HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY - 559
CEDARVILLE TOWNSHIP
BIOGRAPHICAL
Stephen C. Beal, deceased, Cedarville, son of George and Rachel (Driscol) Beal, was born in Greene County, August 1, 1827. He married, August 28, 1852, Miss Amanda J. Smith, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Kimble) Smith, who were natives of Virginia, and ranked among the early pioneers of this county. Stephen was the father of four children, all living: Rosetta J., George D., Etta L., and Charles M. He was a member of the Methodist
560 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Episcopal Church, respected by all, and among the prominent business men of this part of the county. Departed this life, April 13,1877.
George W. Brown, farmer, Cedarville, was born in Louden County, Va., February 13, 1804, son of Jacob and Judith (Walters) Brown. George immigrated to this county with his parents at, the age of thirty-one years. His father located two thousand acres of land in the woods, where George and his parents lived tinder one roof for fifty-five years-an occurrence which is seldom known. They lived and toiled together, cutting away the dense forests, and making themselves a farm. Our subject was married, December 15, 1849, to Miss Eliza McCroy, the daughter of James and Elizabeth McCroy, who were also natives of Virginia. George is a member of the Friends' society, a stalwart Republican, and cast his vote for James A. Garfield.
William H. Bull, farmer, son of James and Anna (Gowdy) Bull, who were born in Pennsylvania, about 1776, was born in Cedarville Township, November 14, 1805. James departed this life at the age of ninety-two years, and Anna at sixty-two years. William spent the early part of his life at home with his parents ; when he reached the age of twenty-five, he hired to work on a farm at $8.00 per month. Was married December 22, 1836, to Abby R. Kyle, daughter of Joseph and Jane (Gowdy) Kyle. Six children have been born to them. Four of their sons took part in the late war. James Kyle was a member of the Thirty-Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Serving four years, following his regiment through several hotly contested engagements, was incarcerated for some time in, Libby Prison. John Gowdy served as a soldier two years, W. H. Gowdy one year, and Joseph K. Gowdy three months. William and his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church -Massie's Creek congregation:
J. P. Caldwell, druggist, was born in Cedarville Township in 1836, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (McMillan) Caldwell, who were born in South Carolina, and with their parents came to Ohio in an early day. Mr. Caldwell located on the eastern side of the township. To them two children were born : Joseph P., and David R. The husband and father died at the age of forty-two or forty-three; the mother survived her husband, and died at the age of sixty-three years. They were members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. They left their native state on account of slavery, and came to Ohio
CEDARVILLE TOWNSHIP. - 561
that they might escape its degrading influence. Our subject was reared on the farm, and at his father's death, was taken by his grandfather, David McMillan, with whom he lived till twenty-four years old. He then began life for himself, and engaged in farming, which he followed till 1873, when he came to Cedarville, and embarked in the drug business in which he is yet engaged. In 1860, he was married to Susan McQuillen, who presented him with three children: Elizabeth, James, and Mary. Mrs. Caldwell died in the bloom of womanhood, April 7, 1876, aged thirty-nine years. In the township he has been assessor, and in the village, member of the council for five years. His brother was a member of Colonel Stephenson's regiment of one hundred day men.
H. D. Cline, postmaster, was born December 20, 1834, in Berkeley County, Virginia, and is the son of Hiram and Annie Cline, who came to this place with their parents when this was a new country, and erected a log cabin on the ground where the United Presbyterian Church now stands. The subject of this sketch spent his youth at home, receiving the rudiments of education in the common district schools. On the 19th of April, 1861, he was the first to enlist in the Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, following his regiment through six general engagements, with credit to himself and his country. Was mustered out of the service the fifth of August, 1863, on account of disability. Was appointed postmaster in 1869, which he has held to the satisfaction of the people until the present time. Has also been mayor of this town for two years, councilman three years, and a member of the school board ; is recognized as one of the public spirited men of his village. In 1863, he was mar' vied to Anna C. Powers, by which marriage two children are now living: Armence A., and Carrie E. The deceased are : John W., Josephine, Frank C., and Effie C. Mr. and Mrs. Cline are members of the Methodist Church.
