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LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.
JOSEPH T. ARNOLD, manufacturer of and dealer in boots and shoes, Port William. Port William like all villages of its size is represented with various branches of industry, among which we mention a brief sketch of our subject and father in that line. J. T. is a son of A. J. Arnold, who was born in Virginia, where he grew to manhood. At an early age, he was bound to the apprenticeship of the shoe trade, which he followed mostly through life. He emigrated to Ohio in 1827, and located in Liberty Township, Clinton County. Here he opened a pioneer shoe shop, and supplied the surrounding country with his work. As his business increased he employed additional help, and it finally grew to considerable magnitude. He was married to Rebecca McVey, and soon after purchased fifty acres of land near the village above mentioned, and devoted some time to its cultivation. He and wife were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were liberal contributors to all religious and moral enterprises. His death occurred in March, 1861, and his wife is still living, bearing the name of her departed husband, at an advanced age. Their children were eight in number, of whom four survive, Joseph T. being the eldest; he was born in Port William May 28, 1839, and raised mostly in his father's shoe shop, where he thoroughly learned the trade, which he followed until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company D, Seventy-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in service at Camp Dennison on the 20th of the same month. He was engaged in the battles of Resaca, Ga., Burnt Hickory, Peach Tree Creek, and others of less importance. While engaged in the last named battle, July 20, 1863, he lost his right eye ; hence was discharged in November of the same year. He endured many hardships connected with military life, and for the suppression of the late rebellion suffers inconveniences to-day. On his return home, he resumed his trade in which he is still engaged. It has been of a successful nature, and he is now the only representative in his line in Port William. His nuptials with Sarah J. Bevan was celebrated December 22, 1859. They have had born to them three: children, of whom two are now living.
JOSEPH BALLARD, retired, Port William. This branch of the Ballard family seems to be traced to Virginia, where David, the grandfather of Joseph, was born near the middle of the eighteenth century. He grew to majority in his native land, and married several years prior to the independence of our country. Soon after the year 1800 he emigrated to Ohio, locating within the present limits of Wilmington, where he purchased a military land warrant, which was all in the wilds of nature. He was of strong will and endurance to withstand the involving duties in unclothing the land of her deep foliage, where in a few years the then embryotic county seat stood. He was one among, if not the first minister of the Friends' Church in this region. In this capacity he served locally for many years, and at his death, about 1820, it could be truly said "a good man has fallen." The work of those noble pioneer Christiana has been cherished and cultivated until it has grown to considerable magnitude. The wife of David preceded him to her eternal home ; she was the mother of seven children, of whom all grew to maturity, and six married, and one died unmarried. John Ballard, the son of David, and father of Joseph, was born either in Pennsylvania or Virginia about 1770, and married Dinah Pickrell April '30, 1798, but in the year 1809 they came to Clinton County, where he endured the privations five years, when death seized him May 13, 1814. He was the father of seven children, who were left in a widowed mother's care, who reared them with respect, but she married for her second husband John Whitson, a native of Pennsylvania. This union existed only through about twelve years, when her death June 7, 1835, severed it. Joseph Ballard, whose name heads this sketch, is " one of three" who were born April 39, 1812, in Clinton County,
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Ohio, and comes from a hearty ancestry. He has passed through nearly three-fourths of a century in his native county, and seen it change from an unbroken wilderness to broad, open and productive fields, and from rude log cabins to mansions for dwellings. Upon March 12, 1835, he married Susanna G. Stillings, born June 24, 1817, and a native of Virginia, but in 18'36 she with her parents, Abraham and Sarah, came to Clinton County, where the latter died at advanced ages. They were the parents of six children, of whom Susanna is the youngest, and now the mother of five children, three of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Ballard have enjoyed a united life for nearly half a century sod have been many years members of the Friends' Church. When Joseph commenced in life he had an heirship of $80, but by his own industry and the assistance of his noble wife, he has swollen his taxes from 18 cents to nearly $''00, and has assisted his children. With his success he has always had coupled good health, and has yet the first time to call for himself a family physician. He is public spirited, and willing to aid all .enterprises having for their effect the elevation of the people.
A. S. BALLARD, farmer, P.O. Lumberton. This name is one among the earliest in the limits of Clinton County which is fully seen by gleaning the sketch of Joseph Bollard above who is a father of our subject. A. S. Ballard was born in Union Township, this county, January 14, 1838. He was raised, and has ever devoted his time to husbandry which he now makes a success. He remained at home until his nuptials, September 12, 1861, with Mary J.. sister of Hon. Jesse N. Oren. She is a native of Liberty Township, born in April, 1838. Soon after the marriage above mentioned, they settled on their present farm, the original plat being fifty acres, to which he has added twenty-five. acres. When moving here it was all in an unbroken forest, but with brave heart and willing hands an opening was soon made which now constitutes a part of a fine farm under good cultivation which is the result of his own energy and industry. Mr. Ballard is one of the enterprising farmers of Liberty Township and willing to encourage all local and public enterprises. He and wife have had born to them three children, viz., Clara B., Charles A., and Joseph F.
WILLIAM F. BANGHAM, farmer, P. O. Wilmington, the son of Jonathan Bangham, who was born in Liberty. Township, Clinton County, Ohio, April 14, 1820. He attained his majority, married, lived and died in his native county. His boyhood days were spent amid many of the pioneer difficulties, and but when on the meridian of life he was called hence, May 16, 1855, having lived a life in accordance of the Friends' Church, and beloved by all. His marriage with Jane Fawcett, a resident of Greene County, Ohio, was celebrated, and after a union of a few years she entered the valley of death, and he married for his second wife, Martha Walthall, who was born in Dinwiddie County, Va., in 1816, but came to Ohio in 1830 with her parents and settled in Clinton County where she married in 1849. She still bears the name of her departed husband, and is the mother of three children, two of whom now survive. William F., whose name heads this memoir, was born in Liberty Township, Clinton County, Ohio, February 26, 1852, and raised to the duties of farming, which vocation he still follows. He remained at home until his majority, and was a valuable assistant to his mother. On December 30, 1874, he united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Gertrude H. Hoag, a native of Vermont, born April 10, but from one year of age she was raised in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Ban-ham are the parents of three children, viz.: Laura A., Thomas L., deceased, and an infant also deceased. W. F. is a nephew to T. E. Ban ham, whose sketch appears next. The grandfather Bangham occupies a liberal space in the general history of this township.
T. E. BANGHAM, farmer, P.O. Port William. Among the descendants of the early pioneer settlers of Clinton County we find the name of T. E. Bangham, whose parents. Benjamin and Lucy, are recorded on the pages of this history as pioneer representatives. Our subject was born in Liberty Township, Clinton County, Ohio, April 24, 1825, He was reared amid the earlier part of the present century when the county was clothed in the wilds of nature, but as age crept on and time elapsed the country as well the child's mind became more developed, but being deprived of all, save meager school privilege, his education was accordingly limited, but by self culture and business experi-
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ence he has amassed sufficient to carry him through life. His marriage was celebrated December 18, 1851, with Harriett Vandervort, a native of Warren County, Ohio, born December 9, 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Bangham soon after their marriage settled on their present farm, which he had previously purchased, and where he has ever since resided. He owns a fine farm of one hundred and eight acres with good improvements and fine maple orchard of about eight hundred trees, which, is annually opened and produces a lucrative income. The family are enterprising in their way and ready to assist in time of need. Their children have been eleven in number, of whom eight are now living, viz., Agnes, John, Loren E., Lewis G., Robert E., Albert, Ada and Clyde.
JOHN BEAL, farmer, P. O. Port William, is a son of Jacob Beal, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1799, where he grew to majority, devoting his time mostly to teaming. Early in the present century, he came to Ohio, but soon returned to his native State, remaining until 1817, when he came to Greene County, Ohio, where his father had previously settled. In 1819, he purchased the farm on which John now resides, at $3 per acre. Two years later, he married Margaret McIntosh, who was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, February 27, 1801. Soon after the marriage, they settled on their farm, in a small log hut, and with brave hearts and willing hands at once commenced to clear away the heavy forest which completely covered their land. By having good health and indomitable perseverance they soon made an opening on which to raise a few necessaries of life. They toiled on together and left many marks as the result of their hard labor until March 28, 1850, when death severed the union and claimed Jacob for its own, leaving a widow who still survives at the age of eighty-two years. The issue of this union was eleven children, six of whom are still living. John, the eldest, whose name heads this sketch, was born on the farm where he now lives November 4, 1823. He was of great assistance to his father in clearing up the farm, to which his time was largely devoted, hence he obtained few school privileges. His marriage was celebrated in 1851 with Sarah J. Cline, who was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1826. They began housekeeping on his father's farm, where they have ever since resided. His entire life has been given to farming, which is his chosen occupation. The issue of this union was seven children of whom five are now living. Mrs. Beal is a daughter of Jacob and Abbie (Wilson) Cline, both natives of Berkeley County, W. Va., and came to Ohio in 1825.
ALLEN BEAL, farmer, P. O. Port William, is a brother of John Beat, whose biography appears in this township, and was born August 8, 1842, on Anderson's Creek, Liberty Township, Clinton Co., Ohio. Here he matured and enjoyed only the common school privileges. He married, February 2, 1871, Eliza J. Fisher, who was born in Clinton County, Ohio, in 1838. They began housekeeping in Greene County, where they remained until 1873, when they removed to their present location. He is by occupation a farmer, which is his chosen vocation. He is a man of fair health, dark hair and eyes, and weighs about 180 pounds. To this union have been given four children-Orpha E., Elsie D., Lula D. and Bertie F. Mrs. Beal is a daughter of Lewis and Hannah Fisher, who were both born in Virginia in 1.795, where they grew to maturity and married in 1828. They came to Ohio in the eventful year 1833, and settled on Todd's Fork, where they lived until 1838, when he purchased 100 acres of land in the eastern portion of Liberty Township, and where they devoted their time and endured many privations and hardships until 1863, when death released his earthly cares ; but Mrs. Fisher still survives, bearing the name of her departed husband. He was a man of strong constitution. His jurisdiction and industry gave him rank among the best of citizens. Mrs. Fisher was twice married. Her first husband was Henry Smoke, who was a native of Virginia, where he died at the age of forty-two years, and was the father of five children, of whom four are now living. The two children by Mrs. Fisher's last husband are both living.
JOHN R. BORTON, farmer, P. O. Lumberton. To one of the prominent pioneer families of Clinton County this sketch is dedicated. John R. is a grandson of Josiah and Margaret (Sharp) Borton, both natives of New Jersey, where they married. During the war of 1813 they, with several children, came to Ohio, locating on the farm
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now owned by W. A. Haines, in Liberty Township. In this vicinity, he purchased several hundred acres of land and was its first white inhabitant, taking many acres from its primeval state to a fair degree of cultivation, which tasks he nobly bore with others, among which was, soun after the war of 1812. the death of his first and pioneer companion. His second marriage occurred prior to 1820. with Hannah Fairfield, a native of New Jersey also. But in a few years she too was called hence, and then he married his third and last companion about 18'3-1, whose name was Sarah Thornburg, who survived at his death about 1840, but shortly before the late rebellion she was called to her final rest. Josiah was the father of fourteen children, twelve by the first and two by the second wife. George Borton, the father of our subject and eldest child of his father's, family, was born November 17, 1801, in New Jersey, where he grew to the age of twelve years, but from that age matured in Clinton County, Ohio. He was one of the race of hardy pioneers and adventurous settlers to whose courage and calm endurance must be attributed the after prosperity of the county. At a reasonable age, he married Mary Summers, with whom he was only permitted to live the short space of one year, when she was called hence, but on December 30, 18'34, he was united with Marv Miller, who was born February 26, 1796, and died April 3, 1868, being the mother of five children, four of whom are now living. George took unto himself his third companion, Charity Whicker, who still survives, but his earthly career ended in December, 1881, after having been a long and useful pioneer of Clinton County. Of his children, John R. is the second eldest, and was born January 29, 1928, in Clinton County, Ohio, where he has ever since resided and now owns a good farm of 127 acres, and is well situated in life. He remained at home and gave his father his services until twenty-four years of age. Upon August 19, 1852, he married Eleanor Adams; who was born in Virginia in 1830, but from 1840 has been a resident of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Borton have three children-Levi, Mary J. (wife of Henry W. Gorman) and Susan A.
