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954 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: HARMONY TOWNSHIP. E. H. P. ARNOLD, merchant; P. O. Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Arnold was born in Lancaster Co.. Penn., June 1, 1836. In 1860, he went to Kentucky and taught school there until 1863, when he moved to Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Gillespie, of Bourbon Co., Ky., July 1, 1862; as a result of this union there was one child, viz.. Lula, born April 22.1863. Mrs. Arnold died in Kentucky flay 4, 1863. Mr. Arnold was married the second time to Miss Martha A. Blee, of Clark Co., Feb. 18, 1864. Mr. Arnold taught school in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Illinois and Ohio for some twenty years. Mr. Arnold was engaged for some years with Ackerman Bros., of Springfield; Ohio, in the slating business. Mr. Arnold's brother Thomas was one of the first men to introduce the slate-roofing business into Ohio. Mr. Arnold's father, William, was a merchant for a number of years in Pennsylvania. He has a brother there now in the grocery business. Mr. Arnold commenced the grocery business in Harmony, Clark Co., January, 1880, where he keeps a stock of groceries, such as is usually kept in a country store. Mr. Arnold and wife are members of the M. P. Church at Harmony. WILLIAM D. BAIRD, retired farmer; P. O. Springfield. Few men have had the good fortune to win the affectionate regard and kindly sympathy of the community in which they live that William D. Baird has gained among the people of Clark Co. His supple frame bending under the weight of years, his frank, open, generous face, his courteous bearing, his kindly and even-tempered disposition, unruffled by the cares and anxieties of a lifetime of business activity, all conspire to excite respect. Nearly fourscore years have left, him a bale, hearty and well-preserved old man ; a quick, elastic step; busy, active and energetic in business; still in possession of his old-time habits of industry, which have been his stepping-stone to prosperity. His HARMONY TOWNSHIP. - 955 grandfather, William Baird, a native of Maryland, of English origin-the family having come to the American Colonies before the Revolutionary war-was a man of prominence in his county; was Justice of the Peace, and afterward represented his county in the State Legislature for three terms. He had a family of three children, one son and two daughters, and died at Hagerstown, in his native State. His son William, the youngest of his children, was born in Hagerstown, Md., March 16, 1762, and when 18 years of age, went into the patriot army to help free his native land from English tyrrany. Some time after the close of that struggle for liberty, William was married to Dorothy Camerer, ho was born in his native town in March, 1760. The Camerers were from Holland, and settled in Maryland at an early day, five of her brothers having been soldiers in the Revolution, fighting the battles for freedom under Washington. William Baird and wife remained in Maryland until 1790, then removed to Westmoreland Co., Penn., where they resided about four years; thence came down the Ohio on a flat-boat, to Maysville, Ky., and from there to Fleming Co., of the same State, where he intended settling on 500 acres of land previously entered by his father, and given to him on condition that he would settle upon it. He remained in Fleming Co. about fourteen years, but never settled on the land, for the reason that others claimed it, and be, putting his case in the hands of a lawyer, finally lost it all. In 1808, he and family came to Clark Co., Ohio, and he entered 160 acres of land in Sec. 30, Township 6, Range 9, Harmony Township, paying one-half entrance money down, and the balance in the next four years, receiving his patent in 1812. To William and Dorothy Baird were born the following children: Esther, Susannah, Sarah, Peter C., John, Elizabeth, Mary Ann and William D., only two of whom are living-Susannah, the widow of Joshua Tatman, and the subject of this sketch. William D. was born in Fleming Co., Ky., Feb. 4, 1803, and was in his 5th year when the family moved to this county. He grew to maturity on his father's farm, attending school about two years at the primitive log schoolhouse of his neighborhood, most of the time having to walk three miles to get there. His mother died Sept. 4, 1824, a sincere member of the Methodist Church, and March 9, 1836, his father died, leaving to his family a farm of 394 acres of land, William D. receiving the old homestead of 160, on which were such improvements as were common fifty years ago. Two of the sons, Peter C. and John, were soldiers in the war of 1812. William D. Baird was married in Pleasant Township, Dec. 1, 1826, to Sarah M. C. Hodge, daughter of Andrew and Isabel (McTire) Hodge, natives of Virginia, who first settled in Kentucky, coming to Clark Co. in the fall of 1808, and settling in Pleasant Township. Mrs. Baird was born in Bourbon Co., Ky., April 12, 1804, and had born to her the following children: Isabel (wife of Henry Stickney), Andrew (deceased), Samuel E. (deceased), William W. (deceased), Mary Ann (deceased wife of John A. Yeazell) and James (deceased). Mrs. Baird died Feb. 19,1876, after a wedded life of over half a century, leaving behind her partner in life's battles to mourn the loss of his faithful helpmate. Politically, he is a Republican, and, although connected with no religious denomination, he believes firmly in the fundamental principles of Christianity. Beginning in life at " the foot of the ladder," he has, by hard, determined work and constant attention to his business affairs, made a wonderful success. He is now the owner of about 1,000 acres of land surrounding the old. homestead, and about 300 in other parts of the county, and his wealth is to-day estimated at from $75,000 to $100,000. In his younger days he was an active stockraiser, and in this manner, by untiring energy, has made a success. Seldom equaled in farm life, Mr. Baird is a living example of what pluck and perseverance can accomplish when backed by industry and true economy. He is now in his 79th year, and as hale and hearty as are most men at half his age; and although his life has been one of constant toil and business cares, his character stands unblemished, and his reputation for honesty and integrity is above reproach. His troubles have been many, having lost every member of his family, with the exception of one; but, with patient resignation, he bows to the will of the Great Creator, and awaits the day when he shall again meet those gone on before. JESSE BOYD, farmer; P. O. Springfield; was born in Center Co., Penn., May 26, 1808; in the year 1814, his parents moved to Chillicothe, Ross Co., Ohio, arrived at 956 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: the town on the evening of Oct. 30 ; his parents remained in the county until 1821, when they moved to Seneca Co., Ohio, where his father, Thomas Boyd, purchased a large body of land (1,100 acres) ; in the year 1835, Jesse left his father's home for the purpose of starting in life for himself, and came to Clark Co., and settled in Harmony Township. In the same year, he was united in marriage to Miss Susan Donnel, on the 5th day of March, 1835, the marriage ceremony being performed by the Rev. Saul Hinkel ; this union having been blessed by the birth of ten children, three boys and seven girls, seven of whom are now living, viz., Elizabeth, born June 9, 1838; Thomas, Aug. 7. 1840 ; James D., Nov. 25, 1 842 ; Margaret. Feb. 27, 1845 ; Wilhelmina, May 11, 1847; Emma, Feb. 3, 1850, and Frank H., Dec. 8, 1859. When treason dared to insult the flag of our country, and threatened to destroy this Union of States, two of his sons went in defense of their country, viz., Thomas Boyd enlisted in August, 1861, in Co. I, 44th O. V. I; was discharged in July, 1865, at the close of the war, as a Sergeant ; James D. Boyd enlisted in Co. I, 110th O. V. I., Aug. 10, 1862, and was discharged June 20, 1865, when there was no more" Southern Confederacy; " he served in the 3d Division, 6th Corps of the Army of the Potomac. Mr. Boyd resides on a beautiful farm of 311 acres of land, in the north corner of the township, surrounded with a very interesting family and the comforts of life; he, like many other successful farmers, has never sought after political honors, and has never served " the people" in any other office than a member of the School Board of Harmony Township, in that position, he has served for thirty-two years. Mr. Boyd has been a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield for the past forty-seven years; he is a much respected and an honored citizen. NATHAN T. BROOKS, deceased. Mr. Brooks, whose name heads this sketch, was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio, and in which he resided to the date of his death ; he was born June 15, 1831, and departed this life April 20, 1875. Elizabeth, widow of N. T. Brooks, was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio, March 25, 1836. Mr. N. T. Brooks was married to Miss Elizabeth J. Rathburn July 19, 1855; the result of this union was five children, two sons and three daughters, all of whom are living; the names and ages of the children are respectively thus the eldest; Margaret A., 24 years; William T., 22 ; Alice L., 20; Lemuel C., 16 ; Carrie L., 13. Margaret A. is married to Joseph Mason; Alice L., is the wife of William Sweet ; the rest of the children are as yet unmarried. Mrs. Brooks, widow of N. T. Brooks, resides upon the homestead; the farmhouse, which is quite modern in its construction, is situated upon a picturesque and well-chosen eminence, which commands a magnificent view of the surrounding country. ANDREW N. BROOKS, farmer, stock-buyer and grain-dealer; P. O. Springfield, Box 