where he remained until 1863, then going to Cincinnati, where he worked in a grocery store. He had not given up his determination to enter the army, however, and at the age of eighteen years he enlisted in Company B, 181st regiment, O. V. I. He proved a gallant and dutiful young soldier and fought with his regiment until November 23, 1864, when, at Murfreesboro, he was wounded in the head by a piece of shell. He was confined to the hospital for seventy days, when he rejoined his command and remained in the service until mustered out and honorably discharged, July 14, 1865, at Salisbury, N. C. During the following year, as a result of his wound and army experiences he was in poor health, but when he had fully recovered secured employment in Jacob Rupp's brickyard at Hamilton. In 1869 he left Mr. Rupp to become bookkeeper for Henry Engle, a brewer, with whom he remained until 1875. In that year was founded the firm of Sohn, Rentschler & Bolle, founders of shelf hardware, an association which continued only until July 26, 1876, when Mr. Sohn and George A. Rentschler bought Mr. Bolle's interests and changed the style to Sohn & Rentschler. The business of this concern was the manufacture of shelf hardware of all kinds, grey iron castings and machinery, and under the able and progressive direction of Mr. Sohn it grew to large proportions and became one of Hamilton's principal industries. While his chief interest was centered in the business of which he had been the main founder, and which had developed under his own eye and hand, Mr. Sohn was identified with other important ventures. He was interested in the Hooven-Owens-Rentschler Company, manufacturers of portable and stationary engines, the Phoenix Caster company, the Fairfield Township Ice company and the Cincinnati
Brewing company. His death, which occurred January 17, 1915, removed from Hamilton's business circles a man who was the soul of business honor and whose fine abilities had served to add to the reputation of his adopted city. He was fraternally identified with Hamilton Lodge, No. 409, of the Masonic fraternity, which had charge of the funeral ceremonies. December 20, 1876, Mr. Sohn was married to Miss Ann Sophia Mergantholer, who died. July 16, 1907, Mr. Sohn was again married, being united with Miss Emma R. Roegge, and was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Lilley) Roegge. Her father was born in Prussia and emigrated to the United States when twenty-seven years of age, while her mother, a native of Hanover, Germany, was fifteen years old when she came to America. After their marriage they settled at Cincinnati, where Mr. Roegge conducted a meat market until his death, in 1910, at the age of eighty-seven years, and his widow now makes her home with Mrs. Sohn. They are members of St. John's Lutheran church. There were eleven children in the Roegge family, and six still survive: Alvira, Augustus, Julius, Francis and William, all residents of Cincinnati, and Mrs. Sohn, whose home is at 633 Dayton street, Hamilton.
George P. Sohngen. A business experience covering a number of years is, according to its nature, honorable or otherwise, but in either case it develops capacity and either broadens or lessens the outlook on life. While every type of business man must possess certain qualities to ensure success in his undertakings, those indispensable to the banker rest on a higher plane than in many other lines, and for this reason, if for no other, the banker occupies a position in a community comparable to no other. As a bank represents the most conservative of all institutions, so must the banker exercise conservatism in his activities, yet, although it may seem almost an anomaly, he must also possess a due amount of courageous progressiveness for use upon occasion of need. A man in whose character the foregoing abilities are found is George P. Sohngen, president of the Dime Savings bank, of Hamilton, of which institution he was the founder in 1896. Mr. Sohngen was born June 25, 1860, at Hamilton, a son of Lewis and Eliza Sohngen, natives of Germany, the former of whom emigrated to the United States at the age of twenty-five years and the latter of whom was brought by her parents when two years of age. After graduating from the high school at Hamilton, George P. Sohngen entered the Ohio State university, from which he was duly graduated in 1882. At that time he returned to Hamilton, where, with his brother, he embarked in the malting business as The Sohngen Malting company, continuing therein until 1896 when disposal of the interest of the brothers was made to The American Malting company. On leaving this field of endeavor, Mr. Sohngen gratified an ambition which he had held for some time, that of becoming a banker, and accordingly became the organizer of the Dime Savings bank, of which he has since been the president. Under his capable management and direction of affairs this institution has grown and prospered materially and at this time has an excellent reputation in banking circles, as a safe, conservative
and entirely reliable banking house. Mr. Sohngen is an astute and farseeing financier, staunchly jealous of the. reputation of his bank and of the good will of his depositors. He is also vice-president of the Second National bank of Hamilton and president of the Mathes-Sohngen company, in addition to which he has a number of other important business connections. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and of a number of local clubs and civic bodies. Mr. Sohngen married Miss Ida M. Conner, and shortly after their union erected his present beautiful home on Ross and D streets, Hamilton. Mr. and Mrs. Sohngen are the parents of seven children: Harry, associated with the Sohngen Dry Goods company, of which he is a member of the board of directors, is a member of the Elks, married, lives at Hamilton, and has two children: Mark, vice-president and a member of the board of directors of the Sohngen Dry Goods company, of the Middletown store, is married and has two children; Louis C., of Hamilton, vice-president and treasurer of the Lastic Patch Manufacturing company, a director of the Sohngen Dry Goods company, is married and has one child; David, single, who is manager of the Lastic Patch company; George P., jr., who is attending school; Marie, who married Ross Howe of Hamilton, associated with the Second National bank; and Lee Edward, secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Sohngen Dry Goods company, who is single and a member of the Elks.