JOB BORTON, farmer, P. O. Lumberton. History is a plain unvarnished statement of facts. There was many a hero in the war of the late rebellion, of whom little has been said, or to whom history has not done justice. We here inscribe, in the biographical pages of this volume, a sketch of the above. gentleman. He is a brother of John R. Borton, and the fourth child of George Borton, and was born January 7, 1831, on the farm where he now resides, in Liberty Township, where he grew to manhood; but, in 1852, he located in Indiana, where he buried his wife in 1855. She was the mother of two children, both deceased. His second wife, Sarah Harris, is a native of Virginia, with whom he has had nine children, seven of whom are now living. In August, 1862, when the war of the late rebellion clouded our country, he enlisted in Company D, Seventy-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years, and participated in the battles of Murfreesboro, Perryville, Ky., and all through Col. Straight's raid, in-which he was severely wounded by one of his own company, the ball taking effect on the upper right side of the head, which now shows its mark by a line of snow-white hair, contrasting strongly with the remainder. After his return from the war, he remained in Indiana until 1876, when he returned to Liberty Township, Clinton County, Ohio, where he owns a farm' of sixty-two acres, and is in fair circumstances.
HENRY BORTON, saw-miller, Lumberton, is a brother of John and Job Borton, whose names are found elsewhere. He was born October 10, 1825, in Clinton County, and raised to farm life in his native township, Liberty, where he has ever since resided. He remained at home until September, 1848, when he married Mary Bantam, who was born in Highland County, Ohio, in 1828, but was mostly raised in Clinton County. They are the parents of ten children, nine of whom are living. Mr. Borton has, during life, been engaged in farming, but at present owns a saw-mill near Lumberton, which receives a part of his attention.
JAMES F. BOWERS, M. D., physician, Port William, was born at New Lexington, Highland Co., Ohio, April 3, 1841. His parents were Charles C. and Mary S. (Turner) Bowers, of whom a sketch is given in the biographies of Greene Township, this work. They were both natives of New Jersey, but married in Ohio. Our subject
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received his rudimentary education in the public schools of New Vienna. He read medicine with Dr. A. T. Johnson, of New Vienna, and attended lectures at the Miami Medieal College, Cincinnati, graduating from this college in 1869. He first located in Michigan, where he remained two years, after which he moved to Now Lexington and remained four years; he then was obliged to go to Colorado on account of his health, . and, after two and a half years spent in the rarefied air of that health-giving State, he returned to the East, with greatly benefitted health, and located in Port William, where he has since remained. He was married, in 1868, to Blanche Giles, a daughter of Edward and Susan (Johnson) Giles, of Michigan. By her he has had three children, viz., Katie W., Edward K. and Charles K. In June 3, 1861, Mr. Bowers enlisted in Company B, Twelfth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served, with that gallant regiment through all the memorable engagements in which it was engaged. He is one of the very few survivors of that brave and well-known command. He received two wounds while in the service. The first was a flesh wound received at the second battle of Bull Run, and the second a gunshot wound in the right arm, received at Fisher's Hill, where his command was under Sheridan, in his march through the Shenandoah Valley. The Doctor is a Republican, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and with his wife a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. He is well spoken of, and stands high in the community in which he dwells.
WILLIAM BROWN, farmer, P. O. Port William, was born October 12, 1839, in Greens County, Ohio, and was raised to farm life near Painterville, acquiring a common education only. On October 9, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry at Xenia, but soon after was removed to Columbus, and subsequently to Stone River, Tenn., after which he participated in the battles of i Mission Ridge, Chatahoochee River, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro and others; then engaged as teamster with Gen. Thomas' train, in which capacity he served until the close of the war, enduring many privations which can only properly be described by those who have passed through them. Baton July 18, 1865, he was honorably discharged for his valiant services rendered in days of deepest need to our nation. He returned home with no injuries save rheumatism contracted by exposure. On January 11, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Stinson, and in the year 1875 located on his present farm of forty-four acres, and is reasonably well fixed for a man on the meridian of life. Mrs. Brown was born in Greene County, Ohio, September 4, 1843. Mr. Brown is a member of the I.O.O.F., and willing to assist charitable institutions. He is the son of Joshua and grandson of Richard Brown, the latter being born in Virginia, near the close of the last century, and served as a patriot in the war of 1812. He married Elizabeth Pickern, also a 'native of Virginia. Sometime prior to 1812, he settled in Belmont County, Ohio, where Joshua, the father of William, was born. While residing in Belmont County, he buried his wife, and married a distant relative to his first wife, viz., Mary Pickern, with whom he located in Greene County, Ohio, in 1843, and followed farming until his death in 1850, and his widow survived until February, 1870, when she, too, passed away. Five children were the result of each marriage of Richard, Joshua being the eldest, and was born and reared in Belmont County, Ohio; his birth occurred in 1814. He married Margaret Oglesbee, March 29, 1838, a native of Greene County, Ohio, where she died July 12, 1862, and was the mother of seven children, five of whom are now living. Joshua married for his second companion, Mary J. Stinson, January 28, 1864, by whom he has had five children. In the year 1874, he located in Clinton County, where he is a large land-owner.
JOHN L. CARLISLE, farmer, P. O. Port William, was born in the year 1830, at Steubenville, Ohio, where his boyhood days were spent; but during his minority his father settled in Greene County, Ohio, where he (the father) subsequently died, leaving; John L. depending on his own resources. Having; devoted his boyhood days in acquiring a fair education, he, at the age of sixteen, entered the store of H. K. Pierson, of Jeffersonville, Fayette Co., Ohio. On September 4, 185.1, he united in marriage with Sallie Earley, and one year later settled on the farm where he now lives.
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During the war of the late rebellion, he participated in the Morgan raid about one week. Since he located where we now find him, he has been engaged in farming, which is his chosen occupation. Mrs. Carlisle is a sister of John T. Earley, whose biography appears in this work. She was born in June, 1836, on the farm where they cow live. She and husband are parents of the following children, viz.: Daniel W., Emily M., John L., David C. (deceased), Buddell (deceased) and Bryan B.
DAVID F. CONKLIN, farmer, P. O. Lumberton. To another of the well-to-do citizens of Liberty Township we are pleased to allot a space in this volume. The name is of Holland extraction, as the paternal great-grandfather came from there some time in the last century, and is supposed to have settled in York State, where the grandfather of David F. was born, his name being Carpenter Conklin. He spent his entire life in his native State, and died about 1842, having previously buried his wife, who is supposed to have been of French extraction. Of their thirteen children, five are now living, of whom Thomas. B., the father of David F., is the second youngest, and was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y., January 22, 1809. At the age of seventeen, he commenced the trade of wagon-making, which has been his live-long occupation. In 1834, he came to Ohio, located at Lumberton, Clinton County, and succeeded Samuel Woolman in wagon-making, which he followed until a few years since, and now lives retired in the village of Lumberton. In the year 1836, he married Elizabeth Faulkner, who was born Aril 2, 1815, in Greene County, Ohio. The issue of this union was eight children, of whom three died in early life and five are yet living, viz.: Hiram, David F., Lucinda, Mary L. and Eliza A. David F., whose name heads this article, was born May 27, 1839, in Clinton County, and remained at home until his majority; but in September, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in many of the hard-fought battles, of which we mention Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Resaca, remaining in service for three years, when he was honorably discharged September 17, 1864, and returned home. He again voluntarily offered his service, but was rejected on account of injuries received in former services. In October of the following fall, he married Mary J. Savill, who was born May 12, 1843, in Greene County, Ohio. To this union have been given four children, viz. : Elton S., Joseph B., Willis G. and Eva P. He is now on the meridian of life, and is well situated in the east edge of Lumberton, and was honorably elected Township Trustee in the spring of 1882 by the party of his choice Republican.
JAMES CROPPER, retired manufacturer, Port William, is a son of Edmond and Ann (Hoyle) Cropper, who were both natives of Rochdale, Lancashire, England. He was born February 22, 1798, and she in 1795. They were married in the year 1820, and he devoted his time to brick-laying. In the summer of 1847, they, with seven children, started for the United States, but unfortunately one died on the Atlantic, and six reached the American shore, having left one in a watery grave. They located at Lawrence, Mass., where he engaged in manufacturing woolen goods. Excepting two years, this claimed his attention until 1877, when he retired from business, and now resides in Mount Vernon, Mass., at the ripe old age of fourscore and four years. His wife died in 1879 at the age of eighty-four years, and was the mother of twenty children, of whom James is the second, and was born in the same town as his parents, February 6, 1822. His boyhood days were mostly devoted in the woolen mills, hence he had but few educational privileges. June 26, 1844, he landed in Boston. He soon after commenced work in the woolen mill in Andover, where he labored until 1847, in which year he married Ann E. Howarth, a native of Massachusetts, but of English parentage. Soon after the marriage they located in Richmond, Va.; remaining only two years, he removed to Lawrence, Mass., and three years later returned to Andover, all the while engaged in woolen mills. On the 11th of April, 1856, he located at Port William, Clinton County, Ohio, and formed partnership with Joseph Noon in the Woolen mill. This partnership continued in Port William, until 1873, excepting two years in New Vienna. From 1874 to 1877, they engaged in the grist mill at Port William, since which he has been variously engaged. He is the present incumbent in the office of Township Treasurer, and has held it several previous
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terms. In name and principle, he is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Cropper are both members of the Baptist Church. They are the parents of four children, of whom three survive and two are members of the church of their parents.
SOLOMON EARLEY, farmer, P. O. Port William, is a native of Jefferson Township, Adams County, Ohio, born October 29, 1801, and is a son of William and Eva (Thomas) Earley. He was a native of Ireland, from whence he came at an early age, and she a native of Pennsylvania. Their marriage occurred in Kentucky about 1782, and they came to Adams County, in 1799, where they lived and died at advanced ages. During the first few years in Ohio he experienced many difficulties with the red men, who have long since passed into the far West, and with the wild animals that then roamed the forests of Ohio, where in the latter part of the nineteenth century are annually seen fine fields of golden grain. He endured many privations that only those who passed through can describe. He and wife assisted in elevating l% the cause of Christianity, and both died in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, of which they bad for years been consistent members. They were the parents of fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters, of whom only three now survive, viz.: Rachel Cruisenburg, Mary West, and Solomon, whose name beads this sketch. He grew to manhood in his native county and nobly assisted his father in opening up his farm, to which he applied himself very closely in its cultivation. His privileges for an education were nominal, but with all that he has managed business through life to a good advantage, and is a close financier. In the winter of 1822 and 1823, he and his brother Daniel, cut in Adams County, and delivered 600 cords of wood on the Ohio River, at 661 cents per cord. They came to Clinton County the following spring and purchased respectively 250 acres of land, mostly with the money thus earned. Solomon soon had a rude log but in which to shelter, and where he lived for twenty years, when he removed into his present substantial brick residence. His farm was all in the woods, where now are broad and open fields of fine productive land-the mark of the pioneer's hand and ax. During life he was blessed with good health, and pressed onward with a brave heart and willing hands, and now he can look with honor and pride on the days gone by. His strength and endurance were more than that of an ordinary man, having a wonderful constitution and lungs. When in prime of life be considered a day's work to cut and pile five cords of wood, and other work in proportion. In the early days of the county he, and nearly all other settlers, made their own shoes, raised flax and wool, spun, wove, and made their own clothing, of which the present generation knows but little. He has always been a law-abiding citizen, tending strictly to his own business, by which he has accumulated a fair compensation; has liberally divided with his children, and still owns about 200 acres of good land. His first marriage was celebrated in 1820, with Rebecca Caseldine, who was born in Kentucky, and died in Clinton County, Ohio, in the year 1868. She was the mother of seven children, of whom five now survive, and are all well situated in life. His second marriage occurred in 1869, with Rhoda Matthews, who was born and raised in this State. They are both followers of the Christian religion, and are liberal contributors to all causes elevating mankind.