1199. There are few more active business men in the county than the subject of this sketch. Mr. Brooks is a native of Clark Co., Ohio, having been born in Harmony Township June 7, 1835; he is a son of L. Brooks, deceased. Andrew's father died when he was in his 6th year; at the age of 13, he left home and began life for himself ; he worked on a farm by the month some time, then he commenced to drive cattle for cattle-dealers; when but 17 years old, he was put in charge of a large drove of cattle and drove them to Lancaster, Penn., over the mountains. He was united in marriage, Feb. 8, 1855, to Miss Mary Ann Foreman, a daughter of Harvey Foreman, of Harmony Township; this union has been blessed by the birth of seven children, five boys and two girls, all of whom are now living, viz., Dora, now the wife of John Stevens; H. L., who is a grain merchant at Catawba Station, in Pleasant Township; Frank A., Twing, Milton, Charles and Fannie. In 1855, Mr. Brooks commenced farming and has continued to farm since in connection with his other business. In 1857, he became a cattle-buyer and has been en gaged in it quite extensively since. In 1868, he began the grain trade, and is one of the most extensive grain-dealers in Clark Co.; his shipments amount to 225 cars annually; he buys grain at five stations-Springfield. Oxtobey's Station. Brooks' Station, Plattsburg and Sharp's Station ; he is the owner of a very fine farm of 140 acres of land, where he resides-at Brooks' Station. Mr. Brooks and wife are members of the Baptist HARMONY TOWNSHiP. - 957 Church, at Lisbon; he is a member of the A., F. & A. M., at South Charleston, and is also a Past Grand of Vienna Lodge No. 345, I. O. O. F. (he is the only living charter member of Vienna Lodge). Mr. Brooks is a gentleman of fine social qualities, very pleasant in his manners, social and affable, and very hospitable. THOMAS C. BUSBEY, retired teacher; P. O. Vienna Cross Roads. Matthew Busbey, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in the county of Antrim, Ireland. He came to America about the year 1771. He settled on the south bank of the Potomac, in Hampshire Co.. Va. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary army. At the time of his death he left a widow, five sons and one daughter. Hamilton Busbey, the father of the subject of this sketch, being the youngest. Hamilton Busbey was born in Hampshire Co., Va., on the old homestead, July 5, 1792. He was married to Miss Sophia Lewis, of Winchester, Va., in the year 1813. This union was blessed by the birth of seven sons and five daughters, ten of whom are now living, the subject of this sketch being the oldest. Hamilton Busbey and family came to Ohio in October, 1815, and settled in what is now Harmony Township, near the town of Lisbon. Hamilton was a man of considerable influence. He took an active part in the organization of Clark County and Harmony Township. He did much in the organization of the schools of Harmony Township. Hamilton Busbey, in 1815, was looking about for a suitable place to locate in the county. At this time he was offered the lot upon which Jones & Miller's dry goods store is now situated in Springfield for a very small sum of money, but in his judgment at that time Lisbon was the most promising place of the two, where he purchased a corner lot. What a change since then! Hamilton Busbey was a Quartermaster in the war of 1812. Mr. Busbey was for some years the owner of a farm near where the town of Plattsburg now is. He and his family (excepting the subject of this sketch) moved to Illinois in 1839, and settled in Coles Co., where he died Dec. 16, 1847. His wife, Sophia, died at the same place April 2, 1855. The subject of this sketch, Thomas C. Busbey, was born in the town of Romney, in Hampshire Co., Va., March 13, 1815. He came to Harmony Township with his parents in 1815, where he has continued to reside since. He commenced teaching school at the age of 19 years, and continued to teach for thirty-five years in Clark Co. Mr. Busbey was united in marriage, May 24, 1838, to Miss Anna Bodkin, a daughter of Richard Bodkin, who was a pioneer of Ohio. He was born in Harrison Co.. Va., in 1787. He settled in Hamilton Co., Ohio, in 1803, and moved to Clark Co. in 1808. Richard Bodkin's wife, Elizabeth Bodkin (nee) Hester, was born July 28, 1782; she lived where Cincinnati, Ohio, now is, when there were but three houses in that neighborhood. As a result of the marriage of Thomas C. and Anna Busbey, there has been born to them ten children, nine of whom are now living-William (the political editor of the Inter-Ocean, of Chicago, Ill.), Hamilton (a contributing editor, and one of the proprietors of the Turf, Field and Farm, of New York City), L. W. (city editor of the Inter-Ocean, of Chicago, Ill.), Charles S. (a school teacher), T. A. (who lives with his parents), Louise (the wife of W. H. Neer), Angelina (the wife of James Rice), Hattie (who lives at home), Mary (the wife of Theodore Postle), Daniel W. (a son who died May 9, 1865). A very remarkable circumstance is connected with this family; nine out of the ten children have been school-teachers. Where is there another family like them? William and Hamilton were members of Co. C, 1st Ky. V. I. Hamilton served three years. William served two, and was discharged by special order, in order that he might edit the Louisville Journal. Daniel W. was a clerk in the Provost Marshal's office at Clarksville, Tenn., and Post Librarian at Louisville, Ky. Mr. Busbey enlisted as a " squirrel hunter " to defend Cincinnati against the Kirby Smith raid. Mr. Busbey has been elected Township Treasurer of Harmony Township; has served for seven or eight years as Township Clerk; has served for ten years as a member of the Republican Central Committee; was appointed Deputy United States Marshal in 1870, and took the census of Pleasant, Madison and Harmony Townships. Mr. B. has voted for five Whig candidates for President and seven Republican Presidents. Mr. B. is now in his 66th year, a man of clear mind and possessed a wonderful amount of knowledge. 958 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES JOSEPH E. DEITRICK, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Springfield; Ohio, lock box 923; was born Nov. 15, 1842, in Montgomery Co., Ohio. The father of the subject of this sketch (Joseph D.) was for a number of years, a leading distiller of Montgomery Co., Ohio. Joseph E. came to Clark Co., Ohio, in 1871, and located in Harmony Township. May 17, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Baird, a daughter of the late Peter C. Baird, one of the early pioneers of the county, having been born in the State of Pennsylvania in the year 1792 (Sept. 16). His father, William Baird, having emigrated to Clark Co. and settled in what is now Harmony Township in the year 1808. The Baird family is one of the prominent and wealthy families of the county. Joseph E. Deitrick and the family are owners of some 223 acres of fine land in Harmony Township. Mr. D. is engaged in stock-raising. They are very pleasantly situated, surrounded with the comforts of life, as the result of their economy and industry. WILLIAM T. HARRIS, merchant; P. O. Vienna Cross Roads. The subject of this sketch was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Sept. 17, 1826, his father, having been one of the early pioneers of the county. William T. was brought up on a farm, and continued to farm until be was 45 years old, when he quit farming and moved to Vienna where he now resides. Mr. Harris commenced mercantile life in 1871, and has continued in the same since. Mr. Harris is the leading merchant of the town ; he has a considerable stock of drygoods, groceries, etc, etc., such as is usually kept in a country store. The subject of this sketch was married to Miss Mary C. Forshee, daughter of Dr. Forshee, Nov. 19, 1848. His wife, Mary C., died in January, 1861. He married his second wife Mrs. Rosanna McGarry (nee Marsh) in March, 1863. During his first marriage he had born to him four children, and by their second marriage they had born to them two children-Oliver B., born Jan., 1863, and Manville R., Dec. 28, 1866 Mr. Harris has served two terms as Justice of the Peace in Harmony Township; Mr. Harris is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also a leading member of Christian Church, of Vienna. Mr. Harris started in life at the very "bottom round of the ladder," but, by industry and economy, he has been, in a measure, successful in accumulating some property, and to day he is in quite comfortable circumstances. FREEMAN V. HARTMAN, Township Clerk; P. 0. Vienna Cross Roads. The subject of this sketch is a native of Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio; he was born Feb. 28, 1834. John Hartman, the father of Freeman V., was a native of the State of Pennsylvania, and came to Clark Co. and settled in Pleasant Township at a very early day. He died in Sandusky City, Ohio, of the cholera, in 1835; he left a wife and four children at his death. His widow, Mary Hartman, is still living in Harmony Township; she is in her 77th year; she was born in the State of New York, near Buffalo, in 1804. The subject of this sketch was married, in November, 1851, to Miss Catharine Dynes, a daughter of George Dynes, who was an old settler in Harmony Township; he now resides in Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio. There was born to them three daughters-Mary E. (now the wife of George F. Tavener), Elizabeth (now the wife of J. M. Olinger), and Jennie R. (now the wife of David H. Campbell) ; Catharine died Aug. 25, 1865.Mr. Hartman was married to his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Keyes (nee Dynes-a sister to his first wife), July 11, 1880, at Springfield, Ohio ; the marriage was performed by Rev. William A. Robinson, of