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JOHN C. BATTEN, farmer, P. O. Clarksville, son of Henry and Margery (Cravens) Batten, was born in Greene County, Penn., in 1809 ; reared on a farm till seventeen, when he learned the brick-laying trade, at which he worked nearly thirty years. When five years old, his parents emigrated to Ohio, going down the Ohio River from Wheeling to Manchester on a flat-boat. They settled in what is now Marshall Township, Highland County, this State, where they bought 150 acres of land. John C. was married near Hillsboro May 23, 1833, to Catherine, daughter of Daniel and Mary Houp, born in' Huntingdon County, Penn., in 1809. The had eight children, five living-Mary A., Sarah A., Andrew, Daniel and George In March, 1861, Mr. Batten came to Vernon Township, and bought forty acres of his present farm of 180 acres, where he now has 150 under cultivation. While in Fair field Township, Highland County, he was Justice of the Peace several years. Mr. and Mrs. Batten are both members of the M. E. Church.
AARON BIGGS, chair manufacturer, Cuba, son of William B. and Rhoda Whittaker, was born in Washington Township, this county, June 6, 1839. He was reared on a farm, and remained at home till twenty-one years of age, when he took a nine months' trip to Colorado. He was married in this township September 8, 1866, to Susan C., daughter of Samuel and Mary (Harris) Statler, born in this township. They have four children living-Samuel, Mary, Anna, and an infant; the deceased was named Estella. Mr. Biggs bought the farm where he now lives, of 150 acres, in 1870 ; his wife also has 100 acres adjoining, 180 acres under cultivation. Mr. Biggs has a portable ten-horse-power engine on his farm, where be manufactures annually consider able sorghum, and runs three lathes, manufacturing chairs. Himself and Marion Biggs also run two threshing machines during the season. Mr. Batten has held several township offices, among others District Director four years, and Supervisor several years.
LARRY CUNNINGHAM, farmer. P. O. Clarksville, son of Michael and Alice (Dunn) Cunningham, was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, April 13, 1831. He was reared on a farm. He came to this country in 1847, and settled in Berlin, N. Y., where he farmed four years; then moved to Hancock, Mass., where he remained nearly two years, thence to Westchester County, N. Y., to Williams Bridge, where he was married March 18, 1853, to Bridget Wallace, also a native of Ireland. In the spring of 1855, he came to this township, and two years later he bought ten acres of his present farm of forty-five acres, all of which is under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham are members of the Catholic Church, and are worthy citizens of their adopted State.
CHRISTOPHER DIFFA, deceased, was born in Prussia May 11, 1818. He was reared on a farm. In 1843, he came to this country, landing at New Orleans, where he remained about eighteen months, and then went to Cincinnati, where he remained several years. He was married in Rossburg, Warren Co., Ohio, November 9, 1858, to Dorotha, daughter of Frederick Rohmor, also a native of Germany. They had eight sons, six living-Charles, Christopher, Theodore, Frank, Louis and Henry. In the spring of 1872, they settled near Wilmington, where they remained till July, 1880, when they bought the farm where they now reside, of 173 1/2 acres, one and three fourth miles east of Clarksville, about 135 acres under cultivation. Mr. Diffa died December 9, 1881; himself and wife were members of the Lutheran Church.
JAMES W. FERREE, farmer, P. O. Blanchester, son of Abrabam and Lydia (LaFever) Ferree, was born in Anne Arundel County, Md., in 1821. When seven years of age, his parents moved to Jennings, Ind., where his father died the following year. In 1833, his mother moved to Clermont County, Ohio, where James was
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married, February 26, 1848, to Prudence K., daughter of James and Elizabeth Garitson, born in Goshen Township, Clermont County. They have three children-James, Elizabeth and Sarah. In March, 1867, Mr. Ferree came to this township and bought the farm where he now resides, of 113 1/2 acres, in the southwestern part of this township, near Kansas Mills ; also has fifty-two and one-half acres in Harlan Township. Warren County, about 140 acres under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Ferree are both members of the M. E. Church, of which Mr. Ferree has been a member since twenty years of age.
JAMES H. FORDYCE, deceased. This pioneer was a son of William and Susan (Trimble) Fordyce, was born near Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio, in 1811, where he was reared. About 1841, they came to this township and bought twenty-seven acres of land, with a saw and flooring mill, which they ran several years. James was married in Wilmington, July 24, 1849, to Mary, daughter of Aaron and Rebecca Sewell, born in this township in 1813. Three children were the result of this union -William T., now a teacher, has taught the school near home about eight years; Louis D.; and Ida E., wife of Isaac Cast, now residing in Illinois. Mrs. Fordyce also has one son by a former marriage, John H. Smith, who served three years in the late war. Immediately after their marriage, Mr. Fordyce bought the residence and three acres of land where he now resides. Mr. Fordyce died July 11, 1875; Mrs. Fordyce owns, besides the homestead, fifty-one acres of land adjoining.
WILLIAM H. GARDNER, merchant and Postmaster, Clarksville, is a son of John and Sarah J. (Ruland) Gardner; was born December 17, 1836, in this village. His parents came here some time between 1820 and 1830. His father was a native of Virginia, his mother of New Jersey. William attended school in this village till seventeen years of age, when he entered his father's store as clerk. At the age of twenty-four, he was admitted as partner. In the fall of 1861, he opened his present place of business, and was appointed Postmaster by Montgomery Blair, which position he has filled ever since, to the satisfaction of the people of Clarksville and surrounding counties. He was married in this village in 1861, to Angeline, daughter of William and Hannah Smith. They have three children-John W., Parker and Sarah. Mr. Gardner has been Township Clerk and at present Treasurer of the Township, which position he has filled two or three years.
THOMAS S. GARLAND, physician, Clarksville, one of the leading and respected citizens of that village, a son of James and Presocia (Gatch) Garland, was born in Miami Township, Clermont County, Ohio, December 29, 1810. He was reared on a farm till twenty-one years of age, attending school much of the time. He then taught school for several years. Subsequently, he entered the office of Dr. A. T. Davis, of Wilmington, where he studied medicine, and then took one term at the Medical Department of the Cincinnati College. He then came to this village, where he practiced five years, and then went to Wilmington and practiced with his former preceptor, Dr. A. T. Davis, three years, and again came to Clarksville, where he has practiced ever since. In the winter of 1875-76, he attended lectures and graduated at the Ohio Medical College. He was married in Miami Township, Clermont Co., Ohio, June 27, 1841, to Susan C. Rybolt, born in Hamilton County, Ohio. They bad three children, one still living-Zenas T., now one of the leading physicians in Clarksville. The de ceased were named Tiffin D. and Emma S. The Doctor has a fine residence and office on Pike street, where he is enjoying the reward of a long and laborious life in his profession, and for all he has a good share of this world's goods; he still continues in his practice, preferring to wear rather than to rust out. Mr. and Mrs. Garland are active and worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
ZENAS T. GARLAND, M. D., Clarksville, the leading physician and one of Clarksville's best and most respected citizens, is the son of Thomas S. and Susan C. (Rybolt) Garland ; was born in this village August 22, 1845. He attended the common and graded schools of this village till twenty years of age, when he took a private course of instructions under the care of Drs. Barthalow and Blackman. He then entered the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, graduating in 1870. He com.-
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menced practicing in Clarksville; where he leads his profession and is having an extensive practice. He was married in this village August 6, 1867, to Josephine, daughter of George M. and Emmeline Morrow. They have one daughter-Mary E. Mr. Garland is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows societies. Himself and wife are also members of the M. E. Church, of which the Doctor has been Trustee four or five years. He is also a member of the Town Council.
