644 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY
SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Franklin Berryhill, minister, Bellbrook, was born in Augusta County, Virginia, March 1, 1811, and is a son of Alexander and Rachel (Thompson) Berryhill. His mother was a neice of Charles Thompson, of revolutionary fame, and secretary to the first Continental Congress; a plan of soule executive ability, and a lover of liberty. Alexander, father of our subject, was a Virginian by birth and at the age of nineteen volunteered in the American army, being under the command of General Greene. At the battle of Guilford Court House, North Carolina, in the heat of the engagement his company was surrounded by the merciless, victorious British: commanded to give up their arms, and on doing so he was struck on the head with a sword, producing a severe wound, the scar of which remained until the day of his death. Was held a prisoner by his captors two years, then exchanged; returned to his hone, and after some years married and settled on a farm, where our subject was born. Eleven children were the fruits of this union, eight sons and three daughters, of whorl only two survive: Matthew and Franklin. The latter was educated in the common schools, and afterwards took a full course at the Hanover College, in Indiana, graduating in 1837. He studied theology tinder Dr. Mathews, who was his tutor for three years, and then entered the ministry of the old school Presbyterian Church, where for ten or twelve years he was actively engaged in the promotion of Christianity. Owing to ill-health, he was obliged to abandon active work, and was honorably retired from his chosen profession. He then sought the invigorating influence of farm life, preaching occasionally, and working earnestly in the Sabbath-school. Mr. Berryhill was married January 21, 1841, to Miss Nancy Sloan, by whom he had five children : Theodore B., Thomas C., Elmira (wife of William Rupert), and Finette, living, and Caroline, deceased, in her thirteenth year. Mrs. Berryhill departed this life June 13, 1864. In 1865 Mr. Berryhill was united in marriage
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with Miss Julia A. Cooper, of Bellbrook. Mr. Berryhill owns three hundred and seven acres of land, which is principally under cultivation and well improved, making a most delightful place in which to pass the declining years of a long and well-spent life.
John Bigger, farmer, Bellbrook, born in Montgomery County, December 7, 1825; was a son of John and Mary (Bradford) Bigger, the former was born in Kentucky; Mrs. Bigger in Ohio. They were married in 1824, and were parents of four children, three of whom are now alive, John, Joseph A., and Samuel; one deceased, Linley. Our subject was reared on the farm, where he received his education in the common schools, and remained with his parents till he attained the age of twenty-eight years, when his father bought the farm where he now resides; he then went to farming for himself, which he has followed ever since. he now owns a farm of one hundred and thirty-eight acres, all in a good state of cultivation and well-improved. IIe married in 1854, and he and Mrs. Bigger are worthy members of the United Presbyterian Church.
Andrew Byrd, farmer, Spring Valley, was born August 10, 1813, and is a son of Andrew and Mary (Hawlker) Byrd. He was reared on the farm, and received his education in the common schools. Our subject has been doing for himself since he was fourteen years of age, and before he had attained his majority he had completed his trade. In the fall of 1832 he made a trip to Missouri. On his return he started the cabinet business in Bellbrook, in which he continued for about four years. Sold out in 1839, and moved to Miami County, where he purchased a farm. Remained about two years, and then returned to Greene County, where he has remained ever since. In January, 1835, he married Sarah Bull, who bore him five children, one of whom, Madison, is living. The deceased are Nathan S., William F., Wilbur, Marquis, and Madison. Mr. Byrd now owns five hundred and ninety acres of land, most of which is well improved.
James H. Bradford, farmer, Bellbrook, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, May 22, 1827, and is a son of John and Ann (Hamilton) Bradford, both of Pennsylvania. They were the parents of nine children, all of whom are now living: Elizabeth (now Mrs. Friend), Margaret (wife of Mr. Servis, of Dayton), Martha J. (widow of Mr. Hamilton, Roanoke, Indiana), Rev. W. G. Bradford, Princeton, Illinois; James H., Ebenezer E., Catharine (wife of Rev. C. Ewing, now missionary in Alexandria, Egypt),
646 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Abigail M. (wife of Thomas P. Ferguson, of Greenwood, Missouri), and Mary. A. (wife of James Andrew, of Beavertown). Our subject was reared on the farm, and received his education in the country schools. His father being in rather straitened circumstances, James H. was obliged to hire out on a farm, which he followed for about eight years, commencing when he was only ten years of age. His father then purchased a farm in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on which they remained about two years and a half, and in the fall of 1855 sold out, removing, in November, to Hamilton County, Ohio, where they remained a few months with some friends, and in the spring of 1856 came to this county, purchased the farm on which they now live, and commenced the work of improving. Our subject was married June 24, 1866, and had three children, of whom John E. and Annie M. are now living, and George G. deceased. His first wife died April 8, 1875, at the age of thirty-seven, and on June 1, 1876, he was again married. Mr. and Mrs. Bradford are members of the United Presbyterian Church. He now owns a farm of two hundred and thirty acres, all well improved.