the M. E. Church. Mr. Hartman has been elected Township Clerk for seven terms; be was appointed Deputy United States Marshal in 1880, and took the census of Harmony Township; he has been a member of the Republican Central Committee of Clark Co. for ten years : he has also served on the United States grand jury for three terms. JAMES HAWKINS, SR., farmer; P. O. Plattsburg; the subject of this sketch is a native of England. He was born in Yorkshire on the 8th day of May, 1808. James and his brother William came to America in 1826, and settled in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio. They walked from the city of Philadelphia, Penn., to Harmony Township. He and his brother John, who resided in Harmony Township, worked at blacksmithing for one year and a half, then he went to Old Town, in Greene HARMONY TOWNSHIP. - 959 Co., and worked a short time. In 1828, he returned to Harmony Township and commenced his trade at Lisbon, where he continued to work until 1840. He was united in marriage to Miss Angelina Ferris Aug. 7, 1828. As a result of this marriage, there was born to them eleven children, all of whom lived until they were married, nine of whom are now living-Nancy F., Emily, Marflitt, Jane, James, John, Sandusky, An gus and William. Mr. H. purchased the farm upon which he now resides in 1840. His wife, Angelina, died Jan. 3, 1871. He was united in marriage to his second wife, Miss Linda M. Malsbury, a daughter of William Malsbury, Oct. 12, 1871. She was born Feb. 22, 1837, in New Jersey. At the time of her marriage she was residing in Hamilton Co., Ohio. Mr. Hawkins started in life a poor man, without any assistance but his energy and industry, and he has accumulated some 1,200 acres of land in Harmony Township, a greater portion of which he has divided with his children. Still he is the owner of 380 acres of land in Harmony Township, where he resides. His son, Marflitt Hawkins, was a private in the 94th O. V. I. He was discharged at the close of the war. He was a prisoner during his term of service a short time. Mr. Hawkins and Homer Allen, Sr., of Bellefontaine, Ohio, made a visit to the scenes of his childhood in England. They left Springfield Jan. 15, 1877, and returned Aug. 27, 1877. Mr. Hawkins and wife are members of the M. E. Church at South Charleston, Ohio, and as a business man he has ever been regarded as upright and honest, and has won and retained the respect of a large circle of Clark County's best citizens. JOHN JONES, farmer; P. O. Plattsburg. The subject of this sketch was born in England March 15, 1818. In the fall of 1851, he came to the United States, landing at New Orleans. In the spring he came to Clark County, Ohio, and commenced to work on a farm near Springfield, Ohio. Nov. 20, 1856, he was married to Miss Hannah E. Webster, daughter of John Webster, of Springfield Township. The union thus formed has been blessed by the birth of thirteen children, nine of whom are still living Thomas born April 29, 1860; George R., Dec. 8, 1862; Eliza, June 8, 1864 ; Minnie, July 28, 1866; Emma, July 28, 1868; Anna P., July 29, 1870; John W., March 6, 1872; Robert H., June 6, 1873. and Arthur Edwin, Sept. 1, 1880. In 1855, Mr. Jones, being desirous of seeing his native land, made a. visit to England, remaining there for one year. Mr. Jones, as has been stated, commenced as a farm laborer in 1852, and to-day he is one of the largest land-owners in the township. He and his wife had nothing when they started in life, nor have they received anything but what they have earned by their own hands. Mr. Jones is the owner of 472 acres of land in the township. He resides on one of his beautiful farms of 312 acres with everything around him that is pleasant and cheerful, surrounded by a very interesting family, and to-day he and his wife (who has, indeed, been a helpmeet to him) can look back over their past life and rejoice that they did use economy in their young days, for now as they are passing through the afternoon of their lives they have everything to make them happy and to cheer them on in their journey through life. Mr. Jones is a true type of an Englishman. As a gentleman he is very pleasant and affable, a good neighbor, and a man much given to hospitality. AMAZIAH JUDY, farmer and stock-buyer; P. O. Plattsburg. The subject of this sketch is the son of the late John Judy, who came to this county in the year 1800, from the State of Kentucky, he having been born in a " Block House " in Fleming Co., Feb. 14, 1791 ; he came to Clark Co., at the time above stated; he settled in what is now Harmony Township, on the extreme head-waters of the " Little Miami; " he purchased a large tract of land of one James Galaway, whose name is famous in the State of Ohio, he having purchased the same from the United States. In the year 1840, through his own industry and economy, he was the owner of something over 1,000 acres of the best land in Clark Co., the larger part of it being in Madison Co., Ohio. John Judy was a man of prominence in his day; he was a Captain in the Ohio militia; he was for some years a Justice of the Peace, he being of the first in the township; in the year 1859, he moved to the State of Illinois, where he purchased a large tract of land for the pur pose of settling around him his family. Dec. 1, 1874, he passed from life unto death in his 83d year, after having lived a longer span of time than is usually allotted unto man. 960 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES Mr. Judy had lived in Clark Co., to see the fruits of civilization spread its wings like a sweet messenger of peace over its land, and, as a result, brought to it improvement and advancement; his hair grew gray while the State grew old and vigorous, and, in the golden sunset of his life, he fell asleep in death "His life is as a tale that. is told." Such is the ancestry from which the subject of this sketch sprung. He was born Sept. 20, 1823, in Harmony Township, on the old homestead, within three miles of where he now resides. Mr. Judy was brought up on an adjoining farm to which he now resides, and has continued to be a farmer from that day until this ; he started in the stock business under the following circumstances: His father was the proprietor of the "Black Horse Tavern; " when the subject of this sketch was but 7 years old, two gentleman had him to black their boots for which they gave him 12 1/2 cents, with which he bought a hog, and from that he became the largest stock-buyer in the county. Mr. Judy was on the 21 st of November, A. D. 1844, married to bliss Hopy Ann Nichelson, daughter of' Andrew Nichelson, of Harmony Township, who was one of the very early pioneers, having settled in the county in 1806; this union has been blessed by the birth of five children, one son and four daughters, four of whom are now living. Mr. Judy is the owner of a very beautiful farm adjoining the village of Plattsburg ; as a gentleman, he is very pleasant and affable; as a citizen, a man who is much respected. Mr. Judy was engaged in the stock business for a number of years in Illinois ; he was also located in Chicago and St. Louis ; while in Illinois, his business amounted to over a million dollars a year. ENOCH KING, farmer; P. O. Vienna X Roads. The subject of this sketch is the son of the late Enoch King; his father was born in the State of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio and settled in Harmony Township, Clark Co., about 1800, having walked from near Pittsburgh, Penn., with his "knapsack" on his back and his cane in his hand. He was married to Miss Martha Gaston in January, 1826, she being hi, second wife, his first wife being a sister to his second. Martha was born Jan. 20, 1804, in Washington Co., Penn.; in 1825, she came to Clark Co., Ohio, from the State of Pennsylvania, having rode on horseback all the way ; as a result of his marriage to Martha, thirteen children was born to them, six only are now living-the subject of this sketch being one of them. At the time of his death, which occurred May 17, 1865, Enoch King, Sr., was the owner of a large farm of 350 acres of land in Harmony Township. Enoch and his wife, Martha, were very industrious and used great economy, and as a result of this had accumulated a considerable amount of this °' world's" goods. Martha King is still living near Plattsburg, Clark Co., Ohio, in her 76th year, surrounded with the comforts of life. Enoch, the subject of this sketch, was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio, July 28, 1840, on the " old homestead ; " he has always been a farmer ; he remained at home with his parents on the farm until the death of his father, in 1865 ; in the winter of 1865-66, he went to Missouri; in the spring, he returned to his old home; he and his brother Daniel purchased one of the farms owned by his father at his death ; they lived on the farm for some eight years, when they sold it. Mr. King was united in marriage to Miss Mary Funston, a daughter of W. S. Funston, of Vienna, a very old and honored citizen; the marriage ceremony was performed by Elder Overturf, March 1,1874 this marriage has been blessed by the birth of three children, two of whom are still living; viz., Walter S. was born Feb. 23, 1877, and Olive M. was born Sept. 23, 1880. Mr. K. is a Past Grand in Vienna Lodge No. 345, I. O. O. F., and also a member of the Encampment branch of the order at Springfield. Mr. King is residing on a farm now near Vienna; he has an interest in the old homestead of 188 acres. MRS. ANN KIRKHAM, Springfield. The subject of this sketch is the widow of the late John Kirkham, of Clark Co., Ohio; she was born in England Jan. 4, 1815 ; she was united in marriage to John Kirkham May 3, 1837 (her maiden name was Slee); they came to America in 1837, and settled near South Charleston, Clark Co., Ohio ; as a result of their