Charles H. PIERCE, news depot, books, stationery and wall paper, Springfield. Mr. Charles Pierce cast his lot with the people of this city just a quarter of a century ago, and his life and present honorable position here in business and public esteem are an apt illustration of what industry, energy and honest effort will do. Commencing as a paper carrier, Mr. Pierce has advanced stead-ily in business to his present position of leading bookseller and stationer. Mr. Pierce was a participant in the late unpleasantness taking part in the Tennes-see campaign under Burnside, as Orderly Sergeant, in the 129th O.V. I., serving for a period of nine months, of which service the siege of Cumberland Gap was a prominent event Mr. Pierce at once impresses you as being an earnest, sin-cere man, genuine in his feelings and sentiments, and his excellent reputation in the community fully bears out this favorable impression. Mr. Pierce mar-ried Miss Maria T. French sixteen years ago and his family consists of two boys and one girl, and he is yet in the prime of vigorous manhood, with excel-lent prospects ahead.
William PIMLOTT, coal dealer, Springfield. William Pimlott was born in Derbyshire, Eng., Jan. 22, 1843; emigrated to America in 1863, and located in Syracuse, N. Y., where he lived some three years, when he removed to Brockport, N.Y., to take charge of the large reaper and mowing manufact-uring establishment of Johnson, Untley & Co., as foreman. After superin-tending said establishment some two years, he came to Springfield, Ohio, and engaged with Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly as foreman of the cutter-bar depart-ment, with whom he remained ten years. He then established a paint factory on South Limestone Street, which he carried on one year and then sold out; he then opened a coal office on High street in connection with his interests in the mines; at the end of eighteen months he sold his interest in the coal trade in Springfield to E. S. Kelly, whom he had taken into partnership; he then opened his present office on Limestone street. When Mr. Pimlott first engaged in the coal trade in Springfield, his sales were about two car loads per week; his trade has increased until now it amounts to one hundred car loads per week; for the year 1880 his sales aggregated $100,000; he owns a one-half interest in two coal mines in Jackson Co., Ohio, one on the Ohio Southern (formerly Springfield Southern) railroad, and the other on the Dayton & Southeastern. The aggre-gate capacity of these mines is about twenty-five carloads daily. While Mr. Pimlott had charge of the Brockport establishment, he invented an automatic governor for self-raking reapers, which proved to be very useful for Johnson, Untley & Co.'s machines, but they refusing to pay for the benefit derived from this improvement, Mr. Pimlott sold the patent to Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly. He also invented an improvement, which was applied to self-raking reapers, that enables the driver to change the position of the rake to suit either tall or short grains, without stopping the machine. This he sold to Whiteley & Co. also. Mr. Pimlott is a member of Clark Lodge, F. & A. M. and a member of Springfield Lodge, No.33, I.O.O.F.; he was married in 1862 to Mary Ann Taylor, to whom three children were born. This wife died June, 1870. He was again married in 1871, this time to Ada 31. Gardner, daughter of Robert Gardner, of Springfield, Ohio. With this union there are four children. Mr. Pimlott's parents came to America in 1865; his father died in 1870; his mother is still living. While Mr. Pimlott is yet a young man, he ranks among the most active businessmen of Springfield.
W. H. PRETZMAN, baker and confectioner, Springfield. Mr. Pretzman is truly a unique character, and of a type rarely met with, and if "Charity covereth a multitude of sins," Mr. W. H. Pretzman's election is sure. He was born in Hagerstown, Md., and came to Springfield twenty-five years established himself in the bakery business, which he has ago and followed through vari-ous vicissitudes up to the present time, now doing the leading business in that line. Mr. Pretzman married Miss Anna T. Barcafer in 1829; he has a family of one boy and three girls, all bright children, but one of his daughters, little Fannie, is particularly interesting and unusually intelligent and universally be-loved. Mr. Pretzman was the baker for four regiments of Banks' Brigade in 1S62, and went through the Shenandoah Valley campaign, having vivid recol-lections of some of the hot contests with "Stonewall Jackson;" he was taken prisoner in battle, thrown into Libby Prison, where he dragged out five weary months; then he again plied his vocation with the army in the neighborhood of Harper's Ferry. In 1865, he established a bakery on the site of the present Black's Opera House, removing in 1807 to his present location, in which he has done thirteen years' of thriving business, assisted by his excellent wife, and from an humble commencement on borrowed money, Mr. and Mrs. Pretzman have advanced to a most comfortable position in life, having acquired among several other nice properties, a charming home, and their business is a perma-nent and assured success. This worthy couple are both conspicuous for their unostentatious charities. Mr. Pretzman is known by all as a prominent tem-perance reformer, being one of the Executive Committee of the Murphy Club. None needing food, pecuniary assistance, or encouragement ever appeal in vain to him; he is a member in good standing of Springfield Lodge, No.33, I. O. O. F., of the Lutheran Church, and takes a leading part in all charitable enterprises.
Benjamin F. PRINCE, Professor, Springfield. Benjamin F. Prince, A.M. Professor in Wittenberg College, was born Dec 12, 1840, in Champaign Co., Ohio. His ancestors came to this country about the middle of the last century, and were settlers in Eastern Pennsylvania; his grandfathers, Christian Norman and Adam Prince, with their wives, settled in the forests of Champaign County, the one in 1805, the other in 1809. Both were prosperous farmers and succeeded in gaining a competency for themselves and their children. His father was William Prince, born in Kentucky in 1807, and his mother, Sarah Nauman, born in Ohio in 1809; they were married June 29,1827. William Prince became a successful farmer and a man of influence in the community in-which he lived; he died in 1848; his widow departed this life Jan.12, 1881. Benjamin F. was the fifth of six children who grew to maturity; he was brought up to the labors of the farm, and received his early education in the district school; in 1860, he entered the Preparatory Department of Wittenberg College; he graduated from this institution in 1865, and at the opening of the next ses-sion he proceeded to the study of theology; in the spring of 1866, he was ap-pointed Tutor in said institution; in 1869, Principal of Preparatory Department and Assistant Professor of Greek; in ;1873, Professor of Natural History, and in 1878, Professor of Greek and History which position he now holds. In 1869, he was married to Ella Sanderson, of Springfield, Ohio. Miss Sanderson was the daughter of T. P. Sanderson, a lawyer of Philadelphia, editor of the Daily News of that city; in 1861, chief clerk to Simon Cameron, Secretary of War, and afterward Colonel in the regular army. Miss Sanderson received her education in the schools of Philadelphia, and in the Springfield Seminary, from which she graduated in 1866.
T. J. PRINGLE, attorney at law, Springfield. T. J. Pringle is a native of Clark County, being born one mile west of South Charleston in 1838, coming from a family of old pioneers; his grandfather was among the early settlers of Ohio from Kentucky; both of his parents are living, each of them having almost reached threescore and ten. In 1856) he entered Oberlin College, leaving after reaching the senior class, in 1857; returning to Springfield he read law with Messrs. Shellabarger & Goode, and in 1864 was admitted to the bar; in 1870, he improved his condition in life by sharing his name and fortunes with Miss Poagne, of Greene County. Their family consists of two daughters and one son. Mr. Pringle was Prosecuting Attorney for a period of over seven years, just prior to 1873, during which incumbency he prosecuted two important and memorable cases; first, that of the burglars' thus terminating what was known as the "burglars' reign" here, to which the people had been sub-jected for some four years, by a sworn band of twenty-five or thirty men, com-prising on its infamous roll the names of the scions of some of Springfield's best families; the second case alluded to was that of a defaulting Treasurer in 1873, who was short to the city nearly $100,000, about $40,000 of which was recovered. On July 12, 1875, Mr. Pringle formed a law co-partnership with Mr. Shellabarger (with whom he commenced reading law ten years previous), under the name of Shellabarger & Pringle, which partnership continued until Mr. Shellabarger left Springfield four years later. Mr. Pringle is an urbane gentleman of rather distinguished appearance and dignified bearing; speaks tersely and to the point, vigorous in debate, and is what might be termed a solid lawyer in the sense that one would say a solid business man; he would impress a jury less by brilliant oratory and pathos than by clean-cut, sledge-hammer argument, and a confidence in the integrity of the man. His practice has been successful, and is large and profitable. Mr. Pringle is a hale man, with superior powers of endurance and his and Mrs. Pringle's ancestors were rather remarkable for lon-gevity. Mr. Pringle's home on High street (No. 344) is a handsome one, and his well-directed professional efforts have been substantially rewarded by exceed-ingly comfortable (if not luxurious) circumstances in life. In 1879, he was elected a member of the Ohio Senate and is at present a member of that body.