JOHN T. EARLEY, farmer, P. O. Wilmington. This sketch is devoted to the honor of a worthy pioneer, Daniel Earley, who was born in Kentucky January 10, 1798, but one year later his parents located in Adams County, Ohio, where he matured and married Rachel Caseldine in 1823, in which year he, in partnership with his brother Solomon, cut and delivered on the Ohio River 600 cords of wood for $400, with which they purchased respectively 250 acres of land in Clinton County the same year ; where Daniel and wife soon settled with all the wilds of nature surrounding them, having cleared the spot on which to build their cabin, it serving for their residence until 18-10, when a large brick residence was constructed and occupied. With zeal and energy, coupled with good health and a strong constitution, he at once began to fell the trees and open out a farm, which to-day shows indelible marks of his hands. He was a man of more than ordinary size, with strong and vigorous mind, though uncultivated in an educational sense, but managed business through life to a good success. He was
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always ready to discharge any duties that devolved upon him, though not a member of any church. He was a contributor to all enterprises having for their effect the good of humanity and the improvement of the country. During life, he became a large landowner, but liberally divided with his children, who were four in number, but three only now survive. He avoided all public notoriety and was contented with the common routine of farmer's life. He died a worthy citizen of Liberty Township, Clinton County, October 20, 1876, and his wife January 27, 1881, at the age of seventy-four years four months and eleven days. J. T., whose name heads this memoir, was born in Liberty Township, Clinton County, June 28, 1824, where he has ever since resided. In minority, he was a noble assistant of his father, attending strictly to clearing land and the farm duties. Owing to his limited school privileges, his education is meager. He remained at home until 1848, but two years prior married Agnes Shinn, who was born in Virginia in 1822, where she matured, but came to Ohio in 1840.. The issue of this union were fourteen children, of whom nine are now living.
GEORGE W. EARLEY, farmer, P. O. Port William, is a son of Anthony Barley, who was a son of William Earley, who is mentioned in Solomon Earley's biography. Anthony was born near Maysville, Ky., in the year 1795 ; four years later, his parents settled in Adams County, Ohio, where he grew to maturity and assisted in clearing up his father's farm. During the war of 1812, George, the brother of Anthony, after whom our subject was named, was in Gen. Hull's surrender, where he was stabbed, from the effects of which he died. In 1817, Anthony was united in marriage with Catharine McIltree, remaining in Adams County until 1824, when he came to Clinton County, where he purchased land and settled three miles east of Port William. He was one of these determined pioneers, possessed with good health, and he soon made an opening in the forest, and the result of their labor should to-day stand as a monument to their lives. From 1834 to 1844, he was a non-resident of the county, but at the latter date returned from Putnam County, and took up his residence in Clinton County, where he died September 29, 1852; the widow still survives at the age of fourscore years and over. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom eight are now livin. George W. is the third child, and was born in Adams County, Ohio, October 28, 1823, but from two years of age grew to manhood in Clinton and Putnam Counties, returning to the former in 1844, where he married Serelda Vannimmum in 1850. In 1855, they settled in her native county (Greene), where she was born in 1830, but returned to Clinton County in 1865, where they have ever since resided. He devotes his time strictly to farming, through which he has amassed a fair compensation entirely by his own efforts, and is now well situated in life. Mr. and Mrs. Earley are the parents of ten children, of whom nine are now living.
G. T. EWBANK, physician, Port William, is of English extraction, and was born in Dearborn County, Ind., May 5, 1840, where he grew to maturity and acquired his primary education. He began the study of his chosen profession in the year 1857, with the late Dr. J. M. Flood, under whose able direction he made very satisfactory progress. In 1864, when the last call for three-year troops was given, he enlisted in Company D, Fifty-second Indiana Veteran Volunteers, and was mustered into service at Indianapolis February 23 of the same year. He served as a private until the close of the war, participating in many of the hard-fought battles-Old River, Lake of Arkansas, Tupelo, Miss., Hurricane Creek, Nashville, Tenn., and Fort Blakely and others. At one time he marched 780 miles in fifty consecutive days. He returned in September, 1865, having received no serious injuries, and soon after entered the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1869. Prior to this, he located in Port William, and commenced the practice of his profession, where he has since resided. His practice has been of a very successful nature, and he has handled some very critical cases of tetanus and other diseases of equal severity with efficiency and satisfaction. His nuptials were celebrated with Cornelia E. Flood July, 1860, who was born in Shelby County, Ohio, July, 1841. To this union have been given three children-Mary C., born January 15, 1862, and died August 16, 1871 ; Morton, born July 18, 1863, now a student in Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio; and Ralph,
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born January 1, 1878, and died March 26, 1881. Mrs. Ewbank is a daughter of Dr. J. M. Flood, who was for many years a minister of the Methodist Protestant Church, and while thus engaged be filled many places of more than ordinary importance. He also devoted twenty-three years to the practice of medicine. He was one of the early workers of the underground railway. His death occurred at Catawba, Clark Co., Ohio, July 21, 1881, at the age of threescore years and seven months.
W. H. FISHER, farmer, P. O. Port William. He is a son of Asa and Frances (Williams) Fisher, who were both natives of Virginia, where Asa died in 1846, but the widow still survives at the age of. seventy-two, a resident of Clinton County, Ohio. They were the parents of ten children, of whom six grew to maturity and still survive. W. H., whose name heads this memoir, was born in Virginia July 21, 1841. He was reared in his native State, and devoted his time to the duties of a farmer's son. His limited education was acquired in subscription schools, through his own exertions and the assistance of his widowed mother. In 1863, he became a resident of Ohio, and in 1875 located where we now find him, a Liberty Township farmer, well situated in life, and willing to encourage public improvements. On January 27, 1875, he married Mary M., sister of Daniel Henry, whose biography appears in this volume. She was born in Warren County, Ohio, December 29, 1843. The issue of this union is two daughters and one son.
DANIEL HENRY, farmer, P. O. Wilmington. He is a son of John Henry, who is mentioned in Joshua Henry's sketch. Daniel was born October 7, 1836, in Warren County, Ohio, where he was raised to farm life. His father became crippled when Daniel was but a lad, which increased his duties as an obedient son and the eldest of the family. He remained at home until his majority, when he engaged in carpentering ; this he followed three years, when, on November 22, 1860, he married Lydia Hoskins, born in Clinton County, Ohio, February 24, 1838. Soon after this union, they settled in Wilson Township, and up to 1875 were variously located, when they came to their present home, which consists of seventy-two and one-half acres of land, which receives his daily labor and attention. He is one of the liberal and well-to-do citizens of the township, willing to assist in furthering all enterprises having for their object the advancement of the country. The children of this union are J. H. and Clara E. Mr. and Mrs. Henry are both members of the Christian Church.
JOSHUA HENRY, farmer, P. O. Wilmington. Among the descendants of the pioneers of Clinton County, we find the name of the above, who is a son of John Henry (deceased), and was born in Union Township, Clinton County, August, 1855. His minor years were devoted to tilling the soil of hie father's farm in the summer months, and his winter months to school. His nuptials were celebrated in June, 1878, with Lina Carns, who was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1858. Daring single life, Joshua had become the owner of a farm, whereon they settled and remained a short time, when he purchased and located on his present farm in Liberty Township of 107 acres, where he is well situated in life, which is largely due to his own legitimate and untiring efforts. Mr. and Mrs. Henry have one child-Ira Allen. Mrs. Henry died in the year 1882.
ISAAC HIATT, farmer, P. O. Lumberton. The Hiatt family were among the worthy pioneers, who are of English extraction, and to -whom we are pleased to allot a space in the columns of the Clinton County history. Isaac is a son of Hezekiah Hiatt, who was born in Guilford County, N. C., March 22, 1786. When he was but a child of four years, his father, Solomon, died, leaving him fatherless, and many responsibilities resting upon his widowed mother, who bore the task well and reared Hezekiah with honor and respect to both. In the year 1809, he emigrated West, locating in the present limits of Clinton County, Union Townebip, where he purchased fifty acres of land, to which he added during life until he became one of the prominent land-owners of the county. Soon after his settlement, the war of 1812 naturally threw in his way many difficulties and unpleasantness, and near the close of that struggle he was drafted, but never entered upon service. He was one of the hardy pioneers and adventurous settlers, to whose courage and calm endurance must be
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attributed the after prosperity of the county. The marks of those early settlers and finely developed country should be regarded by after generations as monuments to their lives. He married, in the year the county was organized, 1810, Ann Perkins, who was born in the same State, county, and the same year as he. She came to Ohio in 1806, and first settled near Waynesville, but at the date of her marriage lived in the present limits of Union Township, Clinton County, where her father and step-mother both died, her mother having died in her native State. Hezekiah and wife trod the path of united life for over three score years, when her death in June, 1872, severed them ; but two weeks later he, too, entered his final rest. After having been long and useful members of the church of their choice, "the Friends," they spent a long and an eventful life in this county, such as is worthy of the imitation and admiration of future posterity. They. were the parents of test children, nine of whom grew to majority, and seven are now living, Isaac being the second eldest, and was born January 4, 1813, in Clinton County, where he has ever resided, and is one of its oldest native born citizens. He was reared amid log huts and unbroken forests, which have been replaced by fine dwellings and outstretched productive fields. He received an education as times afforded, and has by energy and self-appliances acquired sufficient knowledge to carry him successfully through life, and is now one of the leading landholders of his township. He is nicely located in Lumberton, with all the surroundings that constitute a comfortable home. Though time has wrinkled his brow and silvered his hair, he has withstood the storm of many a day, and for many years a member of the church of his father. His marriage was celebrated September 5, 1844, with Phebe Oglesbee, with whom he has had seven children; five are now living. Mrs. Hiatt was born January 18, 1823, and is a daughter of John and Sarah Oglesbee, who were among the early pioneers of the county.
A. C. HIATT, miller, Lumberton. To another of the native-born and worthy pioneers this sketch is consecrated. A. C. Hiatt is the youngest of a family of ten children, of whom seven are now living, and a brother of Isaac, whose biography appears in this volume; was born June 28, 1827, in Union Township, Clinton County, Ohio, where he was raised to farm life and obtained a common school education, but by energy and industry he became self-educated, and is well fitted for his business. During life, he has been principally engaged in farming, but in 1870 he engaged in his present vocation, and is now the senior member of the firm of Hiatt & Wall, proprietors of the Lumberton Grist Mill, elsewhere mentioned in this volume. Mr. Hiatt's political affiliations are with the Republican party, who have entrusted to his honor and ability the office of Justice of Peace three terms. In the year 1849, he married Louisa Babb, a native of Clinton County, and one year his junior. The issue of this union is six children, four of which are now living, viz.. Robert R., William R., Hattie E. and Zenna. Mrs. Hiatt is a daughter of Thomas and Mary Babb, who came from Virgins in 1811, and settled in Union Township, where they endured some of the pioneer privations, and where both died at medium ages.
ALLEN HIATT, farmer, P. O. Lumberton. The progress, growth, development and present prosperity of Clinton County are unquestionably due to the enterprise, energy and foresight of her pioneers, and few of this class are more kindly remembered in Union and Liberty Township than the Hiatt family, whose genealogy and history largely appear in the above sketch of Isaac Hiatt. Allen Hiatt was born December 15, 1814, in Union Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, where he spent his early life, and in fact giving his father the benefit of his time until twenty-seven years of age, when he entered upon the duty of life for himself. He settled on his present farm of 250 acres, in 1855, and now owns two other good farms in the county. He is well situated in life, and possesses all that is essential to a neat, comfortable and desirable home. He is a practical and successful farmer, believing in doing all things well, and is surrounded by a fair selection of stock and farm implements. His interest in the welfare of all public improvements has well spoken for itself, during his life in Clinton County. He remained in single state of life until October 1'3, 1854, when he united in marriage with Mrs. Susan B. (Folger) Johnston, who was born August 25, 18'33. in Cincinnati,
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Ohio, the then embryotic city and present metropolis of the Central States. To this union have been given four children, all now living. To Mrs. Hiatt and her first husband, James M. Johnston, were given three children, who were raised by her and Mr. Hiatt in Clinton County. One of her sons, Albert Johnston, in 1861 responded to the President's call for troops and enlisted to defend our country, for which he fought until life was extinct. On December 31, 1861, while engaged in the battle of Stone River, he was reported wounded, but was never discovered. Mrs. Hiatt is a daughter of John W. and Emma (Swain) Folger, who were both natives of Nantucket Island, and were distantly related to the maternal ancestry of Benjamin Franklin. John W. and Emma came to Cincinnati, Ohio, in an early day. where they matured and married, and he for many years followed New Orleans trading, but about the middle of the present century he buried his wife and married his second companion, who with him subsequently re moved to Hennepin, Ill., where he died, and the widow still survives at the age of fourscore years.
