462 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
XENIA TOWNSHIP
BIOGRAPHICAL.
James C. McMillan, son of Daniel and Jeannette McMillan, was born in Chester District, South Carolina, in 1810. He received what in those days was considered a fair English education, partly under his uncle, Rev. Hugh McMillan, who removed, in 1827, from thence to Xenia, Ohio, where he opened an academy in a log cabin on the corner of Market and Collier streets. His students, on presenting a certificate from him stating the books they had read under his care, were not required to pass an examination on entering Miami University.
In the year 1830, James C. McMillan, in his twentieth year, was furnished by his father with a horse and saddle, and instructed to travel through Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and. Ohio, for the purpose of selecting a home to which the family, then numbering one dozen, could remove. The principal reason for moving was that the Reformed Presbyterian Church, of which the whole family were members, did not permit any of her members to hold slaves. This law was enacted by the synod of that church in 1806, and it was probably the first church organization in the United, States of America that adopted this rule. In accordance with instructions received from his parents, in company with a relative, John McMillan, the journey was undertaken in March of that year, and he returned in September. During that time portions of each of those states were visited, and before he returned he selected what was then known as the Gibson farm, two miles east of Xenia, on the Columbus road, agreeing to pay twelve dollars per acre for two hundred and forty acres. On his return to South Carolina, his father ratified the contract by sending United States Bank notes with a friend to pay for the farm. At that time there were six brothers of that family, Daniel, John, David, Gavin, James, and Hugh, all married, who with their families, removed to Ohio. Two of them were ministers in the same church. In March, 1832, James C. McMillan and Margaret Millen were united in marriage by Rev. L. Davis. Shortly after, his father's family, with seven other families, in wagons, entered on the journey which took near five weeks, camping out every night. All enjoyed good health throughout the trip. That summer was spent on the farm'. Assisted by James Wilson, he cradled the first field of wheat of twenty
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acres known to be cut with a cradle in the county. In September of that year, he engaged with John Dodd as clerk for three years, selling goods at a salary of three hundred dollars a year, in what as then known as the Galloway corner. At the close of this term he entered into partnership with Eli Millen, and sold goods for ten .years in the same building. J. Dodd removed to his own building, mow known as St. George's Hotel. At the opening of the Little "Miami Railroad to Xenia, having built on the corner of Second and Detroit streets, he removed his stock of goods in the railroad store, -where he continued in business until he sold out to Cooper & Hutcheson. For twenty-five years he has acted as corresponding secretary, and treasurer of Greene County Bible Society, canvassing the county annually, some years raising one thousand two hundred dollars in the county. In 1860, he was elected director of the Greene County Infirmary, and with the exception of one term has filled :that office, acting as secretary of the board, ever since. This is the ,only office he has had in the county or state. He only raised one -eon, Samuel, who graduated at Miami University in 1860. At the ,breaking out of the war in 1861, he volunteered and went out as a private soldier in the one hundred and tenth regiment in company with A. M. Stark, who was captured at the battle of Winchester. Samuel escaped by a singular incident. Mr. Stark, having a fine gun that was cumbersome at such a time, threw it away, saying to Samuel, " if you can take care of that gun you may have it." Stooping to pick it up and arrange it with his knapsack, he fell behind the company through a thicket of brush, missed their track, and struck out in another direction. He thus escaped being captured, and serving a term of fifteen months in Libby Prison, He afterwards fell in with another portion of the regiment under the command of General Keifer, and was engaged in the battle at Monocacy, where he was wounded by a ball in his foot. Receiving a furlough, he came home, and afterwards returned to his post, remaining in the army until the close of the war. While at Washington City, when the troops were being' examined in 1865, on the Potomac, without the usual equipage, lying on the damp ground he caught a severe cold that settled on his lungs, and about a year after he was honorably discharged. He died of consumption, aged E thirty-three years. Out of seven children, two daughters, Emma and Mary, only survive. In 1849, the Reformed Presbyterian Church, on the corner of Columbus and Market Streets, was built;
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the first pastor being Rev. J. A. Crawford. J. C. McMillan, with Wm. McQuiston, and John Miller, was elected ruling elder, which office he still holds in the Third United Presbyterian Church of Xenia, which was formed by a union of the remaining members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and a portion of the Second United. Presbyterian Church, in 1870, their first pastor being Rev. W. H. McMillan, the next, Rev. R. Turnbull, and the present pastor, Rev. W. G. Morehead.
Rev. John McMillan, brother of J. C. McMillan still survives, and is pastor of a Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Daniel McMillian, his youngest brother, died in 1876. He had the reputation of having some years ago, the finest herd of Durham cattle in the state of Ohio, and did much in improving the quality of stock in Greene County.
F. D. Torrence, of the firm of McDowell & Torrence, lumber dealers, Xenia, was born in the above place in 1842, and is a son of David Torrence, deceased. His boyhood was passed in Springfield, where he received the rudiments of his education, which was afterwards developed by a course of study in a college in the above place. April 16, 1861, he enlisted in the Sixteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and before leaving the state in August of the same year was transferred to Captain Mitchell's battery of light artillery, which was placed under the command of General Fremont, in the department of Missouri. He saw much active service, and was in the battles of Pea Ridge, Doniphan, Duvall's Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Champion Hill, Raymond, seige of Jackson, etc. In all he participated in twenty-two different engagements. The last two years of his term were passed in the quarter-masters department, at New Orleans and Matagorda. He was discharged in September, 1865, having passed more than four years in the service of his country. In 1869 he located in Xenia, and embarked in the lumber business, to which he has since given his attention. In 1874 he was married to Mary Ridgley, by whom he has had two children, Fred and Mary. Mr. Torrence and his estimable wife are exemplary members of the United Presbyterian Church, with which they have been connected some years.
James Harper, probate judge of Greene County, was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, August 4, 1809. He is a son of Andrew and Jane (Currie) Harper. His father was born in Ireland, This mother in Scotland, and when a child emigrated with her
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parents and settled in Virginia. Mr. Harper, sr., came to this country when twenty-one years old, and located in Huntington County, Pennsylvania, where he lived a few years. He then went to Virginia, where he was married, and lived till his death, which occurred in the sixty-eighth year of his age. After his death, in 1834, his widow and children came to Ohio, where she died, aged seventy-two years. They were the parents of nine children who grew to manhood and womanhood, three of whom are living, Mary Hamilton, nee Harper, Andrew, and James. The deceased are Eliza, George, Hugh, Jane, William, and Margaret.. The early life of Mr. Harper was passed in Virginia on the farm. He received his education in the common schools. After attaining his majority he embarked in life for himself, and for sixteen years after arriving in Ohio labored in a cooper shop, and during that time was elected justice of the peace, the first public office he held. He afterwards served as recorder for three years, besides holding various township offices. In 1852 he was elected probate judge of Greene County, a position he held continuously until 1862, when a break occurred of two terms. In the fall of 1867 he was again re-elected. In 1839 he was married to Jane, daughter of James and Kesiah Shields, of this county, by whom he has had three children, John, Lavina, and William. John was a member of Company D, Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, served upwards of three years, and passed through many of the hard-fought battles of the war. The judge and his exemplary wife are members of the Presbyterian church-having belonged for many years.