Thomas Cramer, deceased farmer, was born in Kentucky, in the year 1805; he was a son of John and Margaret (Hoover) Cramer, who were probably born in Maryland. About 1807 they removed to Ohio, and settled in this township, where they lived until their decease, he dying in 1845. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm, and received his education in the district schools. Was first married with Hannah Bowen, by whom he had two children, both deceased: she departed this life in 1835. Mr. Cramer was again married in 1844, to Mary M. (Getter) Crane, by whom he had two children, both deceased, Elizabeth and Rachel. Mr. Cramer was a farmer by occupation, and previous to his death removed to Bellbrook, where he died September 16, 1871, aged sixtysix years. Mrs. Cramer is a daughter of Henry and Catharine Getter, who were born in Frederick County, Maryland, where they were married. In 1812, they came to Ohio and located in Warren County, near Franklin, settling in the woods. They made a permanent home here, living and dying in the home of their adoption. He died in March 1875, aged ninety years; she departed this life in 1850, aged sixty-one years. They were parents of nine children, who all lived to be grown : Mary M., Margaret, Catherine, Rachel, Elizabeth, Barbara, John, Sarah, and Adeline. Mr. and Mrs.
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Getter were members of the German Reformed Church until their death, attending the old and well-known David Winters Church. Mrs. Cramer's first marriage was celebrated with James Crane, in 1832, by whorl she had three children, two living, William and Catherine. The former resides in Illinois, the latter in Missouri; Mary, deceased. After their marriage, they settled near Alpha, Greene County, where they resided till his death, which occurred in August., 1840. He was born in Warren County, Ohio, in 1810. Mrs. Cramer was born in Frederick County, Maryland, January 15, 1812. She is a member of the German Reformed Church, with which she has been connected for fifty-five years, joining with her father when only sixteen years old. She has a comfortable home in Bellbrook, and is surrounded by the necessaries and comforts of life, and though separated from her children by many intervening miles, and the companions of her life by the visitant Death, we find her reconciled to the alternative.
Samuel Elcook, retired, Bellbrook, was born in York County, Pennsylvania, in 1807. Is a son of William and Rebecca Elcook, of Pennsylvania, who lived, died, and were buried in their native state. Samuel's boyhood was passed in Pennsylvania, and at the age of twenty-one went to Maryland, where he labored on the farm as a hand eight or ten years. In 1835 he came to Greene County, locating in Bellbrook, where he followed marketing or huxtering for twenty years, after which he engaged in keeping hotel in Bellbrook for fifteen years, and during the time made considerable improvement in the town. He exchanged his hotel property for a farm south of Dayton, on which he lived six years, and then sold out and returned to Bellbrook, purchasing soon after the property where he now lives. In 1835 he was married to Mahala, daughter of Samuel Leaming, of Maryland, by whom he has had three children, two living, James F., and John L. The deceased, William H., who was a member of Company A, Thirty-Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, enlisted when he was eighteen years old. At the battle of Cedar Creek he was taken prisoner, in which he suffered more than pen can portray. Suffice it to say, that his boyish frame and strength fell a victim to rebel atrocity, and died the most horrible of all deaths-starvation. His great-grandfather, Brown, was a soldier in the war of the revolution, and is buried in the same place. Mrs. Elcook is a member of the Old School Baptist Church, with which she has been connected thirteen years, and
648 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
is an estimable lady. For nearly half a century Mr. and Mrs. Elcook have traveled life's journey together, and now we find them in enfeebled health, but enjoying their declining years amid peace and plenty.