marriage there were born to them six children, all of whom are now living in Harmony Township, viz., John J. was born March 2, 1838, in Harmony Township, was married Jan. 24, 1876, to Miss A. J. Raddy ; they have four children, viz , HARMONY TOWNSHIP. - 961 John M., George C., James W. and Jesse G.; be is the owner of the farm on which he resides-191 acres of land; Ann is the owner of a farm of 127 acres of land; Anthony (for his life, see sketch on Anthony Kirkham) ; Ellen was born Sept. 2, 1842, in Green Township, Clark Co., Ohio; she is the owner of a farm of 145 acres of land; Stephen was born in Green Township, Clark Co., Ohio, April 14, 1844; he is the owner of a farm of 207 acres of land; and William was born in Clark Co. Nov. 2, 1845 ; he attended Wittenburg College; he taught school a short time ; he was married Sept. 18,1873, to Miss Elizabeth Oates, of Clark Co.; they have three children, viz., Harlan R., Anna M., Nora ; he is the owner of a farm of 160 acres of land. ANTHONY KIRKHAM, farmer; P. O. Plattsburg. The subject of this sketch was born Dec. 28, 1840, in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio; he has been a farmer during life. He was uuited in marriage Feb. 9, 1867, to Miss Lavina Henry, a daughter of Johnson Henry, an old pioneer of Clark Co.; as a result of this marriage, there have been three children burn to them, viz., Frank H., born Sept. 26, 1868; Charles H., born June 7, 1871, and Glanora, born Dec. 18, 1873. Mr. K. is the owner of a farm of 241 acres of land near the town of Lisbon, where he resides. CHRISTOPHER LAYBOURN was born June 7, 1745, at Wafferton, East Reading, Yorkshire, England. He was married, June 20, 1777, to Miss Margaret Newlove ; she was born July 7, 1758, at Setterington, Sameriding, England. There were born to them in England eight children-Mileah Newlove; the eldest, was born Oct. 20, 1779; Joel, July 25, 1780 ; Abel, May 17, 1782; Christopher, July 15, 1784, and died Dec. 27, 1784, and was buried at Winteringham ; Esther was born Jan. 14, 1786, and died Feb. 27, 1788, and was buried at Weaverthorpe ; Amos was born Feb, 16, 1788; Elisba, Jan. 7, 1798; Paul, Jan. 7, 1793. The eight children were all born in Yorkshire. In 1794; Christopher Laybourn, wife and six remaining children came to America, landing at New York, after a stormy passage of three months' duration, in an old sailing vessel, having battled with numerous storms and be ing repeatedly driven back by adverse winds. They lived in New York City about eighteen years, during which time he was Mayor of the city two years. He was a school teacher by profession, having taught many years in England, and also in this country; was known as an excellent teacher and a strict disciplinarian. In the year 1812, the entire family moved to Cincinnati, and, soon after, to Clark Co., buying the land now known as the Thorpe farm, some six miles southeast of Springfield, on the Charleston Pike. Here he set out a large orchard, many of the trees of which are still standing, being, no doubt, among the oldest in the county. A few years later, he sold out and purchased. near Harmony, the farm now owned by his grandson, Joseph Laybourn. He died Jan. 9, 1842, aged nearly 97 years; was buried at Fletcher Chapel. Mr. Laybourn was in many respects a remarkable man. ' Though small in stature, he was exceedingly strong and active. It is said of him that, while a young man in England, he, on a wager, stood in a half-bushel measure and shouldered five bushels of wheat. He was from his youth a member of the M. P. Church, and a more earnest, consistent Christian is seldom found. No man detested a mean or unprincipled action more than he. Being very intelligent. he was always one of the foremost men in the country in any enterprise of Church or State, for the benefit of mankind. He was a great reader, and for many years previous to his death enjoyed his second sight, and could read for hours without his spectacles, although nearly 100 years old. His companion died Aug. 12, 1825, aged 68 years; was also buried at Oxtoby's Chapel, being one of the first interments in that ground. The day of her burial is noted as there having occurred one of the severest rain and bail storms ever known in this country; it began just as the procession reached the church, and nearly filled the grave with rain and bail, so that it had to be shoveled out; the teams broke loose and gen eral confusion followed. This aged couple for many years lived with their son Amos, who fell heir to the home farm. He died Jan. 14, 1874, aged about 86 years, being one of Harmony Township's oldest and best citizens, a strict member of the Protestant Church, and ever an industrious, peaceable man. Joel Laybourn died Oct. 30, 1851, aged 71 years 3 months 5 days; Zerniah, his wife, died April 24, 1862, aged 78 years. 962 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: They lived and died on a farm within about one Tile of the old Thorpe farm, where his father first settled. Elisha married Miss Abigail Wood, and settled about four miles south of Springfield. He, too, was an honored citizen, an industrious, benevolent man, beloved by those who knew him best, an exemplary Christian. His loss was deeply felt when, on March 8, 1861, all that was mortal passed away, at the age of 71 years 2 months and 1 day. His wife, Abigail, was born in Warren Co., Ohio, in 1799, was married to Elisha Laybourn in 1817, and lived on the farm on which she died fifty-four years. Her age was nearly 77. Abel lived in the neighborhood and in Harmony for many years, and then moved to Indiana, where he died in 1863, aged 81 years. His wife, Judith, died March 6, 1853. Milcah, the only daughter of Christopher, married and moved to Canada, thence to Michigan, and the last heard of her by her relatives here she was still living, at a good old age. Paul, the youngest son, was but 2 years of age when they crossed the Atlantic. He was married, in 1816, to Miss Almira Palmer; they settled upon the Reid farm, three miles from Springfield, on the Charleston Pike; they bought and sold different tracts of land, built several houses of the kind then in use (log), and after a number of years (1835), they sold out and moved to Dearborn Co., Ind., where he died Jan. 19, 1873, aged 80. He was known as a very industrious man, a consistent member of the M. E. Church. and died in the triumph of a living faith. He was the. father of Mr. John C. Laybourn, of Lagonda. His wife. Almira, was born in 1795, on the shore of Lake Champlain, in Vermont, moved, at an early day, with her father's and eleven other families, West, sailing down the Ohio from Pittsburgh on a raft to Cincinnati, and finally settled at North Bend, Ind. She, in her young days, taught family school for Gen. William Henry Harrison. She is still living, at a ripe old age, near Manchester, Ind., the last of the old members of the Laybourn family living. MRS. HULDAH LINGLE ; P. O. Vienna Cross Roads. The subject of this sketch is the widow of Dr. J. B. Lingle, deceased, who was one of the leading physicians of the county in his day. Dr. Lingle was born in Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio, June 29, 1813. He was the son of John Lingle. who came to Springfield at a very early day. John Lingle and a man by the name of Jacob Cook, built a powder mill in Springfield in the year 1809. He died Dec. 27, 1820. He was born Jan. 22, 1776, in the State of Virginia. Mrs Lingle (nee Laird) was born May 7, 1816, on the "old " Scott farm, near Springfield; she was the daughter of David Laird, who came to Clark Co. at. a very early day. The Doctor and Huldah were united in marriage on the 23d day of April, A. D. 1837; this union was blessed by the birth of three children, viz. Melissa was born Sept. 23,1838 ; Tabitha (now the wife of Joseph Clima), Oct. 26, 1842, Henry C., November, 1844. Melissa died Feb. 23, 1842; Henry C., Jan. 18, 1876. Henry C. served as a private in Co. E, 60th O. V. I. Dr. Lingle studied medicine with Drs. Blount and Humphries, of Springfield. He attended lectures at the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati. The Doctor commenced the practice of medicine at Vienna in the year 1836. He was one of the most successful physicians in the county. He died Dec. 8, 1878. The Doctor was one of the prominent men of the county; he was elected Justice of the Peace in Harmony Township in 1847 ; he was elected Treasurer of the township for twelve years; he was Captain of a State militia company when we we had our late " on pleasantness s " with the " solid south." He was quite old, but he was willing to take a hand in the fight; he served as a "squirrel hunter," and was in the Morgan raid. The Doctor was a man given to hospitality; when the cholera, in 1850, made its appearance in the village of Vienna, the Doctor and his most generous wife opened their house for the sick, worked with the sick and dying, and did all that it was possible for them to do. It made no difference to him whether he was called on professionally, day or night, by the rich or poor, he went. It is said of him, by those who knew him, that he was a friend to the poor ; he was a very generous man ; he gave liberally to every worthy object. At the time of his death, he was the owner of a considerable amount of land and personal property. His widow is now in her 64th year, a woman of clear mind, and has a considerable amount of business to attend to, which she does. She is very comfortably situated, surrounded with the comforts of life. HARMONY TOWNSHIP. - 963 JOHN McCOY, carpenter: P. O. Vienna Cross Roads; was born in Clark Co., Ohio (Mad River Township), April 30; 1853. William McCoy, the father of John, came to Clark Co. in 1839, from the State of Pennsylvania, where be was born, and commenced working at the cooper's trade, and has still