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JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
HARVEY ADAIR, blacksmith, Westboro, a native of Hillsboro, Ohio, was born November 17, 1833. His parents, Samuel and Catharine Adair, were early settlers in Highland County. Our subject was reared a farmer boy. When nineteen years old, he learned blacksmithing, which he has followed most of the time ever since. In the fall of 1862, he enlisted in Zouave, Company E, Fifty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was elected Second Lieutenant, and subsequently was transferred to Company E of the Forty-seventh Regiment. He was a participator in the battles of Dallas, Resaca and Lookout Mountain. He witnessed the violent siege at Vicksburg, and accompanied Sherman on his long and toilsome march to the sea. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war, having veteranized while in the term of service. He resumed his trade and followed it to the present time. In 1879, he located on his present farm near Westboro. He was married February 14, 1862, to
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Miss Margaret, daughter of Henry Smith and a native of Warren County. They have had five children, four of whom are living-Ida, Charles, Cora and William. Josie is deceased. Mrs. Adair is a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. A. is connected with the Masonic Fraternity and Grange. Politically, he is a Republican. He owns a neat farm of 114 acres, and carries on farming.
JAMES M. AIKIN (deceased), an honorable and highly esteemed citizen of Westboro, was born in Eastport, Maine, September 11, 1830. His father, James Aikin (whose original name was Aickins), was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1790. He was married, in --, to Eliza, a daughter of William Smith and Margaret A. Davidson, who were also natives of the Emerald Isle. They were primitive Methodists, and members of the church organized and founded by the eminent Charles Wesley, who often presided over meetings held at their house. They emigrated to the United States in June, 1819, and' located in Eastport, Maine, subsequently removing to Hamilton County, Ohio. He had been reared in the Presbyterian faith, but under the preaching of Rev. Adam Poe in 1831-32, be was converted to Methodism, and united with the society at Armstrong Chapel, of which he remained an ardent member till his death, which occurred at the home of his eldest daughter, Mrs. Eliza Norris, near Plainville, Ohio, December 17, 1871. His estimable wife preceded him some six years. Mr. Aikin, the subject of this sketch, was reared and brought up to farming, and pursued that avocation till 1857, when he removed to Clermont County, and to Blanchester, Clinton County, in 1860, when he engaged in butchering. June 15, 1861, in response to the country's first call, Mr. Aikin enlisted in Company E., of the Forty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was chosen First Sergeant, and performed the duties of that office with honor to himself: He participated in the engagement at Charleston, and was discharged in July, 1863, on account of disability. He returned home, and after recuperating in health, and prompted by his unremitting patriotism re-enlisted in defense of "wounded liberty " in Company H., One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Regiment. He was appointed Corporal and served in that capacity till after the close of the war. He was discharged with honors at Baltimore, Md., September 11, 1865, for the very valuable service he had rendered. He then returned to Blanchester and kept the Wright Hotel till the spring of 1866, and moved to Clarksville, and was proprietor of the Star Hotel two years, when he removed to Westboro, and opened the Aikin House, which he conducted till his death. Mr. Aikin celebrated his marriage March 17, 1857, with Miss Caroline L. Leever, a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth Leever, and a native of Clermont County, where she was born August 2, 1823. Two daughters were the fruits of this union-Elvis L., a teacher in the Wilmington public schools, and Cora. Mr. Aikin departed this life June 17, 1874. He was for many years a consistent member of the M. E. Church. He was a man of the highest moral integrity and manly deportment. He was deeply interested in all religious and educational enterprises, and contributed liberally of his means to their support Few men live as plain and unassuming, and so worthy a life as did Mr. Aikin. In his death the church lost an important member, and the community a most estimable citizen. Mrs. Aikin, widow of the deceased, is a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth Leever, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively. The former was born July 26, 1779, and the latter April 16, 1784. They were married and removed to the farm on which they died in 1807. Mr. Leever died February 27, 1865, aged eighty-seventy years. Mrs. L. died October 6, 1849. Mr. L. served in the late war with Great Britain, and was a son of a Mr. Leever, who came from France before the American Revolution.
GEORGE BIGGS, miller, Clinton Valley, son of William B. and Rhoda Biggs; was born in Washington Township December 23, 1824. He was raised on a farm, and followed its pursuits up to 1847, when he engaged in lumbering. He built a saw-mill in Cuba in 1847, which was the first steam saw-mill in Washington Township. In 1856, it burned, and Mr. Biggs removed to Clinton Valley, where he erected the first circular steam saw-mill in Clinton County. He operated this mill till in the latter part of 1860, when he sold it to Joseph Dodd, and resumed farming, which was his business.
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till September, 1879, when he purchased his present mill, which he still runs. Mr. Biggs was married in January, 1849, to Miss Ruth Wright, daughter of Daniel and Teresa Wright. Of their seven children four are living, viz., Marion, born February 14, 1856, married November 2, 1881, to Libbie West; Maria J., born January 2, 1463; Charlie, born March 16, 1864 ; and Rhoda S., born June 4, 1865 ; Alpheus Genevra and David W. are deceased. Mr. Biggs owns a farm of 105 acres, well improved and under a good state of cultivation.
JOHN T. BISHOP, Principal of the Westboro Public Schools, was born in the Queen City February 8, 1851. His father, John T. Bishop, was born in Orange County, N. Y., June 1, 1809, and his mother, Amy A. Bishop, daughter of Shepherd and Mary Randall, was born in Utica, N. Y., May 4, 1813. Her parents came to Cincinnati in 1816. Mr. Bishop's father was a painter, and traveled, pursuing big avocation, till 1849, when he settled in Cincinnati; he died in Covington, Ky., December 9, 1863. Mr. Bishop, the subject of this sketch, was reared in the city till fourteen years of age, and received his education up to that time in the intermediate schools of that place. In 1865, his mother removed to Westboro, and in 1868, when only seventeen years old, he taught his first school in Warren County. He continued teaching up to 1877, when he took charge of the Westboro schools. He occupied the chair of instructor three years, and then engaged as manager in the store of J. D. Hodson one year. In September, 1881, he resumed his former position as Principal, and through his efficient labors the schools are prosperous. Mr. Bishop did not enjoy the advantages given by a rich father, but was left to make the best of life alone. He was diligent and persevering, and by enforcing these two elements, which are important to success, he fitted and qualified himself for a profession in which he has proved himself highly useful. He is a member of the Clinton County Teachers' Association, of which he was Vice President in 1879. He is also associated as a member with the I. O. O. F., No. 280, and the Encampment of Lynchburg.
DAVID CARLISLE, farmer, P. O. Westboro, was born in Butler County, Ohio, in September, 1829. He is a son of Larkin and Sarah (Cassett) Carlisle, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of Pennsylvania. They were both born in the year 1793. In 1853, they removed near Wilmington, and in 1865 to the farm our subject occupies. Mr. Carlisle died December 5, 1875, and Mrs. Carlisle died April 14, 1871. They left three children, viz., David (the subject of this sketch), Burlington, born July 6, 1833. He was Lieutenant of Company G, Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged at the termination of the rebellion, he was killed by the accidental fall of a bridge over Rolling Fork stream in Kentucky, August 7, 1873. Elizabeth, the youngest, was born February 9, 1831, and now resides on the homestead with David. Mr. Carlisle, the subject of this sketch, is a farmer by occupation. In winters, he follows manufacturing brooms. He owns a farm of fifty-two acres.