G. M. HINEY, farmer, P. O. Port William, is a son of Henry Hiney, who was -. born in Rockingham County, Va., January 10, 1788, where he grew to maturity and learned the milling trade, which he followed while in his native State. In 1820, he came to Ohio, spent one winter at Xenia mostly in sporting; thence was employed in a distillery until 1822, in which year he married and purchased 100 sores of land, now owned by G. M. Here he and wife located where all the wilds of nature abounded, and took it to a fair state of cultivation and added 'fifty acres more. His stature was rather small, only five feet high, black hair and eyes, and weighed 130 pounds, and possessed indomitable perseverance. He was for many years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which faith he died September, 1870. Seven years later, his wife, too, passed away in the same faith. Their children were eight in number, of whom three still survive; G. M. being the middle one now living, and was born on the farm where he now lives, in 1829. Here he grew to maturity and nobly assisted his father in opening out the farm. In his boyhood days the school privileges were limited, hence he obtained a very meager education. His entire life has been devoted to tilling the soil on the farm where he was born. He is a man well known in his township, and has held the office of Trustee several terms and is the present incumbent. In the year 1850, he married Maria Miller, who was born in Virginia, 1830. The issue of this union is eight children, of whom three only survive.
J. H. HOBLIT, farmer, P. O. Port William, is a grandson of Michael Hoblit, who was born in Germany, where he grew to majority and married Catharine Veigle. They came to the United States about the time of the war of Independence and located in Pennsylvania, where he devoted his time,to the potter's trade through life. He died near the close of the last century. His widow married for her second husband William Cochran, and came to Clinton County, Ohio, where she died about 1820, and he several years previous. Jesse H. is a son of William Hoblit, who was born in Pennsylvania May 19, 1783, where he grew to manhood and nobly assisted his widowed mother. He depended largely upon his own resources, and at an early age went to Lexington, Ky., where he learned the tanner and currier trade. Thence came to Ohio in 1808, and settled in what is now Clinton County, where he was drafted in the war of 1812, but furnished a substitute. Soon after coming to Ohio, he erected a tannery on the farm now owned by George Hayworth, Jr., and opened business. While there engaged, he married Margaret Shields, and continued to conduct his tannery in that building until about 1815, when he located on the farm now owned by our subject in Liberty Township, where he erected a tannery and resumed his business for many years. Success was his fortune and he became a large land-owner, endured many privations and hardships in clearing it up, but was nobly assisted by his industrious and obedient children. To his life is placed the credit of taking up a corner of the first log house erected in the present limits of Wilmington, and serving on the first jury that sat in Clinton County. The case was horse theft, tried in Jesse Hugh's barn in Union Township, and to the prisoner was given a number of lashes. These are notable events in the annals of this history. As a public man he filled many offices of trust, which were honorably filled.
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As a Christian and father he was firm and dutiful. He united with the Baptist Church in the year 1800, and was one of the few members that organized the church at Port William, then called Anderson's Fork. In 1809, he was elected Deacon, and in 1820 was one of the first subscribers to the Journal and Messenger. His death occurred December 13, 1870, after a long and useful life. Of him it could well be said, "A good man has fallen." His wife Margaret, who was a Christian companion and mother, died March 18, 1867. Their house was often the home of the pioneer ministers. They were the parents of twelve children, whom they raised in industry and virtue, eleven of whom still survive; all save one are members of the church of their parents, and one a minister of the Gospel. This noble family was blessed with health, as death never entered until it claimed Margaret for its own. Jesse H., whose name heads this biography, was born on the farm where he now resides, March 17, 1816; here he grew to majority through the early days of Clinton County, and endured all the privations subject to such a life. His time was devoted to his father's tannery and on the farm. His educational privileges were very much limited, but through industry and determination he acquired sufficient education for teaching, in which occupation he was engaged for nineteen years with but three intervening winters. During this period, September 30, 1841, he married Mary A. Shrack, a sister of W. H. Shrack, whose biography appears in this volume. Jesse H. and wife located on his farm which he had previously purchased, where they remained until 1864, when they removed to the farm where we now find them. Mr. Hoblit by name and principle is a Republican, by which party he has been elected to many township offices, which he has filled with ability and success. They are the parents of two children, viz., James H., who contracted consumption in the late war, from which he died, and Abbie A., now Mrs. J. W. Sanders.
JAMES S. HOBLIT, retired, Port William. He is a brother of Jesse H. Hoblit, whose biography appears elsewhere, and was born on the Haworth farm, in Union Township, Clinton, Ohio, August 28, 1811. He is the eldest son and devoted his minority years in his father's tannery and on the farm; became an efficient tanner and leather finisher, and largely managed his father's farm. In 1832, he married Mary S. Hussey, and settled on his farm, but shortly afterward located in Port William and opened a general retail store, which be successfully conducted nearly thirty years, and while thus engaged, he devoted some time to raising, buying and selling fine cattle. His store was the first of any consequence in the village of Port William. At organization of the First National Bank of Wilmington, he became a stockholder, and has served as one of its directors several years. His political affiliations have ever been with the Whig and Republican parties, which have intrusted to his honor nearly all the offices of his Township, which he honorably and judiciously filled. Since the charter of the Railroad, he has been one of its stockholders. Mrs. Hoblit, was born March 23, 1815, and died May 18, 1873, in the full faith of the Baptist Church, in which she and her husband had been consistent members for many years, and he the greater part of the time, a Deacon of the same.
WILSON HUNNICUTT, farmer, P. O. Port William, is a son of Thomas Hunnicutt, whose name is seen under Thomas E.'s sketch. He was born in Liberty Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, August 18, 1846, and is the eighth child of a family of twelve children. He was reared to farm life, and acquired a common school education, which he improved at Spiceland Academy, Indiana, and Martinsville High School. He remained at home until his majority, when he took personal responsibilities and farmed the home farm until August 3, 1871, at which date he married Miss Mary M., daughter of Elisha Gallemore, one of the pioneers of Wilson Township The same fall of his marriage, he settled on his present farm of 152 acres, which is under good cultivation, he being one of the well-to-do farmers of the township. During the year 1880, he erected his present residence, which, together with his other surroundings, forms a desirable and pleasant home. Mrs. Hunnicutt, is a sister of Thomas E.'s wife, and was born November 8, 1848, in Wilson Township, where she grew to maturity, and received the benefit of the common schools. The children of Wilson and wife, are, viz. Franklin, Ella N. and an infant.
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DAVID HUNNICUTT, farmer, P. O. Port William. The name Hunnicutt is one of special mention in Liberty Township. David, whose name heads this sketch, was born in this township August 15, 1838, and is a brother of Thomas E. and Wilson, whose biographies appear neat. From eight years of age he was raised on the "home farm " now occupied by Thomas E. David is the eldest son of the family and has ever devoted his life to farm duties, obtaining what education was accessible in the common schools. He remained at home until his majority, and in May, 1865, he married Martha A. Ross, a native of Illinois, born September 1, 1838, but at an early age her parents removed to Highland County. Ohio. The issue of this union is six children, viz.: Irena, born April 27, 1866; Charles, August 16, 1867; Thomas E., October 3, 1868; Elizabeth, April 12, 1870; Almira, September 5,1871; Eva, February 26, 1875. Mr. Hunnicutt is one of the well to do farmers of his township, owning 194 acres un der a fair state of improvement. He is favorable to all improvements pertaining to the good of the county.
THOMAS E. HUNNICUTT, farmer, P. O. Port William, is of Scotch descent. His great-grandfather, Hunnicutt, was a native of Scotland and emigrated to America about the middle of the last century, and located on the James River, Virginia, where he devoted his time to farming and where his earthly career ended. The grandfather, Thomas Hunnicutt, was born, raised, and died in Virginia, and but little is known of him. Thomas Hunnicutt, Jr., the father of our subject, was also born in Prince .George County, Va., July 10, 1811, and died in Ohio, April 10, 1876. At the age of six-teen years, he came to Liberty Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, with his mother (who died in Ohio), two brothers and two sisters, one of whom still survives, Mrs. Martha J. Oren. He made advancement and in a few years purchased sixty acres of land in Liberty Township, which he took from the wilds of nature to a good state of cultivation. Prosperity seemed to be with him, and at one time he owned six hundred acres of land, and was one of the prominent citizens of the township, and had bestowed upon him the office of Trustee several terms. His marriage was solemnized October 22, 1835, with Susannah Bailey, who was born in Union Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, February 9, 1810, and is the daughter of Daniel and Mary (Haworth) Bailey, the former a native of Old Virginia and the latter of Tennessee. They were married in Clinton County (limits) in 1807, where they endured many privations and hardships. Daniel died July 12, 1844 and Mary July, 1867. Thomas E. Hunnicutt, the subject of this sketch, is cue of twelve children, of whom seven survive with the widowed mother. He was born in Liberty Township, May 28, 1848, and was raised to farm life and received a common school education. His attention has ever been given to farming, though recently coupled with breeding fine hogs and buying and selling bogs and sheep. He is at present one of the Township Trustees, is nicely located one and one half miles from Port William, and is one of the well-to-do farmers of Liberty Township. His marriage was celebrated September 29, 1874, with Miss Anna E. Gallemore, who was born in Clinton County, Ohio, June 22, 1856. The issue of this marriage are two sons, viz.: Orville B. and Harley D.
CHRISTOPHER HUFFMAN, farmer, P. O. McKay's Station. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is of German extraction and a descendant of a worthy pioneer family of Chester Township, Clinton Co., Ohio. The paternal grandfather Huffman came from Germany about the middle of the last century, and settled in Virginia, where he died and where his son, Daniel, the grandfather of our subject, was born, reared and married. In 1822, he emigrated to Ohio by the aid of a five horse team, driven by his eldest son, Solomon. Daniel and wife (Rosannah Petterson) subsequently located in Clinton County, Ohio, where he purchased 500 acres of land, at $2.50 per acre, which was all in the wilds of nature; but, considering his ill-health, he accomplished a wonderful amount of labor, though in his earlier life he was of strong mind and limb. He and wife trod the path of life until December, 1846, when her death severed the union, and he, too, followed in 1848. Their children were six in number, of whom Solomon is the eldest, and was born in Hardy (now Grant) County, W. Va., February 24, 1801, where he attained his manhood, but, as above stated, in
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1822 drove his father's five-horse team to Ohio; since which time he has been a resident of the county, and watched its progress, growth and development for over three. score years, and was one of the instruments in developing the present favorable condition of the county. In 1828, he returned to his native State, and married Christina Armstrong, who was born in Virginia February 25, 1805. Immediately after the consummation, they, on horseback, started for Ohio, where his father gave him a farm in Chester Township, Clinton County. Here he endured many privations and hardships, taking his land from its primeval to a fair state of cultivation and improvement. He still survives, at the age of fourscore years, and possesses good health and appetite. He buried his first wife May, 1832, but January 19, 1837, married Amie (Kelsey) Luca, a native of Warren County, Ohio, born February 26, 1803, and died February 26, 1878. Solomon and first wife had born to them two children, viz.: Christina A., who died March 24, 1854, and our subject Christopher, who was born August 27, 1829, and is the only surviving child of his father's family. He was raised in Chester, his native township, and gave his father his labor until his majority, when he married, February 2, 1851, Harriet A. Middleton, who was born, October 29, 1832, in Greene County, Ohio. They lived in Chester Township until 1867, when they came to Liberty, where he now owns a fine farm of 186 acres and the same amount in his native township, and other land in the county. He is one of the enterprising and well-to-do farmers, willing to encourage all local enterprises and public improvements. He has never had any political aspirations, but has been contented with the quiet routine of a farmer's life. Mr. and Mrs. Huffman are nicely located, with all that constitutes a neat and comfortable home, and are the parents of three children, viz.: Amy C., wife of B. F. Wall; James M.; and Angeline A., now Mrs. R. R. Hiatt. Mrs. Huffman is a daughter of James and Angeline Middleton, who were pioneers of Greene County, Ohio, where the mother died November 19, 1868. The father still survives, at the age of seventy-nine years.
