His long military career started during the Civil War in 1862 and ended with his appointment as a lieutenant general in 1906. Along the way he became a personal friend of presidents Grant, Hayes, Garfield, McKinley and Taft - all Buckeyes.

Yet today, few Ohioans have heard of Corbin and his daring adventures. Knepp, a historian and Milford resident, has uncovered Corbin's unpublished book, The Autobiography of Henry Clark Corbin, written an introduction and published it.

"I am frequently asked," Knepp said, "why the general is largely forgotten today if he was so influential and well known when alive. I believe that we have a tendency to remember the warrior generals more than the administrators."

In 2000, the Clermont County Bicentennial Committee chose Corbin as one of the county's most important citizens. He achieved power and prominence during Ohio's high point in the late 1800s.

Corbin was born on Sept. 15, 1842, on a farm near Laurel in Monroe Township. He owned a house in Batavia from 1883 until 1895.

"Corbin was always there when something was happening - even Garfield's assassination," Knepp said. "He shot pool and played cards with Garfield. Earlier, Grant talked Corbin out of studying law. He told him to stay in the army."

He was appointed adjutant general during the Spanish-American War, and therefore was responsible for ordering water, coffins and food, and even setting the price of Cuban tobacco.

"The death of President McKinley stunned Gen. Corbin," Knepp said. "They were both members of the 'Ohio Mafia,' which had so dominated Washington."

Knepp has studied Corwin's life for 10 years. At the end of each chapter, he has written notes on the general's life story. "I've tried to explain what Corbin has left out in his autobiography," Knepp said.

The book, published by Cragburn Press, can be ordered by calling Knepp's office in Batavia at 732-3415. The price is $16 ($19 by mail). It is also for sale at the Clermont County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 410 E. Main Street, Batavia.

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LEBANON - The Lebanon Antiques Show will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 17 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 18 at Lebanon High School, 160 Miller Road.

About 80 vendors from 15 states will sell museum-quality antiques from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

The event is sponsored by the Warren County Historical Society.

Admission: $6, good for both days.

Information: 932-1817.

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HAMILTON - The Mad Anthony Theatre Co. will present The Play About the Baby by Edward Albee on Feb. 6-8.

The group seeks actors for the roles of a man and woman 20-25 years old. Call director Henry Cepluch, 863-8873, for details.

Information: Call the Fitton Center or go to www.fittoncenter.org.

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Randy McNutt's column runs on Saturday. Contact him at the Enquirer, 7700 Service Center Drive, West Chester OH 45069. Fax: 755-4158. Fax: 755-4150. E-mail: Rmcnutt@enquirer.com.