Mrs. Athalinda PRINTZ, Springfield. Mrs. Printz is the widow of Peter Printz, deceased; she lives in a fine large brick house on the old home-stead farm, located four miles south of Springfield, between the Clifton and Yellow Spring Pikes; she is the daughter of John and Margaret (McBeth) Kel-ly, and was born in this county Aug.23, 1822. Mr. Printz was born in Hagerstown, Md., Sept. 7,1811; he came to Ohio and to Clark County with his parents in 1815 and settled on the above-mentioned farm. Peter and Atha-linda were married March 23, 1841; eleven children were born to them, viz., Isaiah C., Mary M., Sarah O. (deceased), Silas W., William G., Oliver K. (deceased), Daniel L. (deceased), Ruth Ann, P. Franklin, Emma J. and J. Eugene. Isaiah was married, May 22, 1866, to Harriet Courson; Mary was married, April 9, 1879, to Fletcher Rine; Silas was married, April 3, 1879, to Charlotte Jenkins; Ruth was married, Oct.14, 1880, to Samuel Boliman. Mr. Printz lived with his parents on the home farm during their lifetime, and after their death retained the farm, paying the rest of the heirs their share in money. Mrs. Printz's father was a native of Kentucky and her mother of Ohio; Atha-inda was left an orphan when 3 years old by the death of her father. The Kel-lys were among the first settlers of this county. Mrs. Printz is one of those good, motherly women, who never ceases to look after the cares of her children; her sons, Frank and John, carry on the farm.
Daniel C. PUTNAM, of the firm of Andrews, Wise & Putnam. Mr. Putnam, like the other members of this firm, is a native of Massachusetts; he was born in Fitchburg March 10, 1844; his youth was spent on a farm and in attending school. On his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the army (his father having objected to his enlisting previously), and, leaving the high school, joined the 25th Mass. V. I, of which his uncle, Edwin Upton, was Colonel, and he served as a member of that regiment until the regiment was mustered out in August, 1865. After returning from the army, he went to Keene, N. H., where his father owned a tract of timber land, and he was engaged in lumbering there until the spring of 1867, when he came West. After prospecting considerable and finding nothing in particular, and being determined to stay in the West he engaged with a contractor then building a gravel road into this city, and shov-eled gravel about three months; in the meantime, having become acquainted with Rice & Co., he came into Springfield the fall of 1868, and was in the em-ploy of that firm about a year, after which he determined to complete the edu-cation which his enlistment had broken off; by teaching and attending school as opportunity offered, he graduated at Worthington in June. 1874; he was Super-intendent of the Yellow Springs Schools, at the same time teacher of the high school, and was engaged in teaching and study until January, 1876, when he became a member of the firm of Wilson, Wise & Putnam, and he has since been connected with this establishment as a member of the different firms who have succeeded each other, and he now has special charge of the accounting depart-ment. Mr. Putnam married, Dec.15, 1875. Miss Kate E. Urner; she was born in Cincinnati, and came with her parents to this city in 1867. The issue of this union has been three children, only one of whom, Helen Clifford, is living. It will be seen Mr. Putnam has come to his present circumstances by persever-ing through severe experiences, and is therefore a self-made man; he is now in the prime of life thorough and competent in business, and affable and respected in society; he is a member of the High Street M. E. Church, in which he is a Steward, and is identified with the different departments of church activities; he is also identified with the educational interests of the city, being a member of the Board of Education; he is also a member of the lodge and chapter of the Masonic fraternity, his membership being at Yellow Springs.
Charles RABBITTS, retired woolen manufacturer, Springfield. Mr. Charles Rabbitts' open, frank countenance and hearty manner are his passport to the immediate confidence and respect of his merest acquaintance and of how few can this be frilly said! Mr. Rabbitt is a man of true worth, and an ornament to any community; his life has been an even one, the following being a brief chronological outline of it. Mr. Rabbitts is of English birth and parentage, having been born in Wiltshire, England, on Sept. 7, 1820, hence just 60 years old; his family came to this country in 1832, settling in Cuyahoga County; in 1843, Mr. Rabbitts moved to Newark, Ohio, and embarked in woolen manufact-ure, and in 1847 established the same industry here, in co-partnership with Mr. L. H. Olds, from which Mr. Olds retired about 1852. On the 3d of May, 1849. Mr. Rabbitts consummated a matrimonial alliance with Miss Margaret Robison, the result of which union has been four sons and two daughters (one son being dead), all as vet single; one of the former is James H. Rabbitts, of the prominent law firm of Keifer. White & Rabbitts. Mr. Rabbitts retired from active business in 1875, having, up to his retirement, done the leading business in the line of woolen manufactures, and given a decided impetus to that indus-try. Mr. and Mrs. Rabbitts have been for many years' members of and thor-oughly identified with the interests and prosperity of the Second Presbyterian Church. Springfield has produced no better men than Rabbitts & Olds, and no community has need of better.
L. B. RAWLINS, lumber-dealer, Springfield. Mr. Rawlins has been a resident of Springfield for the past quarter of a century, during which time he has resided in Springfield excepting about four years, when he resided on a farm near here, and has been identified with different business interests, although always owning a farm, and much of the time actively engaged in agriculture. In 1875, he engaged in the lumber trade here, operating a mill in connection, which business he still continues. He is a native of Delaware, born in 1809, but his parents removed to Ross Co., Ohio. in 1810, and he resided there previous to becoming a resident of this county; he was raised on a farm, and what education he received was obtained in the log schoolhouses of pioneer days; when or proper age, he learned the potter's art, which trade he followed until he had laid by enough for a start, then bought a farm, and, by improving and selling, soon placed himself among the successful men. He married Mary A. Hotsenpiller; she was a native of Ross County; they have three children liv-ing - George C., who is now County Prosecutor; Albert M., now a member of the firm of I. B. Rawlins & Son; and Mattie. Mr. Rawlins comes of pioneer and patriotic stock; his father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was present at Hull's surrender. His wife is a granddaughter of Ferdinand Seigel, who was a surgeon during the Revolution, and two of his sons were in the late war; the oldest, Charles F. gave his life as a sacrifice for his country, and, though several of Mr. Rawlins' relations were residents of the South at the beginning of the war, all remained true and loyal citizens.
John REDDISH, farmer; P.O. Springfield; resides three miles south-east of Springfield, where he is beautifully located near the Springfield South-ern Railroad. He was born Oct, 3, 1827, in this county, near what is now known as "Fletcher Chapel." He has always lived at his present residence, except about eight years. He read medicine in the office of Dr. Kay, of Springfield and graduated at the Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio, Feb. 24,1863; was married to Elizabeth Vicory Oct. 2, 1866. His father, Nathan Reddish, was born in Somerset Co., Md., Dec.26, 1783, and came to Ohio some time between 1803 and 1808 and engaged in the tanning business near Yellow Springs, Greene Co., Ohio. He was married, in 1808 or 1809, to Matilda Miller. In 1810, he moved to what is now Clark County, and settled on the northeast quarter of Sec. 14, adjoining the quarter on which our subject now lives; here he opened a tan-yard. In 1812, he was called out to guard the frontier against the Indians, and was stationed at what was known as "Zane's Block-house," in what is now Logan Co., Ohio, his wife and two children remaining alone in a log cabin for one month; in August, 1815, he bought of Thomas Patton 112 acres (of the quarter where John now resides) for $312; here he operated another tannery, and carried on the trade of tanner and Currier until 1834, and then farming till his death, July 7, 1853. In 1817, his wife died, leaving five children; in 1818, he was again married, this time to Mary McCleve, who lived but a short time after her marriage; and in November, 1826, he was again united in marriage, taking for his third wife Mrs. Harriet Oxtoby Loomis; with this union three children were born, John now being the only surviving child. The mother of John was born in Yorkshire, England, Feb.20, 1792, and died April 7, 1874; in 1803, she came with her father, Henry Oxtoby, to the United States, and settled at Geneva, N.Y., where she married John Loomis, who was mortally wounded by an Indian while scouting, after the battle of Queenstown Heights, Canada; he was one or the few who volunteered to go over from Lewiston to hold the ground already taken; he died and was buried at Lewiston in October, 1812; by this marriage, two daughters were born; one died in New York; the other, Mrs. Elizabeth Newlove, is still living. In the fail of 1814, Harriet came to Ohio with her father, who, with his family, settled near Fletcher Church, this county, where she lived until her marriage with Nathan Reddish.