JAMES M. JOHNSON (deceased) was born in Virginia October 14, 1812, and was one of two children whose parents, Micajah and Margaret (Parson) Johnson, brought them from Virginia on horseback in 1815. He was raised principally in and about Port William, Liberty Township, Clinton Co., Ohio. His early life was devoted to milling, carpentering and farming. When nineteen years of age, he became the subject of Divine grace, and soon united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He loved the church of his choice for its republican principles. For many years, he was a Class Leader at Port William, and for several years a local minister. To many of the annual conferences of Ohio he was a delegate, and served on most of their important committees; was also a number of times a member of the General Conference. His religion controlled his daily walk; he was a man of decision of character, sterling integrity and upright in principle. During his life, he held many offices bestowed upon him by the people, which he impartially and ably filled. In 1865, he was elected Sheriff of his county, and for his promptness and efficiency was acknowledged to have had few superiors. He was a noble worker in all causes having for their effect the good of humanity. His marriage with Polly Johnson was celebrated March 31, 1833. They were the parents of seven children, three of whom still survive. His death occurred October 4, 1881, after a long and useful life, in Clinton County. Polly is a daughter of John Johnson (deceased), (no relation to J. M.), who was born in Virginia 1777, where he matured and married. He was a man of limited means, and labored for his livelihood. This class of people could obtain nothing but oversee the slaves, and that he did not like. For this reason, he came North, and settled in the present limits of Liberty Township, Clinton County, Ohio. Early in the present century (about 1807), he entered the land now owned by Silas Matthews. He, wife and three children settled in the deep, unbroken forest, where nothing but the wilds of nature abounded. Their first winter was spent in what is now commonly called a sugar camp tent, warmed by a large log fire in front. He took his farm to a good state of cultivation by the assistance of his noble family, which consisted of eleven children, of whom four still survive. He was a man of noble character, rugged constitution and withstood the pioneer privations with great fortitude.
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I. M. JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Port William. He is a son of John H. Johnsun, whose birth occurred in New Jersey five days prior to the celebration of our nation's freedom. He grew to majority in his native State. About the year 1800, he with his parents settled in the present limits of Cincinnati, Ohio. On June 7, 1810, be married Christina Curle, who is supposed to have been a native of Virginia, born October 18, 1791. They settled in Union Township, Clinton County, Ohio, in the year 181'2, and ever after remained a resident of the county, but, about 1830, purchased the farm now owned by our subject. John H. was one of the early pioneers of Clinton County, and endured the hardships as such; he was a patriot in the Indian war of 1812. He was a man of strong and portly frame, robust constitution, and able to bear all the duties that devolved upon him. The marks of thoso pioneers' hand and ax should to-day be regarded as monuments to their lives. His death occurred August 7, 1853, and his wife, too, followed December 22, 1856. Thus ended the earthly career of two noble pioneers of Clinton, the mother county of Isaiah, one of eleven children, of whom five are now living, and who was born February 28, 1824, in Union Township. He was raised on his father's farm, but subsequently learned carpentering, ;'to which his time has since been largely given, though living almost entirely on a farm. In early life, his school privileges were very much limited. living the year 1857, he married Miss Deborah Ferguson, who was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1838. They are the parents of six children. The political affiliations of Mr. Johnson have ever been with the Whig and Republican parties, which have intrusted to his honor the office of Township Trustee several terms, which duties he has faithfully and impartially discharged. He is a man of large stature, and has possessed fair health, but time and bard labor have silvered his hair and left their mark upon his frame. His grandfather, Cornelius Johnson, was a patriot in the war which resulted in our free and independent government.
HON. D. S. KING, ex-legislator, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O. Port William, was born on the farm where he now resides, February 1, 1822. He is a son of John '` and Ann (Shields) King, who were both natives of Tennessee, John born in Washington County October 4, 1788, and Ann in Greene County October 12, 1793. They both reached majority in their native State, but came to Clinton County, Ohio, in 1819, and were married May 1, 1821. They settled in Liberty Township in an unbroken forest, anticipating many hardships, which they knew were in future for all pioneers ; but alas in a few years hisearthly career was ended, and his companion deprived of her husband, who was a noble citizen, a kind and grateful father; his death occurred January 7, 1829, leaving wife and five fatherless children. The widow survived till February 20, 1863, when she, too, was called hence. Hon. D. S. was the eldest of the children, and as is seen, he was at an early age thrown largely upon his own resources. As time elapsed and age came on, he was enabled nobly to assist his widowed mother, who was left with ninety-five acres of land, almost entirely in the wilds of nature; this was through their energy and perseverance taken to a high state of cultivation. As is evinced by the foregoing, the school privileges enjoyed by our subject were very meager. He has lived to see the surrounding country grow from a deep and dense forest to a finely improved county. The condition of his well-improved farm is the result of his own wise management, coupled with hard labor; he now owns 325 acres of land well stocked with fine sheep, hogs and Short-Horn cattle. Of the latter he has produced as fine a herd as were ever exhibited in Ohio, some of which were superior show animals. More recently he has turned considerable attention to breeding fast horses, and at present owns a grandson of "Rysdick's Hambletonian." which promises to be of good speed. The political affiliation of Mr. King has ever been with the Whig and Republican parties, who have intrusted to him many offices of trust and honor. In 1850, he was elected Township Assessor, which he filled until 1853, when he was made Justice of the Peace. In this capacity, re-elections followed until 1857, when be resigned to accept the office of Probate Judge. His services were thus devoted until 1863, when he returned to the farm resolved within his own mind never to become a candidate for or accept any office of public trust; but in 1878, at the solicitation of some personal
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friends, be consented to become a candidate for Clinton County as Representative, and was honorably elected to the Sixty-fourth General Assembly of Ohio, in which capacity he served until January 1, 1882. While in that distinguished body, he served on three standing committees, viz., Temperance, Pikes and Public Roads, be being a strong advocate of temperance; he during the regular session of the General Assembly presented a local option bill, which bill had been largely petitioned for by the State of Ohio. The assembly took action on it, but was not carried. He then drew a new bill and presented it to the adjourned session the next year, which was also acted upon, but failed to pass. These facts are self-evident of the temperance spirit of Judge King, as he is called. His nuptials were celebrated April 3. 1849, with Nancy E. Smalley, who was born near Clarksville, Clinton County (in the edge of Warren County), December 20, 1825; she is a grand-daughter of William Smalley, who was one of the pioneer settlers of Ohio: he was captured by the Indians near Pittsburgh. Penn., in an early day, but escaped and was re-captured, but finally escaped, came to Fort Washington, and at a later date settled where Nancy E. was born.
JESSE H. KIRK, farmer, grain and stock-dealer, P. O. McKay's Station. This gentleman is a grandson of Ezekiel Kirk, who was born in Wales in 1758, and, at an early day, emigrated to America, and located in Center County, Penn. In 1812, Ezekiel Kirk removed to Clinton County, Ohio, settling in the northeast corner of the township of Chester, where he died about 1824. His children-Ezekiel, Josiah, William, Jonathan, Mahlon, Caleb, Timothy, Sarah, Deborah, Rachel and Hannah-all came with him from Pennsylvania, and located in Chester. Timothy, William, Hannah and Sarah subsequently changed their abiding place to Indiana. Mahlon Kirk, youngest son of Ezekiel, and father of Jesse H., was born in Center County, Penn., October 22, 1802, and was therefore ten years of age when the family removed to Ohio. He was a farmer during his life. He inherited the home farm in Chester Township, upon which he resided until 1850, when he moved upon a farm of 100 acres in Liberty Township, which he bad purchased of Jesse -Green, in 1848, for 82,000. He had, about 1838, purchased 122 acres in the same township of a man named Thornburg ; also, 108 acres in Union Township, formerly owned by Amos Davis, and 112 acres in Chester Township of Jacob Taylor, besides a farm of ninety acres a mile out of Wilmington, on the Xenia Road, now owned by John M. Kirk. He resided on the place he bought of Green, in Liberty Township, until his death, which occurred April 16, 1881. Mahlon Kirk was married, December 1, 1830, at Center Meeting, to Sarah (Stanley) Hines, daughter of Anthony Stanley, and widow of Jesse Hines. To Mahlon and Sarah Kirk were given six children-Nathan, now of Bangor, Marshall Co., Iowa; John M., attorney at law in Wilmington, Ohio; Jesse H., of Liberty Township; Ezekiel W., residing in Union Township, on a farm near Gurneyville; Isaac, now deceased, and Isaiah, owning the old farm in Chester, and residing on an adjoining one formerly owned by his grandfather Kirk. Sarah (Stanley-Hines) Kirk, was born in Guilford County, N. C., May 3, 1807, and came to Clinton County, Ohio, about the year 1813, with her father, Anthony Stanley, who settled in the northwest part of the township of Union, near Gurneyville, on a farm now (1882) owned by Jerry Morris. His children were William, John, Micajah, Sarah, Ruth, Elizabeth, and Rebecca, and with nearly all of them he afterward removed to what is now Iroquois (then Vermillion) county, Illinois. Isaac subsequently went to Oregon, and John to Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he was one of the first settlers. Micajah was the only Democrat in the family, but was very popular on account of his ability and good qualities, and was several times elected to the Illinois Legislature from Iroquois County. He was also chosen Sheriff of that county, and at a recent date was elected Mayor of Watseka, a strongly Republican city. Sarah Stanley was married according to the ceremony used by the Friends, to Jesse Hines, in Chester Township, in 18'36, and by him had one daughter, Hannah, born December 25, 18'37, who in 18-14 became the wife of Edwin Whinery, of Union Township. Jesse Hines died about three years after his marriage with Miss Stanley. To Edwin Whinery and wife were born three children-Zimri, Albert and Sarah. Mr. Whiners died subsequent to 1850, and his widow was some time later married to
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James Morris, of Wayne Township, by whom she had two children, who survive their parents.
JESSE HINES KIRK, son of Mahlon and Sarah, was born July 11, 1836, in Chester Township, Clinton County, Ohio. His home was always with his father's family, and he removed with them to Liberty in 1850, where, upon the old farm he still re sides, his mother making her home with him. Although in his earlier years Mr. Kirk tbund plenty of work on his father's farm, and has since engaged to some extent in the mercantile field, he never lost sight of the fact that an education was the great desideratum of a successful business man. The rudiments of one he received in the "little old brick schoolhouse " near the residence of T. W. McMillan, in Chester Township, commencing in 1841, and the last school in 1849. Among the teachers were Cheney Pyle, Esther Whinery, Mary Stroud, Nancy Dwiggins, Josephine Quinby, David and Israel Taylor, David MoMillan, and Zimri Hodson. In the fall 1849, Mr. Kirk began `attending the Oakland Academy, a select school of merit, taught by his cousin, I. S. Morris, now editor of the Miami Helmet, published at Piqua, Ohio. Among his teachers there was Charles Oren, who afterward fell at Petersburg, Va., while in command of a company of troops. In the winter of 1851-52, Mr. Kirk taught school in what was known as Quinby's District, near Ogden, and during the two succeeding winters he attended Center Academy, taught by Joseph Moore and R. E. Doan in the order named. During two winters following, he was again engaged in teaching, and in the fall of 1856 he attended Earlham College, near Richmond, Ind., where among his schoolmates were Madison Betts and Milton Taylor, of Clinton County. Mr. Kirk also attended two terms at the normal school in Lebanon in the winter of 1859-60. Since then he has been a member of the Board of Education in Liberty Township for eighteen successive years, commencing in 1863, that being the year in which was formed a new district from part of the old District No. 4, of Liberty, and fractional District No. 2, of Union. At t present (1882), he is a member of the local board of District No. 4, of Liberty, with B. F. Wall and Hon. J. N. Oren. In 1864, Mr. Kirk saw four months' service in the field as a member of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Ohio Volunteers, which regiment had some sharp experience in the battle of Monocacy, losing about thirty men killed and wounded, and one hundred prisoners. After his return, Mr. Kirk took up the farm work which he had left. In 1878, he became one of the Directors of the Col umbus, Washington & Cincinnati Narrow Gauge Railway, holding the position two years and engaging with others in superintending the construction of the road, the credit for the final completion of which is undoubtedly due to him and the assistant directors. This road was changed to a standard gauge in April, 1882, and connects with the Little Miami road four miles north of Waynesville. Mr. Kirk is a Republican in politics, and at the age of forty-six years is still a bachelor, although having by no means the crabbed nature and soured aspect of the ideal bachelor. In fact there are several of the brotherhood in northern Clinton County who with their genial natures are worthy the acquaintance and respect of all, and Mr. Kirk is not less genial than any of the others, while his avoirdupois indicates that he enjoys life well.