James Eliot, farmer, Bellbrook, was born May 4,1803, in Greene County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Newton) Elliot. His father was born near Philadelphia, and his mother in Delaware. They were parents of eleven children, of whom only our subject survives, he spending the early part: of his boyhood clays on the farm and around the mill, his father being a miller. James received the rudiments of his education in the common schools of that day. Afterward he completed his education in Ohio, where he, with his parents, came; and before he attained the age of eighteen he, with his father, engaged in milling, and at the age of eighteen he rented a mill and run the business on his own account for about four years, and at the age of twenty-six purchased a farm containing eighty acres. He also owned and operated a saw-mill. Mr. Elliot being very prosperous, kept adding farm after farm to his possessions, till in a very short time, he found himself the owner of six hundred and fifty acres of land. Our subject was married to Catharine Silvers, October 18, 1828, to whom were born twelve children, eight of whom are now living: Mary, wife of Albert Wilson; Sarah A., wife of Matthew Berryhill; Charles F., Lawson A., Martha J., Rebecca F., George O., and Ruth L.; the deceased are Margaret, wife of William James, and John, whose death was occasioned by the kick of a horse. He left home in the evening in the flush of health, and was returned in a few hours a lifeless corpse. Mr. Elliot is a self-made man in the strongest sense of the term; commencing in life single-handed, he has accumulated property to the amount of $60,000.
G. W. Griffith, farmer, Bellbrook, was born in Louden County, Virginia, in the year 1813, and is a son of Samuel and Eva (Stream) Griffith, who were parents of eight children, of whom only our subject survives. The deceased are John, Samuel, Daniel, Isaac, Margaret, Nancy, and one died in infancy. G. W. learned his trade in his native state, commencing at the age of eighteen and completing it when twenty-one, but continued working till he came to Ohio, in the year 1840. He worked as a journeyman one year after coming to this state, and worked a mill for a term of three years; he then rented William Morris' mill, and afterward changed
SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. - 649
his occupation to that of farming, which he now follows. On January 10, 1850, he was married to Matilda Armstrong, whom he buried "September 17, 1876, and married his second wife in September, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith are members of the Old School Presbyterian Church. He now owns two hundred and thirteen acres of land, all well-improved.
George M. Harmon, carpenter, Bellbrook, was born December 5, 1826, in Greene County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry and Polly (Clark) Harmon. Henry was born in Augusta County, Virginia., September 10, 1803, and was a son of George and Cloie (Clemenger) Harmon. Henry's boyhood days were spent on the farm, where he received his education, and at the age of seventeen he was bound to T. H. Clark to learn the carpenter trade. Served three years and nine months. Mr. Harmon was married to Polly Clark October 4, 1825, who bore him sixteen children, eight of whom are now living: Elias R., George M., Leonard J., William H., Caroline B., Calista B., John and Andrew M. Our subject was reared in town, where he. received his education, and learned his trade with his father, with whom he remained till he attained his majority. Then he started in life for himself, and worked in Ohio for a while:: then, with some others, went west about the time of the Kansas trouble, when it was not safe for a northern man to go south of Mason and Dixon's line. He remained five years, however, going into business in St. Joe, Missouri, which, though very lucrative, he sold about the time the rebellion broke out, and returned east. On his return he went into partnership with his brother, and at the end of one year bought his interest, and continued in the same business for about three years, when he purchased a farm, and turned his attention to farming and tobacco raising, a pursuit he followed for about three years, then sold and removed to Springfield, where he worked at his trade a short time. He returned to his native county in 1876, where he bought a farm containing one hundred and fifty-seven acres, two miles west of Bellbrook, where he now lives. Our subject was married to Julia A. Shank, May 2, 1861, to whom were born three children, two now living, Harry C. and Florence. Mr. and Mrs. Harmen are members of the Methodist Protestant Church.
Daniel Holmes, retired farmer, was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, in the year 1794, and is a son of Hugh and Mary Holmes, who came here in 1812, and settled in Sugar Creek Town-
650 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
ship, where they lived till they died. She was a daughter of Daniel Garrison. To them six children were born, John, Polly, Hugh, Daniel, Samuel and William. He died in 1833, aged seventy-six. She died in 1851, aged eighty years. They were members of the Baptist. Church, and though born in Catholic Ireland, were Protestants. Our subject was first married in 1821, to Margaret; daughter of Gaines Bain, by whom he had eight children, four living. She dying, he, in 1842 or 1843, married Mary Lewis, daughter of Daniel Lewis, who bore him three children, two living. His son John was a member of the Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, and afterwards in the One Hundred and Eighty-Sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving from 1862 till the close of the war. His last wife died 1857. He has published pamphlets on, Church Government and Slavery. He owns one hundred and sixty-one acres of land, which is all in cultivation and well improved. He belongs to the Congregational Church, and has always been an exemplary Christian, and done much to help spread the gospel. He has been a very benevolent man, and during his life has done much for the comfort, and happiness of the unfortunate. By his appointment, he has made life directors of the American Bible Society, General Scott in 1859, Governor Brough in 1864, Lincoln in 1863, Colfax in 1869, Hayes in 1867, President Johnson in 1865, Grant in 1868, Governor Cox in 1866, Governor Noyes in 1872, and Rev. John Shields in 1879.
