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1020 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES SALEM TOWNSHIP. ALBERT BRANT, P. O. Morrow, was born in Warren Co., O. Feb. 12, 1842; son of Abraham and Hester (Jeffries) Brant, the former a native of N. J., born March 6, 1807, and the latter, a native of Warren Co., born Nov. 23, 1812 ; the father emigrated to Ohio with his parents in 1814, who in the following spring settled in Warren 'Co. The grandfather of our subject served in the war of 1812; the father of our subject served for nine years as County Infirmary Director, and for a period of over thirty years as a Justice of the Peace in the township of Union. Albert Brant enlisted in company A. 4th O. V. C., Sept. 10, 1861, and served under Gen. O. M. Mitchell as a scout or courier. During the campaign from Bowling Green, Ky., to Huntsville, Ala., he was with his command in every engagement-of that department, except Stone River (being a prisoner at that time) until after the battle of Cluckamauga ; he served as a scout during the celebrated Wheeler raid. In November preceding the battle of Mission Ridge, he was sent for by Gen. Crook, who asked him if he could carry a message to Gen. Sherman, who was at that time making his way up the Ten; nessee River ; Mr. Brant replied that "he could, if any man could." Gen. Crook said " he could take one, or five, or a hundred men, just as he chose," so as to deliver it to Gen. Sherman safely and quickly, as it was of great importance ; he chose one man and proceeded down the Tennessee River ; he found the river guarded at every point, SALEM TOWNSHIP - 1021 and being pursued from behind, he abandoned his horse just in time to escape, capture basting endured many hardships and dangers. Between Huntsville and Decatur, they were fired on by a company of cavalry. when they took to a swampy woods for protection ; but here they were pursued by a blood-hound ; the dog came near them at one time but hearing his master's halloo, left the trail. Brant had concealed the message until the cavalry abandoned the pursuit, representing himself as a confederate soldier, commander ; the sentry passed them and they proceeded right onward through the there ?" Mr. Brant answered the challenge by the rebel picket who demanded the countersign. Mr. Brant replied that he did not have it, but that he would speak to the Athens ; when near the latter place they were startled by a sharp "Halt ; who comes 13rant secured from a planter the loan of a horse and a mule which the scouts rode to They came in sight cf the Elk River on the third day and found there a small band of camp; there were probably forty or fifty men in the camp together with several teams ; they, however, gave the two scouts no further trouble. The scouts passed Athens in night ; the town was full of confederate soldiers, but they kept as far from them as possible and met no serious obstacles ; when accosted, they represented themselves as confederates; the rebels were not expecting to see any Yankees in that part of the country. detection and capture ; finally they succeeded in securing a canoe which they headed down so-called State troops; the two men concealed themselves in a ditch all day to escape stream. They reached the Tennessee River at daylight, after a tedious and dangerous ride of twenty-four miles, and discovered two large rebel camps on either side of the river ; one of several small islands and spent the day in full view of the rebel camps; so near, that they could hear all that was said. and see all that was done, knowing that they could not run past them with safety, they pulled their canoe upon The Elk River empties into the Tennessee at the mouth of the famous " Muscle Shoals." through a narrow and rocky channel. Sometimes the canoe would almost strike the These shoals consist of fifteen miles of tumultuous rapids, rushing with terrible force rocks, and almost sink. The men kept the center of the stream, to keep as secure as night from the army, and the heroic scouts were almost dead from hunger, 'exposure and possible from the rebel pickets, which lined each side of the river. This was the fourth supply. Taking the last meal at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, before starting down the nothing to eat except corn bread and raw bacon, procured from the negroes in scanty the Tennessee, but found nothing but a deserted plantation. Finally, they found a loss of sleep, not having slept since the departure from the Elk River, and having had making thirty-nine hours without a bite to eat. The men landed once in going down confidence, told him his name and business and asked him the distance to Florence ; Elk River, they walked all that night, and lay concealed all the next day on an island, plantation where