ASHER CURLES, farmer, P. O. Westboro, a leading, enterprising citizen of JefFerson Township, was born in Brown County June 21, 1837. His father, Samuel Curler, was a native of New Jersey, and was born March 20, 1813. His parents removed to Clermont County in 1819 and to Brown County about 1828. Mrs. Curler, the mother of our subject, formerly Hannah Brown, was a native of Virginia. She was born May 14,1814, and died September 7, 1862. Our subject is the second son, and third child of a family of thirteen children. He was reared on a farm near Fayetteville, and was educated in the National Normal at Lebanon. He was a student at its second session. He was engaged in the profession of teaching from September, 1856, to the spring of 1870. In 1859 and 1860, he was Principal of the Fayetteville schools ; in 1867, of the Blanchester schools, and in 1869 and 1870, of the Westboro schools. In December, 1861, he enlisted in defense of the Union, in Company I, Sixtieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was chosen First Lieutenant; and with his regiment, served as Advance Guards to Gen. Fremont, up the valley of the Shenandoah. He was in the battle of Moorfield, Charleston, Cross Keys, thence to Winchester, and to Harper's Ferry. He was then transferred to Chicago, and paroled to go to Minnesota to quell the Indians, but was discharged
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November 26, 1862. He then returned home, and, after engaging in merchandising in Fayetteville for fifteen months, came to Clinton County and located on his present farm, where he has since resided except five years, 1872 to 1877, during which time he resided in Westboro. In 1876, he was a member of the firm of Haines & Curies, merchants in Westboro. In 1877, he returned to his farm, and has since followed that. vocation in connection with raising stock. November 26, 1863, Mr. Curies celebrated his marriage with Miss Amanda C. Haines, a daughter of M. R. and Susanna Haines. Mrs. Curies, a very estimable lady, was born in Marion Township, May 14, 1840. Six children were added to bless this union ; five are living, viz., Homer G., Luella May. Osee Dell, Water J. and Carey Lee. Mr. and Mrs. Curies are acceptable members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Curies is identified with I.O.O.F. and Encampment. In politics, he is a straight Republican. He served his township as Assessor one term, and as Justice of the Peace one term. He owns a farm of eighty-five sores. well improved and highly cultivated. Mr. Curies is a man of genial disposition, upright integrity, and sterling manly qualities.
WILLIAM A. DARBY, farmer, P. O. Westboro, was born in Washington Township, October 15, 1819. He is a son of William and Pennelia Darby, who were natives of Maryland. They were married in the place of their nativity, and migrated to this county and settled at Snow Hill, where Mr. Darby erected a tannery, which be operated about three years; he then removed to Cuba and constructed two industries of the same kind, and, after running them successfully for several years, he retired from the business. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Austin, in the autumn of 1862, having attained to the ripe age of four score and ten years. Mr. Darby, our subject, was reared on his father's farm, and followed that avocation till 1844, when he took to the carpenter trade, which he pursued till about the close of the civil war. August 1, 1864, be enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He fought in the battle of Franklin, Tenn., and was discharged at the close of the war. Mr. Darby. was married, March 26, 1847, to Helen Degarmo, who died in August, 1848. Mr. Darby again married, May 2, 1850, to Catharine Johnson, who died about 1858. June, 1859, Mr. Darby married Amanda Beatty, and she dying in December, 1867, Mr. Darby united himself in marriage with Sarah J. Demitt, daughter of R. H. and Margaret M. Demitt, and a native of Bourborn County, Ky., where she was born February 3, 1842. Three children were the fruits of this union-Maggie A., born October 1, 1869; Willie L., born November 28, 1871, and Clay J., born September 21, 1873. Mr. Darby is a member of the I.O.O.F., and in politics is an out-and-out Republican. He owns a well-improved farm of fifty-three acres.
JAMES M. DAUGHERTY, farmer, P. O. Westboro, was born in Wayne Township, Clinton County, August 26, 1821. His father, James Daugherty, was a son of William Daugherty, who emigrated from Dublin, Ireland. when ten years old. He served seven years in the war for American independence, and subsequently migrated to Highland County, Ohio, and thence to Clinton County in 1805. He died in Grant County, Ind., having attained to his one hundred and fifth year. Mrs. Daugherty died in Wayne Township, aged ninety-five. Mr. Daugherty, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm till eighteen, when he adopted the blacksmith's trade as his vocation. After following it in various places, he located in Wayne Township, where he pursued his trade till 1858, and came to this township, where he has since resided, engaged in the business of farming. He was a member of Company A, Sixty-sixth Regiment Ohio National Guards, and was active in the battle of Cynthiana, Ky. At the close of the war, he returned home and resumed farming. September, 1853, he was joined in marriage with Mary Good, who bore him four children, two of whom are living, viz.: Peter F. and Hugh. Mrs. Daugherty died August 26, 1858, and August 27, 1859, Mr. Daugherty married Mrs. Rebecca A. Murrell, nee Smith. The two children by this union are Almeda and Sherman G. Mrs. Daugherty had two children by her previous marriage, viz.: Sarah J., wife of Joseph T. Garner, and William W. Murrell, now deceased. Mr. Daugherty and wife are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Daugherty is also identified with the grange. In politics he is a Republican.
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A. F. DENISTON, physician, P. O. Westboro, was born in Morris County, N. J.. October 9, 1830. His parents were James R. and Elizabeth R. (Dilley) Deniston. The former was born in Lancaster County, Penn., and the latter in Essex County, N. J. They removed to Hamilton County, Ohio, and settled at Bethany, and in 1845 moved to Milford, Clermont County, where Mrs. Deniston died in August, 1846. Mr. Deniston died in Columbus in 1866, where he moved in 1862. His father, John W. Deniston, served through the long struggle of eight years, under Gen. George Washington, for our National independence, and died in 1858, at the ripe age of ninety-four years. Capt. Deniston was reared to manhood in Bethany and Milford, and received his excellent education in the common schools. At the age of seventeen, he took up the study of medicine under Dr. Speese, of that county. He prosecuted the study one year, and then began the saddler's trade, which he learned and followed till 1855, in Montgomery and Lynchburg. In 1855, he resumed the study of medicine, under the preceptorship of Dr. S. J. Spence, of Lynchburg, with whom he remained three years. He attended the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, and graduated with the honors of his class in July, 1859. The spring of 1859, he removed to Westboro, and after finishing his medical education he began practicing. June 15, 1861, he responded to his country's call by enlisting in Company E, Forty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was chosen First Lieutenant, and January 9, 1862, he was promoted to Captain of Company E. He, with his company, served in the Army of West Virginia, and participated in the engagements at Carnifex Ferry, Miller's Ferry, Meadow Bluffs and Charleston. June 4, 1863, Capt. Deniston resigned and returned home, and the 29th of August following he was commissioned by Gov. David Todd as Colonel of the Second Regiment of Clinton County Militia. He held this position till September, 1864, when he recruited Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was then elected Second Lieutenant, and subsequently was assigned the Captaincy of the company he recruited. He led his company mid the flying shot and shell of numerous battles. Among the leading engagements were Columbia, Spring Hill, Turnpike Station, Franklin, Nashville and Brentwood. He was Provost Marshal of Maury County, Tenn. At the battles of Franklin and Nashville, he acted as Major General of the One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Regiment July 16, 1865, he. with his company, were honorably discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio, for the very valuable services they rendered. Capt. Deniston was both a valiant soldier and an efficient officer, and nobly supported the Flag of the Union. At the close of his military achievements, Capt Deniston returned to Westboro and resumed his practice. He established a very extensive business, and as a physician he has been successful. Since August, 1880, he has been employed as physician at the Ursuline Convent at St. Martin's, Brown County. November 4, 1852, he was united in marriage with Miss Louis& Troatwine, a daughter of John and Maria Troutwine and a native of Clinton County, where she was born June 18 1829. Of the seven children by this union, four are living, as follows: Ad& M., James E., Anna R. and Besaie H. Mrs. Deniston departed this life in May, 1876, and Dr. Deniston again married, this time, August 7, 1878, to Mrs. Maggie Hockett, widow of Dr. Asa Hockett, and daughter of Albert and Elizabeth Hampton. Mrs. Deniston, also a native of this county, was born July 21, 1839. Dr. Daniston and family are members of the Christian Church. Dr. Deniston is identified with the I.O.O.F. as Treasurer and is also connected with the encampment. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
ANZLEY DONOHOO, farmer, Westboro, Trustee of Jefferson Township, was born in Highland County February 20,1832. He is a son of John and Abigail (Davis) Donoboo, who were natives of Delaware and Pennsylvania respectively. His father came down the Ohio River in a flat-boat in 1798 and located in Kentucky, where he remained two years. In 1800, he came to Ohio, and settled in Highland County, where he purchased about 400 acres of land. He died there in April, 1852, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. He was often heard relating the scene of Washington and his army crossing the Delaware and other Revolutionary events that took place within his own recollections.