W. R. LEWIS, farmer, P. O. Port William. is a son of John Lewis, who was born in Virginia in 1799, and, when eleven years old, came with his parents to Clinton County, and located on Todd's Fork, where the parents died at advanced ages. John grew to manhood in the early days of Clinton County, and had but few school privileges. His nuptials were celebrated in 1830, with Sarah Rannells, who was born in Union Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, where they settled. His death occurred in 1871, being the father of nine children, of whom all are now living, as is the widow also. W. R., whose name heads this article, was born in Union Township, Clinton County, February 18, 1831. He is the eldest of the family, hence became his father's prime assistant in clearing up his farm. He remained at home until his majority, when he began carpentering, which he followed a period of nine years, during which time, in December, 1859, he married Mary Smith. She was born and raised in Wilmington. The issue of this union is three children, two daughters and one son. In the year 1870, he purchased his present farm, on which he has since resided. He is a liberal contributor
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to all enterprises, baying for their effect the elevation of mankind and the community.
GEORGE W. LINKHART, farmer, P. O. Port William. Among the well-to-do farmers of Liberty Township, we are pleased to yield a space to the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. George W. is a son of Thomas Linkhart, who was born November 11, 1802, in Frederick County, Va., and was the eldest of his father's family. Thomas was raised to manhood in his native county, where he acquired a limited education. His marriage occurred April 19, 1822, with Ellen Fisher, also a native of Virginia, and two years his senior. They came to Ohio in 1824, and settled in Union Township, Clinton County ; during life he was variously located, and a part of the time in Greene County, but mostly and lastly in this county, owning at his death, in Liberty Township; 200 acres of land. His death occurred November 13, 1874, and his widow survived until October 18, 1878, when she, too, passed away. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom five only survive, and our subject is the youngest. He was born in Greene County, Ohio, April 5, 1843, but from the age of three years he has been a resident of Clinton County. He acquired a common school education in winter months, and devoted his summers to farming, which has been his chosen occupation, and now owns a good farm of 212 acres under good cultivation and well improved. He was united in marriage with Mary C. Anderson November 1, 1874 ; she was born in Greene County, Ohio, April 25, 1841. The issue of this union is two children, viz., Katie and Charlie. Mrs. Linkhart was the widow of James Linkhart, with whom she had six children, viz., Albert E., Louisa L., Laura E., Frank S., Emma B. and Annie D. James Linkhart was born in Clinton County December 22, 1830, and died May 16, 1872, having been almost a lifelong resident and farmer of his native county.
WILLIAM F. McKAY, farmer, P. O. Lumberton. Among the pioneer families of Clinton County, we find the McKay's should not be omitted, hence, we here, for the benefit of the family and completion of the work, place upon record the following: Moses McKay, the grandfather of W. F., was born in Virginia about the time of our country's independence. He grew to manhood and married in his native State, where he remained until about 1818, when he, wife and eleven children came to Ohio, leaving one son in Virginia. They settled in Warren County, where he became a land-owner, and remained until his death, about seven years after locating; his wife died near the same time. Their privations in the West were ofshort duration, but required wonderful endurance. George, the third of Moses' children and the father of W. F., was born in Vir ginia in 1800, but from eighteen years of age grew to manhood in Ohio. He was married, soon after his majority, with Mary M. Furguson, who was a native of Virginia, and in youth rode on horseback to Ohio. This union settled in Chester Township,. Clinton County, where he, with little or no means but a fortune of integrity and industry, amassed a fair competency and was the owner of broad acres. He and wife were among the pioneer laborers, and to-day, several hundred acres, which was unclothed from its deep foliage, mark the honorable result of their bands, worthy of the imitation and admiration of after generations. After having been a resident until 1850, he slept the sleep of death, and the widow survived until 1878. Their children were ten in number; all grew to majority, and eight are now living, of whom William T. is the sixth one, and was born January 12, 1833, in Chester Township, where he matured, and in 1856, married Elizabeth Peterson, and in the following year located in Liberty Township, where he now lives and owns 350 acres of land; which is well improved and under good cultivation. These together constitute a comfortable and desirable home. Considerable of the tillable land on his farm has been made thus by his own hands, he being one of the live, practical farmers, and reaps good harvests. He is a public spirited man, willing to encourage all public improvements. The children of W. F. and wife are six in number, viz., Azel P., Jacob B., George E., Ulysses G., Arthur F. and Beatrice A. Mrs. McKay is a daughter of Jacob P. and Mary A. (Boblet) Peterson, who were pioneers of Greene County, Ohio. She was born in the last named county in 1835, and grew to maturity in the same county and married.
ALFRED McKAY, farmer, P. O. McKay's Station. The gentleman whose
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name heads this sketch is one of the well-to-do farmers, and a descendant of a worthy pioneer family, mentioned in William F. McKay's sketch. Alfred was born June 29, 1835, in Chester Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, where he devoted his summer months to the farm and winter months to school, whereby he acquired a fair education, but busi ness transactions and public cares have since greatly improved the foundational ideas. He remained at home until twenty-six years of age, except what time he devoted to teaching school, during which time he studied surveying, and which profession he largely followed during the meridian of life, but has withdrawn from it within the past few years. He settled on his present farm in February, 18113, where he has ever since resided, and is one of the leading land-owners of his township. His conduct and jurisdiction has given him rank among the leading citizens of the county, and, in 1876, was elected as a member of the Board of County Commissioners, which term expired in 1879. In the fall of 1875, the Narrow Gage Railroad, known as the Waynesville, Port William & Jeffersonville division, was agitated, in which he was one of the ruling spirits and a charter member. For two years, he was honored with the second highest office (Vice President) of the road, and during its entire existence under that name one of its directors; but has held no official position since March, 1881, when the road changed hands. He now devotes his time to the farm, dealing in and raising cattle, hogs and sheep, which is an evidence of his enterprising spirit. He is finely located a half mile south of McKay's Station, and is willing to aid and encourage all public improvements, having for their effect the good of the community. His marriage was celebrated November 7, 1861, with Miss Sarah L., daughter of Samuel and Hannah Miars. She was born October 12, 1841, and raised in Union Township, Clinton County. The issue of this union is two children, one daughter and one son, viz., Estella and Ray.
TILGHMAN McKAY, farmer, P. O. McKay's Station. To another of the well-to-do farmers and stock-raisers of Liberty Township this sketch is dedicated. He is a brother of Alfred McKay, whose name appears in the biographical pages of this volume. He was born November 7, 1830, in Chester Township, Clinton County, Ohio, where his early life was devoted to the interest oŁ his father. He received the rudiments of an education in the public schools, but, in 1853, married Sarah Medsker, a native of Highland County, Ohio, born June 7, 1830. Her early childhood was spent in her native county, but she matured in Greene County, Ohio, where her nuptials were celebrated. Soon after this marriage, they settled on their present farm, where they have ever since resided, and have had born to them eight children; the second, Oliver E., died March 25, 1864, and seven daughters now survive. Mr. McKay is the owner of 240 acres of land, and has taken considerable of it from its primeval state to a fair degree of cultivation and improvement, which, under his practical supervision, produces fair annual yields. He has his farm furnished with a fair quality of stock, and many of the latest improvements, which are both ornamental and useful. These are marks of his enterprising tastes. He is one of Liberty Township's genial, social and affable farmers, willing to encourage all that tends to elevate the community in which he lives. His knowledge and correct views gave him rank among the citizens of the township, by whom he was elected Trustee several times during life.
JOSEPH NOON; grain-dealer, Port William, is a son of John and Jane (Tbrosby) Noon, who were both natives of England, where they lived and died. John devoted his time to the woolen factory. Joseph Noon, whose name heads this article, was born in Leicester City, England, in 1826. His educational privileges were limited, but through his own exertions he procured a fair knowledge of the primary branches while in his native country. When sixteen years of age, he emigrated to America, landed in New York, but soon after engaged in a woolen-mill in New England. In 1856, he came to Port William, Clinton Co., Ohio, where he has since principally resided. Here he engaged in the woolen mills in partnership with James Cropper, whose biography appears in this volume. Here they conducted the business until 1872, when they purchased the Port William Grist Mill, and conducted it five years, since which the attention of Mr. Noon has been turned to buying and shipping grain. His political.
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affiliations have ever been with the Republican party, who, in 1861, elected him Township Assessor, in which capacity he served three successive years. Since 1864, he has held the office of Township Clerk seven years ; as Justice, he has filled the office for the period of nine years, and is the present incumbent. He has been twice married ; his first nuptials were celebrated in Lawrence, Mass., on October 5, 1854, to Miss Eliza J. Heath, who was of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born July 22, 18:34, in Nevi Hampshire, and died in Port William, Ohio, April 28, 1876. She was the mother of four children, of whom one, Clara L., survives; and is now engaged in teaching. Mr. Noon married for his second wife Emma Athey, March 22, 1879; she is a daughter of Robert and Ann Athey, who were early settlers in Warren County, Ohio. Robert died April 22, 1865, and Ann March 15, 1879. Of their nine children, five survive.
JOSHUA OGLESBEE, farmer, P. O. Lumberton. There was many a heroic pioneer in the settlement of Clinton County of whom little has yet been said, but to whom this local history is meant to do justice, in relating the progress, growth, development sod present prosperity of the county, largely due to their energy, foresight and calm endurance. Among this class of people we are pleased to consecrate a space in this volume to the name Oglesbee, which seems to be of Scotch extraction, but as to the time of becoming known in America is not definite. The paternal grandfather, with one or more married children and a family by the name of Stump, emigrated from Virginia to Ohio in the year 1817. The grandfather, Isaiah Oglesbee, settled in Clinton County one and a half miles east of Lumberton, where he and wife both entered their final rest, the former about 1840, and the latter three years later. Both were members of the Friends' Church. They endured many privations during the short period they resided in this county. The parents of our subject were John and Sarah (Stump) Oglesbee, both natives of Virginia, where they matured and married. They were joined together September 4, 1809, and to the date of coming to Ohio bad born to them three children. They settled in Greene County, Ohio, but subsequently in Clinton County, purchasing 200 acres of land, where W. F. Oglesbee now resides, which was clothed with nature's own production. By energy, perseverance and wonderful endurance, they grew from small beginnings to be among the leading land-owners as well as worthy citizens of the county, which was accomplished in the short space of about twenty years, as the death messenger called him hence on July 12,1840. But the widow survived, bearing the name of her departed husband until February 5, 1873, when she, too, was called hence. Both were members of the Baptist Church. Their children were eight in number, and Joshua, whose name heads this memoir, was born July 29, 1825, in Liberty Township, where he has always resided. He received the rudiments of an education in the common school. Remained at home and gave his widowed mother his time until his majority when he entered the arena of life for himself, and on March 11, 1855, was married to Mary M. McKay, sister of W. F., whose biography appears in this township. She was born September 27, 1837, in Chester Township, Clinton County. To this union have been given three children-Sally M., Alonzo and Horace. Soon after the above marriage they settled on their present farm, which consists of 356 acres, which is under cultivation and improvement. This farm receives his entire time, believing that a successful farmer can consume all the time profitably at home, hence we see he has no political aspirations and is contented with the common routine of a farmer's life. The maternal grandparenfs of Joshua were Daniel and Mary Stump, also natives of Virginia, where they married, but came to Ohio the same time as the Oglesbees. They settled near Harveysburg, where they both died at advanced ages.
WILLIAM F. OGLESBEE, farmer, P. O. McKay's Station. He is a brother of Joshua, whose biography appears above. William F., is one of the native-born citizens and was born July 22, 1832, on the farm where he now resides, having spent a half a century on his birthplace, watching the rise and progress of his mother home for fifty years, during which many changes have taken place, but he can still look baek with a realizing thought as to the surroundings when in childhood days and see the land clothed with dense forests where now are seen valuable and productive fields. He gave his widowed mother his time until November 5, 1857, when he married Mary J. Miars,
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after which he entered upon personal responsibilities and cared for his mother until her death. He took charge of the home farm, which he now owns and is well situated in life. Among the well-to-do farmers he may readily be classed, and as willing to encourage local enterprise which perpetuate the names and deeds of our worthy pioneers. The children of this marriage are three in number, viz.: Luella B., wife of Orville E. Peterson; Granville M., and Emma H. Mrs. Oglesbee is a daughter of Samuel and Hannah Miars, who were among the pioneers of Clinton County, where they came in an early day and where both died, he at about seventy-five, and she seventy years of age.
