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	PROF. WILLIAM WALTER DAVIES.  Not too often can be repeated the life story of one who has lived so honorable and useful a life and attained to such notable distinction has has he whose name appears at the head of this sketch, one of Ohio's successful and distinguished educators and writers.  His character has been one of signal exaltation and purity of purpose.  Well disciplined in mind, maintaining a vantage point from which life has presented itself in correct proportions, simple and unostentatious in his self-respecting, tolerant individuality, such a man could not prove other than a force for good in whatever relation of life he may have been placed.  His character is the positive expression of strong nature and his strength is as the number of his days.  His career has been a long, busy and useful one, and his name is revered by all who have had occasion to come into contact with him.  His life has been one of consecration to his calling, and well does he merit a place of honor in every history touching upon the lives and deeds of those who have given the best of their powers and talents for the aiding and betterment of their kind.      William W. Davies was born on the 10th day of May, 1838, in Llangybi, Cardiganshire, South Wales, and is the son of David and Mary Davies, both of whom are deceased.  In young manhood William Davies came to the United States and, having completed his public school training, he became a student in Ohio Wesleyan University, where he was graduated in 1872, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and receiving his Master's degree from the same institution in 1875.  In 1874 he graduated from Drew Theological Seminary, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Divinity.  In 1877 he was given the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Halle, Faculte Libre, Lausanne, Switzerland, and the Sorbonne, Paris.  In 1878 Doctor Davies was ordained to the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church and during the following two years was pastor of the church at Dover, Ohio; from 1879 to 1883 he was instructor of Hebrew and modern languages in Ohio Wesleyan University; adjunct professor, 1883-4, and then became professor of Hebrew and German.  He devoted himself indefatigably to his labors and for many years he has been numbered among the leading educators of the state which he has honored by his citizenship.  Doctor Davies has done considerable original research work and has done much writing.  In 1894 he became and is still editor of the department of Archaeology and Biblical Research in the Methodist Review; wrote the Critical Notes in the Sunday School Teachers' Journal, 1895-7; contributor to Modern Languages, Notes, and to various religious journals.  He is a member of the Society of Biblical Archaeology, the Victoria Institute, Authors' Club (London), Phi Kappa Psi and Phi Beta Kappa.  He is author of the "Universal Bible Encyclopedia," two volumes, 1903; "The Codes of Hamurabi and Moses," 1905.      Professor Davies has twice been married.  On December 25, 1879, he married Mary E. Chase, of Auburn, Maine, whose death occurred on September 2, 1909.  On the 27th of June, 1911, he was married to Madeline B. Sharp, widow of the late Morris Sharp, of Washington C. H., and who is referred to at length elsewhere in this work.  Professor Davies is a man of genial and kindly impulses, who, because of his splendid ability and high personal character, ahs won a host of warm personal friends. Source:  History of Fayette County, Ohio - Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen & Co., 1914 - Page  383
	FRANK DILL.     Though more than a decade of years has elapsed since Frank Dill was transferred from the life militant to the life triumphant, his personality is still fresh in the memory of his many friends who remain in Fayette county, where for so many years he was regarded as one of its leading citizens.  Because of his many excellent personal qualities and the splendid and definite influence which his life shed over the entire locality in which he lived so long and which he labored so earnestly to upbuild in any way in his power it is particularly fitting that specific mention should be made of him in a work containing the biographies of the representative men of his county.  A man of high moral character, unimpeachable integrity, persistent industry and excellent business judgment, he stood "four-square to every wind that blew," and throughout the locality where he lived he occupied an enviable position among his fellow men.  A glance at the beautiful surroundings of his home is sufficient to convince anyone that the pride of his life and the desire of his heart was for his family.  His home life was beautiful and he planned daily to make those dependent upon him comfortable and happy, and it can be truly said of Frank Dill that he loved his wife and children, and to him home was the dearest place on earth.      