continued. The subject of this sketch worked with his father at the cooper's trade until 1870, when he engaged in carpentering. Mr. McCoy was united in marriage to Miss Mary Roberts,of Madison Co., Ohio, in 1878. Mr. McCoy is one of the prominent members of Vienna Lodge, No. 345, I. O. O. F. He is engaged in house-building, and, during the building season, he employs from six to eight carpenters. He is a number one workman, very steady and industrious. He is one of the reliable citizens of the village of Vienna, where he resides ; he has won a good name and reputation. ALEXANDER McMAHAN, farmer; P. O. Plattsburg, Ohio. The subject of this sketch was born in Morrow County, Ohio, Dec. 9, 1832. He came to Clark Co., Ohio, and settled in Harmony Township in 1850. He was united in marriage. Oct. 11, 1860, to Miss Lucy Sprague, a daughter of L. B. Sprague, one of the leading men of the county. This union has been blessed by the birth of three children-Harley L. was born June 15, 1862; Hattie, March 28, 1866, and Glenna B., Dec. 14, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. McMahan are members of the Baptist Church at Lisbon. Mr. McMahan is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. at South Charleston. Mr. McMahan is a man who has been contented to devote his time so farming, and to let politics and other outside matters alone. He, however, has been elected by his neighbors a Director of the schools in the district in which he has lived for a number of terms. WILLIAM H. MORRIS. farmer; P. O. London, Madison Co. The subject of this sketch is a native of Springfield Township, Clark Co., Ohio. He was born March 29, 1841. He is a son of William M. Morris, who was also a native of Springfield Township, he having been born in Springfield Township in 1820. (He is now a resident of Illinois). William chose, when a boy, to follow a plow, which choice he has followed since. He settled in Harmony Township in 1855, where he now resides. He was united in marriage to Marinda Dixon, a daughter of David Dixon, Oct. 15, 1859. This union has been blessed by the birth of five children, all of whom are now living Thomas W. was born June 29, 1860; Henry S., March 26, 1862; William L., June 2, 1866 ; Walter, Dec. 1, 1868, and Harrison, Sept. 9, 1875. Mr. Morris was one of the men who was willing to die that his country might live. He enlisted in Co. K, 45th O. V. L, July, 1862 ; was discharged in June, 1865, at the close of the war. He served on an escort of Gen. Haskell for some twenty-three months. Mr. Morris has an interest in quite a large steam saw-mill near his residence. In connection with his farming he runs a steam thrashing-machine. Mr. Morris and wife are members of the Christian Church at what is known as the '' Wilson " Church. ANDREW NICHELSON deceased. The progress, growth, development and present prosperity of Clark County is in a great measure unquestionably due to the enterprise, energy and foresight of her pioneers, and few of this class are more kindly remem bered than the old patriarch whose name stands at the head of this sketch. He come, of Irish ancestry, his father, John Nichelson, having emigrated from Ireland to the United States in 1783. settling in Pennsylvania, where he was married to Ann Haney, a native of that State, to whom were born the following children: Isabel, Mary, Samuel, Andrew, Nancy, John, James and William. In 1806, John and family came to Clark County, Ohio, and settled in Sec. 23, Harmony Township, where he and wife spent the balance of their days. The subject of this sketch was born in Fayette Co., Penn., April 5, 1803, and grew to manhood in Harmony Township, receiving a very meager education, even for those days, and was there married, in 1825, to Rachel Hammond, daughter of Nathan and Hopy Hammond, natives of New York, who were early settlers of Clark County. Mrs. Nichelson was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Dec. 2, 1806, and had born to her nine children, viz., Hopy, Ann (the wife of Amaziah July), Roxy J. (deceased wife of John Smith), Isabel (deceased wife of Charles Stewart), James W. (deceased), Andrew, John, Nathan, Rachel (wife of Oscar Stewart), Margaret (wife of Jeremiah Yeazel), and Lemuel. Mr. Nichelson was a member of 964 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Christian Church of Plattsburg, and died in 1852. He was again married March 6, 1854, in Pleasant Township, to Mrs. Angeline Yeazel, widow of Isaac Yeazel, and daughter of Nathan and Abigail (Rice) Spencer, natives of Otsego Co., N. Y., who came to Clark County in 1811, where they remained until death. Mrs. Nichelson was born in Harmony Township of this county May 20, 1819, and by her first marriage had six children, and by the second two, Amaziah and George. About 1837, Mrs. Nichelson became a member of the Christian Church of Plattsburg, and ever after strictly adhered to this denomination. He was a Deacon in the church most of this period, and died full of honor July 23, 1880, in his 78th year. His widow still survives him, and is a member of the same church. He began lifo a poor man; and his success is one of the most noted cases in Clark County of what pluck and industry can accomplish when coupled with steady habits and rigid economy. He was an earnest advocate of temperance, but covered the faults of his neighbor with the Christian mantle of charity. To most public measures he gave his influence and active support, and was a warm upholder of religion and the religious cause. Some of the most prominent traits of his character were his unerring judgment, his unswerving rectitude for adhering to his promises and his wonderful tenacity of purpose in following up a business venture until ultimate success was reached. Shrewd and careful to the utmost degree, he seldom made mistakes, and in this manner laid the foundation upon which his handsome fortune was afterward built. Early in life he bought and improved 80 acres of land for his father, and in youth exhibited and earnestly cultivated those habits of industry, sobriety, morality; prudence and economy which so strongly marked his character in more mature years. He was charitable to the poor and needy, and his honesty and integrity in all things was never questioned. He accumulated over 2,000 acres of land, all of which he made by hard determined labor and shrewd business sagacity, and his children are now enjoying the fruits of his foresight and industry. His services were in constant demand in settling disputes between his fellow men; and he was ever anxious to shield his neighbors from the curse of litigation by arranging their differences by private arbitration. His advice was sought by old and young, and he seldom failed to help those who sought his aid. His mind was clear to the last, and he constantly exhorted all with whom he came in contact to live good, moral lives, and to practice as well as preach the great truths of Christianity. Thus passed away one of nature's noblemen, leaving behind a name and record that are the brightest pages in his history ; and his descendants may well feel proud of this upright old pioneer, who, living a life of morality, with justice and charity toward all men, died the death of the just, inspired by an unquenchable faith and firm hope in a bright and happy future. JOHN AND ANDREW NICHELSON, farmers; P.O. Plattsburg. These two brothers are sons of the late Andrew Nichelson, deceased, who was one of the oldest pioneers of Harmony Township. In his day he was one of the leading men of his township. He was a man who became very wealthy before his death. Andrew, Jr., is a native of Harmony Township, having been born on the " old Nichelson homestead," Feb. 8, 1835 ; he has continued to live in the township since. He was married, Nov. 20, 1866, to Miss Sina Smith, a daughter of Wm. Smith, of Union Co., Ohio; they have had three children born to them-Augusta, born Aug. 28, 1867 ; Jessie, Aug. 8, 1869., and Charles, July 23, 1873. Andrew is a man who has devoted his time entirely to farming and stock-raising. He is the owner of between 600 and 700 acres of land in Clark and Madison Cos. There are but few farmers in the county wbo are so comfortably situated as he is. Andrew is the oldest of the family. John Nichelson is also a native of Harmony Township, he having been born June 11, 1837. John, like his brother Andrew, made choice of farming, and has continued at it. He is one of the few who believe in single blessedness, he having never taken a partner for life. John, like his brother, is the owner of a large farm of some 700 acres of land, in Clark and Madison Cos. There are five brothers of the Nichelsons in Harmony, and they are all large land owners ; besides the above-named, there is Nathaniel, Lemuel and George. When the late war was going on, the father of the above-named sons was living, but HARMONY TOWNSHIP. - 965 very old-not liable to service-but his patriotism was such, that, as he was too old to fight, he sent a substitute in his--place, and three of his sons, who were liable to service, sent three men in their place to fight, that our country might be preserved. Andrew and John were in the Kirby Smith raid on Cincinnati, and responded to the call for volunteers at the time of the Morgan raid. LEMUEL NICHELSON, farmer; P. O. South Charleston. The subject of this sketch is a native of Harmony Township; he is a son of the late Andrew Nichelson, Sr., who was, one of the earliest pioneers in Harmony Township, and one of its most honored citizens. Lemuel was born Sept. 19, 1846. He was united in marriage to Miss Laura Little, of Madison Township, Jan. 1, 1867. This union has been blessed by the birth of three children (now living)-Minna Maude, born Nov. 4, 1867; Clifford L., Feb. 28, 1869, and Nathan R., Dec. 10, 1871. Mrs. Nichelson is a member of the Christian Church of Plattsburg, Ohio. Mr. Nichelson is the owner of a very fine farm adjoining the town of Lisbon. GEORGE NICHELSON, farmer; P. O. Plattsburg ; was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio. May 30, 1856, and is the son of Andrew and Angeline Nichelson, whose history will be found in this book. He grew up on the home place, receiving his education in the common district school. He was married, Dec. 15, 1880, in Green Township to Jane E. Stewart, daughter of Perry and Rhoda Stewart, one of the prominent families of Clark Co. Mrs. Nichelson was born on the farm where her parents now reside, and received a good education and careful moral training. Mr. Nichelson is a Republican. 'At his father's death he received the old homestead and 150 acres of land as his share of the landed estate. This property is located close to the town of Plattsburg, and is well improved, and the prospect before this young couple looks bright and promising. GEORGE W. OLINGER, merchant; was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio, May 27, 1857, near Brighton; his father, Joseph C. Olinger, is one of the large land owners in Harmony Township, owning over 700 acres of land. His father came to Ohio in 1846, from the State of Virginia. His father was born in 1819 George was raised on the farm, and continued to be a farmer until Oct. 1. 1880, when he gave up farming and commenced a mercantile life. He purchased the stock of groceries, etc., owned by Mr. A. T. Wilson. of Brighton, Ohio. Mr. O. keeps quite a stock of goods such as is usually kept in a country store. Mr. Olinger is a young man of industry and energy ; should he follow in the footsteps of his father, in the way of economy, he will be one of the wealthy men of the township. He is a young man of steady habits, and is much respected in the community in which he lives. HENRY OXTOBY, retired farmer; P. O. Springfield. This old and respected citizen belongs to another generation, having been permitted by Divine Providence to live longer than is usually allotted to man ; but while he has grown old in years, he has also grown honored and reverenced; and while his hair has been whitened by the frosts of many winters, it is but emblematical of the pare life which he has lived. He was born in Yorkshire, England, Nov. 24, 1801, and is the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Cook) Oxtoby, natives of the same place. In 1803, his parents embarked at Liverpool for the United States, and settled close to Geneva, N. Y., afterward removing to a farm on the Genesee River, where they were living during the war of 1812, also owning at the same time 30 acres on which the city of Rochester has since been built. In the fall of 1814, they sold the land and came to Clark Co., Ohio, whither Henry's father had previously been, to look at the country. He entered 160 acres of land in Sec. 33, Harmony Township, upon which he and family settled, and where his wife died April 11, 1836, aged 67, and himself Oct. 23, 1838, at the same age, both dying, as they had lived, faithful adherents of the M. I. E. Church. There were four children in the family, three daughters and one son, and Henry was but 18 months old when his parents came to America, and but 13 years of age when they settled in Clark Co., Ohio. He grew to maturity on the old homestead, attending school at the early log schoolhouse four or five winter terms of three months each, which completed his education. He was married, in December, 1825, in Harmony Township, to Harriet New- 966 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: love, daughter of Joseph and Ann (Brown) Newlove, natives of England; who settled in this county in 1821. Mrs. Oxtoby was born in England May 2, 1799, and had the following children : Marianna, the deceased wife of William J. Hudson ; Robert and John, who reside with their father. Mrs. Oxtoby died March 10, 1848, a sincere believer in the truths of the Gospel. He was again married, Dec. 12, 1858, to Ann B. Newlove, a sister of his first wife, also a native of England, born Sept. 10, 1804. She joined the M. E. Church in 1817, and remained a true and consistent member until her death. Aug. 24, 1875. She was a kind, charitable woman, and Mr. Oxtoby was fortunate in his married life, as both wives were ever faithful helpmeets. In 1848, Mr. Oxtoby joined the M. E. Church, and has been sexton of "Fletcher Chapel " for twenty-seven years, giving his services, and " would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than dwell in the palaces of kings." He has now retired from active life, and with his sons, resides on a farm of 200 acres. Robert is engaged in sheep-raising as a specialty, having now 300 ewes on the farm, some of which are thoroughbred merinos. John is at present engaged in the lumber business in Ross Co. Politically, Mr. Oxtoby was a Whig, and afterward a Republican, and has always been in favor of all classes of public improvements, lending his influence and means to the support of schools, churches, and everything the object of which was the benefitting of the community of which he has been so long an honest, upright, worthy and respected member. MALCOMB H. PATTERSON, farmer; P. O. Vienna Cross Roads; he was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Nov. 2, 1839. His father, Charles C., was one of the leading carpenters of Dayton, Ohio. Malcomb went to Illinois in 1859, and Aug. 10, 1861, he enlisted in Co. D, 123d I. (mounted) V. I., leaving served in the famous Wilder's Brigade, which, according to history, was never whipped. He was discharged at the close of the war at Springfield, Ill. He was one of the few who came out without a " scar," but he had a bullet to go through his boot-leg, one through the top of his hat, and one to glance and strike him over the left eye. In 1865, he went to Missouri. There he was married to Miss Anna Beales, of Virginia. While in Missouri Mr. P. was engaged in farming. Nov. 18, 1869, he returned to Clark Co., Ohio, and located in Springfield, Ohio. In 1870, he settled in Harmony Township. As the result of his marriage to Miss Beales, four children have been born to them-Carrie, born in Missouri May 23, 1868; Nettie was born in Harmony Township July 23, 1870 ; Charles was born in Harmony Township Oct. 1, 1873, and Howard Lee was born in Springfield April 28, 1875. He is situated on a beautiful farm one mile west of Vienna-a man of fine social qualities ; in politics, a "stalwart " Republican, REI RATHBUN, farmer and stock dealer. P. O. Vienna Cross Roads. The subject of this sketch was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio, March 22, 1849. His wife, whose maiden name was Anna M. Reynard, was also born in this township Feb. 22, 1851. They were married Sept. 11, 1872. They have four children-Netum, aged 6 years; Lena, 4 years; Pern, 3 years; Clarence, 1 year. Mr. Rathbun is an extensive agriculturist. He also deals in stock of various kinds. John Rathbun, father of Rei, was born in Butler Co., Penn. Removed with his parents to Ohio in 1811. Thomas Rathbun, father of John, was born in Rhode Island, of English descent. John's mother, was whose maiden name was Elizabeth Cochran, was born in Pennsylvania of Irish and Welsh parentage. They were the parents of five children-Mary, John, Jeffrey H., Clark and Amos, none of whom are living except John, the father of our subject. John Rathbun and Mary Curl were married Dec. 27, 1829. As a result of this union, eleven children have been born-Thomas, Jeremiah, Cynthia, Elizabeth, Mary, George W., Azubah, John, Rei, Nancy J. and Beda. Thomas; George W. and Rei are all that are living of this once large and happy family ; in the year 1856, Mr. Rathbun purchased 139 acres of land in Harmony Township, upon which be resided and cultivated with his own hands until the year 1875, when he purchased what was known as the McArthur place, where he now lives. This is a beautifully situated tract, lying one- half mile east of Vienna. His post town is ten miles east of the city of Springfield, county seat of Clark Co., Ohio. The living children are married. George W. lives in Missouri: Thomas lives in Harmony Town- HARMONY TOWNSHIP. - 967 ship, on what is known as the Yost farm, while Rei, whose name stands at the bead of this sketch, occupies the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun, although well advanced in years, enjoy a fair degree of health, and are spending the afternoon of life in a very contented and peaceful condition of mind. DR. EDWARD H. SMITH, physician, Vienna Cross Roads. The subject of this sketch was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, Feb. 15, 1855. In 1875-78, he attended Starling Medical College, of Columbus, Ohio, one of the leading medical colleges of the State. In 1878, he graduated, and, after practicing a short time with his preceptor, Dr. Gardner, of Harrisburg, Ohio, he came to Vienna, Clark County, Ohio, and commenced the practice of medicine. June 4, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Ids M. Ellinger, grand-daughter of the late Col. Foreman, one of the early settlers of the county, and a man of considerable prominence, having served as a Colonel in the war of 1812. Their marriage has been blessed by the birth of one child (a daughter). Dr. Smith, although practicing in the county a short time, has built up quite a practice. He is a man of skill, and is very industrious. As a gentleman, he is quite pleasant and affable. DARIUS SPRAGUE, farmer; P. O. Springfield, Ohio. The subject of this sketch is the son of the late James Sprague, who came to Clark County in a very early day and died in 1846. The subject of this sketch was born March 31, 1817, in Harmony Township on the " old Sprague homestead," adjoining the farm upon which he now resides. Darius made choice of farming when young, and has since followed it