Judson REDMOND, miller. Springfield; proprietor of the Junction Mills, situated five miles east of Springfield, near Harmony, where he is doing an extensive business; he is the second son of Peter and Sarah (Curtiss) Red-mond, and was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Aug.10, 1824, where he lived with his parents until 18 years of age; he then began the trade of wagon-mak-ing, at which he worked two years, then one year at carpentering. At the age of 21 years, he left his native State and came to Ohio, locating in Lucas County; here he began flie trade of millwright which he followed some ten years; after living two years in said county; he moved to West Liberty, Logan Co., where be remained about five years, when he rented a mill near Bellefontaine and began his first work as miller; but, having a wide experience in millwrighting, he was well prepared to execute every branch of the trade; he continued milling in three different mills, when he purchased a farm in Logan County, and, after farming it for two years, traded the farm for the Stony Creek Mills, which he sold after running the same a short time, and purchased the mills he now owns. He was married, Oct.10, 1847, to Harriet Hinman, daughter of Justice and Ruth (Buel) Hinman; their issue has been six children-Francis, Edgar I., Sarah O., Clara E., Inez I. and Harry G.; Francis died when but 10 months old; the others grew to manhood and womanhood. Edgar was married, in November, 1872, to Maria Meade, and at his death left a wife and two children; Clara was married, Oct 10, 1874, to Frank Gillett; she, too, has gone to the spirit land, leaving one child; Sarah Orella was married, March 4, 1875, to Samuel Taylor, proprietor of Taylor's Mills; Inez was married, Nov.20, 1877, to Edmond H. Ogden. When Mr. Redmond began business for himself, at the age of 21, he had only $20, but, by his perseverance and integrity, and his good wife's encouragement and help, he has accumulated property to the value of $20,000. He and his wife united themselves with the Baptist Church in 1871, and since then have lived consistent lives, in harmony with the teachings of that denomination. In politics, he has always been a stanch Republican Mrs. Redmond was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Oct 10, 1829; when she was 6 years old, her parents moved to Michigan, where her father died, when she returned to New York, where she remained until her marriage to Mr. Redmond.
Margaret (KESLER) REID, Springfield; widow of James Reid, deceased, who was born Sept. 8, 1785, died 1857; when James was a young man, his father sold the farm in Virginia, receiving Continental money as pay, preparatory to his coming to Ohio; but, about the time they were ready to start, he took sick and died, which deferred their coming. Mrs. Reid, being left a widow, with nine children - seven boys and two girls - was at a loss what to do, keeping the money until she would determine whether to come to Ohio or remain in Virginia; during the time, the Revolutionary war closed, and the money now became worthless, leaving them destitute, having sold every-thing but their team, and, in 1802, two of the boys came to Ohio, locating in Springfield; during that year, they pre-empted the farm now owned by Margaret and her children; on this farm they, during the summer, raised a crop and erected a cabin, bought and in the fall went back to Virginia, and returned to this county with the rest of the family. In 1846, James was married to Margaret Kesler, the subject of our sketch; she was born in Bavaria, Europe, in 1819; her mother died in l831, and in 1883 her father, with Margaret and her two brothers, emigiated to America, coming direct to Springfield; they were shipwrecked on the ocean, losing everything they had except the clothes they had on; the wreck was occasioned by the Captain of the ship, in company with others, being down below drinking wine, and not paying attention to the direction the ship was going, and ran on a sand-bank. To Margaret and James four children have been born - William J. (who died young), George H., James A. and Sarah J. George was married, Jan 4, 1870, to Eunice E., daughter of Silas and Margaret Byrd; they have one child - Sarah J. - and live with his mother on the farm; George is an active, enterprising young man, of excellent character. James A. was married, Oct. 11, 1877, to Harriet A., daughter of John and Mary Oxtoby; they live on the farm, in sight of his mother's house; he is also an energetic young man of good habits. Mrs. Reid, although 61 years old, is in excellent health, and is almost as active as when a young girl, and devotes great care to her daughter, Sarah, who is helpless, being afflicted with rheumatism.
John A. REIFSNIDER, boot and shoe manufacturer and dealer, Springfield. John A. Reifsnider was born in Newville, Cumberland Co., Penn., on Jan.18, 1834; he had two brothers and five sisters, of whom one brother and four sisters are living. He came of a long-lived family, his father and mother dying at the ages of 65 and 71 respectively, and one of his aunts attained the remarkable age of 102 years. Mr. Reifsnider learned his trade with his brother, at Reading, Penn., from 1849 to 1854, coming to Springfield in 1854, where he worked at the bench until 1861. In the meantime, Sept. 5, 1855, he married Eliza J. Sprague, of Springfield. About one month prior to the breaking-out of the war, he bought out a small establishment one door east of his present location; he was joined in business, in 1863, by his brother, H. R., the firm name being Reifsnider & Bro., continuing until Oct. 8,1879, when his brother died; on the 22d of the same month, our subject bought the interest of his brother's estate. Mr. Reifsnider's only military- experience was with the well-known "Squirrel-hunters." Of his six children, two of either sex survive - Charles S. and Frank M, both being in business with their father; and his daughters, Ida and Hesper, are respectively 18 and 16 years old. He is a self-made man, being early thrown on his own resources, and never had any assistance from friends; he is one of those genial men who have a smile and pleasant word for all, and has a host of friends. Mr. Reifsnider is eminently a man of societies, being an active and worthy member of the following bodies; Clark Lodge, No.101, F. & A. M.; Springfield Chapter, No.48, R. A. M.; Springfield Council, No.17, R. & S. M.; Palestine Commandery, No.33, K. T.; Moncrieffe Lodge, No.33, K. of P.; Uniform Rank, No.6, K. of P., of which he is Lieu-tenant Commander, and has been Past Master of Clark Lodge, F. & A. It, and Thrice Illustrious Master of Springfield Council of Royal and Select Masters; also Past Captain General of Palestine Commandery of Knights Templar.
Henry REYNOLDS, farmer; P.O. Springfield. When Mr. Reynolds was 16 years old, he began the trade of molding and burning brick, at which he worked about forty years, but for the last ten years has devoted his attention chiefly to farming. He was born in Montgomery Co., Va., Jan. 20,1816, and came to Ohio with his parents in the fall of 1826; they settled near what is now Plattsburg, this county, where they lived one year, and then moved to Green Township, where they lived until their deaths. His father, William Rey-nolds, died in i857, and his mother Elizabeth (Tuggle) Reynolds, died in 1864. In 1845, Henry purchased 80 acres of his present farm, and in 1856 bought 40 acres more; he moved to where he now lives in 1855. He was mar-ried, Dee. 29, 1840, to Julia Ann McKinney, daughter of John and Rachel (Shaw) McKinney. Mrs. Reynolds was born in this county July 20, 1820, and died Sept.24, 1878. They had six children, viz., Nancy, Olive, William W., John H., Elizabeth and Rachael J. Nancy was married, Dec.29, 1875, to John Warren; Olive was married, Dec.30, 1867, to Thomas Hill; William was mar-ried, March 30.1 876 to Mary A. Pilcher; John was married, Sept.28, 1876, to Sarah Ballentine; John is at present practicing medicine in Lawrenceville, this county. Mr. Reynolds lives in the southeastern part of this township, he is a generous, wholesouled man, possessed of true Virginian hospitality.
Samuel RHODES, retired farmer; P.O. Springfield. Samuel Rhodes is one of eight children - seven sons and one daughter-of Jacob and Barbara Rhodes. of Lancaster Co., Penn., and was born in Chambersburg, Penn., on Nov.11, 1812; his ancestors on his mother's side were from Holland; he lost his father while only ~ and. the family circumstances being very limited, he began the battle of life alone and unaided at even that early age, and his pres-ent comfortable situation in life is an indication of how successfully he has fought that battle. On Dec. 12, 1833, a few weeks after the memorable shower of stars, he married Miss Elizabeth Slevick, of his native county, at the family home, and farmed six years, then worked at the trade, of which St. -Orispin is the Patron Saint, six years, then, in October of 1845, he moved with his family to Springfield, which has since been his home; here he farmed until 1862, when, having secured a comfortable competency, he built his present cozy home, 169 South Yellow Springs street, and retired from further active exertions. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes' children, mentioned in the order of their ages, are; Mrs. Amanda Stewart. living in Nebraska; Samuel S., living in Indianapolis; Cyrus C.. at Bradford, Penn.; Hiram H., here; and Mrs. Hattie E. Raymond, in Franklin, Penn. It may be mentioned as remarkable that not only did Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes raise all their children, but that three sons and two sons-in-law were three years in the Union army, and returned home whole. Their young-est son, Hiram, is foreman in the paint-shop of P. P. Mast & Co., and lives in his own house. next door to his parents; he married Miss Ella Shorey on Dee. 22, 1871, and has one boy, who was 3 years old in September 1ast. Mr. Rhodes was a member of the Board of Equalization for eleven years, and is now an Infirmary Director; he is an earnest member and one of the Trustees of St Paul's Church, a recent colonization from the Central Church; an unpreten-tious, honest and highly respected citizen, and one about whom only pleasant things are said.