James S. McCollum, farmer, born in Butler County, Ohio, August, 1832, was raised a farmer, and received the rudiments of his education in the common district schools. Was a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-Sixth Regiment, Ohio National Guards, stationed near Cumberland, where he remained as a soldier four months. Was married, January 1, 1868, to Miss Priscilla Elliott. She departed this life March 17, 1871. October 5, 1876, he married Sarah Creswell, daughter of Samuel and Eliza Creswell, whose names appear in another part of this work. James and his wife are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
562 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Robert M. Cooper, farmer, born on the farm where he now lives, January 23, 1838, is the son of John A., and Agnes (King) Cooper, who were among the pioneers of this county. Robert was educated in what was known as the Kyle district, and has remained at his present home all his life. He married, December 24, 1862, Margaret J. McClellan, daughter of James and Amanda (Hyslop) McClellan. He and his wife are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and have two children now living: Mary E., and James McClellan.
Samuel Creswell, farmer, born on the farm where he now lives, January 12, 1820, is the son of James and Anna (Junkin) Creswell, who were born in Pennsylvania, and emigrated with their parents to Louisville, Kentucky, about 1781, which place was but a small village at that time. Remaining here about eighteen years, they removed to this county, in 1813, and located on the farm where Samuel and his family now live. June 10, 1846, Samuel, our subject, married Eliza J. Hffuman, daughter of Aaron and Martha (White) Huffman. The children have been born by this marriage, all of whom are now living. The family are active members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
James Dunlap, lumber dealer and farmer, Cedarville, was born in the County of Antrum, Ireland, April 29, 1812, and is the son of William and Jane (More) Dunlap. He received his early education in Ireland, and at the age of sixteen came with his father to Cincinnati, where he made his home with his brother, working in a box manufactory, which business was carried on by his father and brother Robert. At the age of eighteen he was employed in a bank as messenger-boy, and remained as such for several years. Finally he rose to the position of book-keeper in the Franklin Bank, and filled that position until 1836, when he was compelled to abandon his place on account of poor health. During his banking experience he at one time was sent in charge of two thousand six hundred pounds of specie, which was loaded in an open wagon and drawn from Cincinnati to Lexington, Kentucky, being four days on the road, and passing through dense forests and lonely valleys, with but two men in company with him. Archbishop Wood was also a clerk in the bank with our subject. Soon after James retired from his position in the bank, he embarked in the lumber business, which he has followed almost continuously until the present time. In the year 1835 he married Jane M. Limerick; daugh-
CEDARVILLE TOWNSHIP. - 563
ter of James and Rachel Limerick, and raised from a small child by Mrs. Jepthah Gerard. She departed this life in the year 1871, at the age of fifty-three years, leaving her husband and five children to mourn her loss.
D. S. Ervin, lime manufacturer and dealer, Cedarville, was born in Morrow (Monroe)County, Indiana, near Bloomington, on the 25th day of April, 1836. His father was born in the County Antrum, Ireland, and his mother in South Carolina. They were married about the year 1828, and removed from South Carolina to Indiana about 1829, to avoid the influences of slavery, locating on a farm in Morrow County. Charles Ervin departed this life in 1869; his wife remaining in Indiana until 1878, when she removed to Greene County to make a permanent home. The subject of this sketch passed the early part of his life at home with his parents. In the year 1865, he removed to Princeton, Gibson County, Indiana, and embarked in the lumber business. He remained there a short time, and then came to this. In May, 1877, he married Miss Belle Murdock. They have two children by this union : J. B., and Mary B. Mr. and Mrs. Ervin are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and are recognized as good Christian people in the community in which they live. Mr. Ervin is not only the largest lime manufacturer in the place, but has an interest in a large gristmill, is an extensive grain merchant and coal dealer, paying out $150.00 per week for common labor.