successfully. He was united in marriage Feb. 8, 1837, to Sarah Rice, daughter of Edward Rice (deceased), who was one of the early pioneers of Clark County, having came to Ohio from the State of New York. There has been born to Darius and Sarah, twelve children, five of whom are now living, viz., Lucina E., now the wife of Dr. Banwell, of South Charleston; James E., who was born March 15, 1844; Sarah, now the wife of Corwin Price, of Springfield; Darius A. and William S., of Springfield. Mr. Sprague is the owner of a beautiful farm of 700 acres, all of it being in Harmony Township, excepting 160 in Madison Township. Mr. S. has retired from farming, and his son, James E., has the farm rented. Mr. Sprague was at one time very extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising, having as many as 5,000 sheep on his farm, and cattle in proportion. James, who has the farm rented, was united in marriage, May 9, 1878, to Miss Elizabeth Burk, of Harmony Township; there has been born to them one child-Mabel C., born June 28, 1879. JOHN A. STEWART, farmer; P. O. Plattsburg. John A. Stewart was born in Green Township, Clark Co., Ohio, in April 11, 1855. and is the son of Charles and Isabel (Nichelson) Stewart. His mother died when he was quite small, but his father is one of the leading farmers of Springfield Township. His education was obtained principally in the schools of Springfield, and Lebanon, Ohio. When about 13 years old, he was accidentally shot, by which misfortune he lost his right arm. Politically. he is a stanch Republican, and resides on a farm of 150 acres, close to Plattsburg, where he is just beginning the battle of life, with everything in his favor toward future success. ROBERT THORPE, SR. (deceased). In the early settlement of Harmony Township, a number of English families chose it as their home in the New World, and, among those worthy English folk, Robert Thorpe was one who undertook the laborious task of making a farm in the dense forest of Ohio. Born in Yorkshire, Eng., in 1773. He was raised to farm life, and there married to Elizabeth Raley, a native of the same shire, born in 1773, and the daughter of William Raley, an English physician of much skill in his profession. Of this union were born the following children-Mary Ann, Elizabeth, Jane, Margaret, Robert, Raley, Harriet, John and Thomas H., five of whom are now living-Mary Ann, Elizabeth, Jane, Raley and Harriet. In 1819, Robert and family, accompanied by his mother and father-in-law, came to the United States, the latter dying at Philadelphia soon after landing. They came down the Ohio River on a flat-boat, and, on reaching Portsmouth, his mother died, and was buried in that town. He had started from England with the purpose of locating in Clark Co., Ohio, where 968 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: he had some friends who had previously settled here, and, on reaching this county, he purchased 300 acres of land in the southwestern part of Harmony Township, paying 89 per acre for the same, which was a high figure for that early day. He was not a poor man, but brought considerable means with him from England, and being a good, practical farmer, soon made his new home comfortable for those pioneer days. His wife being the daughter of a physician, learned from her father many of the secrets of medicine, and by the use of his medical books which he left her at his death, and which she had recourse to in the treatment of diseases, she practiced the art of healing, and was loved and trusted by all who knew her, people coming from long distances to get her assistance and medicines in their troubles and sickness. For about thirty years Robert Thorpe lived and labored on his farm in Harmony Township, and, on the 18th of April, 1849, peacefully breathed his last, dying as he had lived, a faithful adherent of the Episcopal Church, having passed the allotted time of man, being 76 years of age, when death claimed him as its victim. His wife was raised in the Presbyterian faith, and lived and died a firm believer in that church, passing away Oct. 2'3, 1852, aged 79. Robert Thorpe and wife were true representatives of " Old England," and their lives were marked by that outward, open-handed, generous hospitality in their home and genuine good nature, which are well-known traits of English character. No member of suffering humanity was ever turned from their door hungry, and the poor or oppressed never pleaded in vain to them for relief. At the time of Robert Thorpe's death be was the owner of about 470 acres of good land, and this John took charge of, with the exception of 100 acres, which Robert received at his father's death, the balance of the children retraining at the old home as one family. John Thorpe was one of the leading stock men of Clark Co. ; was a man of energy and ability, who, by good management and the help of his brothers and sisters at home, added to the estate year after year, until, at his death, the family owned about 700 acres of first-class land. He died Sept. 7, 1877 ; Margaret, Aug. 31, 1878; Thomas, Sept. 6, 1878, and Robert., Feb. 1, 1881. The last mentioned is the only one of the children who married, and he raised a family of four daughters and two sons. The family have always adhered to their father's church and those who have passed away, died faithful Christians, with a strong and abiding faith in a blissful immortality. The Thorpe family are of Republican proclivities, have always stood among the upright citizens of Clark Co., and they have ever been noted for integrity of character and honesty of purpose. WILLIAM TROXELL, farmer; P. O. Plattsburg. The grandfather of this gentleman was Peter Troxell, a native of the Keystone State, of German descent, who was married to Rachel Chambers, a native of Chambersburg, Ind., to whom were born ten children, George, the father of William, being the second in the family. Peter Troxell was a Revolutionary soldier, and soon after marriage moved to Augusta Co., Va., where he and wife spent the balance of their days. And there George was born, grew to manhood and married Elizabeth Miller, of that county, and daughter of Adam Miller, a native of Germany, who had settled in Virginia. George was a soldier in the war of 1812, fighting the same old foe whom his father helped to whip in the Revolutionary struggle. To George and Elizabeth Troxell were born the following children Daniel, Andrew, John, William, Hettie, Eli and Elizabeth, all of whom are living, with the exception of the two oldest. William Troxell was born in Augusta Co., Va., Dec. 16, 1816, and was raised to farm life, his boyhood being spent among strangers, laboring on a farm at from $1.50 to $8 per month, his small earnings going to help support his father's family. His advantages for an education were very poor, and in 1836, when but 20 years old, he came with his brother Daniel to this State. Remained about one year in Pike Township, Clark Co., Ohio, and, in 1837, removed to Harmony Township, working as a farm hand. He here had the chance to attend school about four months,. during which time he learned the rudiments of reading and writing, which have helped him to manage his affairs through life. In 1846, he went to Illinois, where, with money saved previously from his own earnings, he bought 160 acres of land; then returned to Ohio, and, Feb. 17, 1847, was married to Mrs. Margaret Brooks, born in Ontario Co., N. Y., June 6, 1800, and daughter of Nathan Hammond, a pioneer of HARMONY TOWNSHIP. - 969 Clark County. Mr. Troxell finally settled permanently on his wife's farm, on which he had formerly worked as a farm hand. and afterward, by buying out the heirs, became owner of the property, and has since lived upon it. His wife died July 26, 1873, a sincere member of the Christian Church of Plattsburg, and he was again married July 28, 1874, to Dora V. Shryack, daughter of John and Matilda Shryack, natives of Ohio, and residents of Harmony Township. Mrs. Troxell was born in this township Jan. 18, 1849, and has had the following children: Pearl C., George W. and Jessie M., and she and husband belong to the Christian Church of Plattsburg. The fall of their marriage they went on a visit to Virginia, there to view the scenes of his childhood and ponder over the changes that time had made, as well as interview the friend of his youth. Mr. Troxell is a Republican, has held the office of Township Trustee for about ten years: been School Director a number of times, and has taken a deep interest in the building of roads, of which he has been Supervisor about twelve years. When he came to Clark County he was not worth $25, but by constant toil and persistent industry, he has accumulated 550 acres of land, besides paying over $15,000 security debts. He has always been a friend to the poor man, and ever anxious to help his struggling neighbor. He and his step-son, A. N. Brooks, did an extensive business as stock dealers and shippers for about twelve years. Mr. Troxell is strictly temperate in his habits ; is one of the energetic, enterprising farmers of Clark County, and stands as one of its most successful men in farm life. He is respected for his honest and upright character, "his word being always considered as good as his bond." GEORGE M. WARREN, farmer; P. O. Vienna X Roads. The subject of this biographical sketch is a native of Clark Co., Ohio, having been born March 17, 1837. His father came from the State of New Jersey, and settled in Clark County in the year 1837, in Pleasant Township; he died Jan. 27, 1877. The subject of this sketch began to work on a farm when quite young, and has followed farming since. Mr. Warren was united in marriage Jan. 21, 1858, to Miss Nancy Rathbun, a daughter of Clark Rathbun, a son of Col. Rathbun, who was one of the early pioneers of Clark County. Mr. Warren is the owner of a very