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He bad five older brothers, who were Revolutionary patriots. Mr. Donohoo, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood on a farm. In 1852, he went to Pike County, Ill., and, in 1854, he returned to Brown County. Not being satisfied hero, in 1856, he went back to Pike County, and lived there till after the war broke out. August 26, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-eighth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He served in the Army of the Tennessee, and fought at Fort Henry and Shiloh, and was taken with small-pox, and was sick till July 16, when he rejoined his regiment at La Grange, and marched to Memphis, and subsequently fought at Hatchie River, Magnolia Hill, Champion Hills, Black River, siege of Vicksburg and Jackson, where he, and one hundred and fourteen others, were taken prisoners. He was confined at Belle Islo and Libby Prisons for about two months, and was released. He then served on provost duty at Natchez till August 26, 1864, when he was honorably discharged. He then returned to Pike"County, thence to Westboro, this county. In 1874, he located on his present farm. He was married, September 4, 1865, to Miss Margaret Hammer, daughter of William and Mary (Smith) Hammer. Mrs. Donohoo was born in Jefferson Township October 19, 1843. Mr. and Mrs. Donohoo are worthy members of the Christian Church. Mr. Donohoo is identified with the I.O.O. F. Society, and in politics is a Republican. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of Jefferson Township. He also served two previous terms.
JAMES W. FISHER, teacher in the Clinton Valley Schools, was born in Clark Township June 24, 1852, and is a son of Amos and Margaret Fisher. He was reared on a farm till eighteen years of sage, and, up to that time, had not obtained but an ordi nary schooling. He then took a coarse of eleven weeks in the Martinsville Public Schools. By his extreme diligence during this brief term, he fitted himself for teaching and immediately took up the Oak Grove School. He taught about three years in the district schools, and his success was plainly marked by the large number of teachers that passed from his school-room to the teacher's field. Mr. Fisher was thrown upon his own personal resources when very young; but, earnestly and diligently devoting himself to study, has eminently qualified himself for the profession, and now ranks with the most efficient teachers in Clinton County. He is the only person in Clinton County besides the Examiners, who holds a three years' certificate. Mr. Fisher was married, March 18, 1875, to Anna M. Hamrick, youngest daughter of W. H. Hamrick, who was killed at Savannah. Ga., in December, 1864, when in the service of his country. They have two children-Mottier Este and Celia F. Mr. Fisher is Vice President of the Clinton County Teachers' Association. He is also connected with the Society of I O.O.F.
VALENTINE FRITTS, farmer, P. O. Westboro, was born in Perry Township, Brown County, November 8, 1848. His father, Valentine Fritts, died when he was but two years old. When eighteen, his mother, Rachel Fritts, nee Roybold, moved near Westboro. Our subject was reared to manhood on a farm. In 1867, he went to Rae sell County. Kansas, and after a few months returned to this county. He was married, December 31, 1870, to Miss Clarissa Austin, daughter of William and Elizabeth R. Austin. They have had six children, of these four are living. viz., Valentine, Jr., Clarence, John and Walter; William G. and Mabel are deceased. Mr. Fritts is a mem ber of the Christian Church. He owns a farm of 108 acres, and is a successful farmer.
JOHN GIRTON, farmer, P. O. Westboro, one of the prominent and most enterprising citizens of Jefferson Township, was born in Brown County, Ohio, February 28, 1823. His parents, George and Sarah Girton, were natives of Sussex County, Penn., and of New Jersey, respectively. They were married in the "Keystone State;' and came to Brown County, Ohio, in 1811, settling in Perry Township. Mr. Girton was born February 11, 1776, and died March 11, 1858. Mrs. G. was born February 2, 1783, and departed this life August 28, 1865. Mr. Girton's grandfather, William Girton, was a man of Revolutionary distinction, and came to Brown County in the early days of 1808. His father emigrated from England with English colonists and was killed in the French and Indian war. Mr. Girton, whose name heads this sketch, is the seventh son and eighth child of eleven children, nearly all of whom lived to be
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over fifty years old. Our subject was reared to his majority on his father's farm and received his training in the common schools. November 1, 1861, he rallied to his country's call and enlisted in Company E, Forty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served in the Fifteenth Corps, Army of the Tennessee, under Gen. Logan, and participated in the following battles: Leesburg, Va., Charleston, Va., Resaca, Ga., siege of Atlanta, Chattahoochee River and a number of minor engagements. For a time he was on detached service in the Officers' Hospital at Nashville, Tenn. He was honorably discharged November 16, 1864. He then returned home and resumed farming on the place he now occupies, where he settled in 1847. He owns an excellent farm of 305 acres. He makes the rearing and breeding of Poland-China hogs a leading pursuit, and in fact he ranks as the leading hog breeder of Jefferson Township. Since 1865, he has also devoted much attention to raising Norman draft horses, in which he has been very successful. He has exhibited his horses at the following fairs: Clermont County, Warren County, Highland County, Greenfield Union Fair, Jimtown Union Fair, Clinton County and Blanchester, and at each exhibition his stock carried off the first premium He has one horse, the best in Southern Ohio. His sire was imported from France in 1872, and cost $3,000. Mr. Girton is a man of influence. He served his township as Justice of the Peace one term and also held minor offices. He celebrated his marriage, February 17, 1848, with :Miss Edith Butterworth, a daughter of Maormon and Fanny (Smith) Butterworth. Mrs. Girton is a native of Warren County, where she was born March 24, 1831. Eight children were the fruits of this union ; of these seven are living, as follows: Stephen G. (married Ella White), Fanny, Ann (wife of W. H. Bales), Jessie (wife of Frank S. Bales), Samuel C., Ottillie G. and Rosabel. George M. is deceased. Mr. Girton and family are consistent members of the M. E. Church, in which Mr. Girton is a very prominent member. He was a member of the Board of Trustees in the erection of the M. E. Church at Westboro, and has more or less been prominently connected with all public improvements and important enterprises in his township. He is identified with the I.O.O.F. Society, also of the Encampment. His political affiliations have been with the Republican party since its organization.
STEPHEN G. GIRTON, farmer, P. O. Westboro, son of John and Edith Girton, was born in Jefferson Township, August 28, 1849. He passed his early life on his father's farm, and received his training in the common schools. He was married March 4, 1875, to Miss Caroline E. White, eldest daughter of Thomas and Rachel White; and a native of Hocking County, where she was born, December 28, 1859. This union was blest with three children, of these one is living-John Walter, born September 4, 1879; Fannie B., born April 26, 1876, and died the 28th of the same month, and Charlie, born March 31, 1877, and died April 12, 1877. Mr. Girton is by occupation a mechanic, and has followed that business very successfully. He and wife are earnest and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. Girton is a Republican.
MORDECAI M. HAINES, farmer, P. O. Westboro, was born February 2, 1832. He is the second son of Granville and Rhoda Haines, who were among the early pioneers of Clinton County. Mr. Haines was reared on a farm, and has always followed that business. For the last twenty-eight years, Mr. Haines his occupied and farmed the old homestead. He was married November 10, 1853, to Miss Leona Curl, daughter of Joel Curl, of Greene County, Ohio. Nine children were the fruits of this union, as follows: Maria L., wife of Erlistus Moon; Andrew J., married Bell Garner; Joel E., Mary M., Emma, Cora, Brisbine, Arthur and Hattie. Mr. Haines was a member of Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the late war, and was a participator in the Franklin and Nashville engagements. He was Color Sergeant, and was discharged from that position at the close of the war. He served two months as a mechanic in constructing the large depot at Nashville. At the close of the war, he returned home and resumed farming and stock raising, in which he has been eminently successful. Of late years, he has devoted considerable attention to fruit-raising. He owns an excellently improved farm of 235 acres ;
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fifteen of which is orchard. Mr. Haines is identified with the Grande as Lmturer. In political affairs, he is a Republican. He is a man of enterprise and has achieved a worthy success.
SYLVESTER C. HAINES, merchant, Westboro, of the firm of S. C. Haines Co., merchants, was born in Marion Township, Clinton County, December 2, 1855. His parents were M. R. and Susan R. Haines. Mr. Haines spent his youth and early manhood on a farm and acquired his education in the Normal School of Lebanon. He graduated from that institution of learning in June, 1878. The following winter, he taught in Warren County, and the same yea: he engaged in the mercantile business with Haines Bra., of Martinsville. In February, 1880, this firm opened a branch store in Westboro, under the firm name S. C. Haines & Co., and Mr. Haines has sine had charge of this department of their business. They carry a neat and well-selectee stock of dry goods; groceries, boots, shoes, hats and caps to the amount of $5,000 They do exclusively a cash business. In 1881, their sales aggregated $20,000. Mr. Haines is a successful merchant. He is a gentleman of culture, and by his genial, courteous manner and upright business principles he has won the respect and esteem of many. He was married July 20, 1881, to Miss Emma Hadley, a daughter of William Hadley, of Martinsville. Mrs. Haines is a native of Clark Township, where she was born November 29, 1861. Mr. Haines is connected as a member with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mrs. Haines with the Society of Friends. Mr. Haines is identified with the Masonic fraternity, and I.O.O.F. as Vice Grand. His political associations have been with the Republican party. July, 1876, he enlisted in Company C, Thirteenth Ohio State Militia, and was elected Commissary Sergeant. He served in that capacity till August, 1881, when he received an honorable discharge.
JAMES HAMMER, farmer, P. O. Westboro, is one of the oldest and most esteemed pioneers of Jefferson 'Township. He was born in Highland County, January 5, 1812, and is a son of William and Jane (Thompson) Hammer, the former a native of Chatham County, N. C., where-he was born June 1, 1791. His parents emigrated to Highland County in 1802, and, in 1817, to what is now Jefferson Town+hip, Clinton County. Mr. Hammer, the father.of our subject, served in the late war with Great Britain, and died March 22, 1874. Mrs. Hammer was a native of Maryland, and was born May 16, 1789; she died July 3, 1833. Mr. Hammer is the oldest son of his father. He was reared to maturity in the midst of primeval nature, and received only such an education as the "pioneer days" afforded. He was married, June 5, 1834, to Miss Mary Garner, a daughter of John and Eleanor (Ratcliff ) Garner. Mrs. Hammer was born in Highland County, January 12, 1818. This marriage was blest with ten children, of whom six are living, viz., Jane, born September 6, 1836; Amos G., born June 7, 1843; William R., born January 13, 1846; Irene, born March 23, 1853 (wife of Joel Hockett); Noah L., born September 24, 1859; and Mary E., born September 14, 1863. Mr. Hammer and wife are earnest workers in the Society of Friends. Mr. Hammer owns a small farm of fifty-six acres. He is a man eminently respected as esteemed.
WILLIAM P. HAMMER, merchant, Westboro, senior member of the firm of Hammer Bros., was born in Jefferson Township May 31, 1842. He is a son of John and Drusilla Hammer. His father was born March 28, 1806, and his mother was born February 16, 1812. In 1820 or 1821, Mr. Hammer came from Highland County to Jefferson Township, where he died April, 1878. Mrs. Hammer died February, 1881. Mr. Hammer, our subject, is the fourth son and sixth child of a family of nine children. He was reared to manhood on his father's farm. June 29, 1863, he enlisted in Company F, Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served in the Northern Department, and was detailed as Private Orderly to Gens. Heintzelman and Hooker. He was honorably discharged July 3, 1865, at the close of the war. He then returned home and pursued farming up to 1870, when he went to Lima, Allen Co., Ohio, where he followed the trade of painting two years. He returned to Westboro, and with his brother, John A. Hammer, engaged in the drug trade. The firm carries a stock consisting of drugs, groceries, sundries and jewelry to the amount of $1,800. Their
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annual sales reach $7,000. September 10, 1869, Mr. Hammer was married to Miss Ann M. McCrady, daughter of Samuel McCrady, and a native of Warren County, where she was born March 29, 1850. Mr. Hammer is connected with the I.0.0.F., and in politics he is Democratic. He served as Treasurer of Jefferson Township since 1876.
AMOS G. HAMMER, M. D., Westboro, is a son of James and Mary Hammer. He was born in Jefferson Township, June 7, 1843. June 26, 1863, be enlisted in Company F, Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served on detached duty at Camp Chase, Ohio, and was honorably discharged February 14, 1865, on account of permanent physical disability contracted while he had the measles. He then returned home and took up the study of medicine and attended the Physic-Medical College of Cincinnati, graduating in February, 1867. He practiced in Honey Creek, Henry Co., Ind., and since in Ackworth, Warren Co., Iowa, also in South Lebanon, Paintersville and Martinsville. On account of ill health, he was compelled to retire from active life. He was married, November 8, 1870, to Mattie Constable, by whom he has had two children - Maretta and Nora, both deceased. Dr. Hammer is a member of the Friends' Society, and politically is a Prohibitionist.
WILLIAM HOCKETT, grain dealer, etc., Westboro, son of Thomas and Sarah (Newby) Hockett, was born in Greene Township, Clinton County, Ohio, November 7, 1842. When twelve years of age, his parents removed to Westboro, where his father engaged in the mercantile business. He was reared to his' majority as a clerk in the store. In 1862, he entered the store of Lewis Hockett as clerk. He occupied this position till August 24, 1864, when he enlisted in defense of his country. He was a member of Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Army of the Cumberland. He was in the pursuit of Hood. At Columbia, Tenn., he was appointed clerk in the officb of the Provost-Marshal, and performed the duties in that relation till the close of the rebellion, and was mustered out at Nashville, June 27, 1865. He returned home, and, after clerking for Garner Hinshaw one year and J. D. Hodson till the spring of 1876, he became a member of the firm of J. D. Hodson & Co., and they continued in business together one year. Mr. Hockett was then appointed Assistant Postmaster, and has also had charge of the station agency and telegraph office ever since. For the last three years, Mr. Hookett has been engaged with Mr. Hodson in grain dealing, doing an extensive business. February 18, 1864, Mr. Hockett was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Ewing, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Ewing. Mrs. Hockett was born in Clermont County, February 2, 1838. Five children were given to bless this union-Irene, Eugene, Thomas and Martha; an infant is deceased; Mr. and Mrs. Hockett are members of the Friends' Society. In politics, Mr. H. is a Republican.
JOHN HOLADAY, farmer, P. O. Westboro; a prominent short-horned cattle raiser of Clinton County, is a native of Adams Township. He was born January 30, 1828. His parents, John and Susanna (Falkner) Holaday, were natives of North Carolina and Virginia. The former was born February 10, 1784, and the latter June 16, 1785. They were married December 2, 1807. In 1806, Mr. Holaday came to Clinton County, and bought a tract of land near Sligo, and settled on it after his marriage. In 1840, he removed to Jefferson Township, and purchased 800 acres of land. He died September 1, 1852. Of his eight children, five are living, viz. Hannah, Mary A., Jesse F., Susanna, John, Robert, William and Betsey. Mr. Holaday, our subject, was reared on a farm, and was educated in the common schools. Mr. Holaday is a very successful agriculturist. Since 1871, he has devoted his attention largely to rearing Short-Horn cattle, and has been so successful that be now ranks with the leading Durham stock-raisers of Clinton County. He exhibits his stock at most of the county fairs, and has won their highest premiums. Mr. Holaday is also engaged in rearing the American Merino sheep and Poland-China hogs. He owns a well-improved farm of 205 acres, a part of which formerly comprised the old homestead. Mr. Holaday was married, October 14, 185'3, to Ruth Hockett, a daughter of Mahlon and Anna Hockett. Three sons were the fruits of this family, viz.: Elwood, born October 1, 1853, married
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Maggie Vantrump; Francis M., born May 26, 1856; and Milton, born June 14, 1858, married Laura Thornhill. Mr. and Mrs. Holaday are members of the Society of Friends. Mrs. H. is a minister in that church. and has labored many years with the grandest success. Mr. Holaday has been prominently with. the Grange Order for several years. In politics, he is a pure Republican.
SIMEON HODSON, commission merchant, Westboro, a member of the firm of Weber, Lager & Co., live-stock commission merchants of Cincinnati, was born in Highland County, Ohio, September 1, 1830. He is a son of George and Mary Hodson, who removed near Westboro in 1834. Mr. Hodson grew to manhood on a farm, and has always followed that avocation is connection with other business. For the last, twenty years, he has dealt extensively in all kinds of live stock. The fall of 1871, he engaged in the live-stock commission business in Cincinnati with a company known as Allen, Hodson & Co. He remained a partner in this company up to 1875, when be engaged with the firm of Weber, Laper & Co., a reliable firm of over twenty years' standing. Mr. Hodson is a successful business man and stock dealer. He entered life with very little means; but, by his perseverance and good business management, he has acquired valuable property, all of which he obtained honorably. He owns a farm of 127 acres of land, with fine improvements, and under a high state of cultivation. August 25, 1850, Mr. Hodson way united in marriage with Miss Mary L. Cunningham, a daughter of James and Sarah Cunningham. Mrs. Hodson was born in Highland County in August, 1831. This union was blessed with six children, of these four are living, as follows: Florence, wife of Dr. James M. Austin, of Springfield, Ohio; Charles J., a physician-he graduated from the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati in March, 1881; Marietta and Anna M. are the youngest. Sarah E. and George E. are deceased. Mr. Hodson and wife are members of the Society of Friends. Mr. Hodson is connected with the society of f. 0. 0. F., and also of the Encampment. He carries a $3,000 policy in the I.O.O.F. Beneficial Association for Widows and Orphans. Mr. Hodson's political affiliations has been with the Democratic party.
JOHN D. HODSON, a prominent merchant of Westboro, was born in Jefferson Township January 9, 1839. His parents were George, and Mary A. (Driscoll) Hodson. The former wag a native of North Carolina, where he was born February 29, 1812. When he was ten years of age, his parents, John and Mary (Johnson) Hodson, removed to Highland County. Ohio, and settled where the village of Samantha now stands. In 1834, Mr. Hodson, the father of our subject, came to Jefferson Township, and purchased a tract of land containing 200 acres, two miles east of Westboro. He lived here until 1850. when he removed to Fountain County, Ind., where he died the same year. In 1854, Mrs. Hodson married Elijah King, of Grant County, Ind., where she departed this life September 10, 1869. Mr. Hodson, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools and Westboro Select School. At the early age of eighteen, he embarked in the profession of teaching, which he followed most of the time up to 1866. In December, 1862, he entered the Quartermaster's Department of the army as chief clerk to Capt. L C. Noble, of the Twenty-third Army Corps, Gen. Schofield's command He performed the duties of that position with excellent ability until the close of Sherman's campaign at Raleigh, N. C. He then returned to Westboro, and subsequently engaged in the mercantile business, which he has successfully followed ever since. In 1872, be bought a stock of goods of Lewis Hockett, and was appointed Postmaster. At the same time, he assumed by appointment the telegraph, ticket and express agencies which he still holds. Since 1872, Mr. Hodson has dealt extensively in grain. In 18S0, he and William Hockett bought and shipped from Westboro over 40,000 bushels of wheat, and about 10,000 bushels from other grain points. When Mr. Hodson was seven years of age, his father became a bankrupt, having, through kindness, gone the security of parties who subsequently failed. Five years later, he died, and left a large family in an unfavorable situation, and it fell to the lot of the son, whose name heads this sketch, to aid in their support. After bestowing the fruits of his labors of several years to them, his mother married, and he sought about to acquire a fortune-without capital-save his energy and business qualities. And it is
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due Mr. Hodson to say that his efforts have been crowned with good success. He has established an extensive business, and obtained much valuable property through the honest dealings of his life. At the age of twenty-one, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and at the same time Clerk of Jefferson Township. He served as Justice one term, and Clerk ten years. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., also of the Encampment. His political affiliations have Well with the Republican party. He and wife are consistent. members of the Society of Friends. Mr. Hodson owns a residence and store in Westboro, and 120 acres of well-improved land adjoining the village. He also owns a quarter section of land near Kingman City, Kan., which he devotes to raising wheat. August ti, 1859, Mr. Ilodson was united in marriage with Nancy E. Hockett, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Hockett, Mrs. Hodson departed this life May 2, 1861, having had one child, also deceased. Mr. Hodson again married September 16, 1864. This time to Miss Martha J. Hockett, a sister of his previous wife. One child was added to bless this union-Clyde, born May, 18116, and died January, 1867.
CURTIS JACKSON (deceased) settled on Dix's survey in the year 1841. Was a native of North Carolina, born on New Fear's Day, 1793, and in 1797 removed with his parents to East Tennessee. From there, in the year 1802, to Highland County, Ohio, near the present. site of the village of Lexington, and about the year 1810 to the immediate vicinity of Martinsville, where he lived till his removal to Jefferson Township. Early in life, he engaged as a drover. He took the first drove of hogs from Clinton County to Cincinnati. Although his chief employment was farming, he fre quently engaged in other occupations. He, with his brother Josiah, boated salt from the Kanawha to Cincinnati, and in the year 1817 they shipped two flat-bottomed boats, loaded with meat, from Cincinnati to New Orleans. They afterward drove horses to Virginia and Kentucky. In the year 1828, they took a drove to Kentucky, and by selling to an irresponsible party and allowing him to get possession of them they lost the entire drove. Soon after this unfortunate event, the subject of this sketch took, by wagon, a lot of goods from Cincinnati, by way of Vincennes, to St. Louis, which was then a town of less importance than Cincinnati. He continued west as far as Palmyra, Mo.; thence northeast in company with others through the unsettled country of northern Missouri and Iowa, then known as Black Hawk's purchase, to Galena, which was attracting considerable attention at that time on account of the lead mines in the vicinity. He then started a stage line to Mineral Point, which is now in the State of Wisconsin, but was then the Territory of Michigan. He remained there nearly a year with but poor success, and finally started home on horseback, in company with Adam Fouse and Benjamin Drake, the latter now living in Greene Township, this county. They came down the west side of the Mississippi and crossed at Rock Island on horseback, and continued over the prairies of Illinois and through the unbroken wilderness of Indiana, and reached Clinton County, Ohio, after an absence of about one year. He built a grist-mill near Martinsville which was run with but little profit. For two winters he engaged in the business of slaughtering hogs, salting the meat and hauling with wagons to Cincinnati, which was generally an arduous business, as the road was generally muddy through the winter season. In the autumn of 1840, he collected 1,400 hogs at Green field, Highland Co.. Ohio, and drove them to the city of Baltimore. But hard winter setting in unusually early, and while they were yet in the Alleghany Mountains, and the snow falling to the depth of four feet very much impeded their progress and caused quite a number of the hogs to perish, and with all the unfavorable circumstances combined it proved to be a disastrous enterprise. After his return, he removed to Jefferson Township, and there resided till his death on the last day of April, 1850. He was a man who took great interest in all public enterprises, and at the time of his death was a Director of the Hillsboro & Cincinnati Railroad Company. He was married to Lydia Summer, of Highland County, Ohio, daughter of Thomas and Hannah Sumner. She was a native of Stokes County, N. C. She survived her husband nearly twenty-six years. To this union there were given nine children, seven of whom are living Lucinda, the eldest, who married Lewis Hockett, died in Wilmington in the year 1875; the second daughter, Hannah, the wife of Charles Dingee, is now living in
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Iowa; the third daughter, Phebe, died at the age of twenty-one; Anna, the wife of James H. Williams, now lives in Jefferson Township, near Westboro; Louisa, the youngest, the wife of B. F. Johnson, lives in Clark Township; John W., Jerry T. and Thomas S. all live in Jefferson Township; Jesse, the youngest of the boys, lives in Poweshiek County, Iowa.
JOHN W. JACKSON, farmer, P. O. Westboro, son of Curtis and Lydia (Sumner) Jackson, was born near Martinsville, Ohio, December 29, 1821. He is the eldest son and fourth child of a family of nine children; seven of whom are living. Mr. Jackson was reared to manhood on his father's farm. In 1843, he went to Cincinnati, and was in the employ of Samuel Perin for a time, and returned home in the fall. He then sold clocks for three years, and, at the expiration of this time, he purchased a farm of 144 acres in Jefferson Township, for which he paid $700. He farmed one year, and then removed to Martinsville, and subsequently engaged in selling windmills for Smith & Sawyer, of Zanesfield, Ohio. He was made manager of this industry, and moved to Zanesfield. One year later, he returned to Martinsville, and subsequently to his farm in Jefferson Township, where he has since resided, pursuing agriculture and stock-raising. For the last fifteen years, he has reared and shipped fine hogs. He also bought and sold mules for a number of years. Mr. Jackson owns a well-improved farm of 253 acres, besides a good farm of 290 acres in Washington County, Iowa. Mr. Jackson started in life with a very limited capital, but, by freely using the weapons which nature had given him and by his good business management, he accumulated large property. He was married the first time April 12, 1846, to Martha Dickinson, a daughter of Thomas and Maria Dickinson. She was born near Zanesfield, Ohio, and died in September, 1872. The children by this union are as follows: Lydia A., a teacher; Thomas D.; Josephine, wife of William Glascow ; Margaret C., Curtis, Helena W. and Josiah. Mr. Jackson was married the second time, November 22, 1877. This time to Mrs. Lucinda V. Phelps, widow of Thomas Phelps, and daughter of Thomas. and Margaret Hogan, who came to Martinsville in 1835. Mr. Hogan was an architect of more than ordinary skill. He was somewhat addicted to intemperance, but reformed, and was largely instrumental in organizing and founding the Methodist Episcopal Church of Martinsville. He finally died in the triumphs of the faith of the cause he so nobly supported. Mrs. Jackson was married to Mr. Phelps September 30, 1858, and had two children-Charles T. and Anna P. Mr. Phelps died January 1, 1861. Mrs. Jackson was born in Bedford County, Va., May 3, 1831. Mr. Jackson is a member of the Society of Friends. He is identified with the society of I.O.O.F., and in politics he is a Republican.
JERRY T. JACKSON, farmer, P. O. Westboro, son of Curtis and Lydia Jackson, was born in Clark Township March 18, 1824. He was reared in Clark Township till seventeen years of age, when his parents removed to Jefferson, where he attained to his majority. He celebrated his marriage January 8, 1846, with Miss Dorothy Hammer, daughter of William and Jennie Hammer. Mrs. Jackson was born in Jefferson Township September 5, 1827. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson located on their present farm March 7, 1851, and have since resided there. Mr. Jackson owns a neatly improved farm of eighty-seven acres, and makes a leading pursuit in rearing and breeding Poland-China hogs. He and wife are both respected members of the Society of Friends. Mr. Jackson is a Republican. He was a member of the Board of Trustees two years, and has also held various minor offices.
WILLIAM M. JACKSON, merchant, Clinton Valley, was born in Adams County, Ohio, August 16, 1821. His parents; Robert and Ann Jackson, were natives of Greene County, Penn., and removed to Adams County, Ohio, in 1815, and to Clarksville in 1856, and in 1859 to Westboro. where they both died, the former November, 1864, and the latter March, 1862. Mr. Jackson's father, Samuel Jackson, was a sol dier in the American Revolution. Mr. Jackson, our subject, was reared on a farm. At the age of twenty-two, he learned the blacksmith trade in Clarksville, and in partnership with his brother, James M. Jackson, ran a shop there for eleven years. In October, 1858, he removed to Westboro, and followed his trade till August 29, 1864, when
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 1037
he joined Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was discharged June 27, 1865, and returned home and resumed blacksmithing, which he pursued till February, 1874, when he embarked in merchandising in Westboro with J. T. Hammer, with whom he continued till February 18, 1878. He then removed to Clinton Valley, and with his sot), James A. Jackson, established a general store, and has since been doing a successful business. Mr. Jackson was married in October, 1848, to Mary Cravens, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Cravens, and a native of Pennsylvania, where she was born in August, 1829. Three children were added to this union, two of whom are living, viz., Sarah E., born November 28, 1853, wife of J. C. Wickersham ; and James A., September 28, 1849, was married October 4, 1879, to Miss Effie Collins, daughter of Emmanuel and Elizabeth Collins. Mrs. Effie Jackson was born in Vernon Township December 25, 1861. One child, Lester H., was born to this marriage; he was born July 21, 1880.
JOEL MOON, farmer, P. O. Westboro, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Moon, was born in this township May 5, 1827. When but a boy he was compelled to go out in the world and do for himself. He was married March 8, 1851, to Rebecca J. Moore, a daughter of Macajah and Rebecca (McGee) Moore. Mrs. Moon was born in Washington Township Ootober 8, 1835. Six children were added to this union, viz., Ella J., born October 18, 1852, wife of Wilson Peele ; Emerson E., born August 13, 1855, married Florence E. Hale; Americus E., December 26, 1859; George F., born April 27, 1866; Rollie E., January 26, 1868 ; and Harley A., March 21, 1869. Mr. Moon owns a farm of 60 acres, and is engaged in tilling the soil. He and wife are communicants with the Christian Church; Mr. M. is also connected with the I.O.O.F. In politics, he is a Republican. In 1862, he was elected to the Board of Trustees of Jefferson, and re-elected in 1863; he was again chosen to that office in 1877, and has since been a member of that body.
JASON G. MOON, farmer, P. O. Westboro, for many years one of Clinton County's most successful teachers, was born in Jefferson Township December 18, 1837. He is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Hockett) Moon, natives of Sevier County, Tenn. They came to this county in 1809 with the noted " Moon Colony." At the early age of twelve years, our subject embarked on " life's voyage alone." He found work with a farmer at a salary of 87 per month, and finally, at a riper age, was advanced to $15 per month. In August, 1856, he engaged in teaching by taking up the Sycamore School. In order to better fit himself for his chosen profession, in 1859 he attended one term in the Lebanon Normal. He then resumed teaching, which he has since followed with fine success. Among his self-acquirements was algebra, geometry and surveying; the latter he followed considerably. He was Deputy County Surveyor one term under Hiram E. Moon. He served as Clerk of Jefferson Township for six years. April 6, 1861, he was married to Miss Lydia E. Cravens, daughter of John and Elizabeth Cravens. Mrs. Moon was born in Highland County, Ohio, February 9, 1843. Mr. Moon and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Moon in politics is an advocate of Republicanism. He owns a well-improved farm of 117 1/2 acres, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising to some extent.
WILERSON T. MOON, farmer, P. O. Westboro, was born in Jefferson Township, May 5, 1833. He is a son of James and Sarah (Clark) Moon, who were natives of Tennessee and Virginia. The former was born September 19, 1801, and the latter December 28, 1803. They were married near Martinsville, and had sixteen children, eight sons and eight daughters, viz., Rhoda, born September 22, 1820 ; Jane, born October 30, 1821 ; Elizabeth, born January 30, 1823; William C., born January 30, 1825; Elihu, born July 6, 1826; Mary, born October 10, 1828 ; John B., born June 1829; James V., born February 14, 1831 ; Wilerson T., our subject; Josiah D., born March 16, 1835 ; Sarah A., born January 20, 1837 ; Lusetta M., born November 5, 1838; Ruth, born June 15, 1841 ; Daniel C., born June 26, 1843 ; Joseph H., born March 21, 1845, and Nancy C., born September 9, 1848. Mr. Moon, our subject, was married September 4, 185'3, to Miss Lydia Hockett, daughter of Jacob and Anna (Milliner) Hockett, and a native of Jefferson Township. She was born August
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9, 1834. They had seven children, viz., Sanford A., burn June 14, 1853; Erlistus J., born July :11, 1856; Walter E., born February 23, 1858 ; Elbridge H., born March 2, 1865; Eva, born February 20, 1862 ; Anna, burn September 6, 1866, and Jacob, born July 27, 1873. Mr. Moon served in Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and fought in the battle of Nashville. He was discharged with honors at the close of the war. Mr. Moon and wile are members of the Friends' Society. Mr. Moon is identified with the society of I.O.O.F., and also with the Republican party. He owns a farm of ninety-seven acres, seventy-six of which is improved and under a good stag of cultivation. He pursues farming and raising stock.
ALFRED MILLER, farmer, P. O. Westboro, was born in Perry Township, Brown County, Ohio, February 28, 1843. His parents, Abram and Belinda (Orr) Miller, were both born near MIlford, Clermont Co., Ohio. Mr. Miller was reared to manhood on a farm, and was educated in the common schools of the country June 15, 1861, at the youthful age of eighteen, ire enlisted his services to his country, in Company E, Forty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served about sixteen months in the army of West Virginia, and participated in the battles of Charleston and Lewisburg. He was then transferred to Gen. Sherman's army, and was active in the terrible siege of Vicksburg, Jackson and Mission Ridge. He then marched to Knoxville to relieve Burnside ; thence to Larkinsville, Ala., where he veteranized. He spent a month at home, then rejoined his regiment at Resaca, Ga., and accompanied Sherman on his famous "march to the sea." He was in all the engagements incident to the Atlanta campaign, except that of Kenesaw Mountain. After the battle of Atlanta, he was promoted to First Sergeant He was disenarged at Louisville, Ky., June 26, 1865, after long and valuable service to his country. He was present at the grand review of all the armies at Washington, D. C. Mr. Miller returned home and resumed his occupation. He was married, September 26, 1865, to Miss Sarah J. Van Matre, a daughter of William and Margaret Van Matre. Mrs. Miller was born in Highland County January 8, 1844.. This union was blessed with four children-Mary L., born September 16, 1866; William A., born July 15, 1871 ; Charlie M., born January 23, 1877, and Florence B., born February 19, 1879. Mr. Miller lived in Brown County till 1875, when he purchased his present farm and located on it. He is, by occupation, an agriculturist. He and wife are devout Christians, both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Miller is also connected with the I.O.O.F. His political views are Republican.
BRYANT ROBINSON, Westboro, a valiant defender of the "flag of the Union " was born in Susquehanna County, Penn., March 4, 1817. His parents, John and Sarah Robinson, were natives of the "Keystone" State. His great-grand mother, Mrs. Ousterhout, was present at the bloody " Wyoming massacre," and was captured by the uncouth savages, whose relentless hands foully murdered so many innocent pioneers. Mr. Robinson, our subject, passed his earlier life on a farm. In 1848, he removed to Brown County, and, in 1850, to Blanchester, Clinton County. He operated a steam saw-mill there till 1854. He was then engaged in different departments of railroading on the M. & C. and Muskingum Valley Railroads till 1855, when he engaged in mercantile pursuits in Blanchester. In 1858, he removed to Clinton Valley, thence to Westboro, engaging in the same pursuits. July, 186'3, he was commissioned First Lieutenant of Company (',, Seventy-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and entered the Reserve Army Corps under Lieut. Col. A. W. Doan. He was appointed officer of the Guards from Frankfort to Versailles, Ky., on the forced march in pursuit of John Morgan, and now sustains a weakness which he contracted at that time. He then joined Gen. Sherman's Twentieth Army Corps, and was detailed on official duty. Subsequently he went to Resaca, and May 19, 1864, he was assigned the office of Assistant Adjutant General by Col. Moore, of the One Hundred and Fifteenth Regiment. Illinois Volunteer Infantry. While at Resaca, which was the base of supplies for Sherman's army, a heavy thunder storm arose, and soon the sky was eurobed in grin-flying clouds, and the roar of
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 1039
the angry thunder and the lightning's vivid flash soon terror-struck the band of patriots. The storm in its majestic fury swept on like an unabating hurricane, when suddenly a tremendous crash was heard. The little army was wrapped in profound suspense. They looked from their camp and saw all ablaze a lot of tow ignited from a telegraph pole which had just been struck by lightning. The pole centered a pile of Government ammunition and supplies five rods !ong eight feet. wide and seven feet high. All this was on fire, and very soon a terrific explosion, it secured, must inevitably take place. Presently, Mr. Robinson was seen to emerge from his tent, partially enrobed in his gum blanket and make for the pile of igniting explosives, with these words falling from his life: "Boys, who will go with me? I will save these men's lives and government stores or perish trying." He grasped a bucket near by and began pumping water from a well and pouring it on the fire soon extinguished u, and then turned toward his tent, and seeing his comrades fleeing like frightened sheep, exclaimed, "All right, boys; the danger is over, come back to your tents." As one writer, a witness to the scene; said, after he returned to his tent, he sat wondering " who deserved the most credit, the General who led the army, or the man who, by his undaunting bravery saved the lives of 2,000 men and $500,000 government supplies." After this event, Mr. Robinson accompanied Sherman on his march to the sea, and was discharged in January, 1865. He returned home, and, in 1868, he engaged in the mercantile business. Since 1870, he has lived retired. He married the first time to Lois Comstock, who bore him four children. She died April 18, 1863. One child, Frances J., is living. She is the wife of Jacob Suttles. Mr. Robinson again married, September 6, 1865, to Mary A. Kline, daughter of Richard S. and Priscilla A. Kline. Mrs. R. was born in Greene Township June 22, 1822. Mr. and Mrs. R. are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. R. was licensed to exhort in 1865. His political views are Republican.
DANIEL TEDRICK, proprietor of the Westboro and Fayetteville Hack Line, is a native of Virginia. He was born August 1, 1820, and is a son of John and Eliza beth Tedrick, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Maryland. Our subject was reared on a farm till of age, when he came to Highland County, and followed farming till 1870 ; then he came to Westboro, and, on the 5th of April of that year he established the hack line from Westboro to Ursuline Convent and Fayetteville. Mr. Tedrick runs a daily hack with all the conveniences for the comfort of the passengers. He makes connection with all trains on the M. & C. R. R., thus very much accommodating travelers who desire visiting the eminent Catholic College- Ursuline Convent. Mr. Tedrick was married, in Maryland, to Miss Ann Bevins, daughter of Leonard and Ann Bevins. Mrs. Tedrick, a native of Greene County, Penn., was born August 1, 1825. Of their five children, three are living Mary E., born September 11, 1858; John, born July 18, 1861, and Anna, born July 12, 186'3. Mr. Tedrick and family are members of the Catholic Church.
JAMES H. THOMPSON, merchant, Westboro, of the firm of Villars & Thompson, hardware merchants, Westboro, was born in Highland County December 25, 1855. He is a son of Addison and Susanna Thompson, who removed to Washington Township, Clinton County, when he was but nine years of age. He was reared and brought up to farming, which he followed in Washington Township till February, 1879, when he came to Westboro. In January, 1880, he was engaged in selling farming implements, and in August, 1881, he, with H. J. Villars, engaged in the hardware trade. Mr. George Collins was a member of the firm from September to November 18, during which time the firm name was Villars, Collins & Thompson. They carry a full line of hardware, and also deal in threshers and saw-mills. Mr. Thompson was married August 23, 1876, to Nannie Currans, daughter of John B. and Celia J. Currans, of Clark Township. Of their two children, one -Lizzie M., is living. She was born December 13, 1881. Estella is deceased. Mr. Thompson is a successful business man, and is prospering in his avocation. He is a Republican in politics.
NELSON B. VAN WINKLE, M. D., Westburo, Ohio, was born in Penn Township, Highland County, Ohio, April 23, 1852. He is a son of Lewis G. and Elizabeth
1040 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
(Barrere) Van Winkle, and a grandson of the late Hon. John M. Barrere, of Highland County. Dr. Van Winkle's parents were both natives of Highland County. His father was born February 10, 1819, and his mother May 15, 1825. In 1856, they removed to Powesheik County, Iowa, and in 1865 returned to Highland County. Dr. Van Winkle passed his early life on his father's farm, and received his classical training in the common schools and Hillsboro High Schools. In April, 1874, he commenced reading medicine, under the instructions of Dr. Henry Whisler, of New Market, with whom he pursued his studies four years. He attended the Miami Medical College, of Cincinnati, at the sessions of 1876-77 and 1877-78, and graduated with high honors as Doctor of Medicine, on the 27th of February of the last session. April following, he came to Westboro, where he has since resided, engaged in the practice of his profession. He has by his thorough medical skill met with enviable success, and has built up a very lucrative practice. Dr. Van Winkle is connected with both the Clinton County and Highland County Medical Associations. He is a gentleman of honest convictions, and his candid, upright walk, has won for him a host of friends.
LEWIS B. WHITACRE, Trustee and Justice of the Peace, Clinton Valley, was born in Warren County, February 5, 1843. His father, George E. Whitacre, was born in Loudoun County, Va., October 28, 1799. His parents, Enoch and Nancy Whitacre, settled in Warren County in 1807. Our subject's mother, Rebecca Baldwin, was born in Frederick County, Va., February 22, 1802. His parents removed to Marion Township, this county, in 1865, and his father died October 5, 1877. Mr. Whitacre, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood. He followed railroading for several years. In 1870, he came to Clinton Valley, and in 1878 was elected Justice of the Peace and re-elected in 1881. In April, 1879, he was elected a member of the Board of Trustees, and has since been a member of that body. He has also served three years on the Township Board of Education. December 29,1867, he was married to Mary L. Hall, daughter of James and Priscilla Hall. Mrs. Whitacre was born in Martinsville, August 31, 1846. They have two children-Emmett B., born June 17, 1869, and Gertrude, born July 3, 1881. Mrs. Whitacre is a member of the Meth odist Episcopal Church. Mr. Whitacre is identified with the I.O.O.F. Society, and Republican party.
REV. S. WICKERSHAM, manufacturer, Westboro, senior member of the firm of S. Wickersham & Son, proprietors of Westboro Woolen MIlls, was born in Highland County, Ohio, April 26, 1816. His parents, Isaac and Susan (Lindsey) Wickersham, of Berkeley County, Va., came to Highland County prior to the late war with Great Britain. His father was the owner of a woolen mill, so at an early age our subject was apprenticed to the business. He followed it at Rainsboro till in April, 1874, when he sold out and purchased the Westboro Mills. June 8, 1843, he was united in marriage to Sarah, daughter of John and Mary Furneau. Mrs. W. was born in Pike County, Ohio, February 1, 1821. This union bore five children. Four are living-James H., Isaac M., Joel C. and Mary E. John M. is deceased. Mr. Wickersham and family have long been identified with the United Brethren Church, in which Mr. Wickersham has been an earnest exhorter since 1857. He has labored with much success in the divine calling of the Master. Mr. Wickersham's two eldest sons James H. and Isaac M. were members of Company F, of the Second Regiment Heavy Artillery, in the late war, and won the laurels of two noble and brave patriots. His youngest son, Joel C., a partner with him in the woolen factory, was born in Pike County, Ohio, June 15, 1850. He served an- apprenticeship in the woolen factory when young, and he has since been in charge of such industries-superintending. In 1874, he came with his father to Westboro, and became a member of the firm. For two years, he has been associated with J. M. Boyd & Son, of Hillsboro, in buying and shipping wheat. March 11, 1869, he was married to Miss Alice Conner, who died in December, 1874, and left three children-Horace G., John E. and Isaac N. Mr. W. was married the second time, July 4. 1878, to Sarah E. Jackson, daughter of William and Mary Jackson. Mrs. W. was born in Vernon Township November 18, 1853. Of the two children by this union, one-Walter-is living.