USA > Ohio > Preble County > A Biographical history of Preble County, Ohio : compendium of national biography > Part 58
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On the 28th of March, 1875, Mr. Brower was united in marriage to Miss Emma Markey, a daughter of Christian Markey. He then located on his father's farm in Jack- son township and there resided for one year, after which he engaged in teaching in the Cedar Springs school. The next year he lived upon his father-in-law's farm, and the following year purchased his grandfa- ther's homestead of one hundred and thirty acres. He also taught school for one year after buying that property, but subsequent- ly turned his attention more exclusively to farming, giving his time entirely to the oper- ation of his land until 1883, whon he sold that farm and purchased one hundred and seven- ty-four acres in Dixon township, upon which he now resides. Later he bought twenty- six acros adjoining and afterward purchased another farm, of one hundred and sixty acres, next to the home place. In 1883 the nomina- tion for county commissioner on the Republi- can ticket was tendered to him. He did not seek the nomination, but when it was offered to him he accepted it. To gether with the other nominees on the ticket,
however, he was defeated. In 1894 he be- came associated with the Bradley Fertilizer Company, of Boston, which is one of the largest concerns of the country. He has represented this house in Preble and ad- joining counties for three years and also travels over one-third of Indiana, being upon the road the greater part of his time. He sells the fertilizers in car-loads to dealers, and does an extensive business in his line, being one of the leading representatives upon the road : in fact he is one of the most trusted employes of the house, enjoying the un- qualified confidence of his employers and the high regard of his many patrons.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brower have been born the following children : Vesta A., who is the wife of Harry McCulloch and resides on one of her father's places; Frank M., who manages the home farm; Ada J. ; Stella A .; and Stanley J. In 1894 Mr. Brower erected his present handsome residence, which is celebrated for its generous hos- pitality, the members of the family occupying an enviable position in social circles. He and his wifo enjoy the high regard of many warm friends and are widely known for their ster- ling qualities. Mr. Brower sustains an envi- able reputation in business circles by roason of his straightforward methods, his genial manner and his unfailing courtesy, quali- ties which make him very popular.
JOSIAH RINEHART.
In Gratis township, Preble county, on the 16th of February, 1864, Josiah Rinehart was born, being one of the twelve children of Enoch and Elizabeth (Young) Rinehart. His father was a native of Lanier township, Preble county, born in 1824, being a son of
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Jacob and Susannah Rinehart, both of whom were natives of Virginia and who came to Preble county at an early day, locating in the southwest corner of Lanier township, where they passed the residue of their lives. When a young man the grandfather became a deacon in the German Baptist church and was always an active and consistent Christian gentleman, highly respected for his gonuine worth. He lived to an advanced age and ac- quired considerable property, being the owner of two hundred and ten acres of valu- able land in Preble county. His wife sur- vived him for somo years, also passing away at a ripe old age.