Robert Ervin, milling and grain dealer, Cedarville, was born in Monroe County, Indiana, near Bloomington, September 10, 1848, and passed the early part of his life on a farm, receiving the rudiments of his education in the common district schools. In the spring of 1877 he removed to this county, and engaged in business for his brother a period of about ten months.. Being favorably impressed ,with this county and its people, he returned to Indiana and sold the greater portion of his property, after which he settled in this place to make it his permanent home. He is the son of Charles and Jane (Smith) Ervin. His father was born in Ireland and his mother in South Carolina. They emigrated with their parents to Bloomington, Indiana, in 1830, and married, December 21, 1833. Eight children were born to them, six of whom are now living : John M., D. S., Nancy, Margaret, Jennie, and Robert. Our subject is recognized as one of the leading business men of the town. Is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and a strict, conscientious, Christian man.
564 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
John F. Frazier, merchant, Cedarville, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, in 1813, and is a son of Andrew and Ann (Adair) Frazier. His father was born in County Downs, and his mother in County Antrum, Ireland. In County Downs they were married, and about 1805 immigrated to America, landing in Philadelphia during the great plague. The morning following their arrival, they hurriedly left the city, leaving their baggage aboard ship, which they never got. They located in Fayette County, and lived there till 1817, when they moved to Adams County, Ohio, and three years later removed to Brown County, where they died; he in 1823, aged forty-five, and his wife in 1844, aged sixty-six or sixty-seven years. Nine children were born to them, five of whom are living; Jane, Eliza, Lavina, Rebecca, and John F. The deceased were Hugh, William, James A., and Esther. James A. was a missionary in the United Presbyterian Church, and was stationed in Damascus, Syria, where he labored from 1851 till his death, in 1863, with the exception of two or three years he passed at home. His daughter Mary is a teacher in the mission schools of the United Presbyterian Church in Egypt. Mr. Frazier was reared on the farm till fifteen years old, when he was apprenticed to learn the tanning and shoe-making business, in Russellville, Brown County Ohio, where he labored for two years and a half, then worked at various points, at journeyman's work, and finally purchased a tanyard in Decatur, Ohio, to which he gave his attention eleven years, after which he sold out, and in 1847 located in Cedarville, and embarked in the mercantile business, in which he is yet engaged. He has been married four times; first, to Sarah Kelley, in November, 1833, by whom he had three children, Andrew S., Margaret J., and James K. Mrs. Frazier died in 1847, aged thirty-two years. Secondly, to Ann E. McCullough, in February, 1849. She departed this life, August 1, 1849, aged twenty-seven years. Thirdly, to Eliza V. Dille, in March, 1851, by whom he had four children, . Flora, William S., Mary A., and Johanna. Mrs. Frazier died in the fall of 1861, aged thirty-eight years. His fourth and last marriage was celebrated in 1866, with Nancy, of Pennsylvania, by whom he had one child, John H. Mrs. Frazier died in 1869, aged forty-two years. In politics he is strongly Republican, always voting with that party upon all questions at issue. Has been treasurer of the township eleven years, and has been a member of the United Presbyterian Church since twenty-one years of age. His
CEDARVILLE TOWNSHIP. - 565
first vote, for W. H. Harrison, was not deposited, yet he held a contrary ballot on the opposite side. In 1844 he voted for Birney.
Robert Gray, grocer, Cedarville, was born in Covington, Kentucky, in the year 1844. The early part of his business life was spent in traveling for Kimball, Aikman & Co., of Indianapolis, and Henry Hammond & Co., of Cincinnati. He has been a commercial traveler for seventeen years. Came to this place, August 11, 1879, and commenced his present business, which he has carried on successfully until the present time, keeping in stock almost everything that can be found in a first-class grocery store. He is the son of John and Jane Gray, who were natives of the North of Ireland. His father was born December 25, 1798, and his mother October 5, 1802. Robert, the subject of this sketch, was married, in 1870, to Miss Belle Dempsey. They have one daughter, Daisy E.; are members of the Presbyterian Church, and we recognize in Mr. Gray one of the leading business men of the town in which he lives.