Martin L. RICE, of the firm of James Neill & Co., manufacturers of and dealers in boots and shoes, Springfield. Mr. Rice has been identified with the growth and business of Springfield for nearly twenty years. He is a native of Worcester Co., Mass., born Dec. 2, 1824; he was one of five sons, whose father, believing every young man should have a trade, had each one appren-ticed at a proper age. Martin L. was apprenticed to a baker, and afterward became associated with his father, Anson Rice, who was a merchant, and the Postmaster at Nortliboro, Mass.; he remained in business there about fifteen years, then came West and located at Springfield; he was connected with the Yellow Springs Agricultural Works, and one of four who lost $70,000 by the fire which destroyed the works in March, 1860, after which he became connected with the Lagonda Agricultural Works, and continued there about five years, during which important progress was made. In 1865, he retired, and became interested in merchandising, Rice & Co. being successors to W. S. Fieid & Co. in the business now conducted by Andrews, Wise & Putnam. After a very successful career' of about ten years, he, sold out and became connected with the management and construction of the now Springfield Southern Railway, with which he continued to be actively interested about three years; in the mean-time, he had purchased and become sole proprietor of the "Springfield Curved Elbow," which he still continues to manufacture with marked success. By rea-son of his connection with this patent, he became the defendant in the case known as that of Price vs. Rice, one of the most tedious, as it was the most persistently prosecuted and firmly defended, suits known to the courts of Clark County; after three trials in the Court of Common Pleas, and a hearing by ap-peal in the District Court, Mr. Rice triumphed, and, though the litigation cost him a good-sized fortune in money, and more in annoyance, he defeated what he then considered and what he now considers a very carefully planned and ably executed attempt to levy blackmail under cover of a claim for indebted-ness. In 1879, he purchased the stock of the assignee and succeeded to the business of W. A. Hance, and has since conducted a large and flourishing trade in boots and shoes, at No.38 East Main street, under the firm name of James Neill & Co.. It will thus be seen Mr. Rice's life has been an unusually active one; in fact, he has earned the reputation of being indefatigable in business. He belongs to a family remarkable for their activity and capacity, his oldest brother, John A. Rice, now of the Tremont House, Chicago, has acquired dis-tinction as a hotel manager; another brother, Myron G., now deceased, was prominent in railroad circles; Charles A. has been connected with the manage-ment of the United States & Canada Express Company for the past thirty years; and the youngest brother, Solon W., has been identified with the mining inter-ests at Gold Hill, Nev., for the past fifteen years. Mr. Rice began life for him-self as an apprentice, and has worked his way by a life of intense activity, and, though he has suffered losses, has accumulated a considerable estate, and now owns a number of valuable pieces of city property, including that occupied by the firms of which he is the financial and managing head; his residence, on Center street, corner of Mulberry, is a fine property; the building, having cost him $17,000, is a model of convenience and beauty. Mr. Rice has been a mem-ber of the Republic Printing Company since its organization, and is a public-spirited citizen, generous toward all worthy charities and enterprises of public benefit. His wife, nee Miss Maynard, is a daughter of Calvin and Judith May-nard, of Marlboro, Mass., and a sister of James F. Maynard, of the firm of Maynard, Skinner & Co., wholesale grocers of Boston, Mass.; her first husband, Stephen W. Eager, also of Marlboro, Mass., deceased only three months after their marriage; her marriage with Mr. Rice was celebrated in Boylston, Mass., Dec.22, 1846; this union has been blessed with four children - three daughters and a son; the son died in infancy; two daughters, Emily M. and Addie M., are still at home; the other daughter is the wife of J. C. Brecht, who resides in Springfield, and is the well-known and reliable conductor of the "Short Line" accommodation between here and Cincinnati, he having held that position from the date of the first train (July 3, 1872) to the present time; his record, in the language of one of the railroad officials, may be summed up in three words, viz., sobriety, honesty, industry. In 1858, Mr. Rice was made a Mason at Marlboro, Mass., and has ever since taken a deep interest in the Masonic fraternity, having been for twenty-one years a member of Clark Lodge, No.101, of Springfield. In politics, he was a Whig, and, since the organiza-tion of the Republican Party, has been voting that ticket, having been always opposed to slavery and in favor of all men being free and equal.
Harrison RICE, retired farmer; P.O. Springfield. The father of this gentleman was Edward Rice, a native of Massachusetts, who was there married to Lucy Pool, daughter of William and Lois Pool, natives of that State, the family moving to Vermont with Mr. Rice shortly after his marriage. In 1809, they concluded to come to Ohio, and, upon reaching the head of navigation on the Allegheny River, they built a pine log raft, upon which they descended the Allegheny to the Ohio, thence down the Ohio to Cincinnati, where they re-mained until 1812, when they came in wagons to Clark County, settling in the western part of Harmony Township, south of the present village of Harmony. Here Harrison was born, Oct 8,1823, being the sixth in a family of ten children, as follows: Polly, the widow of Alansan Chamberlain, of Indiana; Asa, deceased; Malinda, the deceased wife of L. B. Sprague; Sarah, wife of Darius Sprague; Eliza (deceased), Harrison, Alonzo, Celoma (wife of Robert B. Minnich, of Piqua), Henry C. and William. In 1838, Edward Rice sold his farm in Harmony Township and purchased property south of Springfield, upon which a portion of the city now stands, most of it yet belonging to his heirs. He died Jan.10, 1843, his wife surviving him many years, dying Oct.22, 1877. The subject of this sketch received a common-school education, and, Aug. 24, 1846, he was married to Amelia Goudy, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (McBeth) Goudy, pioneers of Green Township, who afterward settled on See. 19, on the southern line of Springfield Township, where Mrs. Rice was born Aug. 21,1826. Seven children have been born of this union, as follows: Althia M., the wife of George M. Whitcomb; Elizabeth, the wife of Mathew Stewart; Myra, who graduated at the Springfield High School in June, 1878; Edward, a graduate of Van Sickle's Business College of Springfield, receiving his diploma in April, 1872; and For-rest, who will graduate this year from the high school. Mr. Rice came with his parents, in 1838, to the property where he now resides, and farmed the land upon which the southeastern portion of the city is built. Politically, a Republican; a man of honest principles and unswerving integrity, quiet and unassuming in his manners, he well deserves a place in the pages of this book.
William RICE, farmer; P.O. Springfield. Mr. Rice lives on a beauti-ful farm three and a half miles southeast of the city of Springfield; his fine house, good barn and other modern improvements are indications of a tidy and thriving farmer; he engages quite extensively in raising fine hogs of the Poland-China breed. He was born in this county Feb.17, 1833, and is the son of Edward and Lucy (Pool) Rice; his parents were natives of Vermont and came to this county in an early day. William was married, Jan. 3, 1856, to Matilda Goudy, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (McBeth) Goudy; her parents were also early settlers of this county, coming here in 1826, and settled on the farm now owned by Mr. Rice; they have six children, viz., Lillie M., Laura O., Will-iam E., Harry A., Claud F. and Zella B. Mr. Rice has followed farming all his life, preferring it to any other trade; he began working for himself at the age of it; years, with no fortune but his good name, and, by perseverance and good management, has accumulated quite a fortune. Mr. and Mrs. Rice stand high in the estimation of their neighbors, and enjoy their home and family;
Henry Clay RICE, farmer; P.O. Springfield. Mr. Rice lives just beyond the city limits on the south, where he owns 25 acres of beautiful land, which he has laid off into lots; said plat contains ninety-five very desirable building sites, and is called by its founder Riceville; it contains three streets, viz., Henry, Clay and Rice. Mr. Rice was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio Sept 25, 1830; he is a son of Edward and Lucy Rice. When 14 years of age, he began the trade of saddle and harness making, at which he worked some three years, but, on account of poor health, was obliged to seek different employ-ment; hence he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked six years and since then has devoted his time chiefly to farming. He was married. Aug. 12,1855 to Sarah S. Dean; their children are Ida Belle, Edward A, and Harry C.; Ida was married, Nov.27, 1879, to Willis Little; Edward was married, Nov.24, 1880, to Alice Pool. Mr. Rice is a man of good moral character, honorable and upright in all his dealings, and possessed with a warm, genial spirit, which prompts him to many acts of kindness; although a sober, industrious man, yet he loves a day of recreation, and still keeps up the practice of taking a deer and wild turkey hunt once a year.