they got some corn bread, and what was more to their liking, news from Sherman's advance guard. An old darkey told them that the Yankees had come near capturing his young master that evening, together with his whole company, at was encamped a short distance up the road, Mr. Brant took the old negro into his their way into the Union camp without being seen by the pickets. Making their way to Florence, Ala., and that his master was in the house at the time, while the company he was told that it was twelve miles distant, that the river was closely guared at every Point, and that the camp referred to was on the road to Florence, so that it would be Sherman by Gen. Ewing with a strong guard and a personal letter to Sherman. They necessary to exercise great caution. Therefore, Mr. Brant and his companion took a Canoe and traveled by river to Florence, where they arrived at 9 o'clock, and made that he was a courier from Chattanooga, and the bearer of important messages, Gen. ing, as the men had not had a meal for four days. Mr. Brant was sent on to Gen. headquarters, they were introduced to Gen. Hugb Ewing. When told by Mr. Brant Ewing was incredulous, but was finally convinced of the truth of the story. Gen. reached Gen. Sherman's quarters at evening, having ridden thirty-five miles since noon, Ewing received the scouts very kindly, and relieved their necessities, which were press- After dark they started on one of the most perilous voyages ever undertaken forward as rapidly as possible, after three days they reached the Elk River ; 1022 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and were kindly received by the General. Mr. Brant had been instructed by G, Crook not to have the message captured at all hazards, and if after destroying the message he should reach Gen. Sherman, he should tell him to drop everything east of Bear River, and make all possible speed to Chattanooga. Gen. Sherman gave Mr. Brant letters to return to Gen. Crook, which "he delivered after fully as many perils. and difficulties as he had experienced in going down, none of which, however, we can give, suffice it to say, that he got hack to Gen. Crook's headquarters and delivered the messages safely, in due time. This was one of the most perilous and important trip connected with the late war, the distance, 170 miles, lying in the enemy's country, and 135 miles without seeing a friend; at the same time, Sherman was pushing the rebel army before him, and Mr. Brant had to pass directly through the rebel army. In ad dition to this the country was full of paroled prisoners from Vicksburg, and these were treacherous and dangerous men to meet. He was discharged from the service Nov. 22, 1804, and on the 10th of March, 1865, married Sarah E. Troville, a native of Warren Co. To them have been born the following children : Dora, Berte, Clifford, Charles, Mary and Fred. JONATHAN P. CODDINGTON, farmer ; P. 0. Morrow. This enterprising farmer is a native of this township and county. He was born Feb. 7, 1834. He received the usual common-school education, and was married the first time in December, 1859, to Elizabeth Kirkhast, who was one year his junior. These parents had one child, Emma, born October, 1800, died when about 3 years of age. In October, 1860, Mr. C. was called upon to part with his companion by death, and he was again married in May, 1804, to Elizabeth Carroll, a native of this county, born May, 1840. Three children blessed this union-Alice M., born April 7, 1805; Mary E., born Oct. 6, 1806, and Edwin C., born May 28, 1875. Mr. Coddington has held the office of Township Trustee for three years, and at present writing is Township Assessor. He owns a good farm of 104 acres of land in a high state of cultivation, and on which is produced the various grains in good quantity. He has recently built a magnificent frame building for a residence, in fact one of the best in the township. It contains eight rooms, two halls, and is two stories high ; it cost $2,800, and is a fine specimen of rural architecture. His barn is 40x50 feet, and is one of the neatest in the township. His father is William Coddington, a native of New Jersey, born about April 20, 1784, and when 1 year of age, he removed with his parents to Maryland, and vas married in 1807. He emigrated to this county the subsequent year. His wife was originally Miss N. Irvin. Losing his wife, he was again married to Ann Smith, who lived but a short time. He was married the third and last time to Nancy Price in 1832. He died in November, 1800, and she Jan. 21, 1877. Mr. Coddington is one of the enterprising men of his neighborhood and not one of the "penny wise and pound foolish " kind of citizens. He believes that a farmer should be fully as intelligent as any other class of men. The intelligent farmer is more