G. W. GARRISON, farmer, P. O. Clarksville, son of Lemuel and Mary (Rippy) Garrison, was born July 13, 1817, on the banks of the same stream on which he now lives. His grandparents, Lemuel, Sr., and Mary, came to Hamilton County and settled on the round bottoms, Miami River. They soon afterward came to Vernon Township and settled where our subject was born, where they bought 100 acres of land. They had five sons and four daughters. Lemuel, Jr., was the third son. He owned at one time over one thousand acres of land. At his death, G. W. received $800. He was married at Kansas Mills, Marion Township, this county, to Susanna, daughter of Jacob and Rosanna Beard, born in Virginia. Mr. Garrison owned a farm of 104 1/2 acres in this township, which he farmed till 1859, when he sold and came to Clarksville. He now has a fine brick residence and one acre of land on Second street; also fifteen acres on the southeast of corporation, part of it inside the limits, which he intends to have platted and will sell for building purposes. He also has twenty acres east of the village.
WILLIAM HADLEY, deceased. The man whose name is at the head of this sketch, was prominently identified with the early settlement of Clinton County. He was born in North Carolina, and raised on a farm. He was married in his native State, to Sarah Clark. He emigrated to Ohio in 1810, and bought a large tract of land, embracing where now is located the village of Clarksville, and extending two or three miles up the valley of "Todd's Fork." On this land he erected a fine brick residence (which is now owned and occupied by John B. Smith), northeast of Clarksville, which village he laid out and named in honor of his wife. He died in this township. His family consisted of ten children, named as follows: Mary, David (the father of D. L. Hadley), John, Ruth, Jonathan, Ann, Joshua, Sarah, William and Jane. John Had. ley, the third child of William and Sarah (Clark) Hadley, was born in North Carolina July 17, 1796. After his parents settled here, be learned the saddler and harness trade, and opened a shop in a little log house which stood near the site of the present post office. He was married in October, 1816, to Ruth, daughter of Jacob and Martha Hale, who was born in Randolph County, N. C., March 3, 1797, and bore him the following children: Alfred, Sarah E., Ann M., Mabala, Julia and Eli. He was a member of the Clinton County Importation Company. This county is deeply indebted to him for the importation of fine stock, including "Short Horns," "Suffolk hogs," and fine horses and sheep from England. He expended several thousand dollars in import. ing stock for himself, and was also the means of importing a large number for others. He had, at one time, fifteen silver cups which he had received as prizes from different agricultural societies at whose fairs his stock was exhibited. He was the first "pork packer" in this county, and was largely interested in that business at Clarksville. He owned and operated a general store, and was quite extensively engaged in farming. He was a devoted member of the Friends Society, to whom he donated several acres of land in the eastern part of the village of Clarksville, on which to erect a meeting-house. A fine brick residence that he built in the village is now occupied by his daughter, the widow of the late James Linton. In company with his son-in-law, James Linton, they took the contract for and graded eight miles of the Muskingum Valley Railroad. He died at Clarksville in 1866.
ALFRED C. HADLEY, first son of John and Ruth Hadley, was born in Clarksville January 14, 1819. On arriving at his majority, engaged with his father in farming, pork-packing and dealing in stock. He was married at Richmond, Ind., May 1, 1845, to Anna, daughter of William and Martha Nixon, who was born in Chester County, Penn., March 27, 1825. Her parents emigrated to Highland County, Ohio, in 1825. After his marriage, his father bought and presented to him what is known as the Smalley farm, in Washington Township, Warren Co., Ohio; it consisted of 420 acres. His
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father bought it of an Indian chief named William Smalley. It is one of the oldest and best farms in this part of the county. There still stands on it a fine brick house, built by the " chief," who burned the brick for and erected the same without the aid of a white man. The building contains brick eighteen inches in length. It was very roughly finished inside. Alfred C. Hadley died September 28. 1849. He and his wife had the following children: John W., born February 18, 1846; Charles E., December 14, 1847, and Allis C., December 13, 1849. They were all born on "the old Smalley farm." John W. was accidentally thrown onto a red hot stove. and although he lived about a year afterward, it resulted in his death on April 14, 1850. Allie E. was married December 22, 1878, by the Rev. Samuel Austin, an old resident, to Morris Lancaster. Their children are Jetta and Mabel. Charles E. was reared on the farm. When he was twelve years of age, his mother moved to Vernon Township, a quarter of a mile west of Clarksville. Charles worked for his grandfather, John Hadley, in handling stock until 1865, attending school part of the time. He then entered the State Agricultural College of Pennsylvania. After attending this institution some six months, he was unfortunate enough to sprain an ankle, which disabled him to such a degree that he was absent from the college for eighteen months, when he returned and remained until 1878. He then returned home and was occupied about one year in repairing and making improvements on the old " Smalley farm," and in 1870, himself and mother took up their residence there, where they have lived since, and where he has been engaged in farming and dealing extensively in live stock. He still owns a few °' Short Horns," descendants of the importations made by his grandfather " Hadley ;" and also retains his membership in the " Cresson Literary Society," which he joined while in college.
DAVID L. HADLEY, farmer, P. O. Clarksville, is one of Vernon's most prominent and respected citizens. Is the son of David and Sarah (Lindley) Hadley ; was born in this township, one mile north of Clarksville, February 8, 18'37. His parents and grandparents were among the early-settlers of this part of the country, emigrating from Chatham County, N. C. David Hadley, father of the subject of this sketch, was born April 27, 1794, and was married February 4, 1815, in Chatham County,. N. C., to Sarah Lindley. They bad seven sons and three daughters. David L. was the fourth son; he lived at home till the date of his marriage, which occurred at Blue River in Rush County, Ind., October 17, 1853, to Abigail J., daughter of Hezekiah and Abigail (Mendenhall) Clark, born in Randolph County, N. C.. October 14, 1830. This union was blessed by three children, two of whom are now living and named as follows-George C., a telegraph operator, and railroad and express agent at Mumford, Monroe Co., N. Y.; Woodrow W., now a farmer at Pleasant Plain, Warren County, Ohio. The deceased was named Byram C., who died in infancy. The year following his marriage, Mr. Hadley settled one and one-quarter miles north of Clarksville on one hundred and fifteen acres of land, part of which he re ceived of his father, buying the remainder from the heirs. He still owns one hundred acres of it. He resided there till the fall of 1866, when he moved to his present location, close to the village, where he has sixty-two and one-half acres in a high state of cultivation. Here he has a fine brick residence, situated on a natural eminence, where he has a splendid view of the valley. He has the finest barn in this part of the county, with three floors and a driveway into each, covered with a slate roof, the entire struct ure costing $6,000. Mr. Hadley and his estimable wife are members of the Orthodox Friends' Church. Their eldest son, George, was married at Mumford, Monroe Co., N. Y., September 7, 1881, to Clara 0., daughter of David A. and Christina Francis) Munson. The latter a native of Madison County, Ohio, and the former of Mumford, N. Y.
D. L. HADLEY was reared on his father's farm. His parents being frugal and God-fearing people, he was early instilled with habits of economy, honesty and industry. He lived at his father's home until about twenty-six years of age, assisting in all manner of work, excelling in anything he was given to do. During these years he received slight educational advantages, such as could only be obtained in the
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common schoolhouse, and then only a few weeks at a time, at long intervals. Labor was the watchward in those days, and although so studiously employed with his hands, his brain was not idle. He was of an observing and reasoning turn, and he fast acquired that knowledge of men and things that in future years was to make his life a success. When a small lad, he assisted in hauling stone and gravel for the Wilmington Goshen pike, in 1839-40, and, in fact, it would be impossible to state any kind of work, either on the farm or public improvements in the neighborhood where he has resided from "boy to man," in which he has not participated, either by actual labor or financial aid. He has always advocated the principle of " equal rights " to all men. being in early years firmly impressed that it was wrong for the strong to override and oppress the '' weak." When a young man, he trained his mind and efforts to the raising of sheep and their improvement. He made the tour of Virginia and Pennsylvania in 1849 in search of fine grades of sheep, that would produce the best wool in density, weight and fineness, together with a good sized carcass. As a result of his labors, he greatly improved and enlarged the wool-growing interests of Clinton County, and at the " Wool Growers' and Manufacturers' Convention and Exhibition," held at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1859, open to the world, and competing for premiums in " Saxon wool," there was 600,000 pounds on exhibition, and Mr. Hadley's exhibit took the first premium, and was sold at $1.15 per pound; the next highest premium being 60 cents per pound. He has taken twenty-nine premiums, many of them first at one fair, and probably ranks first as a breeder of sheep in Clinton County. His herd averages from 500 to 1,000 head. From long habit, he has become very expert in everything pertaining to sheep, being enabled to tell from the expression in the face the family from which they descended, among his own sheep, and from hearing the bleat, whether it is male or female. In distinguishing and naming different breeds of stock, he is equally expert. In judging the weight or value of stock he is not excelled, and is quick in mental calculations, and has often, in the weighing of a lot of stock, figured up the average weight before common men could put it down in figures. Mr. Hadley is still in his prime, stands over six feet in height, and robust in proportion, with a genial and kindly countenance, which betokens the man of good habits long established. Mr. Hadley was converted under the preaching of Mary Elliott, during the " Friends' Yearly Meeting." held at Lawrence, Kan., in the year 1872, since which time he has been a constant member of the Orthodox Friends Church. Joshua Hadley, the great grandfather of our subject, lived at Chatham, N. C., where he died. His children were Simon, Thomas. Jeremiah, Jacob, Joseph, William, Jonathan and John. William, last named, first came to this township and laid out the village of Clarksville. His children were Mary, David, John, Ruth, Jonathan, Ann, Joshua, Sarah, William and Jane. David Hadley, the second child and son of William, was the father of our subject.