Robert Mason Sohngen. The number of young professional men who served in the recent World war was much greater than the average person would imagine and it is gratifying to know that in most instances these youngsters gave good account of themselves when the occasion required. Not only were thousands of young physicians, attorneys, etc., drafted for the war, but innumerable others who could have avoided service were not inclined to do so, but rather enlisted and distinguished themselves. Among the latter might be mentioned Robert Mason Sohngen, well-known young attorney of Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio, who from the inception of the world conflict sponsored the cause of the Allies and when the opportunity presented was accepted in the service and proved himself to be of the type of soldier worthy to wear the colors of Uncle Sam. Although his activities in the war were confined to camp work in this country he demonstrated conclusively that he was of the mould that army officials welcome with outstretched arms and his bearing at all times was such as to instill enthusiasm into his fellow-soldiers. Incidentally, it might be stated that his activities were appreciated to such degree by his superiors as to win him promotions, he having risen to the rank of captain of infantry, at Camp Sherman, before he was mustered out of service. Born in Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio, July 16, 1887, he was the son of Charles and Anna (Mason) Sohngen, both of whom were also natives of Hamilton. The father was in close touch with the business interests of the town and was one of the best informed men of the community on the history of Butler county. His loyalty to his home town was never questioned and it is said of him that he was always active in movements that would tend to promote the commercial
prestige of Hamilton. In this regard the son has followed in the footsteps of his father, evincing the greatest interest in developing the commercial supremacy of the City of Hamilton and being looked upon as one of the really energetic and enterprising citizens. After attending the grammar school he was graduated from the high school of Hamilton in 1905. He later attended Cornell University College of Law, receiving his degree in 1908. He went abroad for five months and on his return to Hamilton became associated with the Williams Shoe company, of that place, remaining in this connection until 1912, when he was admitted to the bar. He engaged in the practice of his profession with marked success, but the interest that he had manifested in the World war caused him in August, 1917, to enlist in the Second Officers' Training Corps at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis. In November of that year he was commissioned First Lieutenant in Infantry and was assigned to the 158th Department Brigade of Camp Sherman. He remained at this post throughout the war, training troops, serving as camp judge advocate and also as camp intelligence officer. In July, 1918, he was promoted to the rank of captain and was honorably discharged from the service December 20, 1918. In 1910 he married Miss Helen Ray Simpson of Middletown, Ohio. He has always proved to be a devoted husband who is inseparably attached to his wife. In politics he is a Democrat. The citizens of Hamilton gave fitting testimonial of their appreciation of his capabilities and honesty when they elected him to the board of education of Hamilton in 1915, and he was re-elected a member of the board of education November 4, 1919, for a term of four years, beginning January 1, 1920. He was later chosen president of this body, which high post he now holds. He belongs to Blue Lodge, Masonic Fraternity, and is also an Elk.
Henry Spangenberger, son of Henry and Mary (Scherer) Spangenberger, is a native son of Butler county, Ohio, and one of its respected and best known citizens. He was born in Millville, February 14, 1860, and his life has been passed in this community in the affairs of which he has always been a chief factor. His parents were natives of Germany. When a young man, Henry Spangenberger, sr., emigrated to this country, and a little later, Mary Scherer came with her parents, H. and Elizabeth (Dater) Scherer, and all settled in the vicinity of Millville, where Henry Spangenberger and Mary Scherer were married, the result of which union was nine children: Henry, subject of this sketch; Peter, who is deceased, married Miss Henninger and they had two sons, Albert and Robert, the latter of whom saw service in the World war; John, deceased; Elizabeth, who married L. H. Beiser, lives in Stockton and has one child, Arthur; Charles, married Louisa Angst and had four children, Henry deceased, Dorothy, Viola and Margaret; Jacob, married Mary Heimuch and had five children, Clarence, Albert, Robert, who served in the U. S. Navy during the World war, Jacob and Margaret; Mary, married to Jacob Fry, living in Milville, had four children, Oscar, Blanch, Edna, Ruth; Ella, married to Joseph Lenhoff, who is deceased, whose children are Elston, Cora and Ada. Henry, our subject, is unmarried, and lives with his mother at Millville. He is a
leading citizen and so universally respected that he is often called to lead in efforts and projects for the good of the community. During the World war he took special interest in the home activities, the Red Cross, etc., and gave freely of his means and personal effort to their advancement. Mr. Spangenberger is the present trustee of Ross township and is exceedingly popular because of his universal geniality and courtesy.
William Henry Specht, son of August and Susan (Fox) Specht, was born near Martin's Ferry, Ohio, February 25, 1870. His father when but a lad was brought by his parents from Germany to Martin's Ferry, where he grew to manhood and became the head of a family of fourteen children: Lewis and Harry, died in infancy; August, accidentally shot and killed by a playmate at the age of seven years; Mary, Alice and Ella, deceased; Lizzie, Mrs. Edward Iron, in Holloway, Ohio; Henry, in Pennsylvania; Flood, in West Virginia; John, in Middletown; Frank, in Martin's Ferry, was in service during the World war; Lillie, Mrs. G. La Rue, in Indiana; Mrs. George King, in Martin's Ferry; William Henry, subject of this sketch. The father is a veteran of the Civil war, having served three years and three months as a drummer boy. He still lives in Martin's Ferry; the mother died September 12, 1906. Mr. Specht was married to Margaret J. Evans, daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Watkins) Evans. When she was six years of age, Mrs. Specht's parents came from Wales and located at Martin's Ferry, where the father died December 25, 1916, the mother still lives. Mrs. Specht's brothers and sisters were as follows: George, died in Wales; David, in Granite City, Mo.; Hannah, Mrs. Robert Edwards; George, Griffith, Thomas, William, Mary, Mrs. George Beck; Alice, Mrs. David Ashton, all of Martin's Ferry. Mr. and Mrs. Specht are the parents of six children: Margaret, Mrs. Parker Matthews, born December 16, 1896; William, born December 13, 1900; Alice, born June 9, 1903; Howard, born June 24, 1904; Helen, born November 4, 1906; Elizabeth, born October 11, 1909. The children possess special talent in music and it is the purpose of the parents to develop this gift as well as provide each with a high school education. Mr. Specht moved his family from Martin's Ferry to Middletown September 11, 1911, and accepted a position with the American Rolling Mill company in the capacity of heater, and is still engaged in that occupation. He is domestic in habits and is nowhere more pleased than when in his own home surrounded by the members of his charming family. Mr. Specht is a member of the Christian church and belongs to the orders of Moose and Eagles. Politically, he has liberal views.
