.

** RETURN TO BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX ** ** RETURN TO HISTORY CONTENTS **   GEORGE W. TAPSCOTT was born in the State of New Jersey, in 1810, and was at his death fifty-one years old. In 1826 he came to Hamilton with his brother-in-law, Henry S. Earhart, and in the capacity of a clerk he commenced to serve him in the sale of merchandise. A few years after, when he attained his majority, he became a member of the firm of Earhart & Tapscott. His urbanity, strict attention to business, and exemplary character as a clerk secured for him a high and responsible position. As a member of the firm he continued in business until about the year 1843, when he turned his attention to other pursuits. For more than twenty years he had been prominently, actively, and successfully engaged in the milling business, and in the buying and packing of pork.  In the conduct of all his business affairs Mr. Tapscott scrupulously aimed to be correct.      Colonel William Sheely, one of the oldest residents of Butler County, died in September, 1859, at his residence near this city. Colonel Sheely came to this county at an early day, and filled several prominent positions, having been an influential citizen. He had for some time been afflicted with disease of the heart, and it is supposed that this was the cause of his death, as he died suddenly.   J. B. TAPSCOTT - Page 621, Wayne Twp.   JACOB TEMPLE - Page 610, Madison Twp.   SHEM THOMAS - Page 610, Madison Twp.   WILLIAM B. THOMAS - Page 620, Wayne Twp.   JOSEPH M. THOMPSON was for many years a prominent citizen of Port Union, Union Township, holding several township offices, and died in Columbus, Indiana, on the 7th of March, 1878, his wife dying March 31, 1874. His son, Colonel Freeman B. Thompson, was married on the 1st of July, 1856, to Mary Ann Beatty, daughter of James Beatty. She was born in Butler County, September 24, 1839, and died April 14, 1879. They have had eight children. William B. was born June 5, 1857, and is married, living in Fairfield Township. Ida May was born April 5, 1859, and is the wife of James M. Earp, a resident of Hamilton. Mary Ella was born March 17, 1863, and is the wife of Elva Thompson. She lives in Hamilton. Frankie Luella was born July 2, 1865; Lillie Leona, June 1, 1868; Harry, June 16, 1870; George, March 16, 1872, and  Jimmy, January 29, 1877. Mr. Thompson, in 1859, moved to Shelby County, Illinois, where he was for many years a prominent farmer, holding many offices of honor. Among others he was sheriff for six years, and was elected colonel of the One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He returned to Hamilton, Butler County, on the 10th of November,. 1880, and still resides here.   WILLIAM TOWNSEND - Page 592, Union Twp.   JOHN P. TROUTMAN- Page 559, St. Clair Twp.   PROFESSOR ISAIAH TRUFANT - Page 549, Oxford Twp.     NOTES: