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MAD RIVER TOWNSHIP - 1039 MAD RIVER TOWNSHIP. TEMPLETON W. BAILEY, farmer; P. O. Enon. Mr. Bailey was born in Augusta Co., Va., Dec. 14, 1819, and removed with his parents to Ohio in 1829, locating in Pike Township, Clark County. He received his education in the common schools of Virginia and Ohio. He married, Deb. 6, 1846, in Greene Co., Ohio, Miss Nancy Cox, who was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Nov. 1, 1822. They are the parents of eight children, viz. : David, born March 14, 1848; Elizabeth, born Jan. 30, 1850; Martha Jane, born Oct. 25, 1851, died March 6, 1855; Susan, born Nov. 13, 1853; infant son, born Aug. 28, 1855, and died on the following day; Mary Ellen, born April 25, 1860 ; Rozety, born July 14, 1864; and William Charles, born April 6, 1868. JOSEPH BAKER, farmer; P. O. Enon. Joseph Baker is the son of Melyn and Mary Baker, both natives of New Jersey, and emigrated to Ohio about the year 1800, stopping in Cincinnati one year, then removing to Clark County, where they remained till their death. Mrs. Baker lived to an advanced age, and recounted the following incident of her early life only a short time before her death: During the war of 1812, our troops were being concentrated for the battle of the Thames ; that noted Kentuckian, Col. Richard Johnson, in command of a force of United States troops, stopped at the house of her father, and requested her to furnish himself and staff with supper, lodging and breakfast. Her parents being absent from home, she, a girl of 16, provided for their wants so acceptably that on his return, wounded, from the battle where history gives him the credit of killing that noted Indian chief, Tecumseh, they again stopped at her father's house for entertainment. Joseph Baker was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Sept. 12, 1830, and was educated in the common schools of his native place. At the age of 14, he started for himself farming, in which pursuit he has continued to the present time. He married, Nov. 1, 1855, Miss Elizabeth King, of Clark County. They are the parents of four children, viz. : Mary, Tillie, Joetta and Maud. Joetta died Oct. 9, 1872.. He purchased a portion of the old homestead, containing 98 2/3 acres, which is in a high state of cultivation, and he is in every way prepared to enjoy the comforts of life. MOSES BAKER, farmer; P. O. Enon. Mr. Baker is the son of Jonathan and Sarah Baker, who were natives of New Jersey, and emigrated to Ohio in 1802, locating in Butler County, where they remained three years, when they removed to Clark County, residing there until their death. Our subject was born in Clark County Aug. 8, 1809, just twenty-nine years after Clarke's battle with the Indians The country at that time was still a wilderness, abounding with wild animals, and Indians roamed the forests of 1040 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: the frontier county as it was called. Great labor was required to clear up the land in those days, and young Baker assisted his father in this work, in the meantime receiving such education as was afforded in the log schoolhouses of the day. At the age of 18, Mr. Baker started in business for himself, learning the mason trade, which business he followed until 1836. He then purchased a farm of 108 acres in Mad River Township. He married Miss Mary Davis the same year. They were the parents of six children, four of whom are now living. Mrs. Baker departed this life in the year 1865. Mr. Baker married again to Mrs Cenith Leggett, who died in 1867. He now resides with his daughter, and is now, as he has been for many years, an earnest worker in the cause of Christ. P. J. BREWER, proprietor Enon Hotel, Enon ; is the son of Jacob and Nancy Brewer, and was born Nov. 26, 1817, in Maryland, where be grew to manhood and obtained his education in the common school. About the time of his majority, he went to Berkeley Co., Va., where be learned distilling, which he mostly followed until 1872, remaining in Virginia until 1841, when he came to Greene Co., Ohio, locating near Xenia, and there continued his trade. After abandoning the trade, he engaged on the farm and saw-mill a short time ; thence purchased the Enon Hotel, of which he is now proprietor, and makes it a pleasant home for all who see fit to patronize him. He is an active worker in the Democratic party, by which be was honorably elected Township Trustee in 1880. In November, 1840, he married Kassia Mousby, of Washington Co., Md., and had born to them six children, five daughters and one son. Thirteen months after Kassia's death, he married Mrs. Eliza Butler (of Greene Co., Ohio), who died in April, 1863. His third wife was Mrs. Harrison K. Garlock, of Dayton, Ohio. Three sons were born to the second marriage. GEORGE W. COFFIELD, teacher; Enon. George W. Coffield is the son of John C. and Nancy Coffield. His father was born in Virginia April 30, 1797, and his mother was born in Clark Co., Ohio, April 30, 1816, and still lives on the farm where she was born. Our subject was born May 3, 1843, and was educated in the common schools of Clark Co., and Wittenburg College, of Springfield, Ohio. He has been a successful teacher, holding the highest certificate given in the counties where he has taught, which includes the counties of Clark, Montgomery, Miami and Greene. He also read law in the office of Spence & Arthur, of Springfield, and was admitted to the bar in 1872. After a brief practice, he retired to the farm of his mother, and married Miss Mary B. Bartlett, of Clark Co., June 21, 1874. They are the parents of three children-Carroll D., born Jan. 21, 1877; Ray E., born Oct. 12, 1879; the other dying in infancy. JACOB G. DAVIS, farmer; P. O. Osborn. Mr. Davis is the son of Samuel and Anna Davis, who were pioneers of what is now Clark Co., Ohio, coming from New Jersey in the year 1803, and settling in what is now the west part of Mad River Town ship. The implements of farming in those days were very rude, the plow having a wooden mold-board, and the harrow a fork of a tree with wooden teeth, and plenty of wild animals, such as deer, bears, wolves, wild-cats and porcupines were to be found; also Indians were quite numerous. The subject of this sketch was born in Mad River Township, Clark Co., July 11, 1818, and was rocked in a sugar-trough for the want of a better cradle. He received a limited education in an old log schoolhouse, which was so common in those days. He assisted his father on the farm until 1837, when he went to Shelby Co., Ohio, and there learned the milling business with his brother Daniel. He purchased one-half interest in the mill, which was known as the Davis Bros.' Mills, where he remained for five years; then selling his interest to his brother, returned to Clark Co., renting the old home farm for eight years. At the expiration of his lease, be purchased the farm, containing 1041 acres, to which he has added 10 acres; making 1141 acres of Mad River bottom land, in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Davis married Miss Amy Lippincott, of Franklin Township, Licking Co., Ohio, and their family consists of six children, viz., Clarinda G., born Nov. 11, 1840; Mary R., born June 3, 1843; Anna F., born May 18, 1845; Elthia, born March 31, 1847; William T., born March 7, 1853; George S., born June 3, 1865, died Feb. 25, 1866. MAD RIVER TOWNSHIP. - 1041 WILLIAM T. DAVIS, teacher; Osborn. Wm. T. is the son of Jacob G. and Amy Davis, of Mad River Township, Clark Co., and was born March 7, 1853. He received his education in the common schools of the county, with the exception of one year at the Normal school, at Lebanon, after which he engaged in teaching. He holds the highest grade certificate issued in the county, and commands the highest wages. He has taught five winters in one district, and is engaged for the sixth. He married Miss Mary Purdy, an accomplished young lady of Indianapolis, Aug. 19, 1874. She has taught school six years, and is also a music teacher. They have one child, Olive, born March 31, 1878. SAMUEL DRUMMOND, deceased. This gentleman came to this township in 1807. He was born near Cincinnati, in Hamilton Co., Ohio, in the fall of 1804, and was the son of George and Rosanna (Thompson) Drummond. His father was a native of Scotland, and his mother of Ireland. They settled in New Jersey, close to Pennsylvania, and about 1800 came to Ohio. In 1807 they came to Clark Co., and settled in Sec. 17, Mad River Township, where they died. They had seven children, viz., William James, Mary, Sarah, John. Samuel (our subject) and Nancy. They are all now dead but John and Nancy. Two of them died in infancy. Samuel grew up on the home farm, attending the early log schoolhouse, and affording such assistance on the farm as his tender years would admit. He was married, Feb. 28, 1833, to Ruth Beeth, a native of Greene Co., by whom he had nine children, viz., William T., George T. (deceased), Sarah J., Mark, Nile (killed in the rebellion), Emily, Melissa, Stephen and Caroline (deceased.) Mrs. D. died in November, 1852, and on April 19, 1853, Mr. D. married Mrs. Mary Ann Schrock, widow of Francis Schrock, and daughter of David and Lydia Miller, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in 1843. Mrs. D. was born in Franklin Co., Penn., Aug. 15, 1823, and by her first marriage had five children, viz., Winfield S. (killed in the rebellion), Harrison, Benjamin (deceased), Lydia J. and Mary E. By her marriage with Mr. D., she had Anzonetta (deceased), Rosella, Miller, Goyne, Adele and Ulysses. Politically, Mr. D. was a Republican, and a firm defender of the Union. Three of his sons, and one of his wife's sons fought for their flag in the war of the rebellion. He died May 3, 1869, leaving to his family a pleasant home, and a spotless reputation. Mrs. D. is a member of the Christian Church, of which denomination his first wife was a member. J. K. DUNKEL, retired; P. O. Enon; is the son of John, Sr., and Susan Dunkel, of Lancaster Co., Penn., where J. K. was born Dec. 15, 1818. He acquired a limited education in his early life, and judiciously applied himself to labor in his father's behalf until 20 years of age, at which time he started in life as a farm laborer. In 1849, he married Catharine Shertzer, of his native county and State. He has since become a resident of Ohio, and at present is a citizen of the village of Enon, where he is