James A. Scott, of Xenia, is among the oldest and most prominent citizens of Greene County. He was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, in the year 1794, and is a son of William Scott, who was born in the same state. His boyhood was passed in his native state. He received a very limited education in the subscription schools, then the only system of learning in existence where a poor boy could obtain an education, which, at the most, was crude. In 1815, he, with his brother, came to Greene County, and in 1816 returned to Pennsylvania, married Elizabeth Shannon, and soon after returned to Xenia. He was just merging into manhood, being in his twenty-first year, a time when human aspirations know no bounds. He first engaged in milling, which be followed for ten years. In 1826 he was elected sheriff of Greene County, a position he held two successive terms, discharging the duties with
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an impartiality and ability that paved the way for his nomination and election to the House in 1833. His parliamentary ability. and great originality made him a favorite, and he was re-elected in1838, and again in 1839. Upon his return home from the latter term, he was tendered the office. of recorder, which he filled for a number of consecutive terms, after which he was elected auditor, being the last position he held in the county, though he has represented some of the offices of the township and corporation. During the war of 1812, he served under the command of Adamson Tannehill, and at the expiration of his enlisted term was honorably discharged. He is one of the few survivors of that war whose names are upon the pension rolls of our government. In politics he is strongly Republican, and during the life of the old Whig party was one of its warmest and most zealous supporters, giving it his influence, as he has to all other principles which tend to promote the condition of man, whether in church, state, or society. . He and his aged wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, with which they have been connected for thirty years, she having previously belonged to the Reformed Church. Nine children have been horn to them, six of whom death has consigned to the tomb-William, John, Robert, Jane, Elizabeth, and Mary E. The living are David, Margaret, and James. His son John was a member of Company B, Seventy-Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and a second lieutenant. He enlisted at the beginning of the war, and was killed at Jonesborough, Georgia, in the fall of 1864. His remains were brought home, and interred in the cemetery adjoining Xenia, where a monument has been erected to his memory.
William Allen, clerk, Xenia, Ohio, was born in Charleston, West Virginia, and is a son of Arthur and Kitty Allen. They had a family of seven children, and immigrated to Ohio in 1862. William the subject of our sketch, was married to Miss Susan McBra, daughter of Charles and Frances McBra, of Kentucky. They had a family of three children. Alice A. and Louis A. are dead, leaving only Lee Allen to comfort them in their trials and troubles through life. When the call was made in defense of our flag, he stepped to the front, and enlisted in the Sixteenth Colored Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel W. B. Gaugh, in Company K, Captain Possell commanding, and after going with his regiment through the bloody battles in which it participated, he was discharged on the 16th day of March, 1865, and returned
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to Xenia, where he has since lived as a man of trust and honor, in the employ of Samuel Allison, for over seventeen years. Warren Anderson, printer, Xenia, Ohio, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, May 28, 1832, and is a son of Noah and Mary Anderson. He is the eldest of ten children. The family moved to Elkhart County, Indiana, when Warren was in his sixth year. He assisted in clearing a farm of one hundred and twenty acres out of the thick woods. At the age of nineteen, broken down by hard labor and exposure, he entered a dry-goods house, with J. H. Defrees, at Goshen, in the same county, where he remained two years, after which he entered S. E. Davis' store for a few months. He then engaged in teaching, and taught his first school in 1852, a few miles south of Goshen. In 1854 he came back to Ohio, and opened books for his uncle, in his store on Wolf Creek, ten miles west of Dayton, Ohio, and remained with him until 1856, when he removed to Yellow Springs, Greene County, and entered the preparatory department at Antioch College, under Horace Mann, where he remained four years, teaching during the winter, in order to prepare himself for a classical course, up to the year 1860. When President Mann died he was at his bedside, and received his kind farewell. The following fall and winter he taught school at Cass, Miami County, and in the spring of 1861 became principal of Goshen Seminary, Clermont County, Ohio. Being near Camp Dennison, the war demoralized the school, and it was discontinued for a time. In the winter of 1861 he taught near Tippecanoe City, Ohio, and in 1862 was principal of the Industrial Academy at Hillsboro, near Richmond, Indiana. The same year he returned to Goshen, Indiana, and commenced the study of law with George D. Copeland. Subsequently Copeland bought the Goshen (Indiana) Times, and Mr. Anderson became assistant editor. In 1863 he resigned, and visited Washington, D. C. In the winter of 1863'64 he taught school in Miami County, Ohio, where he cast his vote for Honest Old Abe for president in 1860, and again in 1864. In 1864 he dismissed school, and enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Forty-Seventh Regiment, Ohio National Guard. The regiment was mustered at Camp Dennison, sent to Forts Ethan Allen and Marcy, at the head of Chain Bridge, near Washington, D. C., and participated in the battle of Fort Stephens, July 12th, assisting in the repulse of General Early, in his march upon the capital. Was discharged, August 30th, at Camp Dennison, Ohio, and came to
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Xenia in the spring of 1865, where he continued his law studies with Hon. R. F. Howard, and was admitted to the bar in April, 1869. In the winter of 1865-'66 he taught school at Alpha, Greene County, Ohio, keeping up the study of law. In the winter of 1866-'67 he was principal of Xenia High School, during which time he organized the Euphranine Literary Society, which still survives. Was Secretary of the Republican Central Committee from 1866 to 1869, and secretary of the Greene County Sabbath-school Association in 1869; was married, May 30, 1867, to Miss Cannie Vigus, who was teacher of German in Xenia College, and a graduate of that institution. May, their first child, was born December 26, 1868, and died July 6, 1869. Their second child, Florence, was born March 16, 1874, and is still living. He was appointed mayor of Xenia in February, 1867, to succeed Hon. John Little, who resigned. In April following he was elected to the same office for two years. Was also elected justice of the peace for Xenia Township for three years, ending May, 1870. As one of the officers, drafted the articles of incorporation for the Young Men's Christian Association of Xenia, in January, 1869. In April, 1870, was admitted by the Supreme Court of Ohio to practice law. Was one of the founders, with Hon. J. F. Patton and T. L. Tiffany, of the Xenia Gazette, in August, 1868, and its chief editor until 1870, when he sold his interest to Colonel R. P. Findlay, and in November, 1870, removed to Ottawa, Kansas, where he established the Ottawa Herald, December 4th, same year. Sold out the Herald in 1871, and purchased an interest in the Journal of that city, which was founded by Hon. I. S. Kalloch, present mayor of San Francisco, California. Was admitted to the Kansas bar, December, 1871. Sold out the Journal in the fall of 1872, on account of ill health, and returned to Xenia, Ohio, where he resumed the practice of law, and in 1873 edited the Xenia Enterprise, afterward changed to "News," and now called the Xenia Democrat-News. Was again appointed by council mayor of Xenia, February, 1876, to fill the unexpired term of Hon. J. W. Keever. Was correspondent of the Cincinnati Gazette, and in October, 1875, was again elected justice. of the peace of Xenia Township for three years. November 7, 1878, started the Xenia Nonpareil, changing its name, in the summer, 1879, to Xenia Sunlight. Sold his interest, in May, 1880, to O.. W. Marshall, and the same year established the Yellow Springs Review, of which he is still editor and proprietor. Mr. Anderson has al-
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ways been a Republican in politics, as was also his father, who was Republican representative from Elkhart County, in the Indiana Legislature, in 1861-'62.
A. J. Archdeacon, telephone proprietor and agent, Xenia, Ohio, was born in Springboro, Warren County, Ohio, in the year 1846, on the thirtieth day of September. He is a son of George and Mary Archdeacon, of Cork, who immigrated to America, in the year 1841, with a family of eight children : Jane, Richard, Nicholas, George, Benjamin F., Edward T., May E., and A. J., our subject, who is now thirty-four years of age. He is only four feet high and weighs ninety pounds. He is a member of the Odd-fellows, has filled all the chairs, has climbed to the topmost round in the order, and is the smallest Odd-fellow in Ohio. e is one of the liveliest of the lively, and a general favorite wherever he is known; says his fighting weight is eighty-five pounds, and is now trying to bring himself clown to enter the ring with the champion light weight of England sometime in August next, (clay not set).