Under the parental 'roof Enoch Rinehart was reared and to the common school system of the neighborhood he was indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. After his marriage he purchased one hundred acres of the old home farm and devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits through- out his active business career. He was long a deacon in the Conservative German Baptist church, holding the office for about nine- teen years. A man of unflinching integrity, his word was as good as his bond and he was ever found reliable and trustworthy in all life's relations. He possessed a very genial and jovial disposition and was hos- pitable almost to a fault, the latch-string al- ways hanging out to those who called at the Rinehart homestead. His many sterling qualities made him popular and he enjoyed the high regard and friendship of all with whom he came in contact. His death oc- curred in May, 1899, and ho was sincerely mourned throughout the community. His wife was a daughter of Adam and Catherine (Brubaker) Young and was born in Preble county, Ohio, about 1831. Her father was a native of Virginia, and when a child of
soven years was brought to Ohio. He was a son of Henry Young, who entered a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Gratis township, near Winchester, there de- veloping a farm upon which he spent his remaining days. It was upon that place that the father of Mrs. Rinehart was reared. After his marriage he lived upon a rented farming adjoining the old homestead for a year, and then purchased eighty acres of land north of Eaton, in Washington town- ship. After two years he sold that prop- erty and bought eighty acres in Gasper town- ship, which he successfully cultivated until his death. His financial resources were an- nually augmented and as his capital in- creased he added to the farm until it com- prisod two hundred and sixty-five acres. He prospered in all his undertakings and won an enviable reputation for his reliable business methods. From early manhood he was a consistent member of the German Baptist church, and was a man of social, genial dis- position, his home being celebrated for its hospitality, his life for its, charitable and be- nevolent spirit. His wife was born in Mary- land and was a daughter of John Brubaker. She was brought to Ohio by her parents when a little maiden of seven years. While en route they spent two days at Cincinnati, although the place at that time contained but one log cabin. Her father hesitated to take up land in that locality and made his way to Gratis township, just west of Winchester. There her mother soon afterward died, and the father subsequently married Miss Mary France. There were eight children by the first union, of whom one is still living, Henry, who resides on the old homestoad in Gratis township. Of the seven children of the second marriage two are yet living : Joseph, of Twin township, and George, who
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follows farming in Howard county, Indiana. In the family of Adam and Catherine Young there were eight children, of whom four are living : Henry H., a prominent agricultur- ist of Dixon township; Eli, a retired farmer of Lanier township; Elkanah, a retired farmer of Gasper township, and Sallie, the wife of Isaac Jones, of Redmond, Illinois. Mrs. Rinehart was in her forty-eighth year at the time of her death. The father of our subject afterward married Mrs. Rebecca Hickson Barwick. By the first marriage there were twelve children, eight of whom are living: Jacob, who follows farming in Gratis township; Susannah, the wife of Poter Kitterman, a farmer of Gratis township; Eli, who owns and operates land in Darke county; Elzina, the wife of Stephen Petry, a farmer of Dakota; Josiah; Edwin, a rosi- dent farmer of Gratis township; Frances E., wife of Samuel Royer, a farmer of Darke county, and Abraham E., who is farming in Gratis township.
Josiah Rinehart spent his youth amid good influences in his parents' home, and in the common schools acquired his elementary knowledge of the English branches of learn- ing. On reaching his twentieth year he left the parental roof and entered upon an inde- pendent business career as a farm hand, be- ing thus employed until the time of his mar- riage. In the spring of 1891 he removed to Connersville, Indiana, with his father-in- law, with whom he was associated in farm- ing interests for a year, but in the spring of 1892 he settled upon his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 29, Dixon township, where he has since made his home. In connection with the cultiva- tion of the fields he has engaged quite ex- tensivoly in the raising of cattle, making a specialty of the breeding of fancy stock. He
finds both branches of the business profitable sources of income.
Mr. Rinehart was united in marriage to Miss Almeeta O. Toney, a daughter of Carey Toney, and their home is blessed with the prosence of three children : Emma May, Franklin C. and John E. The parents hold membership in the Conservative German Baptist church, and in his political views Mr. Rinehart is a Republican; but the honors and emoluments of public office have had no attraction for him, as he prefers to devote his energios and time to his business inter- ests, in which he is meeting with creditable success. His prosperity is the result of his own well directed efforts, for by determined purpose, unflagging industry and keen dis- crimination in business he has worked his way upward to the plain of affluence.
HENRY C. BLACKFORD.
Henry C. Blackford, the well known proprietor of a livery and sale stable in Eaton, through many years has been identi- fied with the business interests of this city, so that his public career is well known to his fellow townsmen. That he enjoys their high regard is an evidence that his business affairs have been honorably conducted and that in all life's relations he has been worthy of the trust reposed in him.