MRS. ABIGAIL J. (CLARK) HADLEY. The Mendenhalls, of whom Mrs. D. L. Hadley is a descendant on her mother's side; are traced back to the year 1267, to the "Manor of Mildenhall," in Wiltshire, Eng. The family, at that time, were landholders, and reckoned among its members soldiers who served in the wars of the Crusade, and, at different times, occupied positions of trust and honor, in connection with Royalty, one being Chaplain to King Edward III, another, as Keeper of the Jewels, etc. The first that came to America of which there is any account, was John Mendenhall, who emigrated with William Penn ; he settled in Concord, Delaware Co., Penn., previous to 1685; he was an active and influential member of the Friends Meetings. In 1697, he donated ground for the Friends Meeting House in Concord. He was married, in 1685, to Elizabeth Maris ; they had three children-George, John and Aaron. The last named married Rose Pierson June 16, 1715; they had eight children-George, James, John, Aaron, Elijah, Rose, Lydia and Elizabeth. James, last named, married Hannah Thomas, a natives of Wales. They had six children-Phineas, Elijah, Marmaduke, George, Hannah and Judith. George, last named, was married to Judith Gardner. He was the founder of Jamestown, N. C.; they bad a family of ten children -Nathan, Richard, Jemima, William A., James, George C., Hannah Abigail, born
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January 18, 1795, and married, October, 1819. in North Carolina, at Deep River, Hezekiah S. Clark, who was born December 20, 1797, and are the parents of Abigail J. Hadley), Judith and Mary. Hezekiah S. Clark and his wife, Abigail (Mendenhall) Clark, moved, with their family, from North Carolina to Rush County, Ind., in 1835. They came the whole distance by wagon; they located at Burlington (now Arlington), on the Little Blue River, where he opened out a farm of 240 acres ; he also carried on a mill, and was interested in other enterprises. Himself and wife were members oŁ the "Friends Society." His wife died in 1867, and he departed this life in 1876. They had twelve children-Richard M., George C., Eliza W., Daniel A., John W., Cynthia A., H. Franklin, Abigail J., David W., Nathan M., Rhoda G. and M. Delphina. Abigail J. (Clark) Hadley was born in Randolph County, N. C., October 14, 1830. Her parents, Hezekiah S. Clark and Abigail (Mendenhall) Clark, were worthy, industrious and Christian people. Her father was a tanner by trade, and while in North Carolina, carried on a tanyard, blacksmith and potter shop, besides farming. He himself wagoned down through South Carolina and Georgia, hauling off leather and other goods, and attended different fairs that were held where he disposed of some of his stock. The tanshop was accidentally burned, when he sold out and moved to the then far West, with his family of nine children. Her mother was a worthy and pious woman, and by trade a bonnet and glove-maker, and before marriage, taught school. A specimen of her fine needle-work her daughter, Abigail, has in her possession, in the shape of a globe worked on silk, showing the latitude and longitude, and geographical divisions of the world. She was kind and sympathetic in her nature. Her family government was excellent and firm ; the future good of the children was strictly considered; soon after settling on the banks of the Little Blue River, in Indiana, their eldest son (who had acquired a good Latin and Greek education in North Carolina), commenced keeping school (this was in the winter of 1836); was the first school our subject attended, although then being able to spell and read in the elementary spelling book. , She well remembers incidents of the trip from North Carolina to Indiana, of their passing through Wilmington and taking breakfast with the late Samuel H. Hale, who, with his brothers and sisters, were playmates of her father when a child. From childhood, Mrs. Hadley s memory has been her steadfast friend; in her studies it was but necessary to read the lesson once to commit it. She was always in advance of scholars of her own age, and recited in classes among those who were twice her age. When only eight years old (her elder sister leaving home to learn the tailor's trade) much of the work of the family devolved on her young shoulders. Her mother being in poor health, " Abbie," as she was called, was obliged to do up the morning work, and prepare the food for her mother to cook for dinner before going to school ; return at noon ; fix it on the table; wash the dishes, and then back to school. Thus she attended school a day, or half a day at a time, and often carrying her next younger sister on her back to and from school through the mud. She early learned to spin and weave, a very necessary acquirement in those days, as nearly all the family's wearing apparel was made at home. When fourteen years of age, her father had a large crop of wheat to harvest; hands were scarce and wages high, and her mother suggested that " Abbie" could be spared from the house to assist in the harvest; she soon learned to bind wheat and make a hand, and assisted her father through that and every succeeding harvest, until nineteen years of age. When sixteen years of age, she taught school, walking a mile and back, in the meantime doing the washing for a family of nine. She was often required to assist in her father's sawmill, in rolling and handling logs; at times, handling the "cant-hook " herself; although her hands were so busy in doing for others, her desire for knowledge never ceased, and wherever or at whatever work, she still found time and opportunity to study. Her grammar lessons were often learned while working at the loom, her wonderful memory standing her in good stead, although so constantly and laboriously employed. To use her own words, " She never thought of its being a hardship," but a sense of duty, assisted by a splendid physique, good health and a happy heart made it a pleasure. Her great desire was to attend college, and become a good Latin and Greek scholar, but was never able to overcome family objections to it, as they thought it not
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necessary, she at that time being far enough advanced in her studies to teach any common school. When sixteen years of age, and on a visit to Morgan County, Ind., at an acquaintance's house, during the singing of the hymn, " Am I a soldier of the cross, a follower of the lamb, etc.," she was greatly affected, and from that hour the cause of Christ has been her own. She had firmly decided previous to this, that when she was eighteen years of age, she would leave the Society of Friends and repudiate their ways, but God, who sees the end from the beginning, very forcibly and clearly convinced her at that time that if she ever left the society she would only, at some future day, have to come back to them, if she ever went out of this world with His peace resting upon her. The education she received at home from her parents was liberal, being taught to return good for evil, and allowed to adopt any becoming economical fashion, and attend meetings of other denominations ; singing of °' hymns " was always allowed and practiced in the family. One fundamental principle was, that the true woman consisted in knowing how to do that work which was necessary to be done, and, at the same time, being able and capable of leaving her work and entertaining any company, and that "no one was our superior if we conducted ourselves properly." Mrs. Hadley has, perhaps, cooked and helped at more "` railings " of buildings than any other lady in Clinton County. Since her marriage, she, and her husband, have been regular attendants of meetings twice a week at Clarksville. Mrs. Hadley has borne her share of the labors of the church, acting at one time as Clerk of the Preparative. Monthly and Quarterly Meetings ; attending to the duties of Clerk about ten years each of the Preparative and Quarterly-Meetings, and four or five years of the Monthly-Meetings; she also acted as "Overseer " for about ten years. Mrs. Hadley is a consistent Christian lady; firm in her convictions of right, and charitable to the faults of others. She was instrumental in keeping up the Friends' Sunday school for many years at Clarksville, acting as its Superintendent and teacher. In the Temperance cause, she has always been an earnest worker; is a lady of fine appearance, and of a generous purpose. Herself and worthy husband are now passing down the pathway of life, enjoying that competence and comfort which is insured and deserved by their worthy and useful lives. Mrs. Hadley is a member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, of Clarksville, and of the Women's Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
JOHN R. HOMAN, farmer, P. O. Blanchester, son of Eber and Anna (Marshall) Homan, was born in this township in 1838. He was reared on a farm. His parents came from Red Lion, Warren Co., Ohio, about 1826, and bought twenty-five acres . of land, opposite where our subject now lives; they afterward purchased other tracts, till they owned one hundred and seventy-five acres. Eber died in September, 1862, and Anna, August 17, 1881, in her eighty-second year. John R. was married in 1860, to Mary A., daughter of Reuben and Mary M. Murphy, also born in this township. They have four children-Rose, Mary F., Lena and George M. Mr. Homan enlisted in Woodville, this county, August 17,1862, in Company K, Seventy-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Captain, R. C. Williamson. He was in a number of battles, among others Rocky Face, Resaca, Burnt Hickory, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Savannah, Averysboro, N. C., and Bentonville, and was at the capture of Johnston's army. After serving two years and ten months, he was mustered out at Washington City and returned to Vernon Township and bought eighty-six acres of land, now has sixty-six under cultivation. He has erected a nice residence and barn, has fine orchards and has made a number of other improvements.