George W. Harper, farmer and stock raiser, Cedarville, was born in this county, May 30, 1825. Is a. son of Thomas and Mary (Sirlotte) Harper, who were born at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, the name of which place originated from the same family of Harpers. They came to this county about the year 1812, and are numbered among the earliest settlers of the same. Mr. Harper grew to be one of the wealthiest farmers, and departed this life, January 8, 1878, aged eighty-two years. His wife, Mary S. Harper, died April 6, 1873. George, the subject of this sketch, spent the early part of his life at home, with his parents. At the age of eighteen he commenced business for himself, dealing in cattle in Illinois, and has remained in that business until the present time. He was educated in the common schools, except one year, when he attended Thomas Steele's select school. He was married, in the year 1860, to Vinnie Murray, daughter of George and Virnie (Morris) Murray. We are pleased to record George as one of, if not the largest, land owners now in the county, owning eleven hundred acres at the present time, and has about completed the handsomest dwelling now in Cedarville.
James Jeffreys, furniture manufacturer, Cedarville, was born in Greenville County, Virginia, January 30, 1821. Is the son of Silas and Susan (Pruit) Jeffreys. Silas was a descendant of the Catawba tribe of Indians. James was married, September 7, 1852, to Miss Nancy Wooten, who bore him six children, three of whom are now
566 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
living, Salathiel A., Elmer, and Emma. His first wife dying, he again, January 24, 1865, married Elizabeth Crone, daughter of Levi and Margaret Crone, natives of Virginia. Three children were born by the last marriage, U. H., W. 0., and Ernest. James is the senior member of the Jeffreys Furniture Manufacturing Company, salesroom, No. 9 Greene Street, Xenia, where can be found the latest patterns in furniture.
Mason Jeffreys, furniture manufacturer, Cedarville, was born in Cedarville, September 8,1835, and is the son of Uriah and Caroline Jeffreys, who were born in North Carolina, and came to this county about the year 1830. Uriah was a descendant of the tribe of Catawba Indians. Mason, the subject of this sketch, remained at home with his parents until he reached his majority, receiving his education in the common district schools. In 1860, he married Miss Johanna A. Heithcook, daughter of Decatur and Emeline Heithcook. Three children have been born to them, two of which are now living, John R. and Freddie.
William Kyle, farmer, Cedarville, was born on the farm now known as the Mardock Place, August 27, 1821, and is the son of Samuel and Rachel (Jackson) Kyle, of whom mention is made in another part of this work. Received the rudiments of his education in a log school house, that stood not far from where the Oak Grove House now stands. At the age of twenty-four, he married Rachel Cherry, daughter of James and Elizabeth Cherry, natives of Virginia. He is the father of nine children, all living. Are members of the United Presbyterian Church.
James Kyle, retired farmer, Cedarville, was born in this township, November 8, 1819. Is the son of Samuel and Rachel (Jackson) Kyle. Samuel was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and emigrated, with his parents, to near Cynthiana, Kentucky, and was married at about the age of twenty-three, to Miss Mitchell. Six children were born to them. She departed this life about the year 1813. Again, in 1815, Samuel married Miss Rachel Jackson. Fifteen children were borne by this marriage, ten of whom are now living. Janes, the subject of this sketch, was the tenth child, and remained in the family until the age of twenty-five, when he married Jane Parks. She died one year after, and in nine years from her death he married Miss Maria Tarbox. They have but two children, John M. and Charles H. Mr. and Mrs. Kyle are both members of the United Presbyterian Church, and are living on a farm of one hundred and four acres, pleasantly located.