successful and much more of an ornament to society. JAMES SKINNER COUDEN, retired banker, etc., Morrow, son of John and Susan (Skinner) Couden ; was born in Perry Co., Ohio, Nov. 30, 1810 ; he came with his parents to Warren Co., Ohio, about the year 1893, and settled in what is now Washington Township. On Jan. 29, 1825, his father was accidentally killed by a falling tree, while engaged in clearing off a piece of land. The care of the family, consisting of five boys, then devolved upon the mother ; James was then 8 years old; he continued to work on the farm for his mother until he was 18 years old, when he engaged with Wilcocks & Co., of Warren Co., Ohio, manufacturers of wheat fans ; he traveled through the country for said firm during the summer, selling the wheat fans, and during the winter would sell clocks ; he remained in the employ of this firm about three years, during which time he saved from his wages about $1,000, and with this money he engaged in the manufacture of the wheat fans, and buying and selling clocks on his own account, keeping from two to three wagons on the road all the time ; he carried on this business until about the year 1850, when he discontinued his shop. After settlin up his business, which took him about three years, dealing some in stock in the mean time. At this period he purchased what was known as the Whitaker Mills, which he SALEM TOWNSHIP - 1023 till owns and runs. Besides running the mill. he has been engaged in banking, and still done a general trading business ; he also ran a distillery from 1857 to 1804 ; he was married in August, 1839, to Ann Tea. They have had twelve children, of whom seven are still living, viz., Susan, Mary Etta, Alfred N., Harriet, Theodore, Oscar and James. Re was one of the charter members of Morrow Lodge, No. 205, F. & A. M. Mr. Couden started in life with the determination to build up a character and reputation above reproach, which he has done successfully ; he has always been a hard-working, industrious man, and now in his 66th year, is quite active, although he does now perform any manual labor. Alfred N. Couden was born Aug. 7, 1843 ; he worked on the farm with his father, attending school during the winter terms, until 25 years old; since then has devoted his attention to milling; he was married Oct. 15, 1868, to Prudence A. Brant, daughter of Abraham and Hester (Jeffries) Brant. They have two children- Frank M. and Grace A. Mrs. Prudence Couden was born in this county Aug. 28, 1846 ; her father was a native of New Jersey and her mother of Virginia. They came to Ohio and settled in Warren Co. as early as 1814. Alfred Couden is a Past Grand of Morrow Lodge, No. 116. Also a Past Chief Patriarch of Salem Encampment, No. 208, I. 0. 0. F. He is also Treasurer of the lodge. During the late rebellion, he served in the 146th 0. N. G. during the 100-days service. Theodore Couden was born Aug. 22, 1848 ; he also was raised on the farm and received his primary education in the district schools. At the age of 19, he entered college at Delaware, Ohio, where he remained two years, taking an irregular course. In 1871, he entered his father's bank, as Cashier, which position he has and is still faithfully filling ; he has obtained his knowledge of banking by his own personal application and perseverance ; he was married Oct. 27, 1870, to Clara A., daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Lee) Brant. Their children are Lucy B., Clem V. and Edgar. Mrs. Theodore Couden was born in this county Jan. 28, 1850. Theodore Couden is a Past Grand of Morrow Lodge, No. 110, I. 0. 0., F. He is a Master. Mason of Morrow Lodge, No. 265, a member of Morrow Chapter, No. 153, R. A. M.; also a Sir Knight of Miami Commandery, No.22, of Lebanon. DR. JOHN T. COUDEN, physician, Morrow, son of John and Susan Couden, was born in Washington Township, Warren Co., Ohio. He is the youngest of a family of five sons. When an infant his father met his death by the fall of a tree, while clearing out his farm. He worked on the farm with the rest of the family and attended the district school. In the year 1845, he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. J. Scott, then practicing in Roachester ; he attended lectures at the Ohio Medical College, and in the spring of 1848, commenced practice with his preceptor in the village of Morrow. On Dr. Scott's removal from here in 1852, he succeeded to a large practice, in which he has been actively engaged to this time. S. BELLE GEOPPER, farmer ; P. 0. Morrow ; a native of Hamilton Co., Ohio, born July 23, 1834. She was educated in the common and graded schools of that county, and at 18 years of age was married to Dr. Leopold Geopper, a native of Germany. The following children were born to them ; Mary and Clara, twins ; Edwin S.; Victor H., deceased ; Charlotte, deceased; Jefferson, deceased ; William, Ephraim and Albert. Alexander Pendrey, the father of Mrs. Geopper, was a native of Virginia, born Sept. 7, 1781. He was a resident of Hamilton County for over sixty years. He married Mary Ledlow ; she was born in November 1791, being the first white child born in Cincinnati. He died April 8, 1800, and his wife Feb. 18, 1854. ENOCH A. HILL, farmer ; P. 0. Morrow ; this esteemed citizen is a native of this county, born Avg. 17, 1834. He received the usual common school education in the rural districts of his neighborhood. He was married, March 2, 1859, to Miss M. J. Mount, born Jan. 9, 1840, and is also a native of this county. These parents have the following children : Alva V. born Dec. 12, 1850, died in September, 1802 ; Dora A. born Feb. 19, 1862, married to William Keller ; Charles A., born Sept. 23, 1865; Bertha, born June 10, 1863, and Josiah T. and William D., twins, October, 1870. Mr. Hill is of Democratic proclivities, but has never been an aspirant for office. He owns a valuable farm of 192 acres of choice land, which is well improved. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is considered one among the honest and in- 1024 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: dustrious citizens of the community in which he resides. The history of his parent, are given elsewhere in this work. HUSTON HOPKINS, merchant ; Morrow, Ohio; for many years a prom. inent merchant of Morrow, is the descendant of one of the pioneers of the county his father, John Hopkins, a native of Rockbridge Co., Va , emigrated to with his parents in the year 1806, and settled on what is known as the " Ridge," two miles south of Lebanon. He was born Nov. 6, 1789, and just prior to the war Of 1812, in the county of Warren, was united in marriage to Susan Branstator, a native of Maryland. On the breaking-out of that war, as did Cincinnatus of old, he left his plow and tendered his services to his country, volunteering in an organization known as the " Mounted Rangers," which rendezvoused for a time at Lebanon, and of which company he later was appointed Lieutenant and finally acted as Captain. He figured extensively throughout the war, serving until peace was declared, when he again returned to the plow, and soon moved to the vicinity of Hopkinsville, which village was named for the families of that name settling in the same vicinity. Mr. Hopkins was an early merchant of that village and became a prominent and influential man of the county, serving as one of its early Sheriffs, and, for a period of nearly thirty years, a Justice of the Peace. He represented the people of Warren twice as Representative in the Legislature, and served one term as State Senator. His death occurred March 6,1875, near Hopkinsville, where the greater part of his life was passed. Our subject was born on the Ridge," in sight of Lebanon, Dec. 13,1812, and was the eldest of nine children ; his early life was spent on the farm and in the district schools of that vicinity, and in Lebanon received his education. Early in life, he embarked in the mercantile business with his father and has continued therein for a period of fifty years, saving the two terms of service as County Treasurer. May 21,1840, Mr. Hopkins was married to Nancy, oldest daughter of Providence Mounts, and to them have been born four children, namely . Mary L., Marshall M., Winfield S. and George. The wife died Jan. 29, 1853. WILLIAM IRELAND, farmer ; P. O. Morrow: one of the pioneers of the county, being born in Salem Township Aug. 15,1811. He received the usual education peculiar to the days of long ago, which were rather limited. He was united in marriage Aug. 30,1831, to Jemima Jackson ; these parents had a family of fourteen children ; James, born Jan. 14, 1833 ; Mary J. born Aug. 24,1834 ; Francis A., born Feb. 10, 1836, died June, 1880 ; Nancy H., born Dec. 3, 1837, deceased ; Anna, born Nov. 28, 1839 ; Martha, born March 30, 1842, deceased ; Sarah, born June 3,1844, deceased ; Elizabeth, born Nov. 16,1847, deceased ; Thomas T., April 18,1846, deceased ; Emeline, born June 27,1849 ; Dekin, born April 23,1851, deceased ; Laurilla, born Feb. 22, 1853 ; Franklin P., born Feb. 15,1856 ; and Eva, born July 1,1858, deceased. Mr. Ireland is a Democrat of the old school, and has held the office of Land Appraiser for one term. He owns a farm of good land, in a high state of cultivation, with pleasant surroundings. His father was Thomas Ireland, a native of Shenandoah Co., Va., born Nov. 20,1776. He married Sarah Clevenger, of his own native State, one year his junior. They came to Warren Co., this State, in 1805, settling near Morrow. They were the parents of nine children, three sons and six daughters. He died Dec. 18,1858, and she November, 1862. William