JOHN L. HUMPHREYS, farmer, P. O. Clarksville, son of James and Elizabeth (Long) Humphreys, was born in Warren Co., Ohio, near Centerville, October 1, 1815. When quite small, his parents moved to Washington Township, where they bought a farm. Mr. Humphreys was married there in 1837, to Julia A., daughter of Israel and Nancy (Morrison) Sidels. They had twelve children, nine still living Hannah A., James W., Martha J., A. Fillimore, Nancy E., John, David, Joseph and Julia A.; the deceased were Israel S., Mary and Sarah L. In March, 1854, Mr. Humphreys came to this township to reside on his farm of one hundred acres of fine land, which he had bought several years previous. He has led a very successful life;
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now owns five hundred and seven acres of land, about two hundred of which are under cultivation. Mr. Humphreys is a member of the Grange, and himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has held numerous township offices. Township Trustee eight or nine years and Supervisor about fifteen years. His eldest son, James W., served in the late rebellion. Enlisted in Wilmington, in Company H, Thirty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served during the whole war.
DAVID L. HUMPHREYS, retired farmer, P. O. Clarksville, son of James and Elisabeth Humphreys, was born in Washington Township, Warren County, in 1822. His parents came to that county about 1815. David L. remained at home till 1844, when he was married to Elizabeth L., daughter of John and Catherine Stump, born in Pennsylvania. Although they never bad any children of their own, they have raised several. He soon afterward came to Vernon Township, and bought 105 acres of timber land, and cleared nearly all of it, besides clearing part of his father's farm adjoining. He made a number of improvements, and then sold fifty acres of his farm in March. 1880, and came to this village and bought nearly two acres of land on Pike street, on which was a residence which he remodeled, and has made other improvements. He also has three acres with a fine brick residence south of Corporation. Mr. Humphreys is a member of the Odd Fellows society. He is one of the Township Trustees, which office he has filled nearly three years. He is a member of the Friends Church, his wife of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
MICAJAH J. JONES, veterinary surgeon, Wilmington, son of Benjamin and Cynthia A. (Johnson) Jones, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1834. When five years old, his parents came to Wilmington, this county, where he farmed and attended school till 1861, when he entered the Earlham College, Indiana, where he attended one year. In August, 1863, he enlisted in Company H, Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, under Capt. Herbert; he was in the battle of Nashville as a gunner; was also in a number of skirmishes. He served till the close of the war, and was discharged at Knoxville, Tenn., and returned to Adams Township, where his parents lived. In 1868, he commenced the study of his profession under John N. Navin, of Indianapolis. In 1878, he went to St. Louis and took a course of lectures, and has followed his profession ever since. In 1878, he came to this township and bought the farm where he, now lives of fifteen acres ; he is having a very good practice also. He was married in Union Township in 1870 to Sarah A. O'Neal, daughter of William E. and Mary A.; she was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1843. They have five children-:Martha L., Harriet W., Robert H. E., Mary and Micajah, Jr. Mr. Jones is a member of the Friends' Church ; his wife of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His grandfather served in the war of 1812, and was with Daniel Boone through Kentucky. He settled with his family in this State at quite an early date.
JERVIS S. KIMBROUGH, hotel and livery, Clarksville, son of Ira and Clarissa (Howland) Kimbrough, was born in this village April 3, 1845. His grandparents, Jeremiah and Sarah Kimbrough, emigrated from North Carolina to Adams Township, this county, about 1812, where they bought a tract of timber land, and endured the trials and privations of pioneer life. Jeremiah died about 1851, leaving eleven children, ten still living, six daughters and four sons. He left an estate of about two hundred acres. Ira, the father of the subject of this sketch, was the third son of Jeremiah, and was born in Adams Township in 1815, where he was raised, and was married in 1839 to Clarissa H. Howland. They had seven children, five sons and two daughters, Jervis S. being the third son. He was married in Clarksville April 27, 1869, to Alvira A., daughter of Lemuel and Elizabeth Davis, born in this township in 1848. They have one son-Clayton D. Mr. Kimbrough enlisted in Wilmington several times, but on account of his youth and size was each time rejected. October 4, 1864, he enlisted in Cincinnati in the Engineer Corps as an artificer, Company I, First United States Veteran Volunteers; served till close of war, when he returned to Adams Township. May 1, 1866, he opened a carriage and wagon shop in Clarksville, and has been in that business ever since. :March 12, 1881, he purchased the Star Hotel and livery stable in Clarksville. Mr. Kimbrough has been member of the Town Council
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two terms and Mayor of the village three terms; also President of the School Board one term.
HIRAM P. KIPHART, tinsmith, Clarksville, son of John and Caroline (Ready) Kiphart, was born in Washington Township, Warren Co., Ohio, in 1838. His parents emigrated from Virginia to that county at quite an early date. Hiram P. was reared on the farm. At the age of twenty-one, he left home, and May 30, 1861, he enlisted at Camp Dennison in the Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. James Wallace. He was in a number of battles, among others Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Cloyd Mountain, Lynchburg, etc. He served three years; discharged at Columbus, Ohio, and returned to Warren County to Morrowtown. In 1875, he engaged in the tinsmith business, opened a shop in Lynchburg, Highland County, where he remained one year; then moved to Pleasant Plain, where he remained eighteen months, and thence to Clarksville and opened a shop adjoining his present building. In the spring of 1881, he moved into where he is now doing business, where he makes tinware of all kinds, besides doing general repairing. He also does tin work on buildings. He was married in Washington Township, Warren Co., Ohio, in 1865, to Susan, daughter of William and Mary Guttery, born to Washington Township. They have two children-Carrie B. and Albert J.