John S. Armstrong, insurance agent, Xenia, Ohio, was born at Portersville, Pennsylvania, August 8,1833. His father, James Armstrong, was born near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1808, and his mother, Jane S., was born at Portersville, Pennsylvania, in 1812. They moved to Johnson County, Missouri, about 1857. He has five brothers, and six sisters, located in different parts of the United States. He received a good common school education at Portersville, and commenced teaching when seventeen years of age. Soon after this, he entered the Butler Academy and completed the preparitory course, and then entered West Minster College, Pennsylvania, finished his course in Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, then entered the senior class at West Minster, and graduated in the regular collegiate course in 1859. When twenty-six years of age, he taught for sometime, and studied theology. At the breaking out of the war, he enlisted in the Ninety-.Third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which being fill, was mustered in the One Hundred and Seventh Regiment, at Camp Portsmouth, as orderly-sergeant of Company E; was soon appointed sergeant major of the regiment, chief clerk of the chief of artillery, Army of the Cumberland. Re then received a commission as second lieutenant, ance served for some time as regimental adjutant. In 1863 his regiment was changed to first regiment, Ohio heavy artillery, and he was promoted to first lieutenant, and assigned to battery C., and served in this company
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until the close of the war. He united with the associate church in 1855, and still continues a devout member and believer. He is also a member of the Knights of Honor. He was married in 1864, to Miss Esther E. Allison. Her father, Samuel Allison, an old citizen, of Greene County, and her mother, Mary C. Allison were born and reared in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and moved to Ohio in 1819. His wife received a thorough education at Glendale Female Seminary, then taught school for sometime at Hagerstown, Ind. They have five children, Harry C., Frank S., Walter R., Mary B., and Maggie E., the last named now at rest in the New Jerusalem. In 1871, he received an appointment as United States Indian agent for Capote, Wemeunche, Utes, and Irearilla Apache Indians of northwestern New Mexico, and remained with them about two years. He was employed in freight, and ticket departments of Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and St. Louis Railroad, almost four years. At present, he is agent for the Pennsylvania Life Insurance Company of Philadelphia.
John W. Baldwin, farmer, Xenia, Ohio, was born in Hampshire County, Virginia, in the year 1827. He is the son of James and Amy Baldwin, both natives of Virginia. They immigrated to Ohio, in the month of May, 1829, with a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters. John, the subject of our sketch, was married in the year 1857, to Miss Laura A. Bonner, daughter of Styth and Maria H. Bonner, of Greene County, Ohio. They have a family of three children, William H., Annie M., and Mary A., all now living. John W. enlisted in the Union army, in 1861, under Captain Samuel T. Owen, in Company C, Seventy-Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Granville Moody, and was engaged in the following battles : Fort Henry, Neeley's Bend, Stone River, Hoover's Gap, Tullahoma, Dug Gap, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Tunnel Hill, Dalton, Resaca, Dallas Gap, Pine Mountain, Pumpkin-vine Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach-tree Creek, Chattahoochie River, Atlanta, and Jonesborough, Georgia, where he resigned his commission as second lieutenant, and came home, November 4, 1864. He received his education in Greene County, where he has spent the greater portion of his life; is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is one of the leading farmers of Greene County.
Brinton Baker, dealer in saddles and harness, Xenia, Ohio, was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in 1807. Thomas and Sarah,
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his parents, were both born in Pennsylvania, and immigrated to Ohio in 1812, and have since made this county their home. It is said the first saw mill in the county was built by them. Brinton, the subject of this sketch, was married, in 1831, to Miss Eliza Hivling, of Xenia, Ohio. Six children were born to them, Abraham H., Sarah, John A., Joshua S., Eliza J., and an infant. Abraham, the only one living, is in partnership with his father, was educated in Xenia, and has spent his life here. Mr. Baker was reared by Quaker parents, and is a very moral man. Tie served as county treasurer from 1852 to 1857, and has been a county infirmary director for fifteen years. He has always been, and is to-day, one of the energetic business men of Xenia.. Abraham is now living on the same lot on which he was born. In 1865 he was married to Miss Sallie A. J. Miller, of Frederick City, Maryland, and is the father of three children, Mary E., John A., and Rachel J., all of whom are living with their parents. When the war broke out, he was one of the first to respond, and after its close came home with an honorable discharge, and resumed his labors at his trade. He and his father to-day are in the foremost rank in their business.
Andrew H. Boughman, retired banker, Xenia, Ohio, was born in the State of Maryland, in the year 1807. He is a son of Andrew and Esther Baughman, who immigrated to Ohio about the year 1800, with a family of six children, four sons and two daughters. Andrew, the subject of this sketch, while yet in Maryland learned the milling trade, and after coming to Ohio he attended a mill owned by John Harbine, and continued with him about two years. He then rented J. Snyder's mill, and attended it on the shares for some six years, and then with Casper Snyder bought it, and run it until the year 1853, when they sold out. He then came to Xenia, and engaged in farming, trading, etc., and in 1876 he was elected president of the First National Bank of Xenia. When he came to this country his circumstances were such that he was compelled to walk the whole distance from Hagerstown, Maryland, to Xenia, and worked for sometime for his board and clothes. His untiring energy, and industrious habits and faithfulness to business have gained for him a position in life, and among business men a place attained by very few. He held the office of township trustee, and was commissioner for twelve years ; president of the city council for a number of years; has been a member of the Odd-fellows for thirty-four years, and is a member of the grand
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lodge and grand encampment ; has been a member of the Reform Church for over forty years, filling some office of importance nearly all the time. he has never had any children, but like a Christian gentleman has raised three children of other parents. e was married in 1833, and his wife is still living, assisting in cheering his declining years.
George A. Barnes, furniture dealer, Xenia, Ohio, was born in that city, July 14, 1837. He is a son of Henry and Ruth Barnes, who had a family of thirteen children. George A., the subject of our sketch, was married December 27, 1872, to Miss Julia Ann Wright, daughter of George and Sarah Wright, of Xenia, Ohio. They have a family of five children, two sons and three daughters, Clarence, Anna, Lester, and a pair of twins, Ethel and Ester. He spent his time with his father at the carpentering business until he was twenty-one years of age, and in 1856 he left home and went to Pike's Peak, and, not liking things there, continued his travels to California, where he remained but a short time. He came back to Salt Lake; and then to Kansas, where he took charge of a mail train. He then resided at St. Joe, Missouri, when he went to Kansas City, Ad thence to Santa Fe, New' Mexico. While at Salt Lake, his business was with General Percival Smith, as superintendent of supply trains for the government. He then went to Santa Fe, and from there to the Rio Grande, to Texas, and when the first notes of war were sounded he was in New Orleans, and had to make his way overland, as best he could, to Evansville, Indiana, where he enlisted in the first regiment he met, the Twenty-Fourth Indiana, Colonel A. P. Hovey. He went into camp at Vincennes, where he joined Company A, and was mustered in as a private, then promoted to corporal, and in a short time was promoted to duty sergeant. When the regiment was ordered to St. Louis, they joined Fremont, and his company was ordered on duty to guard the first gun-boat built,. the ironclad ".Benton." He then went with Fremont to West Missouri, where the famous Zagoni charge was made. He was again promoted, to orderly sergeant, and, returning to Jefferson City, Missouri, they took boats for the Tennessee River, and participated in the fight at Fort Donalson, Fort Henry, and Shiloh, where the regiment was assigned to Lew Wallace's division. He was then promoted to sergeant-major. They then crossed the country to Memphis, arriving in time for the naval engagement, and remained in command of the city for a
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week; thence to Helena, Arkansas, when they were ordered up White River, to reinforce General Curtis; was in several engagements on White River; then returned to Helena, where he was promoted to captain, and assigned to the First Arkansas regiment, to raise the first colored regiment on the Mississippi River, by order of Adjutant: General Thomas. He was promoted to major of the regiment, which was mustered in as the Forty-Sixth United States Infantry, equipped and in service inside of two weeks, at Lake Providence. It. Was then assigned to Goodrich's Landing, where one entire company, officers and men, were captured and shot down. He was also in the massacre at Millakin's Bend, and in three months they had only three hundred and eighty-one left out of one thousand and fifty men. From there they went to Vicksburg, where he was under Sherman ; up the Yazoo, and had a light at Chickasaw Bayou; then returned to Memphis, and took charge of a picket post in 1863 and 1864; thence to New Orleans, where he was made enrolling officer, under General Banks; and from there to Brazos Santiago, on the western coast of Texas; thence up the Rio Grande, and captured the last rebel stronghold. The war being over, he got a leave of absence for six months, and raised a. company of three hundred men called Cortenas' Guerrillas, who were equipped by the United States, and crossed the river and organized the liberal movement under the 'great Mexican chief, General Cortenas, at Bagdad, Mexico. They then went to Matamoras, and after a week's siege captured the entire garrison, consisting of French and Austrian troops. Afterwards the prisoners were sent to Viseconise. When their army gained force sufficient, they went into the interior and through the war until Maxamillian was captured at Queratta, and saw him shot. He afterwards joined his regiment at Brownsville, and from there returned to New Orleans, where he took the yellow fever in 1867, and was compelled to resign on account of ill-health. He returned to Xenia, and was soon appointed superintendent of the county infirmary, which position he held three years, since which time he has been engaged in the furniture furniture business, and has a trade second to none.