identified with its interest ; also takes an active interest in the cause of education, and at present is a member of the School Board of that place, which office he duly fills. Mr. and Mrs. Dunkel are the parents of four children, viz., Aaron, Fronna, Henry, and Lucinda. JOHN B. DUNKEL, merchant; P. O. Enon. Among the representative business men of Enon we mention the name of John B. Dunkel as a grocery merchant. He is a son of John and Elizabeth Dunkel, and was born Nov. 20, 1847 ; obtained his education in the common schools, and remained his father's assistant on the farm until 1870, when he married Rebecca, daughter of Reuben Shellabarger, whose biography appears in this history. After his marriage he followed farming one year, then located in Enon, where he purchased a large grocery store, carrying a full line of goods, and through his correct business habits has established a reasonable patronage and obtained the public feeling of the citizens of his township, until he now holds the office of Treasurer of said township, which he fills with honor and credit to himself and party. One child, Clara May, has been given to this union, born Nov. 2, 1873. HENRY L. FEIRSTINE, farmer; P. O. Enon. Mr. Feirstine is the son of George and Sarah Feirstine, of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in 1863, purchasing a farm of 143 acres in Clark Co., on which the subject of this sketch now resides. He 1042 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: was born Oct. 30, 1849, and received his education in the common schools. He married Miss Mary Rockfield, of Greene Co., Ohio. They are the parents of two children - Cora and Maude. Cora was born March 28, 1878; and Maude born July 2, 1879. WALTER HAGER, manufacturer of paper; P. O Enon; is a son of Isaac and Eunice Hager, both natives of Massachusetts, and was born March 4, 1823, at Newton Lower Falls, Mass., where he was raised and educated. He started in life at the age of 15 years by engaging in the paper mills of his native town, which were among the oldest in the United States; there remained fifteen years, and in the meantime, Feb. 25, 1847, married Martha Fuller, of Weston, Mass. About 1853, he engaged in the mills of Jordan & Co., where his ability and knowledge of the business merited the position as manager, to which he was promoted. Two years later he removed to Frankfort, Ky., where he was also employed as foreman of the Frankfort paper mills. At the expiration of two years he removed to Lockland, Ohio, and became agent for the Hazeltine Turbine water-wheel, and was the first to introduce it into Southern Ohio, Central Kentucky, and Southern Indiana. After being thus engaged for some time he resumed the paper trade as manager of the Lower Mills of Lockland, where he remained six years; thence located in Dayton, Ohio, where he took charge of the mills of G. Rutledge, and successfully conducted the same a period of two years. He then located in Clifton, Greene Co., Ohio; engaged in business with Mr. King, the style firm being King & Hager. Six months later he sold his interest, removed to Enon, where he is now in charge of the Republic Mills, and doing a reason able business. Mr. and Mrs. Hager have had born to them six children-Ellen, Gertrude, Sarah, Mary, Edwin, and Albert, of whom two daughters are deceased. J. W. HANES, grain merchant; P. O. Enon. E non, like all villages, has its representative business men, and we can say that J. W. Hanes is one of the live and energetic men of this village. He is the son of Jacob and Margaret Hanes, and was born June 25, 1840, in Richland Co., Ohio; received his early education in the common schools, afterward two years in attendance at the Antioch College, at Yellow Springs, Ohio. In 1864, commenced work on his father's farm, and thus continued until 27 years of age, when he commenced life for himself, by commencing in the grain trade in Enon. Here he has, through proper conduct and good business habits, established a favorable and profitable grain market. In July, 1874, married Emma Spangler, an accomplished young lady. The issue of this union is two children, one son and one daughter. N. HARDMAN, merchant; P. O. Enon; is the son of Peter and Margaret Hardman. Peter was born in Virginia and Margaret in Scotland. Peter Hardman married early in life Miss Margaret Hacker, who ten years previous, when she was 11 years of age, being at the house of her sister, on Hacker's Creek, near Clarksburg, Va., was tomahawked and scalped by the Indians. It seems that a marauding party of Indians was passing through the neighborhood, and attacked the family with whom she was staying, all the members of which were slain. Young Miss Hacker managed to conceal herself behind a door while the work of death was going on, but was finally discovered by one of the savages, who aimed a blow at her with his tomahawk, which took effect upon the side of her head; she fell and laid as if killed. Thinking their work of death complete, they scalped all the members of the family, and dragged the little girl after them from the house by the hair for some fifty yards, where they scalped her and threw her over a fence; observing that she gave signs of life, one of the savages