Jackson, the father of Mrs. Ireland, a native of New Jersey, born about 1777. He went to Virginia when quite young ; he married Miss Hannah Bennett, a native of Maryland, born Dec. 25,1779. They came to this State in 1828 ; they were the parents of eleven children, among whom was the Rev. W. B. Jackson, of the Cincinnati Conference. W. H. McKINNEY, farmer ; P. O. Morrow. This worthy and intelligent citizen is a native of County Cavan, Ireland, and was born March 31,1828. He came to America with his parents at 6 months of age, landing at Quebec, Canada. About 12 months afterward, the family settled at Malone, N. Y. He received a common-school education, being under the tutorship of the late Vice President Wheeler a portion of the time. At 20 years of age, he began railroading, finding employment on the New York & Erie line; SALEM TOWNSHIP - 1025 afterward he worked on the Pennsylvania Central, assisting in erecting the famous bride across the Susquehanna River. He was also Superintendent of construction on Newer Orleano & Great Northern, Little Miami and Ohio & Misssissippi Railways until the year 1854. September 27 of that year, he was united in marriage to Mary J. Whitacre, a native of this county and township, born Aug. 29, 1824. Their married life proved a happy one, and the following interesting children were born to them and adopted. Misza Whitacre (adopted son), born June 4,1849 (married Anna D. Spring); Clara, born Dec. 17,1855 (married to Julius D. Beckette); Cora, born Dec. 5 1859 ; William H., Jr., born May 3, 1862 (now at the University of Columbus) ; Mary, born March 1, 1866 ; and Ada, born May 7,1869. Mr. McKinney is a member of the Society of Friends, and is an ardent Mason. He is well informed in the order, being a member of Morrow Lodge, No. 265; Chapter, No. 143 ; Miami Commandery, 22, and Lebanon Council, No. 21. He espoused the Union cause during the late war, being a member of Company F, 146th O. V. I. He has engaged in farming since 1854, and owns a good farm of 178 acres of choice land. His chief crop is sweet corn, of which he produces 250 barrels annually. His crop is of a fine quality, and always finds a ready sale. His home is a model country residence, being furnished with all the modern conveniences, books, newspapers, music and pictures, which, together with its lady hostess, make it a desirable place for friends to call. It is an ideal rural home. His father was Thomas McKinney, born April 17, 1800, in county Cavan, Ireland; he married Mary Davisson in 1825 ; they settled at Malone in 1829, and, after making some changes in location, they removed to Wisconsin in 1856, where he died in March, 1876, his aged companion still surviving him. Andrew Whitacre, the father of Mrs. McKinney, was a native of Loudoun Co., Va., born August, 1790 ; he married Mary Kelley, born in South Carolina, Nov. 22, 1789. The Kelley family settled at Waynesville, this State ; the Whitacre family at the mouth of Todd's Fork. The latter family was among the first families to settle near Morrow. These parents had a family of six daughters and one son ; they are well and favorably known. J. L. MOUNTS, M. D., Morrow, was born in Hamilton Township, Warren Co., Ohio, oil the old Mounts farm, Aug. 19, 1831, and was the seventh in a family of eleven children. At the age of 2 years, he went to live with his uncle, Matthew Leonard on an adjoining farm, and there remained until he was 21 years old. He attended the district school in the winter ; attended the Lebanon Academy in the winter of 1849-50, and one year at the Ohio Wesleyan University. He taught school one year at the Zoar Schoolhouse In 1852, he commenced the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. J. T. Couden ; he attended lectures at the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, where he graduated. He at once entered upon the practice in partnership with his preceptor, in Morrow, which partnership has continued until the present time, except during his absence in the army. Dr. Mounts was Assistant Surgeon of the 31st O. V. I., from August, 1861, to February, 1863, when he was appointed by Governor Tod to look after the sick and wounded Ohio troops; he was afterward appointed Surgeon of the 144th O. V. I., and was discharged at the expiration of the regiment's term of service, in August, 1864. He was Postmaster at Morrow, from April, 1861, until Oct. 6, 1879, when he resigned. On Oct. 12, 1879, he was elected State Senator from the Warren and Butler district, and served in that office a full term. Declining a renomination, he has since devoted himself actively to the duties of his profession. Dr. Mounts has been Vice President of the Ohio Medical Society, and several times President of the Lebanon Medical Society. GILBERT MOUNT, farmer; P. O. Morrow ; born May 1, 1838, in this county, and received a common school education, and choose the occupation of farming. He has been married twice, first, Dec. 16,1860, to Nancy J. Ireland; their children are James F. Allison, William E. and Carrie, Mary (deceased), and Eva. His wife died April 30, 1879, and in June, 1880, he was again married to Sallie E. Lucas, born in the year 1850. His father, Allison Mount, was a native of Ohio ; he married Mary Kelley, of this county. 