Hon. Isaac M. Barrett, miller and farmer, Spring Valley, was born in Saratoga County, New York, in 1827. He is the son of George and Mahala Barrett. His father is a native of Vermont; his mother, of New York. They had a family of ten children, Maria B., Sarah, Mahala M., Mary L., Calista A., Rosana, Isaac M.,
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Slocum, John R., and Merritt H. They immigrated to Ohio in 1838. Isaac M., the subject of our sketch, was married, in 1852, to Miss Rebecca Swayne, daughter of Thomas and Eliza Swayne, of Clarke County. They have a family of ten children, Swayne T., George, Evans, John R., Isaac M., Don Carlos, Clifford, Clara Bell, Mary Ella, and Hattie. George and Isaac M. are dead. His wife died in January, 1855, and in March, 1859, he married his present wife. He held the commission of major in the service; was at Cumberland Gap, Virginia, and was mustered out in 1863. He also held the office of internal revenue assessor for the Seventh Congressional District for over three years, and represented Greene County in the legislature for four years, from 1873 to 1877. Received his appointment as revenue assessor from Abraham Lincoln, being the first appointed in the seventh district. He inaugurated and organized the entire system of levying internal revenue taxes for that district. Mr. Barrett is a self-made man. He inherited nothing from his ancestors, but through his untiring energy has climbed to his present position. He is not only one of the most popular of men, but among the wealthiest, owning some of the finest farms in the county, and is also owner of the Spring Valley Mills, one of the best paying institutions in the county. He is a Republican in politics, and always is a ready worker for the cause of right, and gives with a liberal hand to the needy.
Peter O. Benham, farmer, Xenia, Ohio, was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1839, and is the son of Peter and Catharine Benham, both natives of Cincinnati, Ohio, who came to Montgomery County, Ohio, about the year 1830, with a family of twelve children, six sons and six daughters. Peter, the subject of our sketch, was married, February 18, 1864, to Miss Elizabeth A. Stemble, of Xenia, Ohio, daughter of Frederick Stemble, one of Xenia's oldest inhabitants, who held an office in that place over twenty years, a fact to which every boy in Xenia, during his reign as city marshal, can testify. Our subject has had a family of six children, three of whom died in infancy, and the living are Blanchie S., Harry F., and George W. When the war broke out, he was among the first to respond to the call, and on the 8th day of October, 1861, enlisted under Captain Fisher, in Company E, Seventy-Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and continued in the service until May 22, 1865, when he received an honorable discharge. He was in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, Jonesborough, Kenesaw and
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Lookout Mountains, Peach-tree Creek, and Fort McAllister, on the Atlantic Ocean; was sergeant of his company, and for bravery was detached, on the 18th of October, 1863, and placed on General Jeff. C. Davis' staff, who was in command of the Fourteenth Army Corps, and held the responsible position of commander of an ambulance train. He was captured on the 22d of February, 1865, by General Wheeler's force, and put in Saulsbury Prison, and from there to Andersonville, and thence to Libby, where so many of our brave soldiers suffered worse than death. He was finally released, and on the 22d day of March, 1865, started for "Home, sweet home." He received his education in the Beaver Creek High School, where he has spent the greater portion of his life. He is a member of the Odd-Fellows, and holds the office of vice grand, and is also a member of the Encampment. He now resides on a farm, about two and a half miles west of Xenia, and by his genial disposition and correct habits has gained many warm friends.
William T. Beall, farmer, Xenia, Ohio, was born in Allegheny County, Maryland, in the year 1798. He is a son of John and Eleanor Beall, who immigrated to Kentucky about 1810, and stopped at Maysville about two years; came to Ohio in the year 1812, and located on Caesar's Creek, with a. family of nine sons and four daughters. William T., the subject of this memoir, located in Greene County in the year 1823; was married in the year 1822, to Isbellanna Alexander, a daughter of old Colonel John Alexander, who was a representative of the county to congress for two terms. Mr. Beall has an interesting family of four soils and six daughters. He received a portion of his education in Maryland, and a portion in Kentucky, and finished it in Greene County. He was, after the war of 1812, one of the old-militia captains, who used to parade in after clays with their cornstalk guns, etc., and were so noted for obeying orders from their officers. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and now one of its trustees. He is a solid Republican, and gave four of his sons to the Union, and only regreted that he had not a dozen more to give. His eldest son, John A., was lieutenant of a company in the Ninety-Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and his third son, Eli C., was color-sergeant in the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry ; and George W., and Washington T., were privates under Colonel Robert Stephenson. All proved themselves gallant soldiers, and at the close of the war were honorably discharged. His youngest
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son, Washington, is now seeking his fortune among the Black Hills. The old gentleman and lady were agreeably surprised on the anniversary of the fiftieth year of their married life; he being presented with a fine gold-headed cane and pair of spectacles, and his wife with a very fine breast-pin and pair of spectacles; but they, were still more surprised to see the host of friends that greeted them on the occasion.
James M. Beatty, carpenter, Xenia, was born in Rochester, New York, in 1840. He is a son of James and Isabella Beatty, both of whom Were born in Ireland, and immigrated to New York, and from there to Ohio, about the year 1848, and settled in Montgomery County, with a family of four sons and one daughter, Robert, James, William, George, and Katie, all of whom are now living. James, the subject of this memoir, when he first came to Ohio, entered into the carpenter business with his father, where he remained two years, and when the war broke out he enlisted in Company A, Ninety-Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Anderson, our ex-governor, and remained in the service of his country for three years, undergoing many privations and having some very narrow escapes. He was taken prisoner on the 20th day of December, 1863, at Chickamauga, and remained such for twenty months. While a prisoner he was conveyed to Belle Island, near Richmond, and thence to Smithsburg, Camp Libby, where he remained some two months; then he was removed to Danville, Virginia, and put in prison No. 5, where he remained about four months; and from there he escaped and was recaptured by bloodhounds at Plymouth, and taken to Warrington and put in jail ; thence he was taken to Rolla aped put in conscript camp, where he remained some three weeks ; thence to Andersonville, Georgia, where he remained just one year; then he was sent to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where he went into prisoners camp. From there he started, on the 25th of April, for home. On the .27th, the boat blew. up, and from twelve hundred to fourteen hundred lives were lost. During his prison life he made several escapes, but in every instance the blood-hounds brought him to bay. He was promoted to second sergeant during the war, and after he landed in Columbus he felt as though he was again breathing the free air of Ohio, his beloved " Home, Sweet Home." At one time during his imprisonment, himself and comrades made their escape through a tunnel one hundred and sixty feet long, which they dug, and came
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out under a negro's cabin ; but being exposed, were recaptured and returned to the rebels. During this escape he received a shot from one of the rebel pickets through the left arm, above the elbow. He is now pursuing his trade, and by his steady habits and perseverance is doing a business he may well be proud of. He was married in 1871, to Miss Cynthia Reed, of Xenia, daughter of Arnold and Cynthia Reed. The result of this marriage is one son, Charles A., now in his fifth year. Mr. Beatty is a staunch Republican in politics, and can be relied on at all times when his country needs his services.