CEDARVILLE TOWNSHIP. - 567
J. W. McFarland, farmer, Cedarville, was born on the farm where he now lives, January 15, 1846. Is the son of G. C. and Evaline (Hicks) McFarland. Received an early education in the district schools, and remained at home with his parents until July 1, 1863, when he enlisted in the naval service, and was a seaman on the gunboats Victory and Benton, plying the Ohio, Mississippi, Cumberland, Red Rivers, and was engaged in a number of skirmishes. He was mustered out of the service, August 28, 1865. December 20, 1877, was married to Mattie Marshall, daughter of Hugh and Mary, Meeny Marshall, natives of Ireland. Arthur H. McFarland, deceased, and brother of our subject, was born in this township, September 10, 1843, and was much beloved by all who knew him, as a model young man. He enlisted in the Seventieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in the service but three months, when he returned home on furlough, and died shortly after, January 26, 1862, of typhoid fever.
Samuel K. Mitchell, lumber dealer, Cedarville, was born in Xenia Township, June 20, 1822 and is the thirteenth son of James and Martha (Espy) Mitchell, who were born in Pennsylvania, and when yet young, went with their parents to Kentucky in a very early day. Grandfather David Mitchell erected the first cabin on the present site of Lexington, Kentucky. They remained here some years, when, on account of slavery, he sold out about the year 1800, came to this county, and settled near Bellbrook, where they resided some years, being one of the first settlers in that locality. From here he removed to Clark's Run, north of Xenia, where he made a permanent home, and died in 1848, his wife dying in Xenia, September 1, 1865, aged eighty-eight years. Mr. Mitchell, sen., was a, soldier in the war of 1812, in which he contracted sciatic pains, which made him a great sufferer, and incapacitated him from doing manual labor. They were parents of thirteen children, foul, of whom are living: Margaret, Thomas, Robert, and our subject. The deceased were David, James E., Eliza, Ann, Josiah, Martha, Sarah, Francis P., and Maria. They all grew to manhood and womanhood. Francis P. was a physician, and died of yellow fever, in New Orleans. Mr. Mitchell and his wife were members of the United Presbyterian Church, in which he was an active and zealous worker. Politically, he was an Abolitionist, and in the exciting times of 1844, was one of the three or four men in Xenia Township who voted for James G. Birney, anti-
568 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
slavery candidate for the presidency. Mr. Mitchell was reared on the farm, on which he lived till thirty-one years of age. In 1842 he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob McFarland, who has borne him three children, James J., Anna, and William M. In the spring of 1854 he abandoned the farm, went to Cincinnati, and engaged in the grocery business for three years, when, in the fall of 1857, he came to Cedarville, and soon after embarked in the lumber business, in which he is yet engaged, having a branch yard at Yellow Springs, which is under the management of his son James. Mr. Mitchell and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church, in which they were raised. He is a ruling elder in the church, an office he has held since 1855.
Jacob Miller, farmer, Cedarville, is, we are pleased to record, one of the oldest settlers now living in Cedarville Township. He was born January 9, 1799, not far from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and immigrated to this county, with his mother, in 1809, a part of the journey being made with one small horse, which carried the greater portion of their goods. They found this county a wild and desolate wilderness. He has seen the vast forests disappear, and beautiful fields of grain take their place. His mother was a poor widow, with. seven small children, and the hardships they endured for the first few years were simply heartrending. The younger children were compelled to hunt and trap small game, while the older ones endeavored to break the ground as best they could, to raise small lots of potatoes, corn, and pumpkins, and thus they toiled on for some years. At the age of thirteen, Jacob left home, and went to live with one of the neighbors until he reached the age of twenty-one, in consideration of which he received one hundred dollars, and a horse, saddle, and bridle, after which he rented the same farm on which he had remained for eight years, and cared for the family until he was married, about the year 1825, to Margaret McClellan. Three children were born to them. William died at the age of fourteen, and the other two are now living. After forty years of .married life had been spent, his wife died, and again, October 15, 1874, he married Eliza Rodgers. She is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and he is a Baptist, and a strict temperance man all his life.