Chris Springer. In according consideration in this history to the essentially substantial and representative exponents of farm industry in Butler county, a place of no indefinite priority is to be given to Mr. Springer, who is a scion of one of the sterling old families of the county and whose stage of productive activities as a farmer is the fine old homestead farm, in Fairfield township, which figures as the place of his nativity. Here he was born on the 17th of July, 1862, and his status in the community demonstrates not only
his worth of character but also his excellent judgment in not being deflected from the line of industrial enterprise to which he was here reared and in connection with which he has developed to the maximum degree the splendid agricultural resources of his native county. Mr. Springer is a son of Peter and Magdalena (Engle) Springer, both of whom were born in Germany, and both of whom were young at the time of the emigration of the respective families to America. Peter Springer was a son of Joseph Springer, who became a pioneer settler in Butler county and who here owned and operated one of the early gristmills established a few miles south of Hamilton, with water-power facilities. After his marriage Peter Springer settled in section 33, Fairfield township, where he purchased seventy-eight and one-half acres of land, a considerable portion of which was still covered with the native timber. He built a good barn and made other improvements on the place, which had already been supplied with a dwelling, and with the passing years he reclaimed much of his timbered land and developed a productive and valuable farm. Here he continued his successful activities as a general farmer until his death, at the age of seventy-three years, his wife having passed away at the age of sixty-eight years and both having been earnest and consistent members of the Mennonite church, in the affairs of which they were active workers, the while Mr. Springer's political views were exemplified in his support of the principles of the Democratic party. Of the five children the eldest was Joseph, who died in childhood; Anna is the wife of John J. Huffman, of Fairfield township; Chris is the immediate subject of this review; Miss Barbara resides at Pleasant Run, Ohio; Mary is the wife of George Rahmes, of that place. Early in his youth Chris Springer began to contribute his quota to the work of the old home farm, on which he has resided continuously from the time of his birth, and he takes lasting satisfaction in the fact that it was his privilege to remain with and care for his parents in the gracious evening of their earnest and unassuming lives. The old home farm is endeared to him by graceful memories and associations and he takes pride in keeping the place up to the best modern standard in productiveness. He has remodeled the substantial house on the farm and has made other valuable improvements that give evidence of his progressiveness and enterprise. In connection with diversified agriculture Mr. Springer gives considerable attention to the dairy business, which he has made a profitable department of his farm enterprise. He and his family are well known throughout Butler county, and it is but just to say that here their circle of friends is coincident with that of their acquaintances. In politics Mr. Springer holds allegiance to the Democratic party, and while he has had no desire for public office of any kind his civic loyalty prompted him to give effective service during his incumbency of the position of school director of his district. The daughters are active and valued members of Zion Evangelical Lutheran church at Hamilton. The year 1894 recorded the marriage of Mr. Springer to Miss Ella Knapp, of Hamilton, Butler county, she being a daughter of Louis and Caroline Knapp, who were natives of Germany. Upon coming to Butler county Mr. Knapp for a
time followed his trade that of cigarmaker, at Cincinnati, but eventually he turned his attention to farming, of which industry he here continued a representative until the time of his death, his wife being still on the old homestead. Of their children Bena resides near Pleasant Run, Ohio, Mrs. Springer being the next younger; Sarah and Charles; Carrie at Hamilton remains with widowed mother, now venerable in years; Mary is the wife of Jacob Trautman, of Hamilton; and Julia is the wife of Harry Buell, of Lindenwald, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Springer have two daughters: Mary completed a course in the Hamilton High school and business college and now holds a responsible position in the office of the Central Motor company at Hamilton, and Carlena, who received similar educational advantages, is at the parental home.
Bernard Anthony Staarman, a prominent Morgan township farmer, a son of George and Mathilda (Mayburry) Staarman, was born August 15, 1885. His father was born near Cincinnati, and with his parents, moved to West Virginia, some years ago, taking up residence near Leopold. Here he married Mathilda Mayburry, who was born in that state. In later years they came to Butler county, where, in Ross township, they settled on a farm. To them were born these children; Bernard; John, married Marie Headrick; Mary, deceased; George, Frank; Frances, who became the wife of Aloysius Day; Anna, Lula, Edward, Joseph, deceased; and Hermann. Mr. and Mrs. George Staarman are living in Ross township. George Staarman served at the Cape May, N. J., hospital during the recent war. Frank served in Base Hospital 115, as a corporal. Mr. Bernard Staarman was educated at Leopold, V. Va. In 1910, he married Josephine Kreyenbuhl, daughter of Vincent and Mary (Rieg) Kreyenbuhl, of Leopold, W. Va. Her parents had seven children: Cecelia, Josephine, Elizabeth, Lucy, Agnes, Isadore, who served in the recent war, and Henry. After their marriage, Bernard Staarman and his wife moved to Linwood, a suburb of Cincinnati. While there, Mr. Staarman was identified with the R. K. LeBlond Machine Tool company. Later he purchased 129 acres of fine land in Butler county, the farm being known as the old Keeser farm, in Morgan township. Here he has made a number of excellent improvements, and his farm today is as fine as any in the locality. To him and his wife have been born the following children: Albert, born September 14, 1911; Loretta, September 10, 1913; Bertha, November 19, 1915; Leo, April 17, 1918. The family are members of the St. Aloysius Catholic church of Shandon. Mr. and Mrs. Staarman, during the war, gave much of their time to patriotic service.
Nicholas Stahl, whose expert knowledge of his business has made him exceedingly valuable as a roller in the great manufacturing plant of the American Rolling Mill company for a number of years, is a highly respected and substantial citizen of Middletown, where he has large realty interests. He was born at Newport, Ky., youngest of four sons born to Jacob Henry and Louisa (Schunk) Stahl. His brothers are: Jacob Henry, John and Charles Stahl. His father was sixteen years old when he left Pennsylvania and located near Wheeling, W. Va., where he worked in rolling
mills for some years, then moved to Newport, Ky., and worked in rolling mills there. Thus Nicholas very early became accustomed to mills and machinery and after his school days were over, began his apprenticeship in rolling mills, and advanced step by step until he became an expert roller himself. Since coming to Middletown Mr. Stahl has invested in property which he has improved, an example being his handsome modern residence on Baltimore street. He married Miss Myrtle, daughter of Franklin and Mary Jane (Withrow) Haley, of Jackson county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Haley are the parents of Myrtle, now Mrs. Stahl; Mrs. Alma Kimble; Mrs. Wilda Sample and John Sheridan, who is quite prominent in Masonic circles in Covington, Ky. Mr. Cora Jones a daughter, deceased, left a son, William Harold Haley, five years of age, who is being cared for and educated by his grandparents. Mrs. Stahl is an educated and accomplished lady, with handsome presence and winsome manner. She is a member of the order of Eastern Star, and White Shrine, of Jerusalem, in which orders she has held high offices, and is also active in the different clubs of the city. Mr. Stahl is a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight Templar and a Shriner. He belongs also to the Elks and to various industrial bodies, being quite prominent in labor circles. He was elected the first president of the Amalgamated association in the Miami valley. Personally he is pleasant, genial and reliable and it is not difficult to understand the fact of his having a wide circle of warm friends. In his political views the Republican party best illustrates his ideas. Both he and Mrs. Stahl are members of the First Presbyterian church at Middletown.