Andrew Holmes, farmer, Bellbrook, was born on the Montgomery County line, on land now owned by Samuel Holmes, November 10, 1827. Is a son of Daniel and Margaret Holmes, whose sketch appears in this work. His boyhood was passed on the farm, and he received a common school education in the district schools. In 1854, he was married to Sarah J., daughter of William and Johanna Fitton, of this county, by whom he has bad. seven children, Maggie, Anna, Nettie, James, William, Mary, and Flora, the latter deceased. After his marriage he located where he now resides, owning one hundred and twenty-two acres of land, mostly under cultivation, and well improved. He has been trustee of the township for a number of terms. Both himself and wife are members of the Sugar Creek United Presbyterian Church, with which they have been connected since they made a profession of religion, he having served in the oflicial capacity of ruling elder for upward of twenty years. Both are much interested in religious matters, and the cause and development of the Christian religion. Politically,
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is a Republican, having always voted with that party upon all estions at issue. Joseph Holmes, farmer, Beavertown, was born on the place here he now lives, in 1839. Is a son of Samuel and Mary (Steward) Holmes, pioneers, whose history appears in this work. The object of this sketch was reared on the farm, and received an ordinary education in the common schools. In 1867, he was married
Sarah A. Porter, who bore him three children, Elizabeth, Mary I., and Sarah A. Mrs. Holmes departed this life in 1875, aged thirty-three years. His second marriage was celebrated, in 878, with Anna Crawford. Mr. Holmes has lived in this county all his life. Was engaged in the hardware business in Xenia for two years. Is a member of the Sugar Creek United Presbyterian Church, as is also his wife, having been connected with it some ears. Politically, he is a Republican, and has always voted with that party.
W. A. Hopkins, Bellbrook, was born in Warren County, Ohio, in 1835, and is a son of Samuel H. and Mary A. Hopkins. The boyhood of our subject was passed in the village of Bellbrook, receiving his education in the common schools. In 1851, he entered the store of B. F. Allen & Co., with whom he remained fourteen years, learning the different phases of mercantile life. In the spring of 1865 he became a partner to his employer, Mr. Allen, for a limited term of three years, and at the expiration of two years Mr. Allen failed, when Mr. Hopkins purchased the stock and continued the business for six years, when he. sold to Thomas White, and has since acted as business manager for that gentleman. November 23, 1859, he was married to Hannah J., daughter of Thomas White, by whom he has had six children, Stella, Mary M., Thomas, Kate, Grace, Ralph (married to Dorothy Sills) and another, who died in infancy. He and his wife have been members of the United Presbyterian Church for thirty years. John and Francis, brothers of Mr. Hopkins, were members of Company F, Thirty-Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served during the war, and were honorably discharged. Mr. Hopkins is a member of the town council and school board, offices he has held for several years.
Archibald Huston, farmer, deceased, was born near Dayton, in the year 1816, and was a son of John and Margaret Huston. His early life was passed in his native place, and after attaining his majority came to this county. October 22, 1835, he was married to
652 -HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Barbara Swigart, daughter of Michael and Sarah Swigart, whose history appears in this work. They lived for three years after their marriage on her father's place, and in the spring of 1838 came to where his widow and family now reside, and made a permanent home, clearing and improving a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which is located one of the best stone quarries in the county. To them ten children were born, Caroline, Martha E., Sarah E., William, Philena, Eliza J., Anna, Mary C., Harrison, and George W., the latter deceased, who was a member of Company E, Ninety-Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, enlisting in 1863, serving two years, and passing through a number of engagements, being instantly killed, by a shot through the head, at the battle of Resacca, Georgia, on the 14th day of May, 1864, aged eighteen years. William was a member of Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-Fourth 0. N. G., served his time, and came home uninjured. Mr. Huston was a member of the Lutheran Church, and departed this life October 11, 1875. Mrs. Huston was born in 1816, and is also a Lutheran.
Nathan James, farmer, Bellbrook, was born in this state, May 13, 1833, and is a son of David W. and Rebecca (Austen) James, who were the parents of nine children, all of whom are living: Nathan, Emily, William, Angeline, Lydia, Julia, John, Jennie, and Benjamin. Our subject was reared on the farm, and received the rudiments of his education in the district schools; afterwards attending a graded school in Bellbrook, where he graduated. He commenced teaching at the age of twenty-five, and continued in that capacity for twelve years-farming during the summer season. In the spring of 1868 he closed his last school, and turned his whole attention to farming. Since that time he has settled his father's estate, and also Mr. Hoblit's. Mr. James now owns one hundred acres of land, all in a good state of cultivation; Has been township trustee for the last four years. Is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Lewis A. Kemp, farmer, born in Montgomery County, July 30, 1825, son of Isaac, and Margaret (Herring) Kemp ; they were parents of five children, three of whom are now living, Lewis A., Jacob H. and Dr. J. D. Kemp. Mrs. Kemp was a native of Germany, and came to this country with her parents in 1805, and settled in this county. Mr. Kemp was born in Frederick County, Maryland, in 1786, and with his parents came to Ohio, in 1806, where he re-
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mained about six months, then returned to his native state, and completed his education. He then became an educator, a profession he followed for about six or eight years, after which time he married, and moved on a farm his father gave him, where he remained till his death, December 24, 1871, aged eighty-five years. Our subject was reared on the farm, where he received the rudiments of his education in the country schools ; he afterwards completed his education in the city schools of Dayton. He commenced teaching, December 7, 1846 in winter, and farming summer time, and continued for about twelve years. In 1859 he married, and turned his whole attention to farming, which he has followed ever since, and now owns two hundred and four acres of land, all in good cultivation and well improved. Mr. Kemp has filled most of the township offices in Mad River Township, Montgomery County. Trustee two years, assessor one year, and clerk for twelve or fourteen years, and was appointed school examiner by Judge Bagget, and served two years and three. months. He is a member of Harrison Lodge, No. 331, Odd-fellows, and has filled many of the offices in the subordinate lodge, and is now a member of the encampment. He has been a consistent member of the German Reformed Church for thirty-two years, holding the office of deacon six years, and elder for some time, and was obliged to resign on account of removal to this county, in 1875.. Mr. Kemp was married March 24, 1859, to Hester A. Taylor, to whom were born six children, five of whom are now living, Stephen A., Josephine, Lewis A., Adia L., and Horace S. John T. died at the age of three years.
William S. Morris, surveyor and farmer, Bellbrook, was born in Warren County, February 11, 1811, and is a son of Benjamin and Mary P. (Spinning) Morris. They were both from New Jersey, and came to Ohio in 1790. Mr. Morris at the age of sixteen helped to build the fort at Round Bottom, where he remained for about five years, farming, as did most of the inmates of the fort; working in the day time and doing guard duty at night. At the age of twenty he was married to his first wife, who bore him one child, and shortly after its birth both died of the small-pox. He afterwards married Mary Spinning, by whom he had ten children, only three of whom are now living: Isaac, Phoebe (wife of John Herd, now living in Champaign County), and William S. The greater part of Mr. Morris' married life was spent in Unionville, near Shakertown, Warren County, where he reared and educated
654 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
his family. He died while on a visit to his son William, at the advanced age of eighty-eight. Our subject was reared on the farm, where he received the rudiments of his education, which was afterwards developed by a course in Lebanon College. He then began teaching school, which he followed for about four years. At the end of that time, he engaged in engineering on the Warren County canal, where he remained for three years, when he again turned his attention to teaching, but this time for about seven years. He then married, and turned his whole attention to farming and surveying, which he has followed ever since; being the owner of one hundred and seventy acres of land, well improved. December 31, 1845, he united his fortunes with those of Mary Pence. To them were born twelve children, seven of whom are now living: Olive A, a graduate of the medical department of the State University of Iowa, and is the first and only female graduate in Greene County ; Wickliff C., Mattie, wife of S. E. Raper, of Bellbrook; Alice, Lucy B., Clara, and William S. The deceased are Clara,-Lucy, Benjamin, and two who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are members of the Christian Church.
S. B. Murphy, farmer, was born in Centerville, Montgomery County, August, 1818, and is a son of John C. and Mary (Beck) Murphy. Mr. Murphy was born in 1790, in Kentucky, and Mrs. Murphy in Ohio. Mr. Murphy came to Ohio in 1812, and immediately on his arrival here, enlisted to serve in the war of 1812, and was transferred to the front at once, and went into active service. He served during the war, and at its close was honorably discharged. Our subject was reared on the farm, and received the rudiments of his education in a cooper-shop on one corner of the farm, and graduated in a six cornered brick school house on another corner of the same farm, and afterwards taught one term in the same school house. After teaching, he took a course in a higher school, then married, and went to farming on a farm of his father's: he only remained two years on the farm at that time, then went to Dayton and started butchering, and continued in this business three years, when be embarked in the hotel business in Cincinnati, where he remained for two years; going west to Hancock County, Illinois, he purchased a tract of land, remained one year, sold out, and went to California, in the fall of 1852, and returned in the spring of 1854, a sadder, but wiser man. He then purchased a farm one mile north of Bellbrook, and gave his whole attention to farming
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for about nine years, when he entered the coal trade extensively, one year in Dayton, and nine in Cincinnati. He again went west to Nemaha County, Kansas, and there engaged in merchandising, stock raising, feeding and farming. He had a general store in the county seat of Nemaha County, where he did an extensive business for five years, and then came back and purchased the homestead where he has remained ever since. Mr. Murphy now owns two hundred and thirty acres where he lives, and a large tract of land in Kansas. Our subject was married to Miss A. Messier, March 3, 1841, who bore him five children, three of whom are now living, Maria E., now Mrs. Bagget, William R, and Ella J. The deceased are Albert A. and John C. S. B. Murphy has been a Mason for forty years. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy and family, are members of the Methodist Protestant Church.
John M. Stake, undertaker and manufacturer of furniture, Bellbrook, was born in Washington County, Maryland, in 1808. Is a son of Anthony and Catharine Stake, who were born in Pennsylvania, and when young removed with their parents to Williamsport, where they were married. Anthony was a boat carpenter, and built boats that plied on the Potomac. They both died in Maryland, he at the age of sixty, and she at the age of fifty-five. They were parents of twelve children, two living-Eli and John M., the subject of our sketch, who went to live on a farm in Berkeley County, Virginia, at the age of eleven, remaining there four years, and then went to Pennsylvania and learned his trade. In 1838 he came to Ohio, the trip being made by team in seventeen days, and has since prosecuted his trade in Bellbrook, making furniture and doing an undertaking business. He has held the office of trustee for nine years, and is a member of the council. In politics, he is a Democrat, having cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson. In 1832 he was married to Harriet Shriver, of Maryland, by whom he has had eight children, George W., Catharine, Ellen, Carrie, Thomas E., Mary, John, and Henry C. Mr. and Mrs. Stake have lived together as man and wife nearly half a century; have seen their youngest child reach the age of thirty, and half their children married and settled in homes of their own, and though far advanced in years, we find them in health and strength, and bid fair to live many years to enjoy the fruits of their hardearned labor.
Solomon Swigart, farmer, Bellbrook, was born on the old home
656 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
farm, where Michael, his brother, lives, in the year 1832. Is a son of Michael and Sarah (Ware) Swigart, whose sketch appears in this work. Solomon was reared on the farm, and received a com-. mon education in the district schools. In 1856 he was married to Rebecca, daughter of Joseph Campbell, of New York, who has borne him eleven children, seven of whom am living: Harriet, William H., Mary C., Joseph M., Albert S., Edward, and Nannie M. The deceased are Drusetta E., Elmer E., John W., and an infant. The same fall of his marriage he located where he now resides, and where he has since lived, owning one hundred and nine acres of laud, which is mostly under cultivation, and well improved. In connection with his farm he also runs a circular-saw mill, which proves a source of accommodation to the surrounding public. Mr. Swigart and his wife are members of the Mount Zion Lutheran Church, with which they have been connected for many years, and are exemplary Christian people, taking much interest in religious matters. Joseph and Drusilla Campbell settled in Bath Township, this county, about 1828. Mrs. Campbell is living, and resides in the county. Mr. Campbell died of cholera, in 1843. Mrs. Swigart was born in Bath Township, in 1835. Mr. Swigart is a Republican in politics, and has served his district in the capacity of school director. The Campbells belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Michael Swigart, farmer, Bellbrook, was born on the place where he now lives, in the year 1827, and is a son of Michael Swigart, whose history appears in this work. He was reared on the farm, and received an education in the common schools, which was obtained at odd times, and was rather meagre. Michael has been thrice married : in 1852, with Elizabeth, daughter of Solomon and Susanna Shanks, who has borne him one child. Mrs. Swigart died in 1853, aged about thirty years. The second marriage was celebrated in March, 1855, with Charlotta Swadner, daughter of Henry and Eleanor Swadner, of Montgomery County, Ohio, by whom he had five children, two living, Henry and Lincoln; the deceased are Charles, Wilson, and Samuel. Mrs. Swigart died in 1866, aged about thirty-four. His third and last marriage was celebrated in 1867, with Hannah V. Rike, daughter of William and Elizabeth Patterson, of Xenia, who has borne him two children, one living, Oscar, born in Knox County, and an infant. Mr. Swigart has lived on the place where he was born all his life, and owns one hundred
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and forty-seven acres of land, all in cultivation and well improved. Mr. and Mrs. Swigart are members of the Lutheran Church, to which they have been connected for a number of years. He is elder of the church, and has been acting in the capacity of deacon. During the war, in 1863, he was captain of a company of home guards. Politically he is a Republican.