JAMES LINTON (deceased). The first of the ancestors of James Linton who came to America was John Linton, a son of Sir Roger Linton, of Yorkshire, England. Sir Roger had six sons, named as follows: John, Jacob, Samuel, Benjamin, Rodger and James. John Linton, the direct ancestor of our subject, was born in Yorkshire, England. He was sent by his father to Oxford College, where he was educated for the ministry. At this time, Quakers were being persecuted on account of their religions views, and young Linton was sent with a company of soldiers to attend one of the Quaker meetings, to ascertain if anything was said against the Church of England, and, if he thought necessary, to break up the meeting, He was so impressed with the simplicity, earnestness and faith exhibited, that he became a convert to their religion, and, on this becoming known to his family, he was expelled from his father's house. Reared as he had been in luxury, it was no small matter to be thrown on his own resources to obtain a living. But with the same indomitable will which induced him to give up home and friends for what his conscience told him was right, he set out for London, where he resolutely began to learn the carpenter's trade by which to earn a subsistence. He was there married, in 1691, to Rebecca Relf. After accepting the teachings of the Friends Meetings, he engaged in the ministry for a number of years. Desiring more freedom and the privilege of worshiping God as their consciences dictated, he, with his wife, came to America and landed at Philadelphia November 8, 1692. He was an associate of William Penn both before and after leaving England. John Linton and his wife Mary (Relf) Linton had four children-Mary, Joseph, Benjamin and John. Benjamin, the third child, was born in Philadelphia October 6, 1703. He early learned the weaver's trade, which business he subsequently carried on quite extensively for many years. He was an able and learned man and noted astronomer, to which science he bad devoted much time and study. He was twice married; the first time to Elizabeth White on the 25th of March, 1727. She was born September 9, 1705, and they had two children-John and Mary; the mother died January 25, 1732. His second wife was Jane Cowgal, who was born July 3, 1708. By the last marriage, there were eight children-Lucia, Benjamin, Joshua, Sarah, Samuel, Jane, Daniel and Hezekiah. The fifth child, Samuel, was born in Bucks County, Penn., December 17, 1741. He was reared on a farm and also learned the weaver's trade, and was married on May 10, 1775, to Elizabeth Harvey, who was born March 8, 1748. Their children were Samuel, Nathan, David, Jane and Elizabeth (twins) and James. Early in the year 1802, Samuel Linton and his family started from their home in Pennsylvania with a wagon, on which was carried the family and their effects, for Ohio-then the "far West," They came over the mountains to Pittsburgh, where Mr. Linton bought a raft, on which they floated with their goods down the Ohio River to Cincinnati; thence they came by wagon to Waynesville, Warren County, where he purchased a house and lot and fol-
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lowed his trade of weaver. In 1804, he bought 500 acres of land on Todd's Fork, three miles northwest of Wilmington, where he located with his family. He was a man of sterling worth and a member of the Friends' Society. Nathan Linton, the second son of Samuel, was born on the banks of the Delaware River, in Bucks County, Penn., January 17, 1778. When the territory now comprising Clinton County was organized as a county, he was appointed County Surveyor, which office he held for about twenty years. He surveyed the townships of Clinton and Fayette Counties, and surveyed and laid out the village of Wilmington, and was a standard authority during his lifetime pertaining to the boundaries and divisions of lands. The legal titles to their lands which the citizens of this county enjoy today are owing in a great degree to the care used in making and keeping a correct record of the surveys made by him. He was enterprising and progressive in all things pertaining to the public welfare, as is noted in other places in this volume. He was among the first to introduce and encourage the growing of fine wool, and the propagating of fine fruit. This was the nucleus from which Clinton County gained its prominence to-day for wool and fruit. He was a strict member of the Quaker Church, upright in his dealings and temperate in his habits. It was customary in early times to supply harvest hands with liquor; this he firmly set his face against, although the bands threatened to leave or furnish it at their own expense, but he would not permit them to bring it into the field on any terms. He carried the day, and they found they could work without the aid of whisky. In erecting schoolhouses and assisting the cause of education, be was always foremost. In the opening of the highways of his neighborhood and the construction of turnpikes, he took an active part, and he assisted liberally in the construction of one railroad. Had all the citizens been equally liberal, there would have been no occasion for the expensive mode of taxation for such purposes. He died February 11, 1858, honored and respected by all worthy people. Among his descendants is the Hon. Ben. jamin Butterworth, Member of Congress, a son of his daughter Elizabeth; another grandson, Nathan Linton, is a member of the Ohio Legislature. Nathan Linton and his wife Rachel (Smith) Linton had. a family of twelve children--Elisabeth, Abi, Samuel, Seth, David, James, Mary, Nathan, Benjamin. Cyrus, Ruth and Jane. James Linton. whose name heads this sketch, was the sixth child of Nathan and Rachel Linton. He was born January 17, 1817, on the old homestead, three miles north of Wilmington; here he passed his youth. He was sent by his parents to Oxford College, Ohio, where be was educated. He was married, September 21, 1843, to Miss Ann M., daughter of John and Ruth (Hale) Hadley, at Clarksville, where his wife was born November 4, 1822. Their children are Mary Emily, Alfred A., John H., William C., R. Ida, James E. and Charles C. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Linton moved to Clarksville, and assisted his father-in-law, John Hadley, in the pork-pack ing business, in which they were engaged a number of years. Probably no man in Clinton County was more largely identified with its business interests than was James Linton during his lifetime. For business energy, tact and financial ability and integrity, he had few equals He at one time operated one store at Sligo and one at Clarksville, dealing quite extensively in wool for shipment to Boston, and attending to large farming interests. Although having so many and varied enterprises on hand at the same time, they were all managed with success. He owned what was known as the "Yeasel farm," two miles east of Clarksville, on the Goshen pike; on this he erected a fine brick house and a saw-mill. He exchanged this for the farm where his widow and family now live, in Clarksville. He took a great interest in all enterprises for the promotion of education. He took the contract for and built the Clarksville Graded School Building. This was in 1868. He was a Director and member of the Board of Education for twenty years in Clarksville. He was identified with nearly every public interest and improvement in this part of the county. Among the marks of his handiwork is the bridge across Cowan's Creek, near the village, the abutments built in 1867 to the bridge across Todd's Fork, in the edge of the village; be also acted as Superintendent in the construction of several other bridges. He also engineered several of the
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pikes in this and Warren Counties. In company with his father-in-law, John Hadley, they took the contract for and graded eight miles of what was then known as the Cincinnati, Circleville & Zanesville Railroad, commonly known as the Muskingum Valley Railroad, which they pursued until the death of Mr. Linton, which occurred July 28, 1881. Thus passed away one honored by all. The poor knew of his unostentatious charity; the youth around him enjoyed better education because of his care ; the farmers availed themselves of his intelligent improvements, and society around him was calmed and strengthened by his teaching and example. He was of those who exalt the character of the American people, and who make free institutions possible. He was a worthy descendant of old John Linton, whose first important act was one of self-abnegation, which common men would denounce as a wrong and despise as a folly, but in the simple and most expressive phrase of the Friends, his descendants have continued to "mind the light" and "walk in the truth;" have increased in numbers, and abounded in all those things that make life really worth living.
ALFRED A. LINTON, merchant, Clarksville, son of James and Ann M. (Hadley) Linton, was born in this township May 15, 1848. He was reared on a farm till eighteen years of age, when he became a clerk for his father, who had a general store in Clarksville. After clerking several years, he was admitted as a partner in the firm known as J. & A. A. Linton. They continued together three years, when James, the senior member, retired, giving his son, John H., his interest in the business; the firm was then known as Linton Brothers three years, when Alfred bought his brother's interest February 1, 1877, and has continued alone since. He has a fine brick store, corner of Main and Second streets, two stories, 80x22 feet, slate roof, which is the finest building in the village, where he carries a well-selected stock of dry goods, boots, shoes, ready-made clothing, hats, caps, notions, etc., valued at $8,000. He was married in Richmond, Ind., April 23, 1873, to Henrietta, daughter of Allen and Ann Hazard. They have three children-James C., Leroy and Benjamin B. Mr. Linton has a fine brick residence on Second street. Himself and wife are members of the Friends' Church.
JOHN H. LINTON, merchant, Clarksville, son of James and Anna M. (Hadley) Linton, was born in this township, near Clarksville, April 22, 1852. When quite small, his parents moved into the village, where his father was engaged in the mercan tile business a number of years. John H. attended school in the village till twenty years of age, and at the age of twenty-two he received an interest in his father's general store, where he remained three years, and then engaged in farming five years. January 17, 1882, he bought a stock of groceries corner Pike and Second streets, and March 1 he removed to his father's old stand nearly opposite, where he carries a $2,000 stock of staple and fancy groceries, produce, Queeusware, glassware, ere., and is already doing a good, flourishing business. He was married near Clarksville, October 28, 1875, to Carrie M., daughter of John L. and Elizabeth A. Davis, born on the farm where her parents now live, one-half mile south of Clarksville. Mr. Linton is a member of the Friends' Church.