Adam J. Stahlheber. The growth and development of Butler county during the past thirty or forty years have been remarkable, and the visitor to this fertile country, as it is today, would find it hard to believe that but comparatively a sort time ago this was but an expanse of timber, prairie and swamp. Such was the case, however, and one of the families which has assisted in bringing about the advancement noted is that of Stahlheber, a worthy representative of which is found in Adam J. Stahlheber, of St. Clair township, a prosperous and highly respected agriculturist. Mr. Stahlheber was born September 2, 1879, in St. Clair township, Butler county, Ohio, a son of Phillip and Margaretta (Hammel) Stahlheber, whose careers are mentioned in the sketches of Henry P. and David Stahlheber, elsewhere in this volume. His education was secured in the public schools in the vicinity of his country home, and when he had completed his studies he gave his entire attention to farming, which he has followed with increasing success to the present time. Mr. Stahlheber also engages extensively in threshing, and has a complete outfit, including thresher, huller, corn husker, etc., one of the best outfits to be found in the Miami valley. With this he operates during the season over an extensive territory. He is a man who possesses excellent business qualities and high ideals of business honor and integrity, and as a farmer gives evidence of his ability and good management in his well-cultivated fields, splendid improvements and soundly constructed and perfectly
repaired buildings. Mr. Stahlheber was married February 17, 1904, to Mary E., daughter of Jacob B. and Mary A. (Druck) Beiser. Mr. Beiser was sixteen years of age when he emigrated from Germany to the United States and located in Butler county, where he met and later married Miss Druck, who had come from the same country when she was nine years old. They had the following children, one, Edward, having died in infancy. The survivors are: Jacob J.; Charles D.; V. V., a resident of California; William; Minnie, the wife of William Sumser; Lucy C., the wife of William Bruer; and Edna, the wife of Claude W. King, all of Butler county except V. V. To Mr. and Mrs. Stahlheber there have been born three children: Bertha Selma, born November 6, 1905; Mary Irma, born March 3, 1908; and Howard Phillip, born October 10, 1912, bright, attractive and clever children, who are attending the home schools. The family belongs to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church. Mr. Stahlheber, who is a staunch Democrat in politics, has served for many years as a clerk of election in his township, and has been superintendent of highways for six years. He is considered one of the enterprising and up-to-date agriculturists of his section and an excellent judge of stock and farming conditions, and as a citizen can always be found supporting movements making for the betterment of his community and its people.
David M. Stahlheber. The career of David M. Stahlheber has been an expression of well-applied energy resulting in successful accomplishments. A resident of Butler county throughout his life, it may be truthfully said of him that he has worked out his own success, and the excellent improvements to be found on his property in St. Clair township form an indication of his diligence, enterprise and progressive spirit. Mr. Stahlheber was born on a farm in St. Clair township, Butler county, Ohio, a son of Philip and Margaret (Hammel) Stahlheber. His parents, natives of Germany, emigrated to the United States separately as young people and met and were married in Ohio. For a time they made their abiding place the little community of Coke Otto, later went to the old McClellan farm, and finally settled on the property on Eaton road which is now occupied by their son Jacob W. There this highly esteemed and respected couple passed the remaining years of their lives. They were faithful members of St. John's Evangelical church and were laid to rest in Greenwood cemetery, where an appropriate stone marks their last resting-place, although their memories are also kept green in the hearts of their many friends. They were the parents of the following children: Adam; David M., of this review; Jacob W., who is farming the old home place in St. Clair township; Henry P. H., also a successful farmer of St. Clair township; Kate, who is the wife of Fred Schul, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits on the Mason road; and Bertha, who is the wife of Otto Willick and resides in Oklahoma. David M. Stahlheber was born in October, 1893, and attended district No. 4 school in St. Clair township. His education was cut short when he was fourteen years of age, however, by the death of his parents, and at that time he went to work for a brother, his education thus coming through the school of hard work and
experience. February 10, 1916, he was united in marriage with Jessie, daughter of William Lambert, and following his union went to his uncle Charles Stahlheber's place, where he secured employment under his brother, Henry P. H. Eventually he was able to gather together sufficient capital to purchase the old George Marsh farm, a tract of 125 acres in St. Clair township, which he has developed into an excellent property. While he belongs to the younger generation of agriculturists of Butler county, Mr. Stahlheber is accounted among the skilled men of his calling, not alone as a general farmer, but as a raiser of live stock and is the owner of fourteen head of fine Holstein cattle. In politics he supports the principles and candidates of the Democratic party. During the war period he was a generous contributor to the various activities. Mr. and Mrs. Stahlheber are the parents of one child: Bertha May.
Henry Stahlheber, who is favorably known in agricultural connections as the owner and operator of a valuable farm of 160 acres in Hanover township, Butler county, has passed his entire life in this community. Here this veteran agriculturist has commanded the respect and good will of his associates, and his legacy of integrity, combined with useful labor and sound citizenship, has been a valuable contribution to the upbuilding of the community. Mr. Stahlheber was born at Trenton, Ohio, October 4, 1852, a son of Henry and Lizzie (Kippenberger) Stahlheber. His parents, natives of Germany, grew up and were married there, and shortly thereafter emigrated to the United States and settled at Trenton. They lived at different places until 1867 when they secured 160 acres of land in Hanover township, the same farm as that upon which their son now resides, and this continued to be their home during a long period of years, although in the evening of life they moved to the present home of their son, Jacob Stahlheber, a sketch of whose career appears elsewhere in this work. When they located on the original farm they found there an old log house and other ramshackle building's, but these did not conform to Mr. Stahlheber's idea of what a home should be, and in 1872 he burned the brick and got timber wherewith to build the present substantial brick house. This was followed in 1876 by the erection of a large barn, and in later years he made numerous other improvements. He was a man highly respected and well known in his community and was a Democrat in politics, and he and Mrs. Stahlheber were faithful members of the Evangelical Lutheran church, They had eight children, namely: Philip, who is deceased; Michael, a retired farmer, who married Ida Moyer; Henry, of this notice; Mary; John, deceased, who married Christina Engel; Lizzie, deceased, who was the wife of George Ittel, of Hamilton; Charles, a farmer on Seven Mile pike; and Jacob, a farmer and dairyman of St. Clair township. Henry Stahlheber is indebted to the Valley View common school for his educational training. He was brought up as the son of a farmer, his early training being along that line, and remained at home with his parents, with whom he continued to work until fourteen years after his marriage, when he became, through purchase, the owner of the old home place. He has made numerous improvements which have added to
the value of the property, and in addition to carrying on general farming has found success in raising Holstein cattle, a large type of Poland China hogs, and an excellent quality of draft horses. Mr. Stahlheber is a Democrat in politics, but has never aspired to office. He has willingly and generously supported all movements which have promised to benefit his community and its people, and he and Mrs. Stahlheber are faithful members of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran church at Hamilton. Mr. Stahlheber married. Miss Anna Margaretta Engel, and they became the parents of two children: Annie, who married Jesse James, of Hamilton, and has two children, Orin H. L. and Ethelynn ; and Mary, who married John Alstedder of Hamilton, and has two children, Henry S. and Ruth Mary. Mrs. Stahlheber's father, John T. Engel, and mother, Anna Elizabeth Heinlein before her marriage, who were natives of Germany, came to the United States and were married in Cincinnati and were farming people of Ross township, Butler county. To them were born nine children: Anna Margaretta, now Mrs. Henry Stahlheber; Christina, widow of John Stahlheber; Mary, Elizabeth and William (twins), and Ann Barbara, are deceased; Charles, married Minnie Schmid and lives in Butler county; George E., who lives on the old home place; and J. T., deceased. All belonged to the Evangelical Lutheran church.