Mr. Blackford was born in Dixon town- ship, Preble county, Ohio, on the 7th of June, 1854, and is of Scotch lineage, the ancestors of the family having crossed the Atlantic from Scotland to New York, whence representatives of the name after- ward came to Ohio. Ephraim Blackford, the father of our subject, was born in Butler county, Ohio, and in early life engaged in merchandising at Stony Point, Dixon town-
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ship. After his store and stock were de- stroyed by fire he engaged in farming in Preble county and subsequently became a produce shipper in Sugar Valley. He was very prominent in public affairs and was rec- ognized as a leader of public thought and movement. The strength of his character was shown at the time when he suffered heavy loss by fire: he was left with nothing, but with hopeful spirit he set to work to retrieve his lost possessions and became a substantial citizen of his community. His death occurred in 1892. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Enos, was a repre- sentative of one of the pioneer families of Butler county, Ohio, and died in 1891. She had eleven children, of whom four are liv- ing, namely: William, a resident of West Manchester, Ohio ; Sarah, the wife of George Woods, who is living in Camden, Ohio; Henry C., of this review, and Laura, the wife of Thomas Hamylin, of Butler county, Ohio.
Mr. Blackford, of this review, attended the county schools and therein mastered the elementary English branches which fitted him for life's practical duties. At the early age of thirteen, however, he started out in life on his own account as a farm hand and was employed in that capacity until twenty- two years of age. He was then married and ronted land in Gasper township, Preble county, near Camden, and for seven years de- voted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits. On the expiration of that period he entered the employ of a produce and com- mission house of Cincinnati. He spent four years in this employment, after which he embarked in business for himself in Eaton, being connected with the produce trade in this city until 1892. In 1894 he purchased a livery barn and has since been its owner.
He has many horses and a fine line of styl- ish turnouts, and enjoys a liberal patronage which is accorded him by reason of his ac- commodating manner, his earnest desire to please his patrons and his honorable dealings.
On the 20th of January, 1876, Mr. Black- ford led to the marriage altar Miss Mary Wright, a daughter of Samuel Wright, of Camden, one of the early settlers of the county. She was a woman who possessed many excellencies of character, and her death, which occurred in August, 1889, occasioned deep grief among her many friends as well as in her immediate family. She left two children : Dora, who is now the wife of Dr. L. R. Pryor, of Eaton, and Samuel, who is living in Eaton. Mr. Blackford is inde- pendent in his political and religious views, yet gives quite freely to the support of the church. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and to the Independent Order of Foresters. Realizing the value of education, he gave his children the best ad- vantages in that direction. A self-made man, he has advanced entirely by hard work, and close application to business, and his prosperity is certainly creditable and well deserved.
HENRY S. GLANDER.
One of the leading and influential farm- ors of Lanier township, Preble county, Henry S. Glander is noted among the worthy citizens that Germany has furnished to the Buckeye state. He is a native of the dukedom of Brunswick and was born at Bremen on the 2d of February, 1838. The first thirteen years of his life he spent in the fatherland and his education was acquired in the schools of that country and in Amer- ica. Early in life he was taught the value
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of industry and during the summer of his fourteenth year he began to earn his own livelihood by picking wool in the woolen mill owned by Martin Fouts. The following summer he worked in his uncle's distillery, and during the years 1854-5 he was em- ployed as a farm hand by George Wagoner. When his father removed to a farm in 1856, Mr. Glander went with his parents to the new home and there assisted in the labors of field and meadow for five years, after which he found employment as a teamster for his uncle Detrick, in whose service he remained for two years and five months. On the expiration of that period he began farming on his own account, as a renter, and so continued until the fall of 1870, when he purchased eighty-two and a half acres of land on section 23, Lanier township, where he now resides. With his young wife he removed to the new home, and as his finan- cial resources increased he extended the boundaries of his farm by the purchase of an adjoining thirty acres, so that his present property comprises a little more than one hundred and eleven acres. His is one of the well improved places of the county, its fields are under a high state of cultivation and good buildings shelter the grain and stock. A substantial and attractive brick residence adds to the value of the place and everything is modern and kept in good repair. In past years Mr. Glander has given considerable attention to the breeding and raising of horses and hogs and this in- dustry has proved a remunerative one. On the 5th of May, 1865, Mr. Glander married Miss Mary Ryder, a daughter of John and Hannah (Gebhart) Ryder. Their marriage has been blessed with six children: Laura L., the wife of John Unger, of Jackson town- ship, Montgomery county; Thomas F., at
home; Elvia, wife of John Voge, of West Alexandria, Ohio; Clara. B., the wife of Minford D. Johnson, of Lanier township, and Lucy R. and Ruth O., at home. In his political affiliations Mr. Glander is a Democrat, supporting national Democratic candidates, although in local elections he votes without regard to political ties. He has served as a member of the school board for a number of years and the cause of edu- cation has found in him a warm friend. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church and during the past decade he has been a trustee of the church and has been a deacon or elder for a number of years. He co-operates in all movements that he be- lieves calculated to promote the intellectual, material, social and moral development of his community and is a public spirited and progressive citizen who ranks among the representative men of Lanier township by reason of his straightforward methods of business and his fidelity to duty in all life's relations.