ALonzo RICE, farmer; P. O. Springfield. He was born in Harmony Township, this county, July 8, 1825; is a brother of Henry C., and lives on an adjoining 25 acres to Henry; their land is a part of the farm purchased by their father. When Alonzo was 17 years old, he served two years as an apprentice at the blacksmith's trade in Springfield, and then two years as journeyman, when he took a half-interest in a shop, and, at the end of one year, started a shop for himself, which he carried on some two years; he then removed to New Moorefield, this county, where he lived three years, working at his trade, when he returned to Springfield, and, after working at his trade for a short time, he concluded to quit blacksmithing, which he did, and since then has been a farmer. He was married., June 22, 1847, to Mary E. Alt, sister of George and Daniel Alt; they have five children, all living - Adam L., who was married, Oct. 20,1870, to Florence E. Monahan; Lucy J., who was married, Nov. 10, 1870, to Caleb Bird; Maria E., who was married, Sept. 25, 1872, to Charles M. Toland; Mary Belle, who was married, Dec. 20, 1877, to Wesley McDonald; and Charles A. The four who are married live in sight of their parents, and Charles is still at home. Mr. Rice was a member of the Sons of Temperance for several years, and is a strong advocate on the side of temperance. Politically, he casts his vote with the Republican party, and among his fellow-men is regarded as an honorable, upright citizen.
J. W. RINEHART, deceased. James Workman Rinehart was born December 16, 1827, in Waynesburg. Greene County., Pennsylvania; was one of nine children, his father, Jesse Rinehart, being of German ancestry; he was educated at Waynesburg College, after leaving which. at 19, he commenced his business career as a dry-goods merchant in his native town. In 1852. he came to Springfield and established a hardware business, which he continued for nine years. In 1861, he transferred his business to Leavenworth. Kan., where he remained until 1866; returning to Springfield, he commenced the manufacture of furniture, in which he did not continue long; becoming dissatis-fied, he bought Mr. John Petts' interest in the agricultural manufacturing firm of Petts & McConnell, to which firm he added great strength by the accession of his means and business ability; he was a scrupulous, just, accurate and exact man. Mr. Rinehart was twice married; first, to Miss Caroline M. Pennock, of his native town, who died leaving two children-Joe Workman and Lucy; the former died Dec.24, 1876. aged 17, and the latter is the wife of Joseph D. Lit-tle, of Springfield, Ohio. His second wife, who survives him, is a daughter of F. E. D. McGinley, a journalist of La Fayette, Ind.; she has three beautiful and interesting daughters - Emeline, Jessie Earle and Florence, the eldest or whom is attending the Springfield Young Ladies' Seminary. Mrs. Rinehart and daughters reside in the palatial family mansion on High street. Mr. Rinehart's death occurred at Springfield in 1876; the firm, as it was constituted at his death - Rinehart, Ballard & Co. - is still conducted under the same name, Mrs. Rinehart and Mrs. C. P. Ballard (who is also widowed) retaining their interests. The names of Rinehart and Ballard are inseparably connected with Springfield's best interests.
Thomas ROBERTS, boiler works, Springfield; is a native of Ohio, born in Knox County in 1844. Although but 17 years of age, he was among those who answered the first call for troops in 1861, and, after serving three months, re-enlisted for three years and served the full term in the 4th O. V. I. After his return from the army, he began work as an apprentice in a boiler-shop in Mt. Vernon, and subsequently worked at his trade there a number of years. He came to Springfield in 1870, and was employed by Thompson & Kingsbury; after about six months, Mr. Roberts bought out his employers, and has since conducted business for himself, being associated part of the time with his brother, who is now proprietor of boiler works on Washington street. Mr. Roberts has thus risen, by his energy and industry, from an employee to the head of an important industry, manufacturing the Victory corn-grinder at his machine-shops, on Bridge street, between Spring and Gallagher, and doing a large business in the manufacture of boilers at the Leffel works. Mr. Roberts married Miss Eliza South, of Mt. Vernon; they have five children - three sons and two daughters.
B. F. ROBERTS. boiler works, Springfield; is a native of Ohio, born in Alt. Vernon in 1848. He learned his trade at C. & G. Cooper's boiler and engine works, and came to Springfield in 1809, and worked at his trade here a short time, then began business for himself with his brother Thomas; shortly after they started the works on Washington street, his brother withdrew, since which he has continued the business alone; he is now manufacturing all the boilers for the Common Sense Engine Company, and doing a thorough business. He married, in 1872, Alice Teagarden, of Mt. Vernon; they have two children living and two deceased. Mr. Roberts is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and an industrious, useful citizen.
William RODGERS, banker, Springfield. Mr. Rodgers is a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1809. He came to Springfield when a young man, in 1832, and engaged in merchandising, being a partner with Peter Murray, who was then a prominent and successful merchant here, and Mr. Rodgers has since been identified with the business interests of Springfield. After several years of merchandising, he sold out and retired from business on account of his fail-ing health, but bought a tract of wild land north of the city, the clearing and partial improving of which he supervised. In 1851, he became connected with the banking interests of Springfield as a constituent member of the company who organized the Springfield (now First National) Bank, of which he has been a Director since its organization. Mr. Rodgers is a quiet, unostentatious, but enterprising and useful citizen. He married, in 1841, Miss Sarah Harrison. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers are members of the Second Presbyterian Church, of which he is a Trustee. His residence is a handsome property on North Limestone Street, where they have resided since 1843.
John H. RODGERS, M. D., physician, Springfield; is a native of Springfield, a son of Dr. Robert Rodgers; the latter was a native of Pennsylva-nia, and removed from Cumberland County, in 1832, to Portsmouth, Ohio, and came to Springfield the following year, where he practiced medicine until about 1873, when his health began failing, and his decease occurred in February, 1880. Dr. Rodgers was one of the early physicians of Clark County, and, for a period of forty years, was a leading physician of Springfield. He married Miss Effie Harrison, who was also a native of Pennsylvania, and survives her husband, now residing at the old home residence, northeast corner of North Limestone and North streets. They had a family of four sons and three daugh-ters, of whom six are living, all residents of Springfield. The subject of this sketch was born in Springfield in 1834; was educated at the Miami University at Oxford, Ohio, and is also a graduate of the Medical Department of the Univer-sity of Pennsylvania. He began the practice of his profession in Springfield in 1856; in the fall of 1861, he entered the United States service as Assistant Sur-geon of the 44th O. V. I.; after eighteen months service in this position, he was promoted to the rank of Surgeon and assigned to the 104th O.V.I., in which he served until January, 1865, when he returned to Springfield and re-sumed practice, and has since continued, and is now one of the leading physi-cians of the city.
Richard Henry RODGERS, manufacturer of grain-drills and cider-mills, Springfield. Mr. Richard Henry Rodgers was born in Springfield on the 23d of September, 1836, and has been a life-time resident of the place; he has three brothers and two sisters, and of the former, Dr. John H. Rodgers, a prom-inent physician of Springfield, is the oldest . Our subject's twin brother, Isaac W., is of the firm of L. Patric & Co., of this city, manufacturers of hot-air furnaces, and the other brother, James G., is in the First National Bank of Spring-field. In 1866, Mr. Rodgers married Miss Alice Kilgore, who has borne him two sons and one daughter. His mother is still spared to her sons, but their father died Feb. 14, 1880, a victim of softening of the brain. Mr. Rodgers' career has been somewhat varied, but uniformly successful; when quite young, he attended Wittenberg College, but left at 17, before reaching the higher classes; he entered Brown & Co.'s drug-store, remaining two years, after which he was a year or two in the office of the Sandusky Railroad, from which he went into the Clark County Bank, of which his uncle was Cashier, and there he remained until the bank changed hands, about 1857; after this event, he went to St. Louis, doing for one year a wholesale and retail carpet business; returning to Springfield, he entered the County Treasurer's office, acting five years in the capacity of Deputy County Treasurer; while vet in this office, he bought an interest in a bookstore, the firm being Ransom & Rodgers; Ransom going to the army, he conducted the business until Ransom's return, when he bought his partner's interest becoming sole proprietor, Mr. Ransom going to Cincinnati. Mr. Rodgers continued the book business until 1867, when he bought an inter-est in the firm of Jewell & Ludlow, which, in 1872, became the present firm of Thomas (Joseph W. and C. E.), Ludlow (Abram R.) & Rodgers. They manu-facture, under special patents, agricultural articles for which there is a constant and increasing demand, and, having all the business they can handle, the firm's prosperity has been marked and pronounced, and their future bids fair to he even better, if possible. Mr. Rodgers is an excellent type of the modern busi-ness man; has clear-cut iron-gray features, very prepossessing appearance and pleasant address; his family and self are Presbyterians, and he takes lively interest in the North Side Chapel.