Henry P. H. Stahlheber. St. Clair township has no more industrious or skilled agriculturist than Henry P. H. Stahlheber, who has been a resident of this community all of his life, and who is now carrying on operations on the old McKee farm. He was born on his father's farm in St. Clair township, Butler county, August 5, 1876, a son of Philip and Margaret (Hammel) Stahlheber, natives of Germany. The parents were young people when they came to the United States and met and were married in Ohio, following which for a time they resided at the little hamlet of Coke Otto, whence they moved to the old McClellan farm. Later they went to the property on Eaton road where their son Jacob W. now resides and that continued to be the home of this worthy couple throughout the remainder of their lives. They were highly respected people of their community, where they had numerous friends, and many mourners followed their cortege when they were laid to rest in Greenwood cemetery. They were the parents of the following children: Adam; David M.; who is successfully engaged in farming in St. Clair township, Butler county; Jacob W., who is farming the old homestead in St. Clair township; Henry P. H., of this notice; Kate, who is the wife of Fred Schul, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits on the Mason road; and Bertha, who is the wife of Otto Willick and resides in Oklahoma. The parents of these children were faithful members of Zion Evangelical Lutheran church. Henry P. H. Stahlheber was educated in the public schools of St. Clair township, following which, like other farmers' sons, he started to help his father and brothers in the work to be done at home. He was married in 1901 to Louise, daughter Martin Druck, of Hanover township, a farmer now deceased. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stahlheber settled on the place on which they now live, known as the old McKee farm,
which had been purchased by the father of Mr. Stahlheber. At the time of Philip Stahlheber's death the original farm of 214 acres became a part of the estate, from which through inheritance and purchase Henry P. H. Stahlheber secured his present property of 163 acres. This he has developed into one of the valuable and attractive farms of the county, with good buildings, modern equipment and up-to-date conveniences and improvements. He is a skilled farmer, and in the matter of citizenship no man in his locality stands higher, while as a business man of integrity his name is universally honored in business circles. He is a staunch Democrat in his political affiliation, and he and the members of his family belong to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church. The children are: Harold, Margaret, Anna and Carolyn, and all have been given excellent educational advantages. Mrs. Stahlheber's father, Martin Druck, was born in Germany in September, 1843, and came to the United States with his parents and to Butler county in 1853. In 1867 he married Theresa Horter and were the parents of three children: Anna M. T., wife of Henry Petri and residents of Butler county; Elizabeth N., who married John Greichen, also of Butler county, both of whom are now deceased; and Louise C., wife of Henry P. H. Stahlheber. All were members of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church.
Jacob Stahlheber. Among the well and favorably known farmers and dairymen of Hanover township, Butler county, one who has been particularly successful in his work and has gained a position of recognized standing in his community, is Jacob Stahlheber. Mr. Stahlheber has been a resident of this community all of his life, having been born on his father's farm in Hanover township, April 12, 1867, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Kippenberger) Stahlheber. His parents, natives of Germany, grew up and were married in their native land whence they came to the United States in 1850 and located at Trenton, Ohio, for one year, then settling on the John Wilson farm in St. Clair township, Butler county. Later the father bought a partly cleared property in Hanover township, consisting of 162 acres in section 12, the clearing of which he completed, in addition to erecting a good set of buildings which still stand in an excellent state of preservation. In 1873, Mr. Stahlheber bought 163 acres additional in the same township, known as the old Delleplane place, where he remodeled the house and made many valuable improvements, and that continued to be the home of the parents during the remainder of their lives, the father dying there at the age of eighty years, while the mother was sixty-three years old at the time of her demise. They were faithful members of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran church of Hamilton, and the parents of eight children: Philip, deceased, who was a farmer in St. Clair township; Michael, a farmer, who was a dairyman in Hanover township for twenty years; Henry, a farmer in the same township; John, also a farmer there, who died in 1910; Elizabeth, who died as the wife of George Ittel; Phillipena, of Hamilton, the widow of William Wiegler; Charles, who is engaged in farming in St. Clair township; and Jacob. Jacob Stahlheber was educated in the country schools and as a young man engaged in the milk business with his father,
with whom he was associated from 1868 until 1892. He was married in 1891 to Mary E. Schmitt, born in Warsaw, Illinois, a daughter of Charles and Margaret Schmitt, natives of Germany. Charles Schmitt was but four years of age when brought to the United States by his parents, and grew up in Kentucky and Illinois, in which latter state he resided after his marriage for a number of years. Eventually he came to Butler county, Ohio, settling on Seven Mile pike, but later retired and moved to Hamilton, where he died at the age of eighty-two years, Mrs. Schmitt having passed away when sixty-three years old. They were faithful members of the Evangelical Lutheran church and the parents of ten children: William A., connected with the West Side Motor company, of Hamilton; Kate, the wife of J. C. Engel, of Hamilton; John E., president of the West Side Motor company of Hamilton; Mary E.; Charles, secretary and treasurer of the West Side Motor company; Elizabeth, the wife of Walter Gross, of Hillsboro, Ohio; George, engaged in the motorcycle business at St. Louis; Fred, who conducts the Miami Valley Motor company, at Dayton; Ida, who married Andrew Casteel; and Julius, a salesman with the West Side Motor company of Hamilton. To Mr. and Mrs. Stahlheber there have been born seven children: Clarence is deceased; and Herbert J., who died at nineteen years of age. He was a trusted employee of the West Side Motor company at the time of his death, and was greatly missed by his many friends who still remember him; Loretta K., the wife of Carl Schultze, of Cincinnati; Edwin C.; Marcella M.; Robert R. and Russell L. Mr. Stahlheber has been a farmer and dairyman all of his life. His courtesy and reliability, together with his excellent milk products, have won for him an enviable patronage among the people of Hamilton, and his neighborliness and public spirit make him a popular acquisition to his township. He likewise raises Duroc Jersey hogs and draft horses and is accounted a good judge of lives stock. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never aspired to office. Since early manhood he has been a member of the Emanuel Lutheran church at Hamilton, to which the members of his family also belong, and contributes generously towards the maintenance of the local organization.