Joel Swigart, farmer, Bellbrook, was born in this township, on section 4, in the year 1820, and is a son of Michael and Sarah (Nave) Swigart; the former was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, in the year 1787; he was a son of Peter Swigart, who with his family came to Ohio in 1808, and located in Beaver Creek Township. Peter Swigart was born in Germany, and upon landing in America was sold to a planter to pay his transportation. He was father of six children, who came with him to Greene County, in which they made homes, living here till their, decease. Peter died about the year 1839, aged eighty-two years. She departed this life in 1827 at an advanced age. They were life members of the Lutheran Church. Michael Swigart, father of our subject, was twenty-two years old at the time his father came to Ohio, and about two years after was married to Sarah Nave, who bore eight children, of whom four are living, Michael, Solomon, Joel, and Barbara Huston, nee Swigart; the deceased are David, Elizabeth, Martha, and Sarah. After his marriage he located in Sugar Creek Township, as before described, making a permanent home here till his decease, which occurred in February 11, 1869, aged eighty-three years. She departed this life about 1836, aged thirty-nine. They were life-long members of the Lutheran Church, and were much interested in religious matters, he serving his church in the capacity of elder and deacon for many years. Politically he was Republican. Our subject was reared on the farm, and received an ordinary education in the district schools. In 1843 he was married to Margaret Huddleston, daughter of John and Eva Huddleston, of Beaver Creek Township, who bore him five children, three of whom are living, Sarah J., Mary C., and Elmira.. The deceased are Elizabeth A., and Ida B. Mrs. Swigart died in 1878, aged fifty-three years. She was born in this county in 1825. Her parents came here in an early day, living and dying where they settled. She was a member of the German Reformed Church, to which she had been connected for several years, and was a very exemplary woman. After their marriage they located on the place
658 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
where he now lives and has since resided. He owns one hundred and seventy-seven acres of land, mostly in cultivation and well improved, making a pleasant home. He is connected with the German Reformed Church, of which he has been a member for a number of years. Politically he is a Republican.
John Turnbull, M. D., physician and surgeon, was born in Cedarville Township, this county, March 10, 1840. His father, John Turnbull, Sen., was born near Nashville Tennessee, February 17, 1801. His mother was the oldest daughter of Judge Samuel Kyle of Cedarville Township. She died when he was thirteen years old. His grandfather, William Turnbull, was born in Koxboroughshire, near Kelso, Scotland, October 29, 1757. He came to America, August 27, 1784. His grandmother, Elizabeth Turnbull, was formally Miss Elizabeth Marshall, was born near Nashville, Tennessee, November, 1766, She was married to grandfather, August 27, 1797, and located on a plantation near the Hermitage, the home of President Andrew Jackson. He received his early education at the district schools. At the age of fourteen years, he entered the select and graded school at Cedarville; at nineteen was placed under the tutorage of Dr. John G. Kyle of Xenia. In 1860, attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College ' of Pennsylvania, returned home in 1861, and enlisted as a private in Company A, Seventeenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at the first call for troops in the late war. In April 1861, was promoted to the position of hospital steward of the regiment, engaged in the battles of Buchannon, and Rich Mountain, was mustered out of service at the expiration of enlistment, returned immediately into West Virginia, and assisted in caring for the sick and wounded, at the battle of Carnifax Ferry, and bringing hundreds of them down the river to Cincinnati. He acted as volunteer assistant surgeon of the Sixty-Fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, participating in the long and forced marches through Kentucky and Tennessee, and in the battles connected therewith. After a hard and laborious service of nearly a year, which he rendered gratuitously for his country, he returned home. In the summer of 1862, volunteered with the minute men of Ohio, went to Cincinnati, and North Bend, Indiana, after two weeks was mustered out, and returned to the Jefferson Medical College, in the fall of 1862. Graduated March, 1863, returned home, was ordered to report for medical examination for the position of assistant surgeon in the army, at White Sulphur Springs. Was