JAMES A. LOSH, farmer, P. O. Clarksville, son of John and Mary (Highlands) Losh, was born in Miami County, Ohio, in 1817. He was reared on a farm. When seventeen months old, his mother died. His father took a trip down the Mississippi River and has never since been heard of, so James was reared by his grandfather, who lived in Hamilton County, Ohio, till seventeen years of axe, when he began life for himself. He was married in Columbia Township, Hamilton County, at the age of twenty-six years, to Martha Kennedy. They had one child, Frank K., at present a grain dealer in Blanchester. Nine months after their marriage his wife died, and he again married, in Hamilton County, to Eliza Bradburn. They have six children - Mary, wife of Courtland Drake, a teacher in Columbia Township, Hamilton County ; James, a farmer in Marion Township, this county; Charles, a teacher in Marion Township ; Alice, wife of James Irvin, of Blanchester; Samuel, a teacher in Vernon Town ship; and Arthur W., who still remains at home. In January, 1865, Mr. Losh came here to this township, and purchased 213 acres of land where he now resides, 145 of which are under cultivation. His second wife died in 1863, and he again married in
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this township, October 22, 1865, to Jane, daughter of Ephraim and Rebecca (Dalby) Smith, born in this township December 31, 1826. Her parents were among the early settlers of this township. Mr. and Mrs. Losh are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
BENJAMIN F. McCARTNEY, farmer, P. O. Clarksville, son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Heath) McCartney, was born in Wayne Township, Fayette Co., Ohio, October 1, 1831. He was reared on a farm. When eighteen, he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked fifteen years. He was married at Greenfield, Highland County, December 29, 1853, to fallen, daughter of James and Elizabeth Stuckey McCoy, born in Union Township, Fayette Co., Ohio, in 18'39. They have five children - Jackson H., Elizabeth A., Olive, Laura B. and Charles F. Mr. McCartney purchased eighty acres of land in Wayne Township, where he built a residence, barns, and made a number of improvements. In March, 1880, he exchanged for his present farm, known as the Thomas Townsend farm, of 110 1/2 acres, 80 acres under cultivation. His eldest son was married here October 15, 1880, to Clara, daughter of Warren and Wealtha (Cartwright) Taylor. They have one son-James W. Mr. McCartney is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
THOMAS McMULLEN, farmer, P. O. Clarksville, son of Hugh and Nancy (Frazer) McMullen, was born in Alleghany County. Md., January l, 1822. He was reared on a farm. When about eleven or twelve years old, his parents moved to Missouri, where they remained one year, then moved to Hamilton Township, Warren County, where they purchased a farm. Thomas was married June 5, 1843, to Martha, daughter of John and Elizabeth Drake, born in Warren County January 25, 1824. They have seven children-Richard A., Hattie, Nancy E., William 0., John H., Cecilia J. and Joseph L. In March, 1859, Mr. McMullen came to this township, where he now owns 145 acres of land, over 100 under cultivation. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
CHRISTOPHER C. MILLER,.farmer, P. O. Cuba, was born in Greene Township, this county, in 1837. His parents and grandparents were among the first settlers of Clark Township, this county, his patents both being born near Snow Hill, this county. When two years old, his parents moved to Stephenson County, Ill., where they bought a farm of 240 acres of land, and remained twelve years, when they returned to Greene Township, and resided till 1855 ; then moved to Washington Township, where they bought a farm of 267 acres. Christopher was married there, in 1858, to Miss Electra A., daughter of Ephraim and Nancy Kibby, both now deceased. They have nine children-Everett T., Loren N., Paul V., Cora, Nancy, Grace, Ephraim K., Birdie and Isaac. In 1858, Mr. Miller came to this township, and bought his present farm of 150 acres, 125 under cultivation, where he has erected a nice house and barns, and made considerable improvements. Himself and wife are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Miller enlisted during the late rebellion at Camp Chase, February 23, 1865, in Company D, One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Josephus Cunningham; served nearly eight months, and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn.
JAMES M. MILLER, farmer, P. O. Clarksville, son of Levi and Maria (Pennington) Miller, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, in 1840. In 1847, his parents came to Ohio and settled near Cincinnati, where they remained four years and then came to Clermont County, and bought a farm of one hundred and thirty-seven acres, where James resided till 1866, when he came to New Vienna, this county, and farmed till 1875, when he came to the farm of two hundred acres, where he resides at present, owned by M. P. Marshall, of Washington, Ky. He also rents two other farms in this county, containing three hundred and seventy acres. He raises a great deal of corn and grain. Has this year one hundred and eighty-five acres of corn and one hundred and sixty-five of wheat and barley. He was married in New Vienna in 1868, to Lizzie, daughter of William H. and Rebecca West, born near Martinsville, this county. They have one son-Claude, born September 24, 1869, in New Vienna. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Friends' Church.
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DAVID A. MILLER, farmer, P. O. Clarksville, son of Joseph H. and Rebecca A. (Austin) Miller, was born in this township, on the farm where he now lives, January 18, 1843. He was reared on the farm, and always lived on the homestead. His father came from Virginia, and was married in this township to Rebecca A., daughter of Thomas and Eleanor Austin, born in this township, near where they at present live. His father died when he was about three years of age, leaving a wife and four children, besides David, the subject of this sketch ; three are now living; Mary, Ann E. and David A. They still keep the old homestead, which contains two hundred and sixty-one acres, one hundred and fifty of which are under cultivation. David A. was married in Clarksville, in 1868, to Sarah E., daughter of Jonathan and Mary A. Lawrence, born in Indiana. They have three children-Berths C., Mary R. and Nellie A. Mr. Miller enlisted in Clarksville, in the spring of 1864, in the one hundred days' service, Company K, One Hundred and Forty-sixth Ohio National Guards; served four months.
MRS. ELEANOR NICHOLS, P. O. Clarksville, daughter of Joseph B. and Abigail Gorham, was born in Fairfield County, Conn., in 1803. When quite small, her parents moved to Dutchess County, and when sixteen they came west to Oakland, Clinton County, where they bought a small tract of timber land, and erected a log cabin and commenced pioneer life. Her father died April 9, 1832, at the age of sixty-one years , her mother died Feb nary 24, 1834, age sixty-nine years. She was married in Oakland December 27, 1821, to William H. Haynes. They had two children-Mary J. and Marsha E. They removed to Wilmington, where they remained one year, and then came to Clarksville and opened a grocery store, corner Main and Pike streets. Mr. Haynes died November 1, 1828, and she again married to Thornton G. Nichols, a native of Virginia, May 22, 1830. They had five children, all living-Eliza A., Margaret E., James F., Harriet M. and Frances L. Mrs. Nichols has kept the store ever since the death of her husband, with the aid of her youngest daughter. They Carry a stock of groceries, flour, feed, notions etc., valued at $700. Mrs. Nicholas owns her residence and place of business, also four acres of land adjoining the village.
JOHN B. PATTERSON, deceased. Mr. Patterson was the son of Dr. Alexander and Sarah (Bleakley) Patterson, was born at Rockhill, County Down, Ireland, December 27, 1804. He was married September 22, 1824, to Margaret, daughter of Samuel and Margaret Cumming, born in Keady, County Armagh, Ireland, in 1799. They had eight children, seven living, Sarah, Margaret B., Alexander, Mary B., James C., Samuel C., John B.; the deceased was named Lizzie G. Mr. Patterson's wife died July 12, 1843, in County Antrim, Ireland. He came to the United States in Mareh, 1849, and settled on Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, where they remained two years; then moved to Clinton Furnace, Greenup Co., Ky., where he clerked some time, and was then made manager; remained two years, thence to Belmont Furnace, Bullitt County, as bookkeeper two years; thence to Nelson Furnace, as manager till, September, 1863, when he moved to Clarksville, and opened a general store, corner Main and Pike streets, May 29, 1877. He died and was buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery. His daughters are his successors in business. They carry a well-selected stock of dry goods, boots, shoes, notions, millinery goods, etc., valued at $3,000. They are doing quite a flourishing business.