George Bell, deceased, was born in Baltimore County, Maryland, in 1780, and with his father and three brothers came to Ohio in the winter of 1805-'6, and settled for a few years five miles south of Xenia. In 1812, he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land three miles southeast of Xenia, which he cleared and lived upon until his death, his father and mother remaining under his care until their death, August 16, 1817, when he married Vinca, daughter of Tinsley Heath, who preceded him to this county from Virginia. This union was blessed by ten children, nine of whom are now living, John M., James M., Thomas L., Lewis L., Erasmus U., Jewett F. G., Ann M., Sarah C., and George F. He was very active in the anti-slavery cause, and was a member of the first antislavery society ever founded in this country, which advocated the unconditional release of those thousands of souls in bondage. He was of Scotch descent. His grandfather was a shipper between England and the colonies, and by going securities lost heavily, and came west. They were descendants of the Bells of Edinborough, Scotland. He was not an office seeker, but always took an active part in whatever he thought was right, and was a man of great influence. He commenced without anything, and succeeded in getting a good home, and was well known for his acts of charity throughout the country. His son Jewett F. G. was united in marriage with the daughter of the late John Eavey, near Xenia, October 14, 1880. He attended the Ohio University, and graduated, in 1862, in the scientific course. His wife also graduated at Xenia College. In politics he is a Republican, and during the war was a staunch supporter of the cause, doing his share of the work at home, and donating more money to the government than he actually earned. He is now living near Xenia, where he is engaged in farming' and stock raising. He is a man of very genial dispo-
478 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
sition, well educated, and beloved by all who know him.
Mrs. Isabella Bickett was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1802, and is the daughter of Matthew and Isabella Alexander, natives of Pennsylvania, who immigrated to Ohio in 1804, with a family of six children, Francis, John, William, Isabella, Matthew, and Robert. Isabella and Robert are the only survivors of the family. Isabella was married, in 1827, to William R. Bickett, of Greene County. They raised a family of six children. Adam R., Matthew A., Mary J., William H., Elizabeth I., and Lydia A. The last named died in 1865. Mrs. Bickett received her education in Greene County, where her life has been spent. She is a member of the Second United Presbyterian Church. She is now living on a farm three miles east of Xenia, with her daughter, Mrs. Solomon Foust, who was married in 1868, and has one son, Edwin, who is living with his mother and grandmother on the farm, and attending school. Mrs. Bickett is now in her seventy-ninth year, and is uncommonly active for one of her age. The family, from the oldest to the youngest, are Republicans, and enjoy the reputation of being benevolent, and always ready to lend a helping hand in time of need.
Wendel Bloom, grocer, was born in Bavaria, in 1835. He is the son of Wendel and Catharine Bloom, both natives of Bavaria, and both deceased. They raised a family of three children, John, Wendel, and Martin. Wendel, the subject of our sketch, was married, in 1857, to Miss Margaret Byer, daughter of August and Johanna Byer, of Wittenberg, Germany. She has borne him seven children, John, Mary, Wendel, Kate, George, Edward, and one dead, whose name was Martin. Mr. Bloom is a member of the Red Men, and has filled all the offices; is also a member of the Catholic Church. He is now engaged in the grocery business, on Main Street, in Xenia, and has lately purchased the property on Detroit Street, known as the old Hivling House, fitted it up, and now has one of the finest rooms in the city. He is a thorough business in an, and by his genial disposition has gained many warm friends.
Peter Boon, minister, was born in Virginia, in 1825, and is the son of James and Sarah Boon, who had a family of nine children. Peter came to Ohio in 1850, and in 1860 was married to Miss Louisa E. Lewis, daughter of Henry and Ann Lewis, f Canada. He has a family f five children, four by his present wife, and one by his
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first, Laura J., Mary M., Louis P., Dora M., and Anna B., all living. He enlisted on the 16th of March, 1864, in Company K, Sixteenth Ohio, and was mustered out March 16th, 1865. Received his education as best he could, never being sent to school; but by his untiring energy fitted himself for the ministry, and has been laboring in the First Baptist Church in Xenia for ten years.
John G. Bowser, railroader, was born in Greene County, in 1854. He is the son of Mike and Hulda Bowser, who have a family of four children, Frank, Maggie, Emma, and John. Emma was married to W. H. McCaidy, of Springfield, Ohio. The father is one of Xenia's oldest settlers, and at one time kept what was then known as the Hivling House. He was also, at one time, sheriff of Warren County. John has been engaged in various branches of business; was clerk in the Xenia post: office some four years; engaged in the Neff House, at Yellow Springs, for some time, and for the last five years has been engaged in railroading and telegraphing in Chicago. He is an energetic young man, f fine appearance, and well adapted for almost any position.
Barclay Y. Berry, tobacco manufacturer, Xenia, was born in the State of Pennsylvania, June 25, 1832. He is a son of Michael and Martha Berry, both natives of Pennsylvania. His father died in his native state, and his mother came to Ohio in 1860. The family consisted of John L., Barclay Y., Thomas R., and Jane-all living but the daughter, who lost her life in her eighth year by being burned to death. Barclay, the subject of our sketch, has followed the manufacture of tobacco and cigars since he was eleven years of age. He married Miss Mary O. Lutz, and by her had seven children, John H., Frank R., Fannie and Annie, who were twins, Emma S., William. A., and Charles, deceased. He enlisted in the union army in 1864, and was honorably discharged the same year. He was also one of the Squirrel Hunters, who drove Kirby Smith from this state. He was city marshal in 1867-'68, filling the office two terms, and was street commissioner for six years. He is a member of the Odd-fellows, and Knights of Pythias. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for ten years. By his genial disposition and faithfulness to business he has gained for himself many friends, and a steadily increasing patronage.
Thomas A. Brown, mail agent and farmer, Xenia, was born a slave in the State of Maryland, in the year 1814. His father and mother, Jeremiah and Isabella Brown, were both slaves, and na-
480 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
tives of Maryland, and had a family f five children, William, Charles, Dennis, Anna, and Thomas A. The subject of this sketch was married in 1840, to Miss Frances J. Scroggins, of Wheeling, West Virginia, by whom he had a family of six children, Jeremiah A., Bell J., Anna E., Hallie Q., John G., and Mary Frances, who was burned when her father's house was destroyed by fire. He lived in Canada from 1861 to 1870, and came to Ohio in 1871 for the purpose -of educating his children, which has been done successfully at Wilberforce. Two of tem, John G., and his daughter, Hallie, are teachers, and she is a very fine elocutionist. He is a self-made man, and at one time owned real estate worth nearly a million dollars. He bought the freedom of his two brothers, one sister, and himself, and to-day owns a very fine property at Wilberforce, and also a fine farm in Canada. He is a staunch Republican in politics. He is now making his home at Wilberforce, and has the esteem and confidence of all who know him.
Charles Brooks, farmer, was born in Paris, Kentucky, in 1836, and is the son of Dr. John and Evaline Brooks, both natives of Kentucky. Charles, the subject of our sketch, was married, in 1856, to Miss Hannah Blackburn, daughter of David Blackburn, of Kentucky. They have one child dead, Joseph, and one living, Charles Anna Brooks. He is a member of the Christian Church, and also a member of the Odd-fellows, and is right supporter of the noble grand. He is now living on his farm of forty-three acres, four miles east of Xenia, on the narrow-gauge railroad, and is one of the many men of his color who came here after the war. He is now one of the prosperous farmers of Greene County, a good citizen, and well beloved by all who know him.