LEVI MILLER.
Levi Miller, a well known citizen of Monroe township, is one of the oldest resi- dents of Preble county. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1817. His parents were George and Catherine Miller. His father died in Pennsylvania, and about 1831 the widowed mother, with her three sons and four daughters, came to Preble county and settled in Monroe town- ship. The mother passed away in death at the extreme old age of ninety-two years.
In carly life Levi Miller learned the car- penters' trade, and during the early pioneer development of the country he worked at that pursuit, building many log houses and
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barns, nearly all buildings of the timo being constructed of logs.
As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey, Mr. Miller chose Miss Susanna Wehrly, a native of Preble county. Her father was Samuel Wehrly, an honored pio- neer of the county, who lived to be ninety- two years of age. Throughout a long period Levi Miller and his wife have traveled life's journey together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and pros- perity. Their marriage was blessed with thirteen children, and, with the exception of two who died in infancy, all yet reside in Preble county. These are Samuel, Andrew, Isaac, George, Amanda, wife of Samuel G. Hensel, of Monroe township; Polly Jane, wife of Lewis Richards, of Monroe town- ship; Catherine, wife of Norman T. Sayler, of Monroe township; Lydia A., wife of Clarence A. Baker, of the same township; Mary, wife of Solomon Emrick, of Monroe township; Ermina, wife of William S. Guenther, of Monroe township, and Mel- zenia, wife of J. C. Ayers, of Eaton, Ohio.
ISAAC MILLER.
A worthy representative of the financial interests of Preble county is Isaac Miller, whose business and executive ability is of high order, making him fully competent to occupy his present position as cashier of the Eldorado branch of the Farmers' Bank of New Madison, Ohio. He was born in Mon- roe township, Preble county, on the 19th of January, 1855, and is a son of Levi Miller, of whom montion is just made. He was reared in his native township, acquir- ing his education in the common schools of the neighborhood and farming was the oc- cupation that claimed much of his time and
attention in his early manhood. On the Ist of January, 1887, however, he began dealing in agricultural implements in connection with his brother-in-law, W. S. Coblontz, an association which was maintained for three years, after which Mr. Miller returned to the farm. He became the cashier of the Farmers' Bank of Eldorado in June of 1899, and in this capacity has since acceptably served.
On the 22nd of May, 1879, Mr. Miller married Miss Martha A. Beard, daughter of Jacob and Mary E. (Byers) Beard, both natives of Maryland and now deceased. Mrs. Miller was born in Preble county. Unto the above marriage were born three children, namely : Hallie, Maud L. and Carl D.
Public spirited and progressive, Mr. Miller has withheld his support from no measure or movemont which he believes will prove of general benefit. In 1887 he was elected justice of the poace and for twelve years has held the position, a fact which indi- cates his personal popularity and the con- fidence reposed in him by his fellow towns- men. His decisions are fair and impartial, and neither fear nor favor can cause him to turn from a course which he believes to be right. He has also settled many large estates, and no trust reposed in him has ever boen betrayed. He served for two years as township trustee, has for many years been a member of the school board and for four years has been treasurer of the Eldorado school district. He is now serving his third term as mayor of Eldorado and exercises his official prerogatives in support of such measures as will promote the substantial growth and improvement of the locality. In politics he is a Democrat, believing firmly in the principles of the party. Socially he
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is connected with the Odd Fellows society, at West Manchester, and with Eldorado Lodge, No. 389, K. P., in which he has filled all the offices. He has been choson to represent his local lodge in the grand lodge of Ohio, at Columbus and Piqua, and in his life he exemplifies the benevolent principles of the fraternity. Such is the record of one who has been an important factor in the public improvement as well as the business inter- ests of his native county. His code of morals is such as to impel him to a just con- sideration of the rights of all with whom he has been brought in contact and to a consci- entious obsorvance of all the proprieties of life. Thus he has retained throughout his career friendships which have grown strong- er with more intimate acquaintance and all who know him osteem him for his sterling worth.