stabbed her with his knife, which fortunately struck a rib, doing but little harm. She was afterward found and cared for, and recovered, although she suffered greatly, and finally died in her 39th year, from the effect of the tomahawk wound on her head. The subject of this memoir was born in Greene Co., Ohio, Jan. 3, 1813; never received but about three months of schooling. At the age of 18 years, started in life for himself by driving stage from Springfield to Cincinnati, then from Springfield to Columbus, and other lines. Those were days before the use of the powerful and useful railroad engine was seen swiftly passing through our land, and travelers then spent weeks and months to complete a journey that is now made in a few short hours. In 1836, married, abandoned stage driving, and engaged in blacksmithing, which he followed a period of five years in West MAD RIVER TOWNSHIP. - 1043 Union, thence located in Enon, Clark County, where he continued his trade until April, 1870, at which time he was taken severely ill, and remained an invalid for eighteen months; reduced his weight from 176 1/2 pounds to 41 pounds, hence was a mere skeleton of the human being. At the time of his marriage, could neither read, write, or calculate the smallest sum in arithmetic; but since his wife began to instruct him, and through his own energy and industry, and her sincere and earnest efforts, he has learned all this, and now is a fair business man. He has always been an earnest worker in the Republican party from its organization. He is now, and has been for five years, Mayor of his village, and had the honor of being Chief Marshal of the Centennial celebration of the "Battleground of Old Piqua," on Aug. 9, 1880. JOSEPH HEBBLE, physician; P. O. Enon. Of the medical profession of Mad River Township, we record the following of Dr. Hebble, who was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., where he acquired his early education in the common schools. In 1841, engaged in teaching, and soon became prominently known as a teacher; there he continued in this pursuit until 1846, when he came to Ohio, locating in Greene County, where he pursued the study of medicine until 1851, thence entered the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio. After attending one course of lectures, abandoned the Medical studies, and engaged in teaching until the fall of 1853, when he resumed the study of medicine in the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, graduating in the spring of 1855. Soon after located in Miami Co., Ohio, where he successfully practiced four years, thence in Johnsville, Montgomery Co., Ohio, where he practiced until July, 1863, when he was commissioned Surgeon of the 55th, O. V. I. After a service of one year, returned to Ohio, and located in Enon, where he has since resided, and has a successful practice. He married Miss Mary E. Casad, by whom he has had nine children ; all but one are now living. J. N. HINKLE, JR., teacher; P. O. Enon. Teaching, as well as all other professions, requires due preparation to secure perfect success, which evidently J. N. Hinkle did; he is a son of J. N. Hinkle, Sr., and was born in Union Co., Ohio, June 4, 1854. Spent his early life in the common schools, where he judiciously applied himself until 1870, when he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, in which institution he devoted his time two years ; then engaged in teaching one year, and entered school at Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio. One year later resumed the profession of teaching, in which he has since been engaged. He is a live and industrious teacher, and commands the best of wages, which his ability merits. His nuptials were celebrated Nov. 1, 1874, with Miss Samantha Kirkland, of Delaware Co., Ohio. This union has been blessed with two children, viz. : John C. and Charles D., both living at the writing of this article. DAVID HUPMAN, farmer; P. O. Enon. Mr. Hupman is the son of John and Elizabeth Hupman, both natives of Virginia; they emigrated to Ohio Sept. 28, 1835, locating in Clark County. His mother died Jan. 1,1856, and his father in December, 1872. Our subject was born in Virginia Jan. 17, 1817, and was educated in the common schools of Clark County. Mr. Hupman assisted his father to clear up his farm, which was among the earliest in this vicinity, and has followed the occupation of farming all his life. He married Miss Maria E. Miller, of Clark Co., Ohio, Nov. 1, 1840. They are the parents of seven children, viz.: Harriet F., born April 5, 1841 ; Charlotte, born April 8, 1843, died in infancy; Mary E., born Nov. 10, 1844, died May 30, 1870 ; Jacob, born July 18, 1847; Ellen Ann, born Feb. 26, 1850; Caroline; born Oct. 13, 1853; Martin, born May 6, 1856. Mr. Hupman owns a farm of 80 acres, under good cultivation, but is at present living with his youngest son, Martin. W. B. JENKINS, farmer; P. O. Enon. Mr. Jenkins is the son of Daniel and Elizabeth. (Moore) Jenkins. His maternal grandfather, Daniel Moore, and wife, Rachael Parks, settled in Sec. 24, Mad River Township, at an early day, and resided there until their death. They were buried on their own farm. His father, Daniel Jenkins, was born in New