fine farm of 109 acres of land adjoining the town of Brighton, in Harmony Township, where he resides, surrounded with the comforts of life. He is a Past Grand in the Independent Order of Odd Fellowship; he is a member of Vienna Lodge, No. 345, and is a member of. Mad River Encampment, I. O. O. F.. also. Mr. Warren is a man of fine social qualities; he is an honored citizen. GEORGE WATSON, farmer and stock-raiser ; P. O. South Charleston, Ohio. John Watson, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in England Feb. 25, 1786: he was married there and came to America in 1829 ; he first came to Cincinnati. ,and in the fall of 18`39, he settled in Harmony Township. Mr. John Watson while in England was the owner of a farm of 40 acres. He died on the old home place in Harmony Township May 13, 1844, in his 59th year; he left a wife and nine children, three of the children are living now, viz. : George (the subject of this sketch) ; William, who resides at South Charleston, Ohio, and Sarah, who lives at College Corner, Ind. His wife, Sarah, was born in England, April 11, 1783, and died in Harmony Township, Jan. 5, 1877, in the 94th year of her age. George, the subject of this sketch, was born in Cumberland County, England, Dec. 1, 1816. he came to America with his parents in 1829, and is now living upon part of the farm that his father purchased in that year. He was united in marriage March 4, 1851, to Miss Margaret E. Price, a daughter of James Price, late of Harmony Township; as a result of this marriage there have been born to them two children-Jobn P., who was born Jan. 28, 1852, and Laura A., was born Nov. 16, 1854 (now the wife of Charles W. Batchelor, of Piqua, Ohio) ; John P. is married to Miss Luella E. Scott, of Springfield. Ohio. Mr. Watson is the owner of one of the finest and best improved farms of 520 acres that is in Clark County, it is all in one body in Harmony Township, excepting 8 acres across the line in Madison Township. Mr. Watson and his son John P. run the farm in partnership, and deals in fine short-horn cattle. He is a Deacon in the Baptist Church at Lisbon, and his entire family are members of the same church. Mr. Wat- 970 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: son is a member of the F. & A. M. at South Charleston, is also the oldest Past Grand of the Lodge of I. O. O. F., to which be belongs. He is now in his 65th year, a man full of vitality, and, as he says, without an " ache or pain." Socially, he is very pleasant, a man who is given to hospitality; he is a man who is much respected in the community in which he lives, and is an honest citizen. ABRAHAM WEAVER, farming and blacksmithing ; P. O. Vienna X Roads. The subject of the following sketch was born in Hampshire Co., Va., Jan. 24, 1823. He was married to Miss Sophia Sprague in 1847 ; the result of this union was two children, to wit: Theressa, who died Aug. 20, 1849, aged 9 months and 4 days; and Orlando, who died Jan. 20, 1851, aged 3 months and 4 days; and, on July 16, 1851, the mother of the above-named children also passed away. Abraham Weaver was married to his present wife, Miss Mary Ann (Jones) Weaver, in 1852. Miss Jones was born Aug. 26, 1828 ; the result of this union is nine children, all of whom are living, except Nancy, who died in her 9th year; the names of the living children are as follows Eliza was born Oct. 19, 1852; James E. was born Sept. 11, 1854; Charles F. was born Jan. 14, 1856 ; Kate was born Sept. 22, 1857 ; Joseph was born April 13, 1859 ; Nancy was born Feb. 8, 1861 ; Harriet was born July 8, 1862 ; Laura was born Jan. 13, 1865; Frank was born Sept. 20, 1866. The parents of Mr. Weaver were natives of Virginia, whence they emigrated to Ohio in the year 1829; Joseph Weaver, his father, was born Jan. 2, 1794; Sarah Weaver, his mother, was born June 22, 1798. The names of the brothers and sisters of the subject are as follows: Eliza was born May 5, 1821 ; Abraham, the subject, whose age is already given, and Nancy Feb. 13, 1825; the three above named were born in Virginia ; Amanda was born in Springfield Township, Clark Co., Ohio, June 8, 1832; George, who is a half-brother of the subject, was born in Wisconsin, and connected with which there is a bit of romance. Mr. Weaver, who was a well-to-do farmer, meetingwith heavyreverses by going security, concluded that he would leave his family for a time with the design ostensibly to repair his shattered fortunes, went to the young but growing State of Wisconsin, where fabulous amounts were suddenly realized in the lead mines; stock-raising, etc.; he never returned, but married there; the result of the union was one son, George, who came to Clark Co., Ohio, on a visit to his relatives a few years ago; Sarah, wife of Joseph, struggled along with her large family as best she could, supposing her husband dead. and, after a lapse of eleven years, was united in matrimony with Mr. Silas Melvin, with whom she lived until his death, which occurred in the year 1859. David Jones, the father of our subject's second wife, was a native of Virginia, came to Ohio in an early day and died in this, Harmony Township, in October, 1857 ; Jane (Ellis) Jones, his wife, was born in Clark Co., Ohio, and is yet living at the advanced age of 76 years. Mr. A. Weaver, our subject, has been a resident of Clark Co. since 1829, is in his 58th year, and has watched with a deep interest the rapid transformation of this once wilderness, to what may properly be turned the garden of Ohio. MICHAEL WILSON, Sr. (deceased). The stroke of the mallet chisels the firm marble block into a shaft of beauty, and artistic skill fashions the letters that tell of the birth, years and death of the silent sleeper beneath; but time covers the monument with the mosses of decay, and defaces the inscription. As we well know, change is constant and general; generations are rising and passing unmarked away; and as it is a duty to the child and parent, as well as a gratification to the descendants of him who now "sleeps the last sleep," we place on record a brief-sketch of the life and char acter of one of the leading pioneer farmers of Clark Co. Michael Wilson, Sr., was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio, March 15, 1814, and was the youngest in a family of three children, viz., Washington, Josiah and Michael. His parents, Michael and Temperance (Judy) Wilson, were natives of Kentucky, who settled in Greene Co., Ohio, in an early day. On the breaking-out of the war of 1812, his father went into the army, where he served a short time, then returned home, procured a substitute and shortly afterward took sick and died. The widow, with her two oldest boys, came to Clark Co., and soon after settling in Harmony Township the subject of this sketch was born. It is unnecessary for us to speak of the hardships and privations PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. - 971 to be endured by the widow with her three small children. Settling in the woods of Harmony Township, suffice it to say that she. watched over them with loving care, and lived to see them become leaders of the township in which she settled, as well as large land-owners and respected citizens. Michael grew up in his native township, and was there married, by John Judy, April 12, 1835, to Lavina Henry, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Johnson) Henry, natives of Kentucky, who came to Clark Co. about 1814, settling in Harmony Township. There Mrs. Wilson was born Jan. 23, 1815, and has never lived outside of her native township. To Michael and Lavina Wilson were born the following children: Jasper N., Temperance (deceased), James T., Elizabeth, Jefferson (who was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, and there died), Johnson M., Michael B., Lavina (the deceased wife of Edmund West), Washington H., Emma D. (deceased), Martha Ann (deceased), John C. F. and Francis S. All of the children are settled on farms of their own with the exception of two, who reside at the old homestead with their mother. Mrs. Wilson is the eleventh in a family of thirteen, as follows: Polly (deceased), John (deceased), Johnson (deceased), Willie (deceased), Martha, Jonathan (deceased), Nancy, Sarah, Benjamin (deceased), Lavina, William (deceased) and Betsey. From childhood Michael Wilson was noted for his quiet demeanor and steady, industrious habits, and his success in life was due to those leading characteristics which be inherited from his sturdy parents, and which were fostered under the care of a good mother. Beginning in life poor, he began at once to practice economy, and this, coupled with steady, persevering industry, caused him to rise, step by step, and fortune to smile upon him, until at the time of his death, which occurred Feb. 10, 1879, he owned over 1,100 acres of land, all in his native township with the exception of 100 across the line in Madison Co. From the age of 30 until his death, he belonged to the Christian Church, of Plattsburg, and a Deacon of the same for several years previous to that sad event. Politically a Republican, he never took a very active part in politics, but was always an earnest advocate of schools, churches and public institutions generally, and his death was a serious loss to the community of which he was an acknowledged leader. He was a quiet, modest, retiring man, who attended strictly to his own affairs, leaving his neighbor to do the same; but no man was more firm and rigid in upholding a just cause when necessity impelled him to take sides. His life was an upright one, free from those imperfections that are so common among business men; and his character was strongly marked by those noble traits of honesty and charity toward all men which won for him the unlimited confidence and respect of all good citizens. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) |