SAMUEL MILLER.
Samuel Miller is a leading representative of the agricultural interests of Monroe town- ship, where he owns and operates a most desirable farm of two hundred acres, on sec- tion 32. Of excellent business ability and broad resources, he has attained a prominent place among the substantial citizens of his part of the county, and is a recognized leader in public affairs. He has won success by his well-directed, energetic efforts, and the prosperity that has come to him is certainly well deserved.
Mr. Miller was born on the farm where he now residos, January 8, 1847, and is the oldest son of Levi Miller, whose sketch ap- pears on another page of this volume. When he was four years old the family removed three miles cast of his present home, in the same township, where he passed his boy-
hood and youth, attending the common schools of the neighborhood. He remained with his father until after his marriage.
On the 13th of January, 1870, Mr. Miller wedded Miss Lydia Stiver, who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, October 21, 1844, a daughter of Henry and Sophia ( Bickel) Stiver, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectively. Thoy located in Montgomery county, when Cincinnati was a mere hamlet containing only thirty houses. This was about 1801. Mrs. Miller was the seventh in order of birth in their family of eleven children, and was reared in her native coun- ty. To our subject and his wife were born the following children : Jennette B., now the wife of H. A. Spitler, a farmer of Monroe township; Charles M., who died at the age of nine months; Levi F., who died at the age of six years; William O., who died at the age of twelve years; and Henry N., Martin O., and Clara Pearl all at home.
For about two years after his marriage Mr. Miller engaged in farming upon his fa- ther's place, but since 1872 has made his home upon the farm where he was born, most of which is under a high state of culti- vation. He raises both grain and stock, and in partnership with his brother Isaac deals in fertilizers, representing the firm of Hess & Brothers, doing a large business. In 1891 he assisted in organizing the cream- ery company at West Manchestor, of which he has sinco been a stockholder and director, and he also handles the Page wire fence, being agent for Monroe township. He is a business man of more than ordinary ability, and generally carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
By his ballot Mr. Miller supports the mon and measures of the Democratic party, and he takes quite an active and prominent
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part in local affairs. He was elected in- firmary director in 1899, was trustee of the town three years, and has been a member of the school board about eighteen years. He has been thrice elected a member of the Preble county agricultural board. He also belongs to the Grange, and religiously is a member of the Evangelical Association. He has served as superintendent of the Sunday school, and is an ex-president of the town- ship Sunday school association.
RICHARD L. GLANDER
Richard L. Glander was born in Lanier township, Preble county, Ohio, November IO, 1865, and is a son of John B. Glander, of whom mention is made in this volume. Mr. Glander carries on agricultural pur- suits on section 10, Lanier township, being one of the enterprising and wide-awake farmers of his community. He was reared to manhood under the parental roof, early becoming familiar with the labors of field and meadow, and in the district schools he acquired his education. Throughout his entire life he has carried on agricultural pursuits. At the time of his marriage he located on the farm where he now resides, on section 10, Lanier township, and has since devoted his energies to the cultivation and improvement of the land, which, in return for his labor, yields to him good harvests. His farming methods are practical and pro- gressive and upon his place are found all modern accessories and conveniences. He is also one of the stockholders of the Gem Canning Company, of West Alexandria, and is a young man of sound business judg- ment and of resolute purpose.
On the 21st of December, 1890, Mr. Glander wedded Miss Eleanor Hildebrand, a native of West Alexandria and a daughter
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