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successful, and on the 29th, of June, 1863, was commissioned, and appointed assistant surgeon, One Hundred and Fifth regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Joined the regiment in the front of General Rosecrans army at Tullahoma, Tennessee, was mustered into the service July 3, 1863, and assumed the entire charge of the medical department of the regiment, being the only medical officer connected with it. At the battle of Chickamauga, Georgia, he had three bullet holes shot through his clothes. Two men were shot dead while he was dressing their wounds on the field. He was taken prisoner while remaining with the wounded on the battle field of Chickamauga, and was paroled to take care of our wounded in the rebel lines. For three days and nights after this battle, he never closed his eyes to sleep, being kept constantly on the alert, amputating, dressing, and caring for the wounded and dying. Being overcome from exhaustion, on the fourth day after the battle, he sank down to sleep among the wounded on the ground. He awoke ill a few hours, and finding some old, musty, moldy, unsifted corn-meal, which he mixed with cold water, and baked it in a heap of ashes. This was the only diet for fourteen days. After the exchange of prisoners were made, and while on the way to Chattanooga to join our army, a squad of rebel cavalry halted them, stripped him of his clothing, watch, and all other valuables he had, with the exception of a little breath. In a week or two, he was able to return to the fragment of his regiment, and gnaw army beef, without even a hard-tack, coffee, corn, or a square of condensed vegetables. Participated in the battle of Lookout Mountain, and Mission Ridge. Was ordered to take charge of a ward of sick, in third division hospital, in connection with the duties of his regiment. Was relieved from his hospital duties to take the entire charge of the medical departments of the One Hundred and Fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and the Second Regimeat Minnesota Volunteer Infantry.
Going home, on the 24th of May, 1865, he passed with Sherman's army in review before the President of the United States, in Washington, D. C. This was his last act with the army. The One Hundred and Fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry was mustered out of service at Camp Cleveland, Ohio, June 3, 1865. After his arrival home he married his former preceptor's daughter, Miss Josephine A. Kyle. September 7,1865, located in Monmouth, Illinois, where he practiced medicine for a season. Returned to
660 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Xenia, Ohio, in the spring of 1866, and entered into partnership with Dr. John G. Kyle, his father-in-law, with whom he practiced medicine for a few months. June 28, 1866, he moved to Bellbrook, Ohio, and opened an office, where he has been giving his entire time and attention to the demands of a large and increasing practice. Was chosen. a member of the Ohio State Medical Society, June 18, 1863, in session then at White Sulphur Springs, Ohio. Is the father of two children: Jesse K., and Pearl A. Has been placed in nomination by his colleagues for the office of county coroner, and on two different occasions has received the nomination for state representative. He has been elected and re-elected member of the town council; elected and re-elected member of the Bellbrook School Board, and now president of the same; and is president of the Bellbrook Library. He has a large library of medical and literary works, which has cost him near one thousand dollars.
Thomas White, farmer, was born in Kentucky, June 11, 1803, is son of Stephen and Mary (Bigger) White. His father was born in Ireland, 1768, his mother in Maryland, 1760. Our subject's father settled in Kentucky, in 1790, and in the year 1806, removed to Ohio, where he purchased a tract of land in Montgomery County, whereon subject was reared, and received his education on the farm. At the age of fifteen Thomas commenced hauling produce to Cincinnati, and from that.time on, he had the management of all the business pertaining to the farm. Thomas frequently hauled flour to Cincinnati, and sold it for $2.12 1/2 cents per barrel, and pork for $1.50 per one hundred pounds, and at one time, traded one bushel of corn for a gallon of whisky, hauled the whisky to Cincinnati, and sold it for 12 1/2 cents per gallon, taking five clays to accomplish the trip. At the age of twenty-seven, our subject received all his father's property in his own name. He remained on the homestead till the year 1837, when he purchased a farm in this county, and removed to it, and rented the old homestead. He married Maria Bigger in 1837, to whom four children were born, Hannah J., now Mrs. Hopkins, Mary E., Armanda, and James P. Mr. and Mrs White and family are members of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr White now owns three hundred and seventy-eight acres of land, all well improved.