Jacob W. Stahlheber, whose home is in the Hamilton community of St. Clair township, is one of the representative agriculturists of Butler county. Thorough, systematic and progressive, he has met with deserved success in his chosen calling and by his own unaided efforts has risen to a position among the substantial citizens of his community, being now the owner of a well-improved and valuable farm of 186 acres. Mr. Stahlheber was born July 16, 1895, on a farm just east of Hamilton, in Butler county, Ohio, a son of Philip and Margaret (Hammel) Stahlheber. The parents of Mr. Stahlheber were born in Germany and were young people when they came to America, each settling with their family in Ohio, where they met and were married. For a time they resided at Coke Otto and then took up their residence on the old McClellan farm in Butler county, but finally settled down permanently on the homestead which is now occupied by their son Jacob W., located on the Eaton
road. There they resided during the rest of their lives, as honest and highly respected and God-fearing people, who lived their faith and worshiped at Zion Evangelical Lutheran church. When they died they were laid to rest in the Greenwood cemetery, and the memory of their good deeds and kindly natures still remains green in the hearts of their children and many friends. They were the parents of the following children: Adam; David M., who is carrying on farming and stock raising in St. Clair township, Butler county; Jacob W., of this notice; Henry P. H., who is a successful agriculturist of St. Clair township; Kate, who is the wife of Fred Schul, a prosperous farmer on the Mason road in Butler county; and Bertha, a resident of the state of Oklahoma, and wife of Otto Willick. Jacob W. Stahlheber attended the Blue Grass school and for several years worked as an associate and assistant of his father, after whose death he commenced working for his mother. When she, too, passed away he began farming on his own account on the place which he now owns, and which he purchased from the family estate. He is now the owner of 186 acres of the old homestead, which he devotes to general farming, in addition to which he is at present engaged in extensive stock raising operations, having- at this time a splendid herd of Holstein cattle. His property is well improved, and is fitted throughout with Delco lights. In his political affiliations Mr. Stahlheber is a Democrat and takes an active interest in public affairs. During the war he was a contributor to all war activities and took a prominent part in several movements. With his family, he belongs to the Zion Evangelical Lutheran church. His life has been one of industry and usefulness and due success has not been denied, it being but the just reward of honest labor for all that he has acquired through his own efforts. December 18, 1915, Mr. Stahlheber was married to Alvina, daughter of Stephen and Mary Slipher, of St. Clair township, and they are the parents of one daughter, Virginia, who was born in 1907.
George Steinbrecher, Jr., son of George and Lou (Bolmer) Steinbrecher, was born in Middletown, Ohio, December 17, 1893. He was one of family of five children; the others: Lucien, in Middletown; Edgar, with the Army of Occupation in China; Reuben, deceased; Anna, Mrs. Charles Jewell; Tillie, Mrs. Louis Abdon. His father died January 4, 1905; his mother, June 4, 1914. Our subject attended the public schools at Middletown, Ohio, and during the earlier years engaged in various pursuits. On April 19, 1918, he enlisted with the U. S. Marines, was transferred to the Fifth Replacement August 18, 1918, and sailed for Brest, France, August 27. At Verdun, he was wounded in the right fore arm, which confined him to the hospital for six weeks. His service in France extended over a period of almost one year. He received his discharge June 16, 1919, and soon after his arrival home engaged as fireman on the New York Central railroad. Mr. Steinbrecher is a member of the Methodist church and of the Moose lodge. He is a Republican.
Charles W. Stephan, son of Charles and Helena (Wunsch) Stephan, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 29, 1864, and is one of the most substantial and prosperous farmers in Ross township,
which has been his home for many years and where he is held in high esteem by all his acquaintances and friends. The parents of Charles W. were natives of Baden-Baden, Germany, and while yet in that country, the father learned the trade of baker. Coming to this country, he for many years operated a bakery in Cincinnati. In 1865, with his family, he moved to Venice, Ross township, where he opened and conducted a tavern for a considerable period of time, or until his death in 1867; the death of the mother occurred in 1912. Their children numbered seven: Helen and Louise, Mrs. A. Holland, both deceased; Caroline, Mrs. Orin Brown; Wilhelmina, Mrs. H. W. Butterfield; Amelia, Mrs. Jesse Butterfield; Adolph, deceased; and Charles W., the subject of this sketch. As a lad, Charles W. attended the public schools of Ross township, and on completion of their curriculum, he entered his career as farmer, in which vocation he was to become so successful and prove so prosperous. In 1889, he married Mary E. Brown, daughter of Benjamin and Nancy (Wickard) Brown, of Venice, who were the parents of four children: Wilmer S., who served as treasurer of Butler county several terms; Mary, Mrs. Stephan; and two who died in infancy. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stephan moved to the farm they still own and occupy. In addition to this, Mr. Stephan acquired two hundred acres additional which he has disposed of at much profit, and is also the owner of twenty-one valuable residence properties in Hamilton; which is now his home, having disposed of his interest in Venice. Mr. and Mrs. Stephan have one daughter, Beausie, Mrs. Carl D. Baker, of Dayton, Ohio, now deceased. Mrs. Baker was a charming woman who graduated from the College of Music and also attended Western college at Oxford, Ohio. Mr. Stephan takes great interest in all public maters and is ever ready in any work for the public good. He has served the people as trustee of Ross township and made a most capable official, he was also a member of the Butler county agricultral society for many years. In the various activities conducted during the recent war, he had prominent part, and his benefactions are neither few nor insignificant.