Mrs. Eliza J. Bryant, matron of Greene County Infirmary, Xenia, was born in Bath County, Kentucky, December 25, 1822, and is the daughter of Augusta and Sarah Shoat. Her father was a native f Maryland, and her mother of Virginia. He immigrated to Ohio in 1808. She was stolen when a child, and brought to Kentucky. They had thirteen children, who are all dead but Eliza. She came to Ohio in 1841, on account of the oppression of slavery, it being the year of the reign f the black Indians, when the slaveholders were disguising themselves, and killing off the colored women and children. She has been twice married; first to Mr. Thomas, by whom she had two children, James and Louisa. She came to Ohio in 1845, on account of her health, to spend the sum
XENIA TOWNSHIP. - 481
mer. She was again married, March 2,1854, to George W. Bryant, a Baptist minister, who died in Natchez, Mississippi, October 8, 1867, in the home missionary field. God blessed them with seven children, George, Sarah, John, Eddie, Franz, William, and James. She is at present matron of the Greene County Children's Home, which position she has filled for the last four years. She professed a hope in Christ in May, 1841, and is now a member of the church. She is a woman of unusual ability, remarkably well preserved, and peculiarly adapted to the position she now fills.
Henry S. Buckles, carpenter, was born in Greene County, in 1815.. He is the son f John and Elizabeth Buckles, both natives of Virginia, who immigrated to Ohio in 1804, with a family of nine children. Henry, the subject of our sketch, was married, in 1837, to Miss Ellen Thomas, daughter of Archibald and Catharine Thomas, of Greene County. They have a family of eight children, three of whom are dead, James W., Mary E., and Archibald T. Those living are Narinah P., Eliza J., William M., Emma V., and Arthur S. Mr. Buckles is a member of the Good Templars, and also of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Xenia. He received his education in an old log school house, in Bellbrook, where most of his life was spent, with the exception of eighteen years in Champaign County. He is one of the oldest carpenters in Xenia, and none in the county surpasses him in his profession. He is a truly good and moral man; not only moral, but 'religious, being one of the old class leaders in his church, and is a man who shows his religion by his daily walk.
Abner S. Buck, attorney-at-law and notary public, Xenia, was born in Washington, Fayette County, Ohio, on the 20th day of September, 1818. He is a son of Samuel and Sarah Buck. His father was born in Pennsylvania, March 7, 1780, and his mother in New Jersey, September 29, 1789. Our subject received his education at Wilmington, Clinton County, Ohio, where his youth was spent at school and at labor. He studied law in his father's law office, which he entered in May, 1837, and was admitted to the bar in May, 1841. During the time he was studying, he cut three hundred cords of wood. After practicing four or five years he became dissatisfied with his profession, and withdrew from it and engaged in various other avocations. He was elected to the office of justice f the peace of Xenia Township, on the 3d day of April, 1876, and reelected April 8, 1879. He is a member of the
482 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
United Presbyterian Church, second congregation, of Xenia. His home has been in Greene County for thirty-eight years. His father came to Ohio in 1799, and his mother in 1805. Mr. Buck is the youngest man for his age in Ohio, and a general favorite with all who know him.
Charles J. Buck, teacher, son of Samuel and Sarah Buck, was born in Washington Township, Clinton County, Ohio, in the year 1832. His father is a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother a native of New Jersey, and they raised a family of ten children. Charles J., the subject of our sketch, was married in 1857, to Miss Julia Campbell, daughter of Hugh Campbell, of Xenia. They have three children living, Nettie S., Nellie M., and Charles M.; and Maggie F., and Effie May, deceased. He received his education in Ohio, where he has spent the greater portion of his life. On the 6th day of August, 1862 he enlisted in the Seventeenth Ohio Battery, and took part in such prominent battles as Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, Fort Morgan, Mobile, etc., and in 1865 received an honorable discharge, and returned to his home. The family are members of the First United Presbyterian Church of Xenia. A fine teacher, and a man of a genial disposition, he has many warm friends in this community.
Lewis M. Bull, grocer, son of James R., and Anna A. Bull, was born in Xenia, in 1848. His father and mother were natives of Ohio and Maryland, and had a family of five children. Lewis, the subject of our sketch, commenced the grocery business in his native place some six years ago, and by his gentlemanly deportment and fair dealing has built up a trade which is a credit to himself and the city. In 1877 he was married to Miss Lizzie A. James, daughter of Joshua James. They have one son, Lester J. Bull. Lewis is a member of the Odd-fellows, and also of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics a staunch Republican.
William H. Bull, jr., farmer, Xenia, was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1845. He is a son of James R. and Amelia Bull, natives of Ohio and Maryland, who had a family of five children, three of whom are living. William H., jr., was married in 1877, to Miss Annie L. Stevenson, daughter of Samuel and Olive Stevenson, of this county. He received his education in Greene County, where he and his wife have both spent their lives. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They are a young couple, just starting out in life, and a passer-by would readily judge the out-
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come from their beautiful farm, and the neatness of its surroundings.
George J. Burdell, engineer, Xenia, was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1853. His father, Asa, born in New York, and his mother, Harriet Burdell, born in New Jersey, were the parents of nine children, Alice B., George G., Charles H., William M., Edward P., and Hattie, who are living; and Ida, Carey, and Gracie, deceased. They came to Ohio about the year 1860. George G., the subject of this sketch, was married, August 28, 1878, to Miss Ella N. Beckom, daughter of Mary Beckom, of Charleston, Illinois. They have one son, Asa P., the pet of the household. He has held positions on many of the prominent roads of the country, and is now engineer f the steam shovel on the Pan-Handle. He received his education in Xenia, where he has spent the greater portion of his life. A young man of energy, his accommodating disposition has gained for him many warm friends.
George N. Burgess, tinney, was born in Gallipolis, Gallia County, Ohio, in 1848. His father and mother, Thornton and Elizabeth Burgess, were both born in Virginia, and immigrated to Ohio about the year 1844, with a family of eleven children. George, the subject of this sketch, is now working at his trade in Xenia, where he received a common school education, and has spent the latter portion f his life. He also went to school at Gallipolis, West Union, and Rochester, New York. In 1872 he was married to Miss Emma J. Roots, and by her has three daughters and one son, all living. During the war he was in the Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry, Fourth Division, serving two. years and seven months, and received an honorable discharge on the 16th day of April, 1865, at Beverly. His children, Morris E., Mary E., Laura, and Pearl, are models, and the pride of their parents. He is a staunch Republican, and a good worker for his party.
Alfred Campbell, carpenter, son of James and Rose Campbell, both natives of Pennsylvania, was born in Alleghany City, same state, February 6, 1834. Received his education in Pennsylvania. From boyhood until his seventeenth year, his time was chiefly spent on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. At the age of seventeen he was put out to learn the carpenter trade, which he followed in different cities f the South and West, until the first Lincoln campaign, wen he left fit. Louis for Pittsburgh, to cast his first vote. On the 19th day of April, 1861, he enlisted in the old mili-
484 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
tary organization known as the Jackson Independent Blues, which was organized as Company A, Twelfth Pennsylvania Regiment, and volunteered for three months. Afterward he enlisted in the Sixty-Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, which was engaged in many of the hard-fought battles of the war, some of which were Bull Run, Stone River, Chickamauga, the seven days' fight before Richmond, Mission Ridge, and the capture of Ringgold, Georgia, and was discharged August 10, 1865. On the 15th of April, 1861, just four days before starting for the seat of war, he was married to Miss Hannah M. Atkinson, daughter of Frank and Sarah Atkinson, and by her has two daughters, Ellen and Bertha. He is a member of the Masonic order, and has also been a member of the Odd-fellows for over twenty years. In politics he is a staunch Republican, and is a man who can always be depended upon when his country is in danger. He is now carrying on his business in Xenia, and stands at the head of his profession.