Jersey, April 30, 1782, and his mother in Pennsylvania, the same year. They came to Ohio in 1812, Daniel being in the war of that date. His wife died Nov. 8, 1827, and he was again married to Mrs. Elizabeth Ford, a native of Virginia. By 1044 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: his first wife he had the following children: Marilla (deceased), Ephraim S., Elmore, William Belford, David G. (deceased), and Amon (deceased). He died Jan. 13, 1868. Our subject was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Aug. 16, 1818, and received only such edu cation as the common schools of that day afforded. He worked at farming until 21 years of age, when he learned the carpenter and millwright's trade, which business he followed until 1851. He married Miss Rachael Sayre, of Clark County, Jan. 2, 1851 ; she was born March 24, 1830, in the house where they now live. She is the daughter of Loyd and Nancy A. (Albin) Sayre. He is a native of Pennsylvania, and she of Virginia. Her grandparents, Joseph and Elizabeth Sayre, were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio, and settled in Sec. 24, Mad River Township, at an early day, and here died. Her father died January, 1853, and her mother, April, 1857. They had four children-Rachael, Elizabeth, Statia (deceased) and Catharine. By his marriage with Miss Sayre, our subject had three children, viz.: Charlotte J., born Sept. 17, 1852, and educated at the Female Institute, at Springfield; Anne E., born June 22, 1856, died - March 3, 1860 ; and George W., born Feb. 22, 1861. Mr. Jenkins has worked his way through life unaided, and now owns a farm of 149 acres, under a high state of cultivation. He is politically a democrat, and has been elected Trustee of the township for eleven years. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and as a upright, honest citizen, he is the peer of any man in Clark County. FRANCIS JOHNSTON, farmer; P. O. Enon. Francis Johnston is the son of Arthur and Frances Johnson, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to America in 1791, locating in Pennsylvania, where they lived till 1795, when they removed to Kentucky. In 1829, they came to Ohio, locating in Greene County. The subject of this sketch was born in Shelby Co., Ky., Oct. 7, 1814 ; his education was obtained in the common schools of Kentucky in log schoolhouses, and the teacher being paid by subscriptions raised in the neighborhood. He came alone on horseback to Ohio, bringing seven horses, at a cost of $3.87 1/2. He lived at home with his mother until her death, which occurred in 1849, since which time his sisters have kept house for him. Mr. Johnston, in 1859, bought the farm of 189 acres on which he now resides, and known as the old " Galloway farm," which was the first settled in the township, and the remains of the first cabin are still to be seen near his present dwelling. It is supposed to be the first house built in Mad River Township. Mr. Johnston has a number of Indian relics, which he has found and preserved, and shows with considerable pride. He has held the office of Township Trustee for several years, being elected by the Republican party, and filling the office with credit to himself and his constituents. A. P. KIDWELL, agent and operator C., C., C. & I. R. R., Enon. Mr. Kidwell is the son of Amos and Rachel Kidwell, who were natives of Virginia and emigrated to Ohio (Nov. 15) in the year 1839, locating in Franklin County. Our subject was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, Jan 12, 1845, and received a common-school education in his native county. At the age of 19 he went to Louis Center and learned telegraphing, in which business he has since been engaged. He was sent to Enon to take charge of the first office on the short line, and has remained there ever since; he married Miss Augusta Sherman, of Delaware Co., Ohio, and they have two children - Vernon, born Jan. 21, 1879; and Henry Stanley, born April 16, 1880. JONAH KNIGHT, minister; P. O. Enon. The father of Rev. Knight was born in Connecticut, and in early life emigrated to Vermont, where he spent his life, which ended in 1830; his wife- being a native of the last-named State, in which she lived, and died in 1848. The subject of this sketch was born in Vermont June 8, 1803, remaining at home until the age of 20, and acquired his education in the common schools. When starting in life, he possessed good physical powers, engaged as farm laborer, and made his way by his own exertions. He followed this pursuit for six or eight years, and in the meantime applied himself, at every opportunity, to divine thoughts, and commenced preaching in behalf of the Christian Church, to which he had belonged for eleven years. To this profession he has ever since applied himself, and deeply interested in the welfare of the church. In 1832, he married Miss Caroline Fay of New Hampshire, to whom eight children were born; one died in infancy, seven MAD RIVER TOWNSHIP. - 1045 grew to maturity, of whom only one survives, and now resides in Nebraska. Caroline died April 11, 1817, and was interred at Mechanicsburg, Ohio. Rev. Knight remained a widower over five years. then married Mrs. D. Robinson of Cincinnati, Ohio. He was an