The late Frank Dill was born Dec. 13, 1857, about three miles south of Bainbridge, Ross county, Ohio, and died at his beautiful home in Jefferson township, Fayette county, Ohio Sept. 22, 1902.  He was the son of William and Mary (Kelly) Dill, natives of Ross county, and the parents of eight children of eight children:  Elisha, Maggie, Ella, Frank, Lewis, William, Robert and Edward.  The father of William Dill was a native of Virginia and an early settler in Ross county, this state.      Frank Dill received a good common school education in the schools of his native county, and later attended Salem Academy at Chillicothe, this state, where he completed his education.  He then took charge of the home farm and a few years later came to Fayette county, where he purchased a farm in Jefferson township and started in to farm for himself.  He proved to be a very successful farmer and year by year added to his land holdings until at the time of his death, in 1902, he was the possessor of five hundred acres of fine farming land in this county.  He placed extensive improvements upon his farm and because of his home being surrounded by beautiful maple trees, he christened his homestead "Maple Hill," and by this name it is known throughout the city.  He was one of the most extensive farmers and stock raisers of the county and marketed his stock by the car load every year.  About two weeks before his death he went to Kentucky to buy cattle for his farm and while away from home became ill and yet continued at work, hoping to wear off the effects of his illness, but was finally compelled to return home, when it was found that he was suffering from typhoid fever, and within ten days he was removed from the land of the living.  He was a man of sterling business qualities and his business, next to his family, received untiring attention.  He was honest in all of his dealings and in every transaction his word was never called into question at any time.  While his material accumulations were considerable, yet his methods were always honorable and his integrity and uprightness were never questioned.      Mr. Dill was married Dec. 19, 1888, to Letitia Hays, the daughter of Morgan and Eliza (Larrimer) Hays, and to this union were born four children:  One who died at the age of ten months; Hays, who graduated in June, 1914, at the Ohio State University; Claire, who died at the age of thirteen, and Dorothy, who is now twelve years of age.  Hays*  is a finely educated young man and immediately after his graduation took charge of the home farm, in which he is showing marked skill in managing.      Fraternally, Mr. Dill was a member of the Knights of Pythias.  His life was indeed a busy one, his private affairs and his home making heavy demands upon his time, yet he never allowed it to interfere with his Christian obligations or the faithful performance of his duties.  Always calm and straightforward, never demonstrative, his life was a steady effort for the welfare of his fellow citizens.  He had the greatest sympathy for his fellow men and was always ready to aid and encourage those who were struggling to aid themselves.  When he believed he was on the right path, nothing could swerve him from it.  His home life was a sacred trust and his friendships were inviolable.  He commanded the respect of all classes by his exemplary life and his memory will long be revered by his many friends and acquaintances. Source:  History of Fayette County, Ohio - Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen & Co., 1914 - Page 436 SHARON WICK'S NOTE:  See Obituary for Letitia Dill - Click Here * AKA Keith H.(ays) Dill - See 1910 Census Jefferson, Fayette Co., Ohio living with his mother, Letitia. * CLICK HERE for photo of Letitia Dill and sisters * CLICK HERE to See Marriage Certificate Family is found at www.findagrave.com
	WILLIAM B. DILL.     It is interesting to note in the series of personal biographies appearing in this volume the varying conditions that have compassed those whose careers are outlined.  Each man who strives to fulfill his part in connection with human life and human activities is deserving of recognition, whatever may be his field of endeavor.  It is the purpose of works of this nature to perpetuate for future generations an authentic record concerning those represented in its pages, and the value of such publications is certain to be cumulative for all time to come.  According to the 1910 census there were five thousand, four hundred and sixty-six families living within the precincts of Fayette county, Ohio, and it is to be regretted that this volume cannot cover the lives of more families than it does.      William B. Dill, a prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Jefferson township, was born Sept. 15, 1860, in Ross county, Ohio, near Bainbridge.  