John Orr, retired, Cedarville. The above gentleman is one of the oldest living settlers in this township. He was born in South Carolina April 6, 1795. He is a son of John and Rosana Orr, who
CEDARVILLE TOWNSHIP. - 569
were born in Ireland, where they were married, and in 1783 emigrated to America, settling in Chester County, South Carolina, in which they lived forty years, when they moved to Gibson County, Indiana,-he walking the entire distance when he was in the eighty-first year of his age. Here they lived till their decease: he in 1833, aged eighty-three years; she in 1838, eighty-four years. They were parents of five sons and three daughters, of whom only our subject survives. The boyhood of our subject was passed in South Carolina, on the farm where he was born, living thereon until thirty-five years of age. He received his education through the teaching of his father, who was a highly educated man. In his native state he was married to Genet B., daughter of John McMillan, and after two children were born to them, emigrated to Indiana, where he built a log horse for his father, after which he visited Illinois, and upon his return, came to Greene County in 1831, locating in Xenia. In March, 1833, he came to Cedarville and erected the first frame house ever built on a town lot in the village. He cleared most of the ground on which the town stands. He kept the first store in the place, having a stock of goods in his dwelling, from which he supplied the wants of the settlers. In 1840 he built the house which he and his son occupied as a dry goods and clothing store. His fair dealing and popular business habits, have always won the confidence and esteem of the people. He has never been a political aspirant. A Republican in politics, a lover. of his country, a respecter of human rights, and a champion of any cause that tends to develop the happiness and well-being of humanity. In the war of 1812 he served six months in Captain Chestnut's company of Colonel Meens' regular South Carolina militia, and is on the pension rolls of the Government as one of the survivors of that war. To Mr. and Mrs. Orr nine children were born, five of whom are living - Martha, Rosana, Elizabeth, Adassa, and James; the deceased are Genet, Mary A., John R., and Cammeron. He has been a member of the United Presbyterian Church during a great portion of his life, and a ruling elder since 1822. He is the author of a book entitled, "Some Thoughts on the Book of Revelations," which was edited in 1876.
James W. Pollock, farmer, Cedarville, born in Logan County, Ohio, January 12, 1841, is the son of. John and Jane (Elder) Pollock. James, subject of this sketch, spent the earlier part of his life at. home with his parents. July, 1862, he enlisted in the Forty-
570 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and the hardship of an unusual career of a soldier's life commenced; was mustered into the service at Columbus. Soon after his enlistment his regiment chased John Morgan on his raid, until he was captured, after which he had his horse, a great favorite, shot from under him, near Knoxville, Tennessee, and taken prisoner, with a number of his comrades, on the 19th of October, 1863. He was incarcerated in the following prisons: Atlanta, Georgia; Bell Island, Libby and Andersonsville; in the latter place he remained for six months, suffering all the horrors of a prison life. He also had experiences in Millen, Charleston, and Florence prisons. Sixteen . of his comrades, that were taken prisoners with him, perished in Andersonville, he being the only one that survived the hardships of that awful place. He witnessed the hanging of six Union soldiers, in prison, by their own men, for murdering and robbing their own comrades. He weighed one hundred and seventy pounds when captured, and has not weighed to exceed one hundred and forty any time since; still, Mr. Pollock does not draw a pension, and has not asked for one. November 4, 1870, the subject of this sketch married Miss Nettie Anderson, daughter of Samuel and Jane Anderson, by which union three children are now living-Edith, Jennie, and Junia. The family are members of the United Presbyterian Church.