active worker in the Church in his native State about eleven years; thence located in the city of Lynn, Mass. Two years later he emigrated to Ohio and located at Woodstock; there spent over five years in the cause of Christianity, where good was, accomplished; he then located in Warren Co., Ohio, and two years later, removed to his farm of 102 acres, near Louisburg, Ohio, remaining all the time in the ministry; he then became prominently identified in the erection of the Antioch College, at Yellow Springs, of which institution he was Secretary of Board of Trustees for over six years ; acted as agent to secure funds for the college, and defended it in a suit brought in by the builder, A. M. Merryfield, in the year 1865, he being the only trustee of the college at the time. He employed an able attorney, who, after a suit of seven years, came out victorious. He is an active agent in the Christian Biblical Institute, established at New York, for young men preparatory for the ministry. He is now located at Enon, Ohio. and has spent a useful life, which has now been over three-fourths of a century. GEORGE .LAYTON, clerk, Enon. William, his father, was born in the "Northwest Territory," now Ohio, Jan. 8, 1800. . Elizabeth, his wife, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1806. . George, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Ohio, born in Clark Co., Jan. 1, 1848; he received his primary education in the common schools; and in 1860 he entered Wittenburg College, from which he was graduated in 1667 with the highest orders; he entered the law school of Ann Arbor in 1869, graduating from the same in 1871. Mr. Lay ton is a young man of rare abilities, possessing every element of a thorough-going business man, and at present is filling the position of Chief Clerk in one of the leading warehouses of the place. B. D. LONG, teacher; P. O. Springfield. Mr. Long was born in Pennsylvania March 2, 1851. His parents were B. H. and Elizabeth Long, both natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Ohio in April, 1860 ; and located in Clark County in 1861. Our subject received his education in the common schools, with the exception of three months spent at Wittenburg College in 1866, after which he engaged in teaching common schools, and with such success as to command the highest wages paid in Mad River Township. Mr. Long was elected Assessor of Mad River Township for three years; also an active member of the School Board for the same period, and greatly interested in educational affairs generally. He married Miss Susan Rathbon, of Clark County. March 17, 1870. They are the parents of seven children, viz.: John, Aaron, Lizzie, Mandie, Alfred, Benjamin and George. George died April 19. 1878. R. L. MILLER, dealer in agricultural implements, Enon ; his parents, Abraham B., and Barbara Miller, were both born in Lancaster Co., Penn., and emigrated to Ohio in 1840, locating in Clark Co. R. L., the subject of this sketch, is a native of Ohio, born in Clark Co.. May 12, 1853. He was brought up to farm labor, and received his education in the district schools; when 18 years of age he commenced to )earn the carpentering trade, which he followed for about six years, meeting with good success. He married Miss Irena Shellabarger when he was 22 years old. Two children have been born to them, viz.: Bertie flay, born April 14, 1876, Dasia Iowa, deceased. Mr. Miller is now engaged in selling agricultural implements and machinery of all kinds. W. R. RUE, farmer; P. O. Enon. Mr. Rue is the son of John and Sarah Rue. His father was a native of Maryland, and his mother of Pennsylvania ; they removed to Cincinnati in 1798, removing to Greene Co. in 1807. The subject of this sketch was born Feb. 8, 1815, in Mad River Township, and was of great assistance to his father is clearing up his farm which was among the first improvements in this vicinity. Mr. Rue remembers distinctly when the Indians were roving around in. bands numbering from five to five hundred. He has many relics of the Indians, including a fine pipe and two of the largest ear-rings ever found, one of which he found on his farm and the other near the county house. These relics were exhibited at the Clark-Shawnee Centennial, and was a great attraction. Mr. Rue married, in 1840, to Miss Lois Forsythe, 1046 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: of Virginia. He purchased the old homestead in 1865, living on it several years, and then selling it and buying the. farm on which he now resides, containing 81 1/4 acres. Mr. Rue attended general muster for about fifteen years, and from the age of 21 to 55 never failed to work the roads. He saw the Mormons when on their way from Cortland, N. Y., to Nauvoo, Ill., several of whom worked a few days for his father. The family consists of four children-three sons and a daughter. REUBEN SHELLABARGER, farmer; P. O. Enon. Among the old and prominent families of Clark Co, the one to which this gentleman belongs is well worthy of proper recognition in this work. Reuben Shellabarger was born in Mad River Township Nov. 8, 1815, and is a son of Ephraim and Rebecca (Winget) Shellabarger, he a native of Northumberland Co., Penn., and she of Cincinnati, Ohio; her