His parents, William and Mary (Kelly) Dill, were natives of the same county and lived there all of their lives.  They reared a family of eight children, Elijah, Margaret, Mrs. Ella Poston, Frank, Wilson B., Lewis G., Robert and Edward.  All of these children are living except Frank.  William Dill was a son of Robert and Margaret Dill, natives of Virginia and early settlers of Ross county, this state, where they reared a large family of children, Robert, Richard, Walter, John, William, Arm, James and Margaret.      William B. Dill attended the common schools of Ross county and finished his education in the Bainbridge high school.  He worked on his father's farm during the summer season and remained at home until his marriage in 1892.  In that hear he came to Fayette county and brought two hundred acres of fine land two miles from Jeffersonville.  Since acquiring this farm he has placed extensive improvements upon it and, being a man of taste, he has made his farm one of the most attractive of the county.  He raises all of the crops common to this section of the state and keeps a high grade of live stock on the farm.      Mr. Dill was married in 1892 to Alice Bell, the daughter of William and Catherine Bell, of Champaign, Illinois, and ot this union have been born two children, Earl B., born Aug. 25, 1893, and Helen, born Feb. 16, 1896.      Politically, Mr. Dill has long been identified with the Republican party, but has never been an aspirant for public office or taken an active part in political affairs.  He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, an  organization which includes many of the farmers of this county.  The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Jeffersonville. Source:  History of Fayette County, Ohio - Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen & Co., 1914 - Page 517
	HENRY WALKER DUFF.  The best title one can establish to the high and generous esteem of an intelligent community is a protracted and honorable residence therein.  Henry Walker Duff has resided in Fayette County, Ohio, sixty five years, and his career in every respect has been a commendable one and well deserving of being perpetuated in the history of his county.  A self-made man and dependent upon his own resources from the time he was fourteen years old, he has arisen to his present prominence solely through his own industry, good judgment and wise management.  His farm lands have always been well improved and highly productive, being numbered among the best farms of Jefferson township.  He has always discharged his public and private duties honestly and fearlessly and in a spirit which brought him the commendation of his fellow citizens.      Henry W. Duff, a retired merchant and farmer of Jefferson township, was born Dec. 26, 1847, in the township where he is now living.  His parents, Peter and Sarah (Tanquary) Duff, were natives of Winchester, Virginia, and came to this county shortly after their marriage.  The parents of Peter Duff never came to Ohio, spending all of their lives in Virginia, where they were born  To Peter Duff and wife were born ten children:  Mrs. Rachel Corbitt, deceased; Mrs. Hannah Price, deceased; Mrs. Rebecca Fossett, deceased; Mrs. Mary Counts, deceased; John J., of Jeffersonville, Ohio; Edward C.; William M., of South Solon; Harvey and Henry W.      Henry W. Duff attended the Herald and Creamer schools of this county until he was fourteen years of age and then began to work out by ht month in Paint township  At the age of nineteen he began to learn the carpenter trade and followed that four a few years.  He then engaged in farming with his brother until 1889, when he engaged in the implement business in Jeffersonville.  A few years later he disposed of his interest in this business and embarked in the grocery business, following this line of endeavor until 1905, when he retired from active work and is now living in the residence which he built in 1884.      Mr. Duff was married Aug. 31, 1870, to Mary Margaret Ann Horney, a daughter of William and Adeline (Fent) Horney, Mrs. Duff's parents were natives of this county and reared a family of eight children, Clara, Mary Margaret Ann, Ollie, Lucy, Lewis, Libbie, Ivy and James.  to Mr. and Mrs. Duff have been born four children: three, alba, Minnie and Audra, are deceased, and Auburn, who is deputy county treasurer and lives in Washington C. H., married Mary Parrett.      Mr. Duff is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party, but has never been an aspirant for any public office.  He and his family are all loyal and faithful members of the Methodist Protestant church, while, fraternally, Mr. Duff is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while his wife is a member of the Rebekah Lodge. Source:  History of Fayette County, Ohio - Indianapolis, Ind. : B.F. Bowen & Co., 1914 - Page 531

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