Samuel Smith, farmer, Cedarville, born in Clarke County, on the Little Miami River, December 30, 1827, is the son of Seth and Deborah (Wildman) Smith. Seth was born July 11, 1798, and was .the son of Seth Smith, sen.; he was born in Virginia, May 19, 1761, and departed this life April 1, 1837, aged seventy-five years. Samuel, the gentleman's name who heads this sketch, spent the early part of his life on the farm with his parents; afterwards removed to the farm where he now lives. Married June 1, 1869, Miss Esther J. Cook, daughter of Marcalus Cook, by which union four children have been born, three of which are now living. The family are all members of the Friends Society.
Dr. J. M. Stewart, physician and surgeon, Cedarville, was born in York District, South Carolina, and immigrated to this county with his parents in an early day, locating three and one-half miles east of Xenia. Receiving the rudiments of an education in the common district schools, he then attended Rev. Hugh McMillan's Academy, at Xenia; also a select class in mathematics, after which he commenced life for himself, as a school teacher, following that
CEDARVILLE TOWNSHIP. - 571
profession for eight years, and again taking up the study of medicine with Dr. Martin, of Xenia, commencing his practice at Cedarville, in the year 1846, where he has remained until the present day. The Doctor was married in the year 1848 to Rosanna Orr, daughter of John Orr, sr., whose biography appears in this work. They have five children, all of whom are living -Martha D. (now Mrs. Ustick), Samuel L., John O., Jewett R., and Mary L. The subject of this sketch and his wife have long been members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and are strong advocates of the temperance cause.
James C. Stormont, deceased, Cedarville, was born July 13, 1831, in Chester District, South Carolina ; immigrated to this county, with his parents, when but a child; was educated in the district schools, remaining on the farm, with his parents, until the age of twenty-two years ; then taught schools in the neighborhood where he lived, for a period of eight years. Was married March 24, 1857, to Agnes McQuiston ; she dying, he was again married, December 24, 1861, to Miss Jennie Bradfute, daughter of John and Eliza (Laughead) Bradfute. James, the subject of our sketch, was the son of John and Esther (McMillen) Stormont, a member of. the Reformed Baptist Church, departing this life October 23, 1877. The people in the county in which he lived felt the loss of a valuable man and good citizen.
Samuel N. Tarbox, saw-mill, Cedarville, was born near Portland, Maine, December 3, 1821, is the son of John and Lucy (Merrill) Tarbox. Samuel, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, immigrated to this county in 1848, and married in about three years afterwards to Ruth L. Jackson, daughter of David and Nancy (Nichol) Jackson, who bore him five children, now livingFrank T., T. H., Harry L., David N., and Eliza 0. Mr. Tarbox and his wife are both members of the United Presbyterian Church.
James E. Townsley, farmer, and livery, born in this township, April 30, 1824. He is a son of Alexander and Margaret Townsley, who were born in Pennsylvania-Alexander in 1788, and Margaret in 1785. Alexander's parents emigrated to Cynthiana, Kentucky, shortly after his birth, and in 1801 cane to this county. Alexander departed this life in 1870. His wife still survives him, is now in her eighty-sixth year, and one among a few of the early settlers remaining to tell us of the hardships of this country when it was a wilderness. James, whose name appears at the head of this sketch,
572 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
received his education in the common district schools, and remained with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-seven, when he went to Iowa, and started in life for himself as a farmer in that then far-of country. Remaining in that state for thirteen years, he returned to this county, and embarked in the grocery business. He followed that branch of trade for a number of years with success. In the year 1851, he married Sarah A. Feree, of Washington County, Iowa. She died in April, 1853. But one child was born by this marriage, Ira B., who also died at the age of two and one half years. Again, April, 1857, he married Margaret A. Dalzell, daughter of John and Letitia Dalzell. Four children have been born by this marriage, only one of which is now living. The names of the deceased are Orrell, Clara B., and Bertty. John D. is living with his parents, aged eighteen.