parents, Reuben and Elizabeth Winget, natives of Virginia, coming to this Township in 1805. Ephraim Sbellabargar came to this town in 1811, was preceded by his brother Jacob and accompanied by his brothers Samuel, John and Martin. He was married in 1814 to Rebecca Winget, to whom were born six children-Reuben, Margaret, Martin, Elizabeth, David and Ann, all of whom are now living. He and wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, and died in this township. The subject of this sketch grew to maturity in his native township, receiving such an education as those early days afforded, and was here married Nov. 17, 1836, to Elizabeth Baker, daughter of Melyn and Mary (Layton) Baker, pioneers of Mad River Township. Mrs. Shellabarger was born in the above township Aug. 6, 1818, and had born to her Ephraim, Mary Ann (deceased), Melyn, Minerva, Derastus (deceased). Sarah Jane, Agnus, Rebecca, Maria E., Penie B. and Susan E. (deceased). Mrs. Shellabarger was a sincere adherent of the Christian Church, and died Aug. 5, 1873. Mr. Shellabarger was again married June 24, 1876, to Jane Rynearson, daughter of Barnett and Martha (Winget) Rynearson, he a native of Pennsylvania, and she of Mad River Township, where both are now residing. Mrs. Shellabargar was born in this township Jan. 20, 1831, and is a member of the Christian Church, to which denomination her husband has be longed for forty years. Mr. Shellabarger has been a hardworking, honest farmer all his life and has accumulated a property of 317 acres of fine land which he has well improved. Politically he has always been a stanch Democrat, and in 1854 was elected Township Trustee and re-elected several times, serving continuously until 1877, when he retired, but in 1879 the people again chose him as Trustee, and he is now filling that office. In 1870, and 1880, he was Township Land Appraiser, and has been a member of the Board of Education since its establishment in the township. He is a man who, by integrity and straightforward dealing through life, has merited the confidence and esteem of all good citizens, and is now enjoying the fruits of an industrious, upright life. A. H. SMITH, stock-dealer; P. O. Enon; a son of A. H. and S. E. Smith, of Cincinnati, Ohio. They moved to Clark Co., Ohio, in 1866; bought 1,470 acres of land, all in one body, adjoining the village of Enon. Our subject was born in Cincinnati, Oct. 1, 1850 ; there obtained his early education, and enjoyed city life until 16 years of age. After his parents moved to Clark Co. be attended select school at Springfield, Ohio, starting in life at the age of 18 years. After which he married Miss S. J. Shellabarger, of Clark Co., Oct. 17, 1871, and to this union six children have been born-Amelia, Sallie, Maria, Mary, Justin and Arelia. Mr. Smith now oversees his father's farm, and devotes his time principally to stock, and at present is one of the' Trustees of his Township, to which he was elected by the Democratic party. CHARLES STINE, hotel, Enon. Charles Stine, the subject of this sketch, was born in Union Co., Penn., May 6, 1838. His parents were John and Sarah Stine, both natives of Pennsylvania. They emigrated to Ohio in the fall of 1838, stopping about one year in Medway, Clark Co., when they removed to Fairfield, Greene Co, where they have since resided. His wife died Nov. 18, 1880. The family consisted of fourteen children-eight sons and six daughters, all of whom are living, our subject being the tenth of the family. Charles started for himself Nov. 15, 1858, by going to California, by water, from New York, by the way of the Isthmus of Panama, landing MAD RIVER TOWNSHIP. - 1047 at San Francisco December 16, having had a favorable passage, and only one incident of note during the trip. The steamer Moses Taylor, of which he was a passenger, caught fire on the Atlantic Ocean, when five days out of New York, and gave the passengers quite a fright, but no serious damage was done. He went from San Francisco to Yreka, where he learned the blacksmith's trade, remaining there till the fall of 1861, when he made a trip to Oregon, Washington Territory and Idaho, returning to Yreka the following spring, where he remained until the fall of 1864, when he returned to Ohio, after an absance of six years. He lived on the farm with his father for ten years, making a business of breeding fine hogs, in which he was quite successful. In June 11, 1874, he married Hannah Palmer, of Fairfield. He went into the employ of the Springfield Turnpike Co. as keeper of the toll-gate on the Springfield Pike, near Dayton, where he continued for nearly seven years, when be removed to Enon, purchasing the hotel, at that place, where he intends making his future home. His family of two sons, John, the eldest, was born Dec. 16, 1875, and Frank, who was born Nov. 2, 1877. N. SUMMERBELL, D. D., minister, Enon, long known as the Pastor of Bible Chapel, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and at present the oldest pastor in Cincinnati, was born in New York March 8, 1816, and is the son of Rev. J. Summerbell, a minister in behalf of the M. E. Church. Our subject early began to develop great reverence for the Scriptures, and a corresponding minister of Isaac