MANLEY OGLESBEE, farmer, P. O. Lumberton. Among the pioneer list of Clinton County we find the name of Manley Oglesbee, who is a son of John Oglesbee, mentioned in Joshua's sketch. Manley was born in Frederick County, Va., June 5, 1815, but in the fall of 1817 his parents settled in Greene County, Ohio, and in 1820 in Clinton County as above given. Since the last date mentioned, he has been a resident of Clinton County, watching its rise and progress for over. threescore years, and now owns in Clinton, one among the leading counties in the State, over three hundred acres of land, which is the result of his own and his forefathers' unswerving energy amid environing difficulties. He has passed quietly through life and desires no notoriety; hence is contended with the tasks of a common farm life. He remained at home until April 10, 1845, when he married Phenia, youngest daughter of Hezekiah Hiatt, mentioned in base Hiatt's biography in this volume-Liberty Township. She was born April 13, 1825, in Union Township, Clinton County. Before this marriage, Manley had erected a house on his present farm, a part of which is to-day standing and forms a part of his present dwelling. His residence was surrounded with the wilds of nature, but with strong. bands and willing heart he has from time to time taken it to a fair degree of improvement and cultivation. He and wife are the parents of thirteen children, of whom two died in early life, and eleven are now living to read the record and pioneer hardships of their ancestors.
HIRAM OGLESBEE, farmer, P. O., Port William, is a son of Eli Oglesbee, who was born in Virginia October 5, 1806, and died in Clinton County, February 28, 1870. He came to Ohio when about eleven years old, with his father, Isaiah Oglesbee, mentioned in Joshua Oglesbee's sketch. Eli grew to manhood in Liberty Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, and acquired a limited education in the pioneer days. He endured many privations that can only be told by those who passed through them, in clearing away the dense forest. He married Rebecca Mann, a native of Ohio, born in 1807, and died in 1831, with whom he had one child, Lydia, now Mrs. William Cornell, of Dayton, Ohio. Eli married for his second companion, Lucinda Fawcett, a native of Belmont County, Ohio, born July 4, 1810, and died in Clinton County, Ohio, September 14, 1877. She was the mother of three children, viz : Our subject, Rebecca (wife of A. J. Van Pelt), and Woodson. Eli, through his energy and wonderful endurance, acquired a fair amount of property, which is now in the hands of his children, the eldest of whose name, heads this -article; he was born where he now resides, August 4, 1834. Here he matured on the farm, and being his father's eldest son, there were many duties pressing themselves upon him that the younger did not undergo. He acquired a common school education and gave his father the benefit of his time until August 2, 1858, when he married Susan Buser, who is a native of Greens County, Ohio, and reared in Xenia; her birth occurred in 1835. To this union have been given six children-Louie B., Charles H., John W., Horace C., Edward F. and Amos L. In 1859, he located on his farm in Greene County, where he followed his childhood occupation (farming) a period of ten years, when he moved to Xenia, and in partnership with D. B. Dubois, engaged in the stove, tin-ware and agricultural implement trade. This received his attention until the death of his father, when he located on the "home" farm with his mother; and the following fall removed to the farm now owned by Joshua Brown, where he remained until 1874, when he returned to Xenia, and engaged in the furniture trade in which he was successful ; but in the Centennial year, he purchased the home farm where be is now engaged in farming and is comfortably situated. He is of Scotch extraction and is of a worthy pioneer family.
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WOODSON OGLESBEE, farmer, P. O. Port William. Woodson, whose name appears above, was born June 21, 1839, in Liberty Township, near where his present house stands. He is a brother of Hiram, whose sketch appears above. Our subject grew to maturity in his native township, where he has since lived. He remained at home, giving his father the advantage of his time until twenty-two years of age, when he married Mary E. Haines, who wits born in Clinton County, Ohio, in 1841, and died in May, 1879, leaving husband and four children. The latter are, respectively, Charles A., Alden M., Mary E., and Hiram J. Afterward Mr. Oglesbee married for his second companion Lucy M. Fawcett, of Clinton County, Ohio. He is one of the well-to-do farmers of Liberty Township, and owns 174 acres of land in Clinton and Greene Counties, under good cultivation and improvement. He gives his entire time to farming and caring his stock.
FRANKLIN OGLESBEE, farmer, P. O. McKay's Station. He comes from the Isaiah Oglesbee who is mentioned in Joshua Oglesbee's sketch. He is a great grandson of Isaiah, grandson of John, and a son of Amos, who was born in Virginia in 1810 and came to Ohio in 1817, and from 1820 matured in Clinton County. He was the eldest son of his father, and naturally endured many privations not subjected to by the younger ones. He remained at home until 1835. when he married Anna, sister of Solomon Huffman, mentioned in Christopher Huffmann's biography. She was born 1814 in Virginia, and came to Ohio with her parents soon after the war of 1812. Soon after this marriage they settled on the farm now owned by Frank, where he cleared considerable of its, and finally, on December 31, 1851, after having been a long and useful pioneer and for many years a member of the Reformed Church, he entered his final rest. His widow survived until June 25, 1875, when she, too, passed away. Their children were nine in number, of whom eight are now living, and our subject is the eldest, and was born September 4, 1836, on the farm he now owns, and as his father's eldest child became his most valuable assistant. He remained with his widowed mother until 1863, when he enlisted in Company H, Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, serving until the close of the war; received no wounds, but through exposure has impaired his health. Upon his return he resumed farming, which has since received his attention, and now owns a farm of 110 acres, well improved and under good cultivation. His nuptials were celebrated January 2, 1873, with Miss Ruth Hadley, who was born in Clinton Connty, Ohio. in 1854, she being the daughter of Eli L. and Theodosia, who were pioneers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Oglesbee are the parents of one child-Anna T., born December 1, 1873.
ELIHU OREN was born in Greene County, Tenn., March 3, 1809. In the fall of 1810, his father, John Oren, moved with his family, from that State to Clinton County, Ohio. Elihu grew to manhood on his father's farm, assisted in clearing the land, and preparing it for cultivation. The limited facilities for obtaining an education at that early day were not calculated to inspire the young men with an ambition to be come scholars. Still at the age of twenty we find Mr. Oren engaged in teaching school. On the 1st of August, 1830, he was married to Jane Newcomb. They raised a family of five children who lived to be grown and married, as follows: Charles, Elisabeth, Jesse, Mary Jane, and Asenath Clarissa, a bright, promising young lady, died in 1862, in her eighteenth year. Mr. Oren continued teaching for a number of years after his marriage. His principal occupation, however, was farming. He moved into Liberty Township in the winter of 1835, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred March 7, 187`3. Mr. Oren was an intelligent, enterprising, public spirited and thoroughly conscientious man. He was a friend of rail roads, free pikes and free schools. He took an active interest in securing the first free pikes that were built in our county, and the last day's work of his life was in the interest of the extension of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. In politics, he was a Whig, until 1840, when he cast his last Wbig vote for Harrison for President. From that time, until Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation, he was a Garrisonian Abolitionist. The black man found in him a true and steadfast friend. He early espoused the temperance cause; and was an outspoken advocate for total abstinence. Reared under the in-
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fluence of the Society of Friends, he was opposed to war, and the advocate of peace. But when the war for the preservation of the Union came, his sympathies were all with the Union armies, and he desired and prayed for their success. His two sons, Charles and Jesse, enlisted in the Union army. Charles was Captain of the Fifth United States Colored Troops, and was killed by a sharpshooter in front of Petersburg in August, 1864. Jesse served for three years in Company B, Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After Mr. Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, Mr. Oren became an earnest, active Republican. He lived to see the complete triumph of the anti-slavery principles for which he so long contended. Jane Oren, his widow, still survives him, and is now in her seventy-sixth year. Her faculties are remarkably good for one of her age. She lives in Gurneyville with her son-in-law, B. F. James, and is patiently waiting for the time io come when she can join the companion of her youth who has gone before.
ELI OREN, farmer, P. O. Wilmington. His paternal grandfather, John Oren, was born in Yorktown, York Co., Penn.., June 10, 1765, where he was reared and married Ruth Frazier, a native of the same county, but a few years his junior. While in their native county, they were blessed with three children, of whom one died in infancy. Near the close of the eighteenth century, they, with two children, moved to Greens County. Tenn., where they resided until the fall of 1810, when they located in the borders of Union Township, Clinton Co., Ohio. In this location the messenger of death entered his family the following spring, and called away his companion, leaving him with ten motherless children ; but two years later he married for his second wife Lydia Ladd, of Highland County, Ohio; to which union were given four children. His stature was six feet and one inch, a robust and hardy pioneer, to withstand the early day hardships of Clinton County. He lived to see all of his children save two, who died in minority, marry and raise their families, but in 1847 the death messenger summoned him home, in the full faith of the Friends' Church, of which he had for many years been a member. Two years after his death, his second wife, too, was called hence. John Oren, Jr., the father of Eli, was born in Greene County, Tenn., March 10, 1802, and at the age of eight years was brought to Clinton County, Ohio, where he matured, married, lived and died. He grew to majority amid the pioneer days of the county, enduring all the difficulties to which they were subjected. His form was that of his father, but three inches less in height, and a similar constitution, a man of more than ordinary endurance. In December, 1831, he married Martha Bailey, who was a native of Union Township, this county, born June 25, 1808. They trod the path of life until March, 1848, when her death severed their union. In the year 1852, he married Martha J. Hunnicutt, who was a native of Prince George County, Va., and several years his junior. To this union one child was given. On January 5, 1877, he departed this life in the full faith of the Friends' Church, and the widow still survives. Eli, whose name heads this sketch, is the eldest of eight children by the first marriage of John, Jr. He is the only one who has trod the path of single life, except two brothers who lost their lives in defending our country during the late war. Eli is the owner of a fertile farm in Liberty Township, which receives his daily attention.
R. C. PEDDICORD, merchant, Port William. He is a native of Brown County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and received a fair education, which he improved at Lebanon, Ohio. For the past two years he has been engaged in teaching, but on November 3, 1881, be took charge of a stock of general retail goods in Port William for his brother, O. F. Peddicord. They carry dry and fancy goods, boots and shoes, clothing and gents' furnishing goods, hats and caps, in short a full line of all articles kept in a general store. As is seen, this enterprise is of recent establishment, but by the interest manifested in displaying goods, and courtesy to customers, a favorable patronage is the result.
HENRY N. SANDERSON (deceased). The stroke of the mallet chisels the firm marble into a shaft of beauty, and artistic skill fashions the letters that tell of the birth, years and death, but time covers the monument with mosses and defaces the inscription. We here place upon record a brief sketch of the above, who was by occu-
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pation a farmer and broker. He was born in Fayette County, Ohio, May 13, 1823, and died in Clinton County, May 6, 1881. His early life was devoted on his father's farm, and in schools; securing a fair education, he devoted about ten years to teaching school. In the meantime, in 1844, he married Sarah, daughter of Solomon Earley, whose biography appears in this history, and who was born in this county, November 2, 1824. Soon after their marriage, they settled on their farm, which he superintended, and loaned money. This received his close attention until within a few years of his death. Through this medium, he amassed a fair compensation, and at his death was one of the solid financial men of the county. This was largely. the result of his own judicious management and industry. He was interred in the cemetery at Wilmington, where a suitable monument marks the resting-place of one whose long and eventful life, as husband, parent and friend will long be remembered. He was the father of three. children, of whom two daughters are now living, viz.: Evaline Atley, and Rebecca (wife of John L. Sheley who where married September 6, 1877 ; they are located near Port William, and have one. child, Lillian E.)