Alexander Turnbull, farmer and stock raiser, Cedarville, was born in this county, February 24, 1838, and is a son of John and Margaret (Kyle) Turnbull, of whom mention is made in other parts of this work. Alexander spent the early part -of his life on the farm, with his parents. In the year 1861 he enlisted in the Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served with his regiment for two years, passing through a number of engagements, during which time be was wounded at the second battle of Bull Run. In December, 1863, he was married to Sarah J. Barber, daughter of John and Sarah Barber. Five children have been born to them, all of whom are now living.
S. K. Turnbull, farmer and stock raiser, Cedarville, was born in this county, on the farm where he now lives, August 19, 1829. Is the son of John and Margaret (Kyle) Turnbull, who are mentioned among the pioneers of this county. Our subject received his education in the common schools. The house was a log cabin, with pole benches for seats, so common with all schools of those days. In 1857, he was married to Catharine Hanston, daughter of John Hanston, a native of Ireland. Both himself and wife are members of the United Presbyterian' Church, and have four children, all of whom are now living.
John Turnbull, farmer, Cedarville, was born near Nashville, Tennessee, February 17, 1801, and came with his parents to Centerville, Montgomery County, Ohio, at the age of nine years, riding on horseback the entire distance. Soon after the Family arrived in Ohio, he was sent, with an older brother, to Xenia Township, to cut
CEDARVILLE TOWNSHIP. - 573
brush and clear a small piece of ground, for the purpose of opening up a new farm. The remainder of the family joined them in 1815, where they made a permanent home. The subject of this sketch has been a man of great physical endurance, having been known to cut and make six hundred rails in two days, and we found him an active, energetic man at the age of eighty years. He was married, February 21,1824, to Margaret Kyle, daughter of Samuel and Ruth (Mitchell) Kyle, whose names appear in a number of places in this work. Again, in 1855, he was married to Margaret J. Allen, daughter of Hugh and Catharine Allen, and is the father of nineteen children, eleven of whom are now living.
S. K. Williamson, farmer, Cedarville, was born near Jamestown, this county, October 26, 1846. Is the son of John S. and Jane (Kyle) Williamson. His father was born in Pennsylvania, and his mother 'in this county. Our subject was married, in November, 1872, to Miss Isabel Collins, daughter, of Samuel and Rebecca (McClellan) Collins, natives of York County, Pennsylvania. Four children have been born by this union, two of whom are now living, E. C. and Ella R. The deceased are George S., infant, and John Clarence. His wife and himself are members of the United Presbyterian Church of Xenia.
Andrew Winter, physician, Cedarville, was born, August 18,1820, at Fayetteville, North Carolina. Removed to South Carolina.. with his parents, when quite small. Received his early education at Pendleton, South Carolina. Commenced the study of medicine at the age of seventeen, graduating at Charleston Medical College in 1841, at the age of twenty-one, and commenced practicing the same year. Removed to Columbia, South Carolina, remaining there until the commencement of the rebellion, when he enlisted in the First Regiment, East Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, served one year, and was wounded at the battle of Mill Springs; was appointed assistant surgeon shortly after, filling that office about two months; was transferred to the Fourth East Tennessee Infantry, and promoted to first_ surgeon, holding that position until the Union forces retreated from Cumberland Gap, under General George Morgan was taken sick at Gallipolis, and transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. Resigned, August 28, 1864, and came to this place, where he has followed his profession until the present time. The doctor was a personal friend of John C. Calhoun, but differed very radically in politics. He is the son of Andrew Winter, Sen.,
574 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
and Hannah (Baxter) Winter. His father was born in what was then called Marion District, South Carolina, and was a schoolmate of General Andrew Jackson. His mother was bore at Wilmington, North Carolina, and was a grand-daughter of Richard Baxter. The doctor, we are pleased to record, is one of the true Union gentlemen who left that notorious hot-bed of rebeldom to fight for his country. He was married, in 1868, to Nancy Turnbull, a granddaughter of Judge Kyle. Three children have been born by this marriage, Elizabeth B., Maria A., and Andrew.