N. Walter, a Christian minister, was ordained at Little Compton, Rhode Island, in 1839, by Baptist and Christian ministers. His early ministry was in New York City, New Jersey and New England. From the beginning, he became an unwearied Bible student, attending school during the day, and studying the Word of God at night; so well was this known that his brother, a house-carpenter, requested to be awakened when he retired for his two or three hours' rest. The first winter after his conversion, he studied the Bible carefully, word after word, and adopted its leading principles and doctrines, which have since governed his life. In 1849, he removed from Milford, New Jersey, to Cincinnati, Ohio. After building the Bible Chapel, on Longworth street, in 1855, he then removed, as a missionary, to Des Moines, Iowa, in 1859, where, after being the leading instrument in erecting a church, he was called to the Presidency of the Union Christian College, in Indiana, where he faithfully labored six years. By this time the college became well established, and finding that his established cause had declined in Cincinnati, he returned to his old field of labor. He married, in 1843, Miss Euphemia J. Sulton, of Hope, Warren Co., N. J., an accomplished lady and a great worker in the cause of Christ. They are the parents of Rev. J. J. Summerbell, a graduate of Union Christian College, and at present Pastor of the Christian Church at Milford, N. J. His daughter; who was an accomplished lady and teacher of vocal and instrumental music in the above-named college. was called hence in 1877. GEORGE S. WRIGHT; P. O. Enon. Mr. Wright was born March 1, 1845; is the son of Levi and Mary J. Wright; whose parents emigrated from Frederick Co., Va., settling in Clark Co., Ohio, at Green Plains (a Quaker settlement), in 1818. He remembers of having heard his grandfather (Richard Wright, who died in 1864) say that when he settled at Green Plains, that he was compelled to wagon his grain to Cincinnati for market, often trading a bushel of wheat for a pound of coffee. Our subject was reared on a farm, and his father having died in 1848, he was compelled, in early life, to attend the arduous duties of providing for sister, brother and widowed mother, who still reside on the same farm near Green Plains, with the exception of the sister, Mrs. Howe, who resides in Brattleboro, Vt. On account of these early cares, he received but a common school education. When the cry of war rang through the land for volunteers, and President Lincoln made his first call for 300,000 to protect the nation's flag, Mr. Wright dropped his school-books, and at the early age of seventeen years, responded to that call, by enlisting, on the 11th day of January, 1862, in the 10th 0. B., which was soon assigned to the Army of the Southwest, under Gen. Grant, participating in the battles of Shiloh (Pittsburg Landing), Corinth (where he and his gun came near being captured, only escaping by a desperate struggle), Iuka Jackson, Grand Gulf, Vicksburg (forty-two days' siege), Kenesaw Mountain, Marietta and Atlanta, Ga., where 1048 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: his gallant corps commander, Gen. McPherson, was killed on that memorable 22d of July, 1864. The rebels, having been driven entirely out of the Southwest, and Gen. Sherman taking up his march for Savannah, all troops, whose terms of enlistment were fast expiring, were ordered to Nashville, to which place the rebel Gen. Hood was fast making his approach; but the Union forces were there in time to give him a hot reception, and at this place the 10th 0. B. fought its last fight for the Union cause and the stars and. stripes. Mr. Wright having served his three years, was held two months over that time, on account of the battle of Nashville, where 600 soldiers laid down their lives after the term of enlistment had expired ; he was then honorably discharged from the service of the United States, March 2, 1865. Though serving as a private through all this period, he was recommended for a commission for bravery at the battle of Corinth, of which particular mention is made in the army records, and in Whitelaw Reid's History of Ohio in the war (2d Vol.). On account of his age the General of the army did not consider the recommendation favorably. Leaving the service, we again find him engaged in the quiet. pursuit of farming and stock-raising. Continuing at that vocation until 1870, at which time he studied railroading and tele graphing, and was employed on several Western roads in Illinois and Iowa. Returning to Ohio in 1875, he connected himself with the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad, as agent and operator at Enon, Ohio, where he still is employed. On Oct., 1875, he was married to Miss Mary E. Randall, of Springfield, Ohio, the issue of this marriage is a daughter (Estie), born January 10, 1880. We are sorry to record the death of Mr. Wright's wife, which took place April 14, 1880, in the 23d year of her age. We leave Mr. Wright where we found him, young in years, but old in experience, ready and waiting (if need be) his country's call. Is a supporter of the present administration. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) |