James B. Carruthers, grocer, was born in Scotland, on the 19th day of March, 1821. His parents, John and Mary B. Carruthers, both natives of Scotland, immigrated to this country in 1834, and lived in Granville County, North Carolina, for about two years. In 1836 they removed to Ohio, and settled in Ross County, where . they remained six years, and then came to Greene County, where they both died. James was in his thirteenth year when he came to this country with his parents. He clerked in a country store in North Carolina for eighteen months, and after he came to Ohio, worked on a farm with his father until he was twenty-three, when he left farming and taught a country school. Afterward he went to Thomas Steele's school, in Xenia, and again taught for some time. In 1850 he engaged in book-keeping with Torrence & Co., of Chillicothe, for two years, and then went back to Xenia, and embarked in the grocery business, in which he still continues. On the 28th day of August, 1852, he was married to Miss Jeannette Smith, daughter of William and Helen (Scott) Smith, who were both natives of Scotland. They had five children born to them, Johanna M., who died when fourteen months old, Ella B., Jennie S., William S., and Jessie B. His wife died September 2,1876, and on the 20th of August, 1878, he was again married to Miss Eliza A. Hyslop, daughter of George and Margaret Hyslop, he a native of Scotland, and she f Pennsylvania. Mr. Carruthers is a member of the First United Presbyterian congregation of Xenia; has
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been councilman for six years, and at present is one of the police commissioners. During the war he was commissioned by Governor Todd as captain of Company D, Second Regiment, Greene County Militia. He was educated in Dumfries, Scotland, and in Xenia. By economy and square dealing, and his gentlemanly deportment, he stands on the top round in his line of business.
George Charters, jeweler, son of John and Margaret Charters, was born in Xenia., in 1835. His father came to Ohio from New York city, the place of his birth, in 1825, and his mother immigrated from Scotland in 1816, and married Mr. Charters in 1830, the result of which_ was ten children, four sons and six daughters. George, the subject of this sketch, was married, in 1864, to Miss Jane Moody, and was blessed with three children, Robert M., Margaret I., and John T., all living. He received his education in Greene County. Both himself and wife are members of the Associate Church. e is now engaged in the jewelry business, on Main Street, in Xenia, is doing a thriving business, and is respected by all who know him.
John W. Clifton, policeman, was born in Carrol County, Kentucky, in 1835, and is a son of William and Lavina Clifton, both of Kentucky, who reared a family of three children, two sons and one daughter. Two died in Kentucky. His mother was a slave of Thomas O'Neal, and his father was a free man, and lived in Kentucky until his death. John, the subject of. this sketch, was born in slavery, belonging to Thomas O'Neal, and remained his slave until he was twelve years old. His master then broke up, and took hint to Owen County, Kentucky, keeping him about one year, when he died, and in his will John fell to his daughter, Mrs. Nancy Garvey, who kept him until he was twenty-nine years old, when he came to the conclusion that he had been a slave long enough, and concluded to take a steamboat and come North, which he did, and landed in Xenia. In 1863 he enlisted in the army, and served his country until September, 1865, when he was honorably discharged, and cane back to Xenia, working at any odd jobs he could get, for about a year, when he went to Louisville, Kentucky, and remained there a year, working in a tobacco factory, and again returned to Xenia, and worked for Millen & Connable, cutting pork, for six or seven years. Afterward, or during part of that time, he had an appointment as deputy marshal, under Percival Ream, and has been on the police force since that time. By his faithfulness to duty he
486 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
has made a great many warm and devoted friends. In the year 1863 he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Douglass, daughter of James Jones, she being a widow when she married Mr. Clifton. They are both members of the Baptist Church, he for seventeen years, and has never uttered an oath in his life, something that can be said of but very few.
John M. Coffelt, farmer, was born in Warren County, Indiana, in 1846. Joseph and Mahala Coffelt, his father and mother, were both born in Ohio, and had a family of six sons and three daughters. John M., the subject of this sketch, was married in 1872, to Miss Isabella Harris, daughter of Anthony and Hannah Harris, of this state. They have four children, Perry L., Herby A., Mary E., and Audis C. He enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, under Colonel Taylor, and was discharged in August, 1865. The greater part of his life was spent in Indiana, and there he received his education. Now a resident of Xenia, he will, in all probability, spend the remainder of his days there.
John L. Connable, jr., express and ticket agent, born in Cincinnati, in 1856, is a son of Luke and Abbey Connable. His father was born in Massachusetts, and his mother in Ohio. They were married in: 1851, and have raised a family of four children, Mary E., Ralph M., John L., and Joseph M. John is now freight and ticket agent for the narrow gauge railroad, at Xenia. October 3, 1878, he was married to Miss Clara S. McClure, daughter of F. A. and S. J. McClure, of that city, , They have one son, Frank A. John L. is a member of the Masons, Knights of Pythias, and Royal Arcanum, and now holds office in the latter. He is also a member of the Methodist. Episcopal Church.
Cheney F. Cretors, painter and paper hanger, born in Xenia, October 6, 1856, is a son of Samuel B. and Sarah Cretors. His father was born in Ohio, and his mother in Massachusetts, and came to this state about the year 1849. They raised a family of .five children. Cheney was married, December 25, 1879, to Miss Mattie B. Taggart, daughter of Thomas and Mattie Taggart, of Ireland, County of Monagan, town of Lissavaciga, who came to this country in 1864, with a family of seven children, Mrs. Cretors being the youngest. Our subject is a member of the Fay Light Guards, Knights of Pythias, and Odd- fellows. Leaving home at the age of fifteen, e traveled extensively through the South and
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West, advertising and soliciting, and seeing much more of the world than most young men of his age. Having sown his wild oats, he has settled down with his good wife in his native place, where he is engaged at his trade, in which he stands at the head in all its branches. A first-class workman, with a kind and genial disposition, he is well-thought f by all who know him.
Charles D. Craig, grocer, born in Greene County, in 1862, is a son of Moses and Mary E. Craig, who were both born in Ohio, and have a family five sons, Percie M., Frank R., Claude V., Claude W., and Charles, the subject of our sketch, who is a young man of energy and a pleasant disposition, and a man well adapted to the business in which he is engaged, as one of his genial habits will surely build up a good trade in the grocery business, in which he is now engaged, with E. Smith, on Detroit Street, Xenia.
Morris Cretors, painter, was born in Xenia, December 25, 1841. His father was born in this state, and his mother in Belfast, Maine. They had a family of five children, Ella, Morris, Cheney, Jennie, and Elmer. In 1845, Morris was married to Miss Jennie Young, of Cincinnati. Three children has been the result of this union Samuel, yet living; Walter, deceased; the third died in infancy. He is engaged in the painting business, in Xenia, with his brother.
Newton Davis, farmer, was born on the farm where he now resides, two miles south of Xenia, known as the old Davis farm. His parents, Josiah and Elizabeth Davis, were born in Virginia, and immigrated to Ohio in 1807, and settled on the farm where Newton, the subject of this note,. now resides. They had a family of five children, all boys. Newton was married in 1855, to Miss Catharine Lloyd, and has been blessed with four sons and one daughter. The whole family are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been a trustee, steward, and class-leader for upwards of twenty-five years, and is known as one of the most successful farmers in the county. He received his education in Greene County, at the old Union Seminary, near his place-a house where John Findlay, a brother of our old Methodist minister, James B. Findlay, taught the youth in olden time. His children, Ellen, Josiah, Belleville, Russell, and Herman, are all living. Mr. Davis' father was a man who was noted and beloved by all who knew him for his generous soul, in constantly relieving the wants of the poor and afflicted, and the son is following closely in his footsteps, making many friends.
488 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
David Y. Davidson, baker, born in Georgetown, Kentucky, August 13, 1835, is a son of Joseph and Margaret Davidson, both of whom were born in Ohio. David received a common school education in Xenia, where he spent 'his youth. He was a member of the Ninety-Fourth Ohio Regiment, and served two years in the army. December, 1864, he received an honorable discharge, and returned home to resume his business. In 1866-'67 he was a member of the city council, and has been chief of the fire department since 1871 ; is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and also of the Royal Arcanum, of which he is secretary. On the 20th of February, 1866, he was married to Miss Charlotte Dibble, daughter of Schuyler and Catharine Dibble, of Pittsburg, Indiana. In the bakery and confectionery business he is doing the principal part of the trade in Xenia.
Joseph N. Dean, attorney-at-law, was born in Greene County, August 22, 1844. He is the son of Joseph and Hannah Dean, and received his education partly at country schools and partly at Xenia College. Graduated at Iron City Commercial College, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and at the Cincinnati Law School, and spent six years with his father, on his farm, and three years in the army. Was with General Garfield, at the battle of Prestonburg, Kentucky, as a member of Company B, Fortieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and also in the battle of Chickamauga, the storming f Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, and in the Atlantic campaign; with Sherman, at the seige of Atlanta, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain; in Resacca, in Franklin, Tennessee, Jonesborough, and Lovejoy Station, and received a soldier's honorable discharge at the close of the war. In 1867 he was married to Miss Lydia Cleaver, daughter of James and Mary Cleaver, of Clinton County. His wife died in 1872, leaving him a son, Walter P., to brighten his path through life. In politics he is a Republican, and is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. He is now residing in Xenia, engaged in the practice of law, and by his genial disposition and fair dealing has grown into a practice that many might envy.
J. S. Dillon, physician and surgeon, was born in Logan County, Ohio, in 1840. Is a son of Benjamin R. and Elizabeth Dillon. His father was born in New Jersey, and his mother in Ohio. They were married about 1820, and had six children, Melissa, Malachi, Laura H., Mary, Joseph S., and John. The subject of this sketch began life for himself when thirteen years old, In 1859 he went
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to Kansas, and after a sojourn of six, months, his father, who had been keeping a hotel, died, and he took charge of the business. In a short time he sold out, and turned his attention to speculating and doctoring, until the war broke out, when he went into the suttier business, which he followed till its close, after which. he took a stock of goods, valued at $85,000, to Mexico. After selling put, he went into a sheep speculation, taking over four thousand head to Montana, where he disposed of them at a loss of $3,000. He returned to New Mexico, and took a contract to supply the Navajo Indians with beef. Started for their reservation with three thousand head of cattle and one hundred and seventy-five head of horses, and arrived there with two hundred and eighteen head, all told, being continually preyed upon by the Camanche Indians, who killed ten of his men, cutting the flesh entirely from the bones of one of his comrades. He then went to Arkansas, and practiced medicine there for six or seven years. The doctor, having seen much of pioneer life, and becoming disgusted with it, returned to the states and settled in Xenia. Although having been in that city but a short time, he has secured a good reputation, curing some cases pronounced hopeless by other physicians, and bids fair to become one of the noted physicians of the country.
Charles H. Dill, commercial traveler, Dayton, Ohio, was born in Freeport, Warren County, Ohio, in 1850. Son of Daniel and Anna Dill, both natives of Delaware, who immigrated to Ohio about the year 1838, with a family of twelve children. The subject of this sketch was married to Miss Minnie A. Kiehl, daughter of Jacob F and Emeline Kiehl, of Jamestown, Ohio, April 20, 1879, and are blessed with one child, four months old. Received his education in Ohio, where he has spent the greater portion of his life. Is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and is now traveling for the firm of Glawe & Co., of Dayton, Ohio,. selling water-proof horse covers, etc. He is a young man of jovial temperament, and makes friends wherever known.
George Dodds, marble dealer, was born in Roxburgh County, Scotland, February 19, 1837. Is the son of George and Isabel Dodds, who had eight children, two of whom died in infancy. The family all received a good common school education in the parish schools, working on the farm in summer, and going to school in winter. The father died while the children were young, throwing the responsibility of supporting their upon the mother, and
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never did woman more truly fulfill her mission. George Dodds, the subject of our sketch, commenced to work on the farm at the age of ten, and continued to work in summer, going to school in winter, until he was seventeen, when he determined to learn a trade. An opportunity presented itself for him to learn the blacksmith trade, and this being his choice, he accepted the situation, and worked at it about two months. This was in June, 1854. Having an older brother in this country, who was in the marble business, and who was anxious to have him come out here, he sent for him to come to America with some friends, who were about to visit their old home in Scotland. On July 6, 1854, he left home, his mother accompanying him on foot to his aunt's, near Roxburg, a distance of ten miles, and on the 11th set sail for the new world in the steamship Glasgow. The voyage was a very rough one, lasting seventeen days. They landed in. New York, July 28th, and on the 29th took the train for Cincinnati, reaching Madison, by steamer, on Sabbath evening, the 31st, where he met his brother at the wharf. After a few weeks, he commenced learning the marble business under his brother, and making such rapid progress in the finer art of drawing, his brother advised him to learn the art, and at the end of four years was highly complimented for his brilliant success. In the spring of 1859 he removed to Yellow Springs, and formed a partnership with his brother, under the firm name of A. & G. Dodds. They continued in business there until the fall of 1864, when they removed to Xenia. October 17,1861, he was married to Miss Lizzie I. Ferguson, of Madison, Indiana. They lived happily together until the 20th of August, 1865, when death claimed her for its own. She left him a little boy, Fremont, three years of age. October 11, 1866, he was married the second time, to Mary E. Brown, daughter of Hiram and Rebecca Brown, of Xenia. At this time his brother was in Scotland, arranging for the shipment of the famous Scotch granite, and on his return brought out Mary and William, the two youngest of the family, the mother having died in July of that year. The firm of A. & G. Dodds became extensively known as importers of Scotch granite, and in 1867 they, opened a branch in St. Louis, and Andrew took charge of it. A few months afterward the partnership was dissolved, George continuing in the business, and on May 1, 1871, he took Alexander Caskey as partner, the arm name being Dodds & Caskey. In May, 1872, they opened a branch in Pittsburgh, Mr. Caskey taking
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charge there until May 1, 1873, when the firm was dissolved, Mr. Dodds continuing the business at Xenia up to the present, a period of over twenty-one years. A few years ago he erected a new business house, and has recently added another room for the display of his goods. At the age of fifteen he formed a temperance resolution, which he has faithfully kept up to the present. In 1860 he united in forming a lodge of Good Templars at Yellow Springs, working it until 1865, and was instrumental in organizing one in Xenia, with which he was connected about fifteen years. In 1873 he received a letter from Dio Lewis, in regard to inaugurating his new temperance movement, and he at once telegraphed him to come. It was a grand success, and resulted in starting the woman's crusade movement in that city. He also worked the Murphy movement from beginning to end. In politics he is a Republican, and an uncompromising Union man. Was raised in the United Presbyterian Church, and at the age of twenty united with the Christian Church at Madison, Indiana. There being no Christian Church in Xenia, he finally, in February, 1874, united with the First Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is still a member. At this time his family consists of G. Fremont, by his first wife, and six children by his present wife, Carrie, Frank, Leslie, Charlie, Earle, and Ralph. His brother Andrew died May 5,1872. James cause to the United States in 1856, and is now in Dayton, Ohio. Maggie, the only one on the other side of the Atlantic, lives in Northumberland, England. Mary is a physician, practicing in St. Louis, in company with Mrs. Andrew Dodds. William, the youngest, is agent for George, in the marble