William Allen ROGERS, deceased, was a distinguished lawyer and Judge, was born Dec. 13, 1809, in Dauphin Co., Penn.; his father, Robert Rogers, was a farmer and miller; his maternal grandfather, William Allen, was a Colonel in the army of the Revolution, and was wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of White Plains. The subject of this sketch received his primary education at the common schools, and, after at preparatory course of study, entered Dickinson College, Carlisle, Penn.; after graduating at this institution, he studied law with Judge Kennedy, of Pittsburgh, and, on the completion of his studies, was admitted to the bar in that city. In the fall of 1834, he removed to Ohio, settling at Springfield; he first entered into partnership with Gen. Anthony, and, after practicing his profession with him for a year ur so, he commenced the practice alone; he was very successful in his profes-sion, and soon acquired an extensive practice. In 1839, he was sent as a Dele-gate to the Harrisburg Convention, which nominated Gen. Harrison for the Presidency; he took an active part in the political campaign of 1840, and was a popular and effective speaker; he was an earnest anti-slavery man, but, subse-quently, took no active part in politics, until 1848, when he co-operated with the Free-Soil Party. In October, 1851, he was elected, under the new constitution. Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in the Third Subdivision of the Second Judicial District, consisting of the counties of Clark, Greene, Warren and Clin-ton' in 1855. he resigned his office, on account of failing health, and, on the 25th of May of the same year, he died, at his house in Springfield While upon the bench, he displayed a profound knowledge of jurisprudence, and this, with his urbanity and impartiality, won for him the confidence and admiration of the bar. On Sept. 6, 1837, he married Miss Elizabeth Smith, daughter of George Smith, of College Hill, Hamilton Co., Ohio, originally from Dorsetshire, England; from this union were born six children-three sons and three daughters, all of whom, with their mother, survived him. Judge Rogers was distinguished for his public spirit, zealously participating in whatever was calculated to pro-mote the welfare of the community and ameliorate the condition of the poor and unfortunate; he took a special interest in deserving young men who were ambi-tious to success in the legal profession, and never failed to render them any assistance in his power; the Hon. R. A. Harrison, now of Columbus, Ohio, was one of his students; on Mr. Harrison's admission to the bar, he located in London, Madison Co., Ohio, where Judge Rogers had a good practice; he immedi-ately formed a partnership with Mr. Harrison for business in that county, the partnership continuing until Judge Rogers was called to the bench; Judge white, now of the Supreme Court, also studied law with him; on Judge White's admission to the bar, he was taken into partnership by Judge Rogers, and this firm also continued until the latter went upon the bench. Judge Rogers was endowed with a brilliant intellect and with remarkable powers of analysis; he possessed a sparkling wit, was a logician of high order, and his eloquence was rich and impressive; these qualities made him an effective advocate and for-midable antagonist in any case which he espoused; he was a man of broad cult-ure, and of liberal and comprehensive views; he was not only distinguished for his professional learning, but also well versed in the sciences and in general literature, and he had a high appreciation of the beautiful in nature and art. The writer of this sketch, who was intimately associated with him, never knew a man of a nobler and a more generous nature; of him it can be truly said that, as a Judge, as a lawyer and as a man, he was without fear and without re-proach.
E. S. S. ROUSE, dealer in boots and shoes, Springfield; is a native of Ohio, born in Muskingum County in 1828; the greater part of his youth was spent on a farm in Knox County. When about 21 years of age, he engaged as salesman in a general merchandise store in Mt. Vernon. He first embarked in business on his own account as a boot and shoe dealer, in 1855, in Mt. Vernon, where he continued until 1862, then removed to Mansfield, where he continued the same line of trade until 1865, then sold out and purchased a farm in Ash-land County, which he sold in 1868, then removed to Springfield, where he has since been engaged in business in his chosen line, boots and shoes; his store is located at No.26 South Market street. Mr. Rouse carries a large stock, and is doing a thriving trade. He married, in 1850, Miss Melissa J. Oglevee, daugh-ter of Hugh Oglevee, and a cousin of State Auditor 3. F. Oglevee; this union has been blessed with three sons, two of whom are living - Olin O., in the store with his father; and Wylie J., an accomplished stenographer, now engaged as amanuensis at the Farmer's Friend Works at Dayton. Mr. Rouse's father was a pioneer settler of Muskingum County, and a soldier of the war of 1812; he now resides at Mt Vernon, being in his 85th year, having been born in New York state in February, 1795. Mr. Rouse is an enterprising, public-spirited citizen, a member of the High Street M. E. Church, in which organization he has been for a number of years Treasurer, and a member of the Board of Trust-ees.
Frank Carey RUNYAN, dentist, Springfield. Dr. Frank C. Runyan is a native of this county, being born in Pleasant Township in 1838, and comes of two of the oldest families of this section, Carey being the family name on hid mother's side, and they came from New Jersey; his paternal ancestry were from Virginia His grandfather opened the first tailor-shop in Springfield. Dr. Runyan is, to a great extent, self-made; he worked on the farm until he was 20, near Catawba, then traveled, prospecting and trading, in Minnesota and Wisconsin, for a few years, after whit-h he attended the Ohio College of Dent-istry in Cincinnati, graduating in 1872; came to Springfield, practiced his pro-fession ten years in co-partnership with Dr. Phillips, and for the last eight years he has practiced alone, being the leading man in his profession in this city. On Nov. 5, 1874, he took a partner for life, in Miss Georgie W. Drury, of this city, whose family are from Maine; they have a son of 18 months, and a daugh-ter of 3 years. Dr. Runyan's parents are both living, his father being now 68 and his mother 60 years of age. The Doctor is a man of pleasant and prepos-sessing manners.
L. E. RUSSELL, physician and surgeon, Springfield. We are proud of this means of perpetuating the name of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch-Dr. L. E. Russell. He was born in Burton, Ohio, and from his 16th rear has made his own way in the world. His first term of tuition was taken in Hiram College, at the close of which he received the highest recommendations from its President, J. M. Atwater; he afterward studied law, and also commenced the study of medicine, his superior mental powers giving him an impe-tus that rapidly distanced his competitors. In 1871 and 1872, he attended lect-ures at the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating with honor in February, 1872, in the class accorded the praise of the different Pro-fessors as having attained the most thorough medical knowledge of any in the history of the college, extending over a period of almost half a century. Sept 28, 1874, in the District Court of Mahoning County, Ohio, Dr. Russell was admitted to the bar and licensed to practice as attorney and counselor at law and solic-itor in chancery. He preferred the practice of medicine to legal lore, and his high attainments admirably fitted him for the practice of medicine and surgery. After practicing three years in Trumbull Co., Ohio, he came to Springfield in 1870, and a partnership was formed with Dr. J. T. McLaughlin. These gentlemen have gained a reputation equaling any physicians in the West during their partnership, and the most important cases of surgery in the city, and many cases elsewhere, have been operated upon by Drs. Russell and McLaughlin, anti cures have been effected that have for years baffled the physicians of the county. Too much, then, cannot be said in praise of those who deserve it, and this is cer-tainly well-merited. In 1879, Dr. Russell was elected President of the Ohio State Medical Association-the first time this important office has been held by any except "pioneers" in medicine, thus adding additional luster to his already bright record. His success is due entirely to his own exertions, and his fame as a skillful surgeon is being rapidly extended. It is important, then, that the record of such men be preserved, and that the citizens of Clark County feel proud of one who will surely rank high among the most expert surgeons in Ohio. Springfield has many things in which to take pride-her manufactories, her schools, her churches, her prosperity, and, lastly, the many noble men who are represented in the biographical part of this work.