JOSEPH W. REEDER, wagon-maker, Clarksville, son of John and Elizabeth Thompson, was born in Vernon Township, near this village, in 1813. His parents came here in 1812. He was reared on a farm till eighteen years of age, when he began an apprenticeship of three years. He afterward opened a shop, corner Main and Second streets, where the Austin House now stands. He soon moved to the southern part of the village and remained one year. In the spring of 1836, he bought eighteen acres of land, northeast of Clarksville, on the Cuba pike, where he lived sixteen years, and then sold and moved to the southern part of this township near Kansas Mills, where he bought 101 acres of land, and lived three years, and then sold and bought 103 acres on Cuba pike, adjoining the farm he previously owned, and remained three years, sold and returned to this village and opened a wagon-shop. In the spring of 1881, he opened his present shop where he makes wood work for wagons, and does
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general repairing. He was married in this village in 1833, to Ann, daughter of James and Elizabeth Higgins, a native of New Jersey. They have had ten children, eight living-William, Isaiah, Miles, Alice, Harrison, Clara, David and Lucinda ; James C. and Elizabeth, deceased. Mr. Reeder owns his shop and lot on Pike street, also residence and two acres of land on same street.
BENJAMIN F. SETTLES, farmer, P. O. Clarksville, son of William and Annie (Grooms) Settles, was born in this township April 16, 1847. He was reared on a farm. When fifteen years of age, he ran away from home and acted as Captain's boy to Capt. West, Thirty-fourth Ohio Zouaves, one year. he then enlisted in West Virginia, in Company F, under the same Captain. He was in the battle of Gettysburg and a number of skirmishes; was with that Comp Company three years and then re-enlisted in Company C, Fourth Ohio Cavalry, and served till the close of the war and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., and returned to this township and to farming. He was married in 1868, to Nancy N:., daughter of Thomas and Martha (Drake) McMullen. They have five children-Joseph C., Effie L., Thomas W., Minnie C. H. and Hiram F. In March, 1881, himself and brother-in-law, W. O. McMullen, rented the farms where they now reside, of two hundred and ninety-seven acres in the northeastern part of the township. They have about one hundred and fifty acres under cultivation
SARAH SEVER, P. O. Clarksville, daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth (Conover) Smith, was born in New Jersey September 3, 1801. Her parents were natives of New Jersey also. Her father was a carriage and wagon maker, also a carpenter. and came to Cincinnati when Sarah was in her sixth year, where he worked at his trade till about 1811, when he removed to Clermont County, Ohio. and bought a farm near Goshen ; there Sarah was married, at the age of eighteen, to Elijah Mount, a native of New Jersey. They had one son-Jesse, now deceased, left two sons - David and Albert. Mr. Mount died April 14, 1831. She again married, August 29, 13'33, to Job Sever. They had eight children; four living-Joseph (farmer in Illinois), Harriet, Mary J. (wife of Theodore Fulton), and George L. (now living on the homestead with his mother). He was married to Massa Cole, daughter of Gregory and Elizabeth Cole. They have one child-Edwin. In March, 1848, they came to this township and bought eighty-two acres of land, where Mrs. Sever now lives. The family also own another farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Mr. Sever died June 29, 1856. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mrs. Sever has also been a member a number of years. Her son George L. served three years in the late war.
JOHN SEWELL, farmer, P. O. Clarksville, son of Ezra and Sarah (Bailey) Sewell, was born in this township, July 9, 1824. He was married, in 1845, to Abigail E., daughter of William B. and Susan (Tremble) Fordyce, born near Lebanon, War ren Co., Ohio. They have eight children-Sarah J., William J., Ezra M., Susan M., Jacob G., Alice, Silas G. and Luella. Mr. Sewell received one hundred acres of land at his father's death, which occurred in January, 1872, he now has one hundred and sixty acres, one hundred and twenty-five under cultivation. He is a member of the Odd Fellows society. Mr. Sewell has two sons and two daughters teaching in this county. His eldest son, William J., was graduated from Wilmington College and has taught several years. His daughter, Alice, is a teacher in the home district. His youngest son, Silas G., has taught ten terms, mostly in this township. His youngest daughter, Luella, is teaching in Adams Township, this county.
WILLIAM SMITH, farmer, P. O. Clarksville, son of John R. and Matilda (Henry) Smith, was born in Shenandoah County, Va., in 1825. When three years of age, his parents came to Warren County, Ohio, and settled near Pleasant Grove, where they remained about two years and then removed to near Hicks Station, and remained about five years; they then came to this township and bought one hundred and fifty acres of land, of which William now owns eleven acres, the remainder belonging to his brother Joseph. He owns eighty-two acres, sixty of which are under cultivation. He was married in Marion Township, to Sarah E., widow of J. C. Reeder and daughter of George and Miriam Marshall, born in this township. They have one son-Harley M., born February 15, 1877.
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JOSEPH SMITH, farmer, P. O. Clarksville, son of John R. and Matilda (Henry) Smith, was horn in Salem Township, Warren Co., Ohio, in 1832. When about three years of age his parents moved to Marion Township, this county. Five years later, they moved to the farm, where Joseph now lives, where they bought 150 acres of land. At the death of his father, which occurred in 1868, Joseph bought the other heirs' interests in the homestead, and now owns 120 acres of it. He was married in township November 1, 1851, to Margaret E., daughter of Thornton G. and Elea nor Nichols, born in Clarksville. They have had four children, one son now living, Francis T. The deceased were Eva, Joella and Gussie. Mr. Smith and family are members of the M. E. Church.
JOHN STANFIELD, farmer, P. O. Clarksville, son of Samuel and Massey Stanfield, was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1820. He was reared on a farm and resided at home with his parents till April 6, 1843, the date of his marriage with Mary, daughter of Adam and Euphemia Hoover, born in Wayne Township, Warren Co., Ohio. They have seven children, born in the order which they are named-Charity, wife of James A. Craig, farmer in Adams Township, this county; James A., Adam H., Eunice, wife of Jefferson Puckett, farmer at Reesville, this county ; Maria E., John W. and Eddie F. After his marriage Mr. Stanfield rented land of his father till the death of the latter, which occurred in 1854. John received thirty-five acres of the homestead as his share. He also bought fifty-one acres. He cleared twenty-five acres, erected a house and barn, planted an orchard and made other improvements. In March, 1876, he sold and came to this township and bought 100 acres, forty-one of which lies in Adams Township, ninety under cultivation. Himself and wife are members of the German Reformed Church.
JOSEPH K. TRINDALE, farmer, P. O. Clarksville, son of John and Nancy Trindale, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1839. When four years old, his mother died and his father bound him out to a farmer near Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio, where he remained till fifteen years of age, when he left, and after working at farming two years he came to Clarksville and engaged as a tanner till the spring of 1861, with the exception of one year, when he was engaged as a currier in Cincinnati. In the spring of 1861, he engaged in the three months' volunteers, but being too fight he was rejected. The following spring he enlisted in Company E, Sixty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Leiter , served three years and two months. He was in a number of heavy engagements, among others Gettysburg, second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Lookout Mountain and Knoxville, besides a number of skirmishes. He was on detached duty one year, conducting prisoners away and substitutes to the ranks. He was discharged at Columbus and returned to Clarksville, where he was married January 10, 1862, to Julia A., daughter of William and Hannah Smith, born in Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio. They have four children-John, Maude, Clinton and Parker. Mr. Trindale rented his brother-in-law's farm nine years. In December, 1876, he rented the farm of 152 sores where he now lives, owned by Mrs. Zilefrow ; also forty acres adjoining. He raises a number of sheep and hogs annually. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity; himself and wife of the M. E. Church.