1026 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: WILLIAM T. MOUNTS, farmer; P. 0. Morrow. The history of the Mount, family is so well known, and so closely connected with the interests of this count, that any extended notice of it here would be superfluous, as it will appear elsewhere in this work. The subject of this sketch is a native of this county, and was born in Hamilton Township Oct. 31, 1841 ; he was educated in the public schools of this State, and Illinois, and was married in January, 1864, to Harriet Couden. This a genial, obliging disposition, his trade gradually increased to a large business. enterprise he was pre-eminently successful ; having a fair commercial education, and of union proved a happy one and was blessed by the birth of two sons-Charles S. and John H., the former born June 18. 1865, the latter Oct. 10, 1869. Mr. Mounts was a farmer until 19 years of age, when he engaged in the drug business. In this new After continuing in the drug trade for some four years, Mr. Mounts returned to the farm where he has since labored. He has a well-cultivated farm, on which is produced the best of grain, his principal crop being sweet corn. He is now engaged in building a fine residence, where the remainder of his days will no doubt be spent pleasantly, SAMUEL REED NICKERSON. The subject of this sketch was born in the eastern part of Clinton Co., Ohio, on the 14th day of June, 1823. His father Artemas Nickerson was born in Putnam Co., N. Y., in 1796, and emigrated to Ohio with his parents in 1805, landing at Lebanon this county on the 4th of July of that year, and finally settling on the banks of Todd's Fork, in what was then a part of Warren County. His mother Elizabeth Reed was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., in the year 1798, and emigrated with her parents to the eastern part of Clinton County in 1811. The subject of this sketch lived with his parents and labors on the farm, receiving only a slight education, such as the pioneer was able to give until the winter of 1844-45, when he attended an Academy at Waynesville, in this county, returning to his oc3upation as a farmer until the year 1846, when he married a Miss Humphrey, the daughter of James Humphrey, another of the pioneers of Warren County, who emigrated to this county from the State of New Jersey in 1815. Soon after Nickerson was married, he settled on a farm two miles south of Wilmington in Clinton County, where he had reared him a cabin in a dense forest, where he remained until the year 1850, when he removed to Wilmington, following different occupations until 1860, when he, in company with L. C. Walker, now one of the Judges of the Superior Courts of Indianapolis, Ind., I. W. Quinby, late a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, and John H. Kirk, a member of the Clinton County bar, was admitted to the practice of law in August, 1862. He Pntered the army as a private in Company C, of the 79th 0. V. I., and was discharged from the service in February, 1864, by reason of a broken arm received while in said service. In April, 1864, he removed to Blanchester, Clinton Co., Ohio, where he entered into the practice of law until the 1st of March, 1870, when he commenced editing the Blanchester Herald, a paper which he and his two sons started at that timer selling out the office to James L. Turk in October, 1871. In 1873, being compelled to take possession of the printing office again, removed the material to Sabina, Ohio, where, with his son, A. R. S., he commenced the publication of the Sabina Telegram which he continued to edit until in the year 1875, when they sold out to one E. E. Man, who also failed to pay for the office, thus compelling him again to resume the editorial chair, this time as editor of the Morrow Telegram which he commenced December, 1876, and continued to manage until the 1st of January, 1882, when they sold the office and good will to Wm. H. Sanders, of the Sabina News, and who this time clinched the trade by paying for the same at the time of taking possession. ARTEMAS REED NICKERSON was born in the town of Wilmington, Clinton Co., Ohio, June 22, 1853, residing with his parents and receiving a fair common school education until the year 1870, when he entered the office of the Blanchester Herald as a typo, where he worked under a foreman