William N. SCHAEFFER, insurance and brokerage, Springfield; one of the old substantial residents of Springfield; he is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Center County in 1805. His parents emigrated to this State in 1815, locating in Germantown, Montgomery Co., where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. He married, in 1829, Susanna, daughter of Rev. Thomas Winters, and remained there "keeping tavern" until 1837, when he removed to Dayton, and was proprietor of the "Mansion House" about two years; then removed to Lebanon, and kept the Mansion House of Lebanon until 1845, when he removed to Springfield. Here he engaged in the manufacture of candles, which he continued until 1858, when coal oil superseded him. The following season was spent in Tennessee in the free trade. Subsequently he sold out his property interests, and engaged in insurance and brokerage, which he still con-tinues. He has three children living; two sons are in business here, and the other, a daughter, Mrs. Catharine Williams, also living here. Mr. Schaeffer is one of the prominent old residents of Springfield, and, although now in his 76th year. is still active, and with the exception of a slight defect in hearing, is in bill possession of all his faculties, and does a considerable business in his line. For the last fifteen or twenty years, he has not kept house, but resided with his son. Charles H., who is a leading grocer of this city. His place of business, No. 51 East Main Street, is one of the pioneer stands, and now the oldest grocery stand in Springfield. He was connected with the business of this establishment sixteen years; first, as clerk, then as partner, and for fourteen years past has been sole proprietor. He married, in 1865, Frances A., daughter of Lawrence Knepfly, one of the early residents of Springfield, a jeweler by trade, and a prominent Mason. This union has been blessed with three children, two of whom are living. His wife died in April, 1879.
Peter A. SCHINDLER, undertaker, Springfield; is a native of Mary-land; was born in Frederick County in 1820. In his younger days, he had considerable reputation as a teacher of vocal music, and was engaged in that profession several years in Maryland. In 1850, his wife having died, he came West and located in Springfield, and taught music throughout the surrounding country. In 1852, he engaged in the furniture trade here, as a mem-ber of the firm of P. A. Schindler & Co., who were manufacturers and wholesale and retail dealers, this being among the first manufacturing establishments of importance in Springfield. Mr. Schindler continued in this business until 1871, after which he was variously engaged until 1873, when he entered in a partnership with J. L. Coleman, which partnership still exists. Their place of business is the northeast corner of Main and Fisher Streets. They are supplied with elegant hearses, and a large stock of burial caskets of various designs, and are in readiness to attend to all calls promptly. Mr. Schindler is a member of the English Lutheran Church, and has been the trusted Superintendent of the Sunday school connected with that denomination, which is second to the largest school in the State. He married the second time Mrs. Caroline (Routzan) Keller, the widow of Dr. Ezra Keller, the founder and first President of Wittenberg College. She was also a native of Maryland, and in her youth a playmate of Mr. Schindler. They have one son Charles -who is proprietor of a bookstore on West Main street. Mrs. Schindler has a daughter by her first husband, who is also a member of the household.
Rev. John M. SCHUCHARDT, Rector of St. Bernard's Church, Spring-field. We present our readers a brief sketch of Rev. John Schuchardt, who, by reason of his position, is endeared to so many of the inhabitants of Springfield. He was born in Paterborn, Germany, in 1831; be commenced his studies in Dussel-dorf, on the Rhine, and entered the high school at that city while in his 12th year; he graduated in Cologne in his 21st year; he afterward graduated in the academy at Muenster, having attended this institution three years. He then at tended, and afterward graduated in the academy at Bonn and, to complete his theological education, went to the academy of St. Sulpice in Paris. Upon his return home, he cared for his parents, who were both ill for one year, when he was drafted into the Prussian army, and had a taste of soldier life for eighteen months. Therefore he has seen hardships, as well as the brighter sides of life. By reason of his superior fitness, he was during this time graduated to the position of 2d Lieutenant. His term of service expired in 1860, and the death of his parents, and also of his brother and sister soon afterward, so changed the current of his thoughts, that he determined to emigrate to America. which was at once acted upon; in the fall of 1860 he landed in New York. Having friends in Cincinnati, Ohio, he paid them a visit, and while there took charge of a school. By the advice of his confessor, he returned to St. Mary's University at Baltimore, where he was ordained Priest by Archbishop Spaulding, in 1804. In 1866, he went to Kentucky, and was placed in charge of a circuit "consisting of four counties," as a traveling missionary. This was arduous work, but our reverend father bore it uncomplainingly. In October, 1869, he was appointed by Archbishop Purcell to the charge of St. Bernard's in Springfield, where he is now stationed, and by his geniality and friendship has endeared himself to the people of this city, both old and young. Through his efforts, the church and school buildings were erected, and a cemetery purchased. The education of the children of his charge is well cared for, and his name will ever be remembered with kindness by those who so often have listened to his ministrations. His education is the equal, perhaps, of any man in our county, and he is one of the most able theologians in the city. His light will ever shine, and the principles inculcated by him ever be a monument to his memory.
Miss Susan SINTZ, Springfield; she is the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Creitz) Sintz. She lives three miles northwest of Springfield, on the farm which her father entered. In 1858, the year he died, he was preparing material for a new house. Susan, being an energetic lady, pushed the work to completion, erecting a beautiful brick mansion, in which she resides. Peter was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Clark (then Champaign) Co., Ohio, in 1802. Elizabeth, a native of Virginia, came here (with her sister, Mrs. George Croft) about the same time. In 1803, the same year that Mr. Sintz entered his farm, he built a log cabin (which is still standing), in which he lived until his death. The first preaching that was had in that part of the county by the Methodists was held in this cabin, and the first person converted and to profess religion in that neighborhood was also in that cabin. His name was Jeremiah Sims. When Mr. S. first settled in this county, the Indians were very numerous, and sometimes quarrelsome. On several occasions, Mr. and Mrs. S. were compelled to sleep in the woods. Mrs. S. would sit in the saddle, on the horse, all night with her babe in her arms. They shared the "ups" and "downs" of pioneer life. Peter worked for Robert Rennick in the mill, and, in 1826, built the first flour-mill. He afterward erected two other flour-mills and three saw-mills. Of Peter and Elizabeth's seven children, but four are now living, viz., Mrs. Margaret Leffel, Mrs. Martin Snyder, Peter and Susan.
Jacob SEITZ, grain and coal dealer Springfield. Almost a half century has passed since the subject of this sketch came to Ohio. His parents, Henry and Mary Seitz, emigrating from Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1831, settling near the village of Springfield. which at that time was only a small hamlet. Henry purchased a farm one and a half miles from town, and engaged in agriculture until his death, which occurred a few years later. His children were six in number - Andrew, Isaac, Elizabeth. Henry, Jacob and Catharine; two are deceased - Catharine and Isaac. All were born in Pennsylvania, but have been associated with this county since their coming, and are still residents except Henry, who emigrated to Kansas in 1870, living previously in Coles Co., Ill. As we wish to speak at this time particularly of Jacob, who, by reason of his business tact, is one of our self-made men, we may premise by saying that he worked by the month for the money that was the nucleus around which capital gathered through his industry and natural aptitude for business. His education was all gained before he left Pennsylvania, at which time he was 12 years of age, being born in December, 1818. Not-withstanding the lack of education, he has always been a remarkably fortunate businessman, his perceptive faculties being largely above the average. In 1840, he commenced the milling and distilling business in this county, and during the past forty years, has been continually engaged at these occupations.. In 1847, his marriage to Miss Mary A. daughter of Daniel Stineberger, Esq., was celebrated, and. in I 851, a partnership was formed in the mill and distillery between Jacob and Mr. Stineberger. the firm name being Stineberger & Seitz.. This was continued until 1855, when Mr. Seitz disposed of his interest and came to Springfield, and has been connected with her business interests ever since. They were parents of three children - Theodore H., Olive E. and Laura B. Theodore was 21 years of age at the time of his death. Olive is the wife of Charles Anthony, a son of one of the first settlers in the county, and whose' sketch will be of great interest. Charles Anthony is now engaged in the grain business with his father-in-law. Mr. Seitz was elected County Commissioner in 1869, and also served as Alderman one term. His modesty has always been a bar to his having official positions, he being much averse to public life. As a man, his life has been characterized by those traits which ennoble and give confidence to the people-always foremost in enterprise, and liberal in every sense of the word. He purchased the St. James Hotel in 1865, and has since made large additions to and otherwise improved it, making it first-class in its accommodations. He is still owner of 260 acres of highly improved land, his love for agriculture making this almost a necessity, his circumstances warrant-ing his retirement from business, but his active spirit rebels at the idea of idle-ness. He has been a friend to the needy, and is one of whom Springfield may feel proud.