JAMES VILLARS, farmer, P. O. Clarksville, is a son of the wealthiest and most prominent farmers in this part of the country. He is a son of James and Rebecca (Davidson) Villars, and was born in Jefferson Township, Greene Co., Penn., October 28, 1800. He was reared on a farm. In April, 1806, his parents moved to Deerfield, Warren Co., Ohio, where they remained one year, and then moved to Washington Township, same county, where they bought a farm of fifty acres, where the Widow Kirk now lives. They afterward purchased 100 acres near by. In the summer of 1812, they purchased 361 acres of land in this township, adjoining the farm where our subject now lives. They did not move here till the fall of 1813, when they had some land cleared and other improvements made, also had a crop to harvest. They had eight children, five sons and three daughters, of whom only three sons are now living. In August, 1823, James; Sr., died, and the care of the family and charge of the farm fell to James, Jr. He purchased the interests of the other heirs
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in the homestead, and lived at home with his mother. He was married in Cuba, this county, June 15, 1830, to Frances Gregg. They had ten children, six now living - John W., Mary D., Rachel, Hiram J., Jane F. and Alfred T.; the deceased were named Rebecca, George W., James DI. and Samuel H. After traveling together through this life over half a century, Mrs., Villars departed June 7, 1881. In 1837, Mr. Villars bought the farm where he now lives of 361 acres, but did not move on it till the spring of 1848.Mr. Villars has always been a hard-working, industrious man, and through careful management has accumulated quite a large amount of land. He now owns 1400 acres of land in this county, 600 acres in Clark and Union Counties, Ill., besides 1200 acres he has given to his children. He also built a fine brick chapel on part of his land at a cost of $10,000, which he presented to the Methodist Protestant denomination, of which himself and wife were members a number of years, joining together in 1845, although they formerly belonged to the M. E. Church, which Mr. Villars joined in 1822. He also bought the Baptist Church of Clarksville, on which he expended about $'.3,1100, and still owns. He was a local Deacon in the M. P. Church, a number of years, and is at present local Elder, which position he has held several years. Has been one of the Trustees ever since he built the church in 1868. A number of years ago, Mr. Villars held the offices of Township Trustee and Supervisor several years.
JAMES VILLARS first schooling was obtained in 1807, in a small round-log cabin, daubed with mud, stick and clay chimney, roofed with clapboards, and a dirt floor, and stood about thirty rods west of the iron bridge, and north of the turnpike, and about three-fourths of a mile west of Clarksville. The windows of this building consisted of greased paper stretched across an opening cut into the logs, extending the whole length of the building, about as wide as a pane of glass. When he was eight or nine years of age, he attended school in a log house somewhat similar to the above. This house stood about one and one-half miles southwest from where William Van Doren now lives, in Washington Township, Warren County. The third school he attended was in a log Schoolhouse with a stick and clay chimney, in each end, with a writing desk through the center; it stood .between a one-fourth and one-half mile south of where the Mount Pleasant Meeting-House now stands, in Vernon Township. His fourth experience in schooling was in a vacated log house, two and one-half miles east of Clarksville, on the banks of Sewell's Run, having to walk three miles. The fifth and last schooling was in a building formerly used as a horse mill, which was fitted up and used as a Methodist Chapel, in Wilmington, being the first Methodist Chapel ever built in Wilmington, it was also used for school purposes; it was a frame building and stood on the same ground now occupied by the Methodist Chapel, in Wilmington. James Villars was given 150 acres of uncleared land by his father; he has now added to it, so that he has 1,400 acres here, 600 in the West, and has already given away to his children 1,200 acres of land. The religious meetings that Mr. Villars attended when a boy were held in the log houses of the settlers, and alternated from house to house, as convenience dictated. The meetings held ware principally Methodist, New Lights or Christian and Baptist. The first preacher he recollects of hearing was a Baptist preacher, about 1807-by name, Joshua Carmen, grandfather of Dr. Carmen, of Martinsville. The meeting was held in the house of Timothy Titus, on what is known as the Rochester road, two miles west of Clarksville, near the present Union Meeting-House, and during the summer he preached from a stand in the woods, near where Charles Hadley now lives, and in bad weather in Smalley's mill house. The first Methodist preacher was James Davidson; he preached in a log cabin on the banks of Cowan's Creek, one-half mile west of the bridge, near Clarksville, on the north side of the creek; the house was occupied by William Austin. The second Methodist preacher was William Austin; he preached in a log house occupied by Mr. Villars' father. The first house of worship that Mr. Villars remembers was erected on land donated by his father; it was log, and stood on land where the present frame church stands at Mount Pleasant. Their principal market in those days was Cincinnati ; everything had to be hauled by wagon, with a four or six horse team. Mr. Villars has often made the trip
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when it would take six to ten days to make the trip, oftentimes sleeping overnight in his wagon. ; they would get 40 to 75 costs for wheat; fine flour, $3.50 per barrel ; corn was sold at 11 cents per bushel ; port at $3.50 net, etc. The young people of those days thought they were well fixed if they had a horse and saddle to use. He remembers it was a proud day when he secured his first saddle. James Villars, Sr., the father of our subject, started from near Jeffersontown, Greene Co., Penn., with his wife and five children, in 18116, on April 6-John, Mary, James, William and Rachel; his wife's maiden name was Rebecca Davidson. Thev procured a flat-boat, on which, with their family, goods and two horses, they floated down the Monongahela River on their way to seek homes in the West. When near Wheeling, the boat ran against a rock and was stove in-which caused a delay of two weeks at Wheeling in order to make a new boat; with the latter they floated ou down the Ohio River to Cincinnati; the only means for a fire on the trip was an eighteen gallon iron kettle, in which the fire was made; at Cincinnati they hired a man and team and brought his effects to Deerfield, where he rented a little cabin on the bank of Turtle Creek. The night of his arrival, his son George was born ; soon afterward he rented a field and house near Lebanon, and raised a crop of corn that summer ; that fall ire moved near Clarksville and rented a house. The second season he bought fifty acres of land, about one and one-half miles west of Clarksville; he afterward bought and owned 670 acres at his death (which occurred on the farm where his son George Villars lives, then his residence), on the 28th of August, 1823. His wire died January 16, 1852. George, Rebecca and Hiram, their children, were born in Warren County. Himself and wife were both very religious people, and were members of the Methodist Church for many years.
STEPHEN WHITAKER, farmer, P. O. Clarksville, is the third of twelve sons of James and Mary (Adams) Whitaker; was born in Lebanon, Warren County, Ohio, in 1834. He was reared on a farm. When seven years old, his parents moved to Butler County, where they both died. Stephen resided in Huntsville, and was married, in 1850, to Sarah A., daughter of Andrew and Sarah A. Irvin. They had eleven children, six now living-Irvin, John, Lena, Ella, Samuel and Joseph. Mr. Whitaker moved to this township in 1850, and in 1870 he bought 104 1/2 acres of land in the southeast part of the township. In 1877, he also bought the farm where he pow lives, of fifty-three acres, near Clarksville, on the Cuba pike; he also owns Lot 49 in W. H. Baldwin's Addition to Blanchester. Mr. Whitaker is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Six brothers of Mr. Whitaker's served in the late war.
HENRY C. WISBY, farmer, P. O. Blanchester, son of Lewis and Agnes (Clark) Wisby, was born in Cincinnati August 20, 1858. His father is an old resident of that city, and is at present acting as Assistant Fire Marshal. Henry came to this township in 1876, and worked at farming one season, and then took the farm where he now resides of 185 acres, owned by his father, where he makes a speciality of fine blooded stock. He has six registered head of Alderneys, named as follows: Nellie O'Brien, Minnie Gomme, Maude Wisby, Oakley Queen, Jacob Strader and Ephraim Bates, besides a number of half-bloods. He also has some very fine Poland-China hogs, and six head of pure-blooded Cotswold sheep. Mr. Wisby is doing much to introduce fine stock in his neighborhood, being of the opinion that it costs no more to keep good stock than an inferior grade. He was married near Bainbridge, Pike Co., Ohio, March 17, 1881, to Ida, daughter of Benjamin and Martha Cole, born near Blanchester. They have one son-Charley, born January 2, 1882.