for near eight months, when in connection with his brother William, took entire control of the office and job work; removing with that office to Sabina, he commenced as publisher of the Sabina Telegram, and continued the same until it was sold in 1875. Removing to morrow Ohio, he commenced the publication of the Morrow Telegram., as proprietor and pub' SALEM TOWNSHIP - 1027 fisher, until that office was sold to William H. Sanders in January, 1882. Resides now in Indianapolis, Ind., and is engaged as a compositor in the Journal office of that city. JOSEPH C. NEWPORT, farmer ; P. 0. Morrow. No one is more entitled to mention in the history of Warren Co. than Mr. Newport ; he was born in Turtle Creek Township in the year 1816 ; he was educated in the common schools of this county, and although not completing any course of study, he has gained much information by reading and observation. When quite young he learned the carpenter trade, at which he labored for a number of years. In May, 1838, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Montgomery, a native of the State of New Jersey, and born in July, 1818. Their children are-Mary J. (born April 3, 1840, married to J. R. Stephenson), Keziah (born Aug. 21, 1842, married to J. B. Ross), Clarissa C. (born May 19, 1844, married to Joseph Luce), William J. (born Feb. 27, 1846, was a member of the 2d Ohio Heavy, Artillery during the late war), Susia (born March 6, 1848, married to Z. C. Dunham), John B. (born July 28, 1852), Laura B. (born July 7, 1855, married F. M. Cunningham), Cortland (born March 11, 1858), and Harry (born July 9, 1862). His father, James T. Newport, was a native of Fayette Co., Penn., born in the Old Red Stone Fort Dec. 12, 1792 ; he married Mary Corwin, a native of Co.,Ky., born October 16, 1795 ; she was well connected, being a near relative of the Corwin family of this county. They were the parents of seven children, three sons and four daughters. After a life of usefulness, he died Aug. 2, 1873, and she May 12, 1866. William Montgomery, the father of Mrs. Newport, was born in Ireland, about the year 1791 ; he married Jane Patterson, of his own native land ; she was about his own age ; both deceased. Mr. Newport is a Republican in politics, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace of his township for over nine years. He owns a good farm of 153 acres of land, and is considered an honest, upright citizen. JOHN SCHEER, brewer, Morrow, was born in Baden, Germany, April 17, 1824. He emigrated to America in 1844; landed in New-Orleans, where he remained until August, 1845, when he pushed on up the river to Cincinnati, where he lived until 1854, when he removed to Warren Co., Ohio, and built a brewery, having learned to brew while in Cincinnati is now and has been running the brewery since it was built. Although a brewer, he abhors drunkenness, and will not allow any one about him that will get drunk. he was married June 20, 1850, to Magdalena Sanger, who was born Nov. 4, 1828, in Sorbog, a department of France, but which was afterward ceded to Prussia. She emigrated to America with her parents in 1846, and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she lived until her marriage to Mr. Scheer. Of Mr. and Mrs. John Scheer's eight children but five are living, three boys and two girls. Mr. Scheer's parents came to America in 1851, and located in Morrow, Warren Co., Ohio. His mother died in 1855 and the father in 1861. Mrs. Scheer's father died on the ocean during their voyage to America. Her mother lives with her and is 76 years old. Mr. Scheer is a member of Morrow Chapter, No. 143, R. A. M. ; also a member of Morrow Lodge, No. 116, I. 0. 0. F. He is a generous, wholesouled man, and never turned the cold shoulder in case of charity. JOSEPH G. SELLEW, farmer ; P. 0. Morrow ; a native of Hamilton Co., Ohio; born May 26, 1840 ; he was educated in the graded schools of Cincinnati, Ohio, and was married Aug. 31, 1864, to Catharine Finch, born Oct. 24, 1842. She was a native of Hamilton Co. also, and was the mother of five children-Alice G., Osman, Fredie E., Warren and Timothy G. His father, Osman Sellew, is a native of Connecticut, born -June 1, 1810 ; he married Miss H. Goodrich, a native of the same State, born about the year 1819. He settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, about the year 1832 ; he is still living; she died. May 7, 1847. LEWIS STIBBS, farmer ; P. 0. Morrow ; this enterprising young gentleman is a native of Salem Township this county, burn March 21, 1856 ; he is the second child of Henry and Sidney (Jennings) Stibbs ; the former, born in this county, Feb. 17,1832, the latter, also born in this county, Feb. 8, 1835. The following children constitute the family, Sarah, born Feb. 24, 1854 ; Lewis, already mentioned ; Charlie, born Nov. 5, 1858 ; Clifton, born June 10, 1862 ; Clyde, born April 29, 1865 ; Jennie, born March 1, 1028 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES : 1868 ; John, born Aug. 26, 1870 ; and Harry Aug. 30, 1873. The Stibbs family were originally from New York of which John Stibbs was the pioneer in this county he was born March 1807 ; he married Maria Hulse, of New Jersey, three years his junior ; he came to this county at five years of age, and was the father of two children. She died Oct. 13, 1859, and he Aug. 12, 1873. ROBERT WHITACRE (deceased). Robert Whitacre, one of the earliest set. tiers in the southern part of the county, emigrated to and settled near the mouth of Todd's Fork, in the year 1805 ; he was of English descent, his father, John Whitacre, having emigrated from England about the year 1750. Robert was married three times ; first, to Sarah Roach, by whom be had one son, Jonas ; second, Hannah Young who died without issue ; third, Patience McKay, by whom he had seven children Andrew, John, Priscilla, Jane, Aquilla, Rhoda and Moses. He took up 4,000 acres in what is now known as Survey 1,494, it being an old military claim, deeded to Robert Whitacre by Burr Powell, he trading for it from a Capt. Hamilton, of Revolutionary fame. Mr. W. was a stirring business man, dealing largely in stock, which be marketed in Baltimore, driving them there on foot ; to his efforts was due the erection of the first bridge across the Miami, in this vicinity ; to his energy and untiring zeal, many of our pioneers owe the foundation of their future success. Upon his death, Sept. 18, 1828, Warren Co. lost a man who had largely contributed to its future greatness. The family, of seven children, located and built their homes upon tract taken by their father, and upon which four of them lived and died ; to-day (excepting three farms) the entire survey of 1494 is still held by the Whitacre descendants. Moses Whitacre, born 1804, youngest son, succeeded to the old home of his father ; his early days were passed in agricultural pursuits ; at an early age, he evinced a desire to gain an education, which advantages were not to be gained in that day without the most earnest exertion upon his part ; this he exhibited and soon reached the then pinnacle of fame-a school teacher-which avocation he followed some length of time. In March, 1826, he was married to Miss Priscilla Thomas, of Belmont Co., Ohio (her parents, natives of Georgia, who emigrated to the aforementioned county at an early day); to them were born seven children, of whom but two arrived to the age of maturity--William, and Sidney T., now Mrs. Prather. Moses Whitacre was a generous, whole-souled, public spirted man who furthered all enterprises tending to the culture and benefit of his fellow-man ; a man of great energy, imbuing all with whom he came in contact with the same spirit. At the age of 38 he was called from his sphere of usefulness by the angel of death, departing this life Jan. 8, 1842, his faithful wife following him July 16, 1847. William Whitacre, born Jan. 17, 1835, succeeded to the old home of his father and grandfather (which he at this writing occupies), beautifully located upon the second level, lying between Todd's Fork and the Little Miami River, overlooking the thriving little village of Morrow. His early days were passed without event otherwise than those known to the school-boy, until he arrived at the age when he had to enter the arena of life ; before so doing, he concluded to complete his studies by a course at the Richmond Academy, Indiana, founded by the Society of Friends ; completing his course, he returned home and engaged in general dealing until the spring of 1861, when he entered the mercantile and real estate business, lotting UP from his farm what is now known as East Morrow. In the struggle of the great rebellion, he took an active interest in the cause of the Union, expending liberally for the cause whiCh he supported, besides his services in the call for 100-days men, and the Morgan raid. On the 22d of May, 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Lownes (see history of Josiah Lownes); to them have been born six children- Walter L., Horace J., Marion, Frank T., William H. and Mariana. Mr. W. has served his township in nearly all of its official capacities ; was Clerk when it was firs! organized, and to day officiates as one of its Trustees ; retiring from mercantile par suits to his farm, his active life would not allow him to give alone his entire attention to that pursuit, therefbre, he has added the coal and lumber business. Quiet and unassuming in manner and speech, connected with habits of industry and integrity, bas. won him the esteem of his fellow-men and makes him one of the foremost citizens o Warren Co. |