J. H. SERFF, Springfield; was born in Pennsylvania Dec.29, 1838, and is the son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Hoke) Serff, natives of that State, he having been a soldier in the war of 1812, and his father, Philip, having served in the Revolution. Mr. Serff grew up and was educated in the "Keystone State," and in 1862, enlisted in Capt. Sano's Independent Cavalry Company, re-enlisting in 1863 in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving under Sherman until the war closed, and being one of the escort which received Johnston's surrender in 1866, he came to Springfield, where he carried on the hardware store for about eleven years, and, in 1871, opened a millinery establishment, in which he is at present engaged. He was married, in 1869, to Louia M. Worthington, a native of Springfield, to whom have been born two children, both now deceased. Mr. Serff and wife are members of the English Lutheran Church. He is District Secretary of the State Sabbath School Union, and a member of the Executive Committee. Politically, a Republican. He is considered one of the progressive, enterprising businessmen of Springfield, and has many warm friends.
Henry M. SHEPHERD, clothier, Springfield; is a native of this part of Ohio; born in Champaign County in 1826. When about 14 years of age, Mr. Shepherd began his commercial career as clerk, and was engaged at intervals in different towns in this part of the State. In March, 1847, he came to Spring-field and became connected with the Foos' as a clerk, and has since resided here. In 1852, he became a member of the firm of Foos, Norton & Shepherd, and con-tinued to be connected with some of the Foos brothers in business here until 1872, after which he conducted a merchant tailor's and clothier's establishment until 1876; was then out of mercantile business until 1879, when he formed the present partnership of Shepherd & Hart, and they have since conducted the clothing trade at No.23 East Main street, both having practical experience. Messrs. Shepherd & Hart are prepared to and do conduct a first-class business. They carry a complete stock of clothing and gents' furnishing goods, and by special arrangements are agents for one of the most extensive manufacturing firms of the East, where they send orders for special custom work. Mr. Shep-herd has not only been actively connected with the business of the city, but has also been identified with public enterprises; was one of the constituent members of the company whose enterprise secured Fern Cliff Cemetery; and he has been the trusted and efficient clerk of the company since 1876. He married, in 1852, Miss Margaret J., daughter of Levi Rinehart deceased, a prominent citizen of his day. Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd have a family of three children. Their residence is No.181 East High street.
John S. SHEWALTER, City Clerk, Springfield; is a native of Ohio. His parents, Jacob and Arabella (Aby) Shewalter, were natives of Virginia, but removed to Ohio about 1837; subsequently returned to Virginia; then removed to Tennessee, where they resided until the rebellion caused a breaking up of the family to some extent. The father died at the home of his sister in Clinton Co. Ohio, Jan. 16, 1864. The mother still survives, and now resides in this city with her son, who is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Cler-mont County April 14, 1838, and accompanied his parents to Virginia and Tennessee, where he was " conscripted" for service in the Confederate army in the fall of 1862, but before he was secured, he left with a company for Ken-tucky, who made their way over the mountains into the Union line, which they reached at Richmond, Ky., in December, where most of their number enlisted in the United States service; but John S., knowing the extreme risk if he should be taken prisoner, kept on North until he arrived in Springfield, where he has since resided with the exception of about eight months' service in the 58th O.V.I. He is father was a miller, and he learned milling with him, and also learned the trade of molder. After his return from the army, he returned to Tennessee, but found everything in such chaotic condition that after eleven months' stay, he returned to Springfield, and was employed here as molder. In January, 1870, at an especial election, he was elected City Clerk, and re-elected at each successive contest since. He is a member of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church, and also of the I. O.O. F.; of the latter, he has been a representative to the State Grand Lodge, and was a visitor to the Grand Lodge of the United States held at Indianapolis in 1875. He married, in 1868, Miss Margaret E. Garey; her decease occurred in 1877. Two children survive her - a daughter and a son. Mr. Shewalter married again in 1878; his second wife being Miss Ann W. Chenowaith, of Pickaway County; from this marriage has been born one child - a daughter.
John A. SHIPMAN, Postmaster, Springfield; is a native of Clark County; a son of Clark and Ruth (Ambler) Shipman. Mr. Shipman, Sr., was a native of Elizabeth, N. J., and removed when a boy with his father's family to Ken-tucky. Having an elder brother residing in Springfield, he came here in 1815, and resided here until his decease in 1828. Ruth is the daughter of John and Annie Ambler. Mr. Ambler was a native of New Jersey; came to Springfield in 1808, and was a prominent citizen during his lifetime. He was Treasurer and Auditor of Clark County in early days, and his daughter, Ruth Shipman, now in her 81st year. relates how her father used the kitchen for his office and the upper part of the cupboard for a safe. The subject of this sketch was born in Springfield in 1829. When 15 years of age, he engaged as an apprentice in a furniture factory. After serving the usual three years, he purchased an estab-lishment and conducted that business until the spring of 1861. Then sold out, but remained with the firm as Superintendent until 1875. In 1876, he received the appointment of Postmaster at Springfield, which position he still holds to the evident satisfaction of a majority of the community. He was a member of the City Council several terms, and Chairman of the Finance Committee a number of years, and is thoroughly identified with the growth of Springfield. He married Fanny, daughter of William Grant, Sr., whose biography also appears in this work. From this union there are three children-Anna, War-ren and Earl. Mr. Shipman is entirely a self-made man, having commenced the battle of life at 15, with a widowed mother to support; learned his trade, and by energy, industry and careful management, succeeded in securing a com-petence. He has now a number of residences and other valuable property besides. His home is No.150 West Main street, where he has erected a fine brick dwelling of modern design on the same lot, and adjoining the little brick built by his grandfather Ambler, more than threescore years ago.
Lewis SKILLINGS, deceased. The father of this deceased pioneer was born near Berlin. Prussia, in the year 1750, and was a soldier in the Hessian army, which the English Government purchased of the German States to aid in crushing American liberty, but, in 1776, he, with three others, deserted, rather than fight against a people struggling for freedom, narrowly escaping detection. Mr. Skillings moved farther away from the scene of conflict. settling in Maine, where he was married to Mary Blagdon, to whom were born the following chil-dren: Lewis, John, Charles, Hannah, Mary and two whose names are unknown. While working in the forest of his adopted State, he was killed by a limb of a tree falling upon his head. leaving a family of small children to the care of his widow and his eldest son Lewis, who was then but a small lad, yet faithfully did he discharge the trust, and by constant toil he cared and provided for the family until his 22d year, when he started for the Far West in search of his fortune, his mother surviving for many years, dying in 1857, aged 94. Lewis Skillings was born in Maine in 1789, and, in 1810, we find him at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was engaged in carrying produce, on flat-boats, down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Soon afterward, he came to Clark County, and settled in the northeastern part of Green Township, moving thence across the line to Springfield Township, where his son Eben now resides. He was married to Ann Craig, daughter of John Craig, who was born near Onion River, Conn., March 29, 1792, - came with her parents to Ohio in 1807, and the following spring settled in Harmony Township. Of this union seven children were born, viz., Mary, the deceased wife of James Laybourn, deceased; Hannah, the wife of Jonathan Mason, of Green Township; Sarah, the wife of Abel Laybourn, of Har-mony Township; John, deceased; Lewis; Eben; and Wesley, deceased. It is unnecessary speak of the privations and hardships undergone by Mr. Skillings and wife in their early married life; suffice to say, that theirs was the lot of every pioneer of the Mad River country, and nothing but the patience, pluck and energy, which it was their good fortune to possess, could have converted the country from a dense forest into one of the finest improved counties in the State. He and wife were life-long members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he was a Class-leader in Fletcher Chapel for twenty years; his wife died June 15, 1866, and, in December, 1869, he also died, leaving to their children a hand some property, the result of industrious, economical habits, owning at the time of his death 200 acres of first-class land. In his will he left $20 per year for twenty years to Fletcher Chapel, and there in that same graveyard this honest, upright old couple, found their last resting-place on earth, leaving to their pos-terity a name and character above reproach.
Eben SKILLINGS, farmer; P.O. Springfield. He lives in a fine, large house in the southeastern corner of Springfield Township. He is engaged quite extensively in farming, and pays some attention to the raising of fine stock. He is the son of Lewis and Anna (Craig) Skillings, and was born June 16, 1833, on the farm where he now lives. He was married on New Year's Day, l857, to Susan Runyan, daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Runyan. They had one child-Laura A., who was joined in wedlock, Jan.14, 1875, to Rev. J. H. Hollingsworth. Susan departed this life in April, 1860. Mr. Skillings was again married, April 30, 1863, this time to Pheebe A., daughter of David and Susan (Smith) Paullin. Of this union five children have been born - Otis G., Susan L., Wesley, Sarah B. and Frank. Mr. and Mrs. Skillings are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church, which is located near where they live. Mr. S. has been one of the 'Trustees of said church over twenty years, and is still serving in said office. Mr. Skillings' father came to Ohio in 1810, and settled in Cincinnati, and moved from there to this county the same year, where he remained until death.