Surnames: HEDDING BLACK MITCHELL CURTIS JOHNSON GOLDMAN FARIES SELBY Memoirs of the Miami Valley, Vol. III, 1919 pages 300/301 Hon. Wesley B. Hedding, who for many years has been a progressive and representative citizen of Middletown, was born at Milton, Northumberland county, Pa., in 1827, a son of William and Susan (Black) Hedding, and a grandson of William Hedding of New Jersey. The Black family originated in Ireland, while the father of Squire Hedding was born in Pennsylvania, and the parents came to Butler county in 1843, locating in Lemon township, where William Hedding continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits during the remainder of his life. Wesley B. Hedding was sixteen years of age when the family came to Butler county, and here his education was completed in the country schools, following which time he was engaged in farming. Subsequently he mastered the trade of blacksmith, and while following this vocation was appointed postmaster at Lesourdsville, Ohio, a position which he held for two years. Moving to Middletown at that time, he resumed his trade, and during the administra! tion of President Buchanan was appointed United States deputy marshal, a capacity in which he took part in settling the difficulties with the negroes at Chillicothe. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Union army for service during the Civil War, becoming a member of Company I, 83d Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and took part in many engagements, including the siege of Vicksburg and the fighting in the Gulf. After a brave and faithful service he was mustered out at Cincinnati, in 1865, and returned to Middletown, where he secured employment as a clerk in the grocery store of James H. Mitchell. Subsequently, he was with James P. Curtis for eighteen months, and was then connected with J. M. Johnson in the dry goods business for two years, and later for four years in the same line with Simon Goldman. During that time he was elected justice of the peace and held that position for a period of thirty-five years. His judgment, sagacity, knowledge of human nature and absolu! te sense of justice made Squire Hedding one of the most popular officials who ever discharged the duties of this office and brought to him public confidence and high esteem. Eventually, he was chosen mayor of Middletown, and his first term was followed by three re-elections. Every measure for the advancement of Middletown along material, social and intellectual lines received his endorsement and encouragement, and to him in no little degree are due a number of the advantages which the city now possesses. His means, advice and energy were often called upon arid freely given in matters of moment and importance. As a member of the school board, he worked faithfully in behalf of the children and for an elevation of school standards and the betterment of the system. As a Democrat, he gave his support to that party's candidates, and his fraternal affiliations are with the local lodges of the Masons and Odd Fellows, in both of which he is popular with his fellow-members, and h! is religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Hedding was married in 1869 to Miss Malinda Faries, daughter of Isaac C. and Mary (Selby) Faries, both born and reared in Butler county, and a granddaughter of Joseph Faries, also a native of this county, and great-granddaughter of Joseph Faries, who came from New Jersey. The Selby family was originally from Maryland. The strong traits in Squire Hedding's character have been such as to endear him to all with whom he has come in contact. -- Gary KingBatavia IL     Researching in Knox, Licking, Perry Counties, OHIO: Butcher, Crotinger, Davis, McClurg, Wheatcraft, Cooperrider, Beckenbaugh, Neighbarger, Catt, WilkinIn Butler Co., Ohio: Stahlheber, Kippenberger, Beiser, Pater, KingIn Clermont Co., Ohio:    King, Bartlett, Hall, Aylward.In Botetourt Co. Virginia: King, Bean, Dooley, Mayo, Fouts/Foutz/FoutIn McLean Co., Illinois: Crotinger, Mickens, Bierbower, Jones, Buck.In Kane Co. Illinois:   Gustafson, Maier, Butcher, Keifer, LindgrenVolunteer of Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness at http://www.raogk.org/