George M. Stephens. For more than forty years George M. Stephens has been identified with the trade of carpentry and the business of contracting and building, and for thirty-five years of this time his operations have been centered at College Corner, where he is now a member of the contracting firm of Stephens & Stewart. Here he has built up a lasting and substantial reputation as a skilled workman, an honorable business man and a public-spirited citizen. Mr. Stephens was born at Somerville, Butler county, Ohio, August 21, 1861, a son of William F. and Anna (Hamilton) Stephens, the former born in Butler county, where the family had been old settlers and the grandfather a lifelong farmer, while the mother was a native of Pennsylvania. William F. Stephens was the proprietor of a modest shoe store at the time of his marriage, not long after which the Civil war came on and he enlisted in an Ohio Infantry Regiment and fought gallantly with the Union army until the close of hostilities. He then returned to his shoe business, which he conducted until 1884, and at which time he went to Kansas, locating at Greensburg,
Kiowa county, Kans., where he established a shoe store and continued as its proprietor until his death. Mrs. Stephens, who survived her husband some years, had come to Butler county as a child with her parents, settling near Somerville, where her father was first a butcher and later a farmer. She and her husband were the parents of five children: Ira V., a resident of College Corner; George M., of this notice; Orla, who is deceased; Charles G., a resident of Seattle, Wash.; and Carrie Belle, who is the wife of Francis Powell, of Hamilton, Ohio. George M. Stephens received a public school education at Somerville, and when he completed his studies took up the carpenter's trade, which he learned thoroughly. He began to work thereat in 1878, when he was but seventeen years of age, and soon found his services in good demand. In 1884, he accompanied his parents and the other children of the family to Kansas, but remained only four years in that state, in 1888 returning to College Corner, which has since been his home and the scene of his success. Not long after his return he formed a partnership with William R. Stewart, another master carpenter, and the new firm of Stephens & Stewart embarked upon its career as contractors. In addition to many buildings, including both banks at College Corner, the firm has erected the schoolhouse at Morning Sun and a number of buildings at Hamilton, and is widely known for its good workmanship and its prompt and honorable completion of contracts. Mr. Stephens is an Elk and a Mason and is popular in both lodges. He takes a keen and helpful interest in civic affairs, as a public-spirited citizen, and he and Mrs. Stephens belong to the Methodist church. In 1889, Mr. Stephens married Ida, daughter of Edward Hinsey, of Somerville, Ohio, and to this union there was born one son: Bruce H., educated at Oxford, and Miami university, and now holding an important position in a bank at Liberty, Ind.
David W. Stephenson was born at Sparta, Ill., March 22, 1849, a son of William J. and Martha (Ferris) Stephenson, the former a native of Boone county, Ky., and the latter of South Carolina. William J. Stephenson went as a young man to Sparta, Ill., but in 1883 came to Oxford, Ohio, where he retired after having established a good record in business circles and as a citizen, and died in 1892, at the age of eighty-one years, while his wife passed away at Xenia, Ohio, when sixty years of age. Their children were: Robert, of Springfield, Ohio; Mary Jane, who resides at New Wilmington, Pa. ; David William; and Loretta, who died in 1883. David William Stephenson was educated in the public schools, and as a young man learned the tinsmith trade at Xenia, Ohio, and subsequently went to Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he followed his trade until 1883. Coming to Oxford in that year, he became one of the proprietors of a tinsmith shop and stove store, under the firm style of Stephenson & Schultz. Later they expanded their business to include hardware, but after several years Mr. Stephenson retired from the firm and engaged in business alone on High street, then moving to his present establishment on Park place. Mr. Stephenson is one of the best informed and most progressive residents of his city, a man of genial and approachable manner, and keenly interested in the affairs which
engage the attention and affect the welfare of the community. His standing in business circles is an excellent one and as a citizen he has always been found supporting good movements. Mr. Stephenson married Margaret McQuiston, of Morning Sun, Ohio, daughter of Hugh McQuiston, a farmer of that place, now deceased. To this union there were born three children: Edwin Wilson, Hugh W. and Ruth. Edwin W. Stephenson was born at Yellow Springs, Ohio, January 19, 1883, and received his early education in the public schools in Oxford, following which he spent one year at Miami university. For five years he operated a steam laundry at Oxford, and in 1912 installed an ice plant here, and founded the Stephenson company, ice, coal, feed, posts and cement, of which he has since been secretary and treasurer. He is a capable and well informed, energetic and progressive business man, whose standing is high in commercial circles as well as in civic life. With his family, he belongs to the United Presbyterian church. He was married June 24, 1908, to Margaret Herron, of Milford township, and they are the parents of two daughters, Sarah Margaret and Mary Louise. Hugh W. Stephenson, president of the Stephenson company, was born at Oxford, June 8, 1886, and attended the public schools and Miami university, following which he conducted a book store for three years. He then entered the present business, the policies of which he has continued to direct to the present with marked skill and acumen. He married Flora Myers of Oxford, and has two sons, William David and Robert, and belongs to the United Presbyterian church. Ruth, the youngest child and only daughter of David W. Stephenson, is a graduate of Oxford High school and Miami university, and also took a course of instruction in the Conservatory of Music at Cincinnati, in order to develop her marked talents. The members of this family are splendid, progressive people of their community, where they are held in the highest esteem and have numerous friends.
John Stephenson, who is a highly respected citizen and prosperous farmer and dairyman of Union township, belongs to an old and respected family of Butler county which was founded here by his grandfather, John Stephenson, in pioneer days. Mr. Stephenson bears his grandfather's name and proves worthy of it. He was born in Union township, Butler county, Ohio, July 14, 1879, son of George and Rebecca Jane Stephenson, both of whom were born in Union township. The family has always been an agricultural one and very successful because of close attention to business and excellence of farm methods. John Stephenson obtained his education in the schools of Union township and assisted his father on the home farm until he was twenty-one years of age, when he paid a visit to western states that covered several years. During this time he found nothing that pleased him better than Ohio, as his father needed him he returned to the old farm and has operated it very profitably ever sincere. This well cultivated farm contains 144 acres is well stocked and Mr. Stephenson makes use of the best obtainable modern machinery in growing grain, all of which he feeds, as he specializes in cattle and dairying. In 1911, he married Norma Heisel, and they
have three children: Joseph, Edna and James. The father of Mr. Stephenson survives and still lives on his farm. To some extent, Mr. Stephenson has been active in local politics. In 1909, on the Democratic ticket, he was elected township trustee and served four years. In 1915, he was appointed to fill out the unexpired term of P. Lintners, since which time he has been twice elected to the office.
Wayne Stephenson, was born in Carroll county, Indiana, in 1881, the son of John and Nancy J. (Alexander) Stephenson, both of whom were natives of Butler county. After marriage, John Stephenson, and wife lived in Reily township, Butler county. They later moved to Indiana, where they purchased a farm and resided for thirty-five years. Returning to Reily township, they bought the old Alexander homestead of 170 acres, where Wayne Stephenson now lives. The parents made their home here for a number of years and later moved to Hamilton, where the father died. The mother now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Earl Dennison, of McGonigle station. Seven children were born to John and Nancy (Alexander) Stephenson as follows: William, Samuel, Wayne and Nellie, Mrs. Earl Dennison, who survive, and George, Darby and John now dead. John Stephenson and his brother William were soldiers in the Civil war. Wayne Stephenson, the subject of this sketch, received his educational training in the common schools, and took up the business of farming for his father. In November, 1907, he was united in marriage to Hazel, daughter of E. O. Roll, formerly of Hanover township, but now a resident of Hamilton. Mr. Roll was prominent for many years in farming interests, a highly esteemed citizen of the community with which he has been so long identified. Wayne Stephenson, following his marriage, resided on the present farm, and on the death of his father, he purchased one-half from the heirs, the other half of the place having been previously acquired. The farm now contains 171 acres. The buildings were erected by his father. To Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Stephenson were born three sons as follows: John R., aged ten years; Robert, aged seven; and James Stephenson, aged three. The parents are active members of the Methodist church, and prominent in the social affairs of the community. During the great conflict in which America engaged for the perpetuation of free institutions among men, the family took an active part in all war drives, and loyally supported the government as one hundred per cent Americans.
George W. Stevens. Ohio is proud of the fact that it contributed its full quota of men in the great Civil war and it is particularly gratifying that a large percentage of its fighting men left their farms to take up arms for the cause of the Union. Among this state's worthy agriculturists who saw service throughout the Civil war was George W. Stephens, who passed away at his home in Riley township, Butler county, May 19, 1918. It may be truthfully said of decedent that he was one of the esteemed residents of that section and his death was sincerely mourned by all. His life and achievements might well be emulated by the rising generation of agriculturists, as his word was as good as his bond and his unselfish devotion to furthering the prestige of his community both
materially and morally evoked the admiration of all: He was born on the old Hand place in Butler county in 1837 and lived there all of his life, with the exception of about two years. He was of the type of men who have made Ohio justly famous in the realm of agriculture, being of sturdy physique and always mindful of the best interests of his long residence in Butler county he naturally had a wide acquaintance in that section and those who knew him best admired him most. His parents were William and Cynthia (Fisk) Stevens, and he was fifth in order of birth of ten children: Lorenz D., the eldest. Benjamin, Andrew and Harrison, with their father went to war. The father was from New York and came to Ohio with his parents when three years old. He early in life realized the possibilities of Butler county as an agricultural community and throughout his life was one of the most enthusiastic sponsors of its advantages in this regard. The great-grandfather of George W. was a native of Wales. The mother was a native of Ohio, being reared in Warren county. Her parents were natives of California. The father of George W. Stevens was a colonel in the militia and it is safe to assume that the latter inherited much of his liking for military life from him. Also it might be stated that his attachment for his farm might be readily realized from the fact that he resided here practically all of his life since he was two years of age. He was married in 1865 to Susan Dunham, who was a native of Greenfield, Hancock county, Ind., daughter of Rodney and Rose (Frame) Dunham. Her parents were united in marriage at Michigan City, Ind., and later settled in Hancock county, Ind. The Dunhams came from near Bedford, Mass., and the Frames from Pennsylvania, the latter family residing for a time in Kentucky, later going to Michigan. Three children were born to George W. Stevens and wife: Miss Minnie, who was the wife of John D. Van Ansdall, who died in 1895, she being the mother of two children: Roy, who married Miss Louise Studer of Cincinnati, and who passed away in November, 1918, and Miss Merle, who is the wife of Mr. Ralph Griffis, of Middletown. They have one child, Carmen Lucille; William J., the second in order of birth, married Caroline Elizabeth Van Ness and the couple reside in Reily township, and at the age of sixteen years left home to make his own way in the world. He lived in Cincinnati for some time and learned the trade of painter and decorator. After that he traveled throughout the country, following his trade. He returned to the parental roof in 1917 and has since devoted his attention to assisting his mother in operating the farm. Mrs. Stevens, the widow, is known for her business acumen and it is largely through her alertness and demonstrated ability that her farm has been able to show such gratifying returns. She personally gives her attention to the details of the work of managing this productive property and her achievements are worthy of a woman of her estimable type.
William R. Stewart, of the firm of Stephens & Stewart, began his career at the carpenter's bench and his career has been one of consistent advancement. He was born on a farm in Israel township, Preble county, Ohio, May 31, 1855, a son of William and Margaret (Taylor) Stewart, natives of Ireland, who came to the United
States as a young married couple and after spending two years in Canada located in Preble county, Ohio, where they rounded out their lives in agricultural pursuits. They were highly respected and God-fearing people, and the parents of six children: Elizabeth deceased; Margaret, Essie, William R., Robert and Hugh. William R. Stewart received a district school education in his native township and was reared on the home farm, and not taking kindly to the routine of an agricultural life, learned the trade of carpenter. He took up his residence at Hamilton, where he followed his trade for some years, and then went to New Mexico, where he worked at his trade for four years, but finally settled down at College Corner, Ohio where he formed a partnership with George M. Stephens. This contracting firm has built a great many buildings at College Corner including both banks, and has also erected a number of structures at Hamilton and the schoolhouse at Morning Sun. Mr. Stewart is a master of his calling, skilled in workmanship and capable in executive capacity, and is a business man of high principles who has won the confidence of the people through honest and honorable transactions. He has been prominent in civic affairs, having served as mayor of College Corner, and during his administration did much to advance the interests of his community in a number of ways. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party and as a fraternalist he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. In 1909, he married Gertrude, a daughter of William Weidner, of College Corner.
Page 700 continues on the next page