A. M. SANDERSON, farmer, P. O. Port William, is a grandson of James Sanderson, who was born in the County of Cork, Ireland, about the year 1762, where he reached his majority, but about that time emigrated to America and settled in the State of Pennsylvania; a few years later, to the limits of Adams County, Ohio, and ten years later to Fayette County, Ohio, ten miles West of Washington Court House, his nearest neighbor being a distance of five miles. On this farm be died at the ripe age of fourscore and two years. He married and raised four boys and four girls, all of whom are new dead. His political affiliations were in the interest of the Whig arty, and his religious devotions in behalf of the Presbyterian Church, in which faith he died. James Sanderson, Jr., was born in Pennsylvania, about 1790, and served as one of the patriots in the war of 1812-13, for which service the widow now draws a pension from the Government of $96 per year. She is in good health, ninety years of age, can walk four or five miles without much fatigue. Her place of nativity is Wales. A. M. Sanderson, whose name heads this sketch, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, November 12, 1830, where he grew to manhood, and acquired a fair education. At the age of sixteen years he commenced teaching, which he followed seven years; in the meantime, 1852, he married Elizabeth Mitchell, settled in Wilson Township, Clinton County, Ohio, and in 1865 came to Liberty Township, purchased his present farm, and is now well situated in life. His wife was born on the farm they now own in 1830, and in the daughter of Samuel Mitchell, who was of Irish extraction, and was born in Tennessee in 1793, where he grew to manhood, learned the blacksmith trade, but only followed it through single life. He was one of the patriots of the war of 1812, but received no injuries. Soon after this struggle he married Elizabeth Armitage, of German descent, who was born in Tennessee, in 1800. They lived in their native State until 1829, when they came to Clinton County, Ohio, locating where A. M. Sanderson now resides. Their farm was all in the wilds of nature, which they cleared to a fair state, but on August 8, 1843, he was called hence, leaving his widow with eight children, of whom only two daughters survive. The widow's death occurred in 1868, she being nearly threescore and ten pears of age.
W. H. SHRACK, farmer, P. O. Wilmington, is a son of Samuel and Abigail (McFarland) Shrack, who were both natives of Pennsylvania. The former was born November 15, 1794, and the latter August 17, 1799. At an early age, Samuel went to Virginia, and, in 1814, he came to Warren County, Ohio, where Abigail settled the same year. Their nuptials were celebrated May 26, 1818. They first settled in Warren County, but remained only a few years, when they removed to New Jasper Township, Or Greene County, Ohio, where they passed the remainder of their life. He died November 16, 1864, and she October 3, 1867. They were the parents of five sons and seven daughters. One son died in his minority, and the remainder grew to majority and married and still survive, except one of the daughters. The subject of this memoir was born in Greene County, Ohio, May 22, 1843; he was raised to farm life, and assisted in clearing up his father's farm, and obtained an ordinary education in the district
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school. He is a man of strong constitution, live and industrious, and, together with three of his brothers, measures twenty-five feet and nine inches in height. On October 8, 1865, his marriage was celebrated with Miss Hattie A. Price, who was born in Carrolton, Carroll Co., Ohio, December 23, 1845. The issue of this marriage is six children, viz.: John T., born December 15, 1866; Lulu 0., born December 4, 1868, and died December 8, 1868; William A., born October 2, 1873; and died May 3, 1874; Homer E., born May 23, 1875 ; Samuel H., born December 16, 1878; and James O., born September 3, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Shrack remained in Greene County until December 25, 1867, when he bought his present beautiful home and located on it. It has undergone many changes, and, notwithstanding his loss of his house by fire in 1879, he now has a fine house and nearly all modern farm conveniences, coupled with a pleasant family. Politically, Mr. Shrack is a Republican by name and principle. His public career has been duly discharged in the offices of . Trustee and Real Estate Assessor for District No. 2, composed of Liberty, Cheater and Wilson Townships. It is said by the officers who had occasion to examine the books and returns of Real Estate Assessors for 1880, that W. H. Shrack, of Second District, is second to none in accuracy and completeness of execution. It is well evinced that his principles control his actions, and that is, °' what is worth doing is worth doing well."
HENRY STEPHENS, farmer, P. O. Port William, is a son of David Stephens, who was by birth a Virginian, born April 14, 1806. At an early age, his parents moved to Clinton County, Ohio, where the latter died at advanced age, after enduring the privations of pioneer life, and David was reared amid the unbroken forest, which he assisted in clearing away, and opening up the fertile fields that now he in the limits of Liberty Township. His enthusiastic and persevering nature carried him through many pioneer hardships, which could only be properly related by the pioneers themselves. About 1827, he married Catherine Shields and settled on the farm now occupied by our subject, where he remained as a farmer until shortly before his death, April 3, 1881, when he located in Port William. Catherine was born in Clinton County May 22, 1810, and preceded her husband to the eternal home a period of five years. Henry, whose name appears above, is one of a family of ten children, six daughters and four sons, of whom the former are all dead and the latter all survive. Of the sons, Henry is the third, and was born in 1839 on the farm where he now lives. He was raised a tiller of the soil, and is such still. On October 30, 1861, he married Mary E. McDonnan, with whom he had eleven children, of whom six now survive. Mrs Stephens is a native of Clinton County, Ohio, born June 20, 1844.
WILLIAM UNDERWOOD, farmer, P. O. Wilmington. To one of the early emigrants to Clinton County, this sketch is consecrated. William is the son of Amos Underwood, who was born in York County, Penn., July 18, 1786, but near his majority he located in Center County, the same State, where he married Mary Shirk about 1812. In 1825, they came to Clinton County, Ohio, with a family of six children. Two years subsequent to his coming, he purchased a farm of 108 acres of land in Wilson Township, and devoted about ten years to its improvement and cultivation, when he sold and purchased one in Union Township; but in 1853, he located in or near Harveysburg, where he died at the age of fourscore years. His first wife died December 13, 1847, and his second companion, Priscilla (Hussey) Lewis, now resides near Richmond, Ind. William Underwood is the tenth of a family of eleven children, and was born June 5, 1834, in Clinton County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and married Catherine Hunnicutt, who is a sister of Thomas E., whose sketch appears in this volume. She was born in Clinton County, Ohio, June 13, 1837.Three years of their united life they lived in Wayne Township, Clinton County, and two years in Hamilton County, Ind.; but in the spring of 1863. they located where they now reside and are well situated and own a fine farm under good improvements, which, together with his courteous family, constitutes a pleasant home. They are the parents of eight children, seven of whom are now living, and he is giving special attention to training their minds in a literary channel. Their names are Susan M., Addison L., Martha E., Asenath A., Thomas K., Evan L. and Clarkson E.
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ELISHA WALL, farmer, P. O. Wilmington, is a son of Absalom Wall, who was born in Chester County, Penn., in the year 1805; but in infancy his parents located with him in Lancaster County the same State. When three years of age, the parents (Azariah and Rebecca) came to Ohio, locating in the present limits of Chester Township, Clinton County, but subsequently to Union Township, where both Azariah and Rebecca died, the latter in 1837, and the former in 1853. He was one of the large land-owners in an early day. Absalom was, as is seen, mostly raised in Clinton County. Ohio, and was one of a family of seven children. He matured amid the deep unbroken forest, and the rude log huts, in place of which are now seen broad, open and productive fields and fine and comfortable residences. In 1828, Absalom located on his farm in Liberty Township, where his death occurred July 29, 1878. He avoided all public notoriety and was contented with this common routine of farming and blacksmithing, the two being jointly conducted, but in 1860 he was elected as Land Assessor of his township. On April 17, 18'38, his marriage was celebrated with Hannah Haines, who is a native of Clinton County, born November 12, 1808. She was raised to farm life, spinning flax and wool and making their own clothing. She is now seventy-four years of age the mother of seven children and possesses fair health. Her family all grew to maturity, but during the late rebellion, Joseph, the fifth one, contracted illness which resulted in his death. The remaining six are now living, viz.: Louisa (Mrs. Joseph Mound), Elisha, Alfred, Zimri, Mary E. (wife of F. D. Hart), and Jonathan. Elisha, whose name heads this sketch, was born in this county, February 18, 1832. He is now one of the substantial farmers of Liberty Township, and willing to aid all public improvements.
ABSALOM WALL, JR., miller, P. O. Lumberton, was born in Clinton County May 19, 1846.His father, Absalom Wall, was born February 10, 1805, and on April 17, 1828, married Hannah Haines, who was born November 13, 1808. His grandfather, Azariah Wall, son of Absalom Wall and Margaret, his wife, of Chester County, Penn., was born September 1, 1772, and dies August 29, 1853, and Rebecca Leech, his wife, daughter of Thomas Leech and Phebe, his wife, of York County, Penn., was born March 24, 1778, and died October 13, 1837. Trey were married in York County about the year 1795 or 1796, and lived in Center County, Penn., until 1809, when they moved to what is now Clinton County, Ohio. They had eight children, viz., Phebe, John, William, Thomas, Absalom, Rebecca, Jane and Azariah L. Our subject was educated in Clinton County and reared on a far a. He learnt I the trade of a miller, and now conducts a mill at Lumberton. He has never married.
AARON WELLER, manufacturer of drain tile and earthenware, P. O. Lumber ton. This is what may properly be termed a modern improvement, arid when well supported, as this one has been, plainly shows the enterprising spirit of the surrounding citizens, which has justified the proprietor to conduct a similar business for a number of years, as is seen in the history of Liberty Township. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is a native of Sussex, England, born January 13, 1815, the ninth and last child of his mother, who died soon after his birth. His father married his second companion, with whom he had eight children, and in 1838 the family emigrated to America, locating in York State; subsequently to Union County, Ohio, but finally and lastly to Seneca County, Ohio, where the father died shortly before the war of the late rebellion, and his wife survived until 1877, when she, too, entered her final rest. Aaron became a citizen of Clinton County, Ohio, about 1810, since which he has been engaged in his present business near where he is now located. He has successfully conducted one of the worthy and valuable enterprise; of the township for many years, virtually to whose credit is due for many fine tillable acres of land in Clinton County that was once a barren swamp or glacial drift. Mr. Weller was married in Perry County, Ohio, in 1833 to Miss Effie Wo Woodruff, who was born in Muskingum County, Ohio. This union has been blessed with four children, viz., William, John, Enoch T. and Joseph A.
JOSEPH WHINERY, farmer (retired), P. O. Lumberton. Among Clinton County's oldest native-born citizens, and perhaps its first white birth, is the name of Joseph Whinery. The county was organized February 19, 1310, and on April 20,
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following, is recorded his birth, and is the second of his father's family. His parents were Thomas and Ruth (Miller) Whinery, both natives of York County, Penn.; he was born October 5, 1779, and Ruth about seven years his junior. They devoted their minor life in their native county, where they married early in the present century, and had born to them one child, Phebe, which they brought to Ohio with them in 1808, but when about seven years old died from eating, as they supposed, poison vine buds. They settled in the present limits of Union Township near Center Meeting House, where he purchased a small tract of land, to which he added and exchanged until his last earthly home consisted of 170 acres. He was one of the hardy pioneers and adventurous settlers, to whose calm endurance must be attributed the progress, growth, development and present prosperity of Clinton County. He buried his first wife in 1837, who became a victim of that dreaded disease, consumption ; she was the mother of ten children, of whom eight were left motherless, but only two remained at home. He married fur his second companion Charlotte, widow of John Hoddie, with whom he lived until death called him hence in 1856, and the widow still survives at the age of nearly seventy-five years. Joseph was reared amid log cabins and the wilds of nature, many times having for his meat the flesh of the forest animals, long since exterminated. In his minority, the educational privileges were in accordance with other advantages of the pioneer days. His first teacher was Robert Way, who occupied a small but with a few scholars who had wended their crooked paths through the dense forest, for sometimes miles, to enjoy the meager advantages therein taught. Studying by the brilliancy of the sun, forcing half-obscured rays of light through their greased paper windows. Joseph has, by his own efforts, accumulated sufficient knowledge to carry him successfully through life, and now is one of the prominent land-owners of his township, in which he has served as Trustee several terms in early life. When in his teens in the year 1827, was employed in driving a drove of cattle from here to Philadelphia. Penn., making the round trip on foot except swimming a horse across the Ohio River, at Wheeling, W. Va. The time consumed in this trip was eleven long weeks from his parents, when seventeen years of age. He retrained at home and gave his father his time until twenty-three years of age, but, on May 23 following, he united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of Hezekiah Hiatt, mentioned in Isaac Hiatt's sketch in Liberty Township, this volume. She was born April 7, 1811, in Union Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, and she as well as her husband endured many privations and hardships. This union has been blessed with five children, of whom four grew to maturity, but one only is now living, viz., Allen. Mr. and Mrs. Whinery have trod the path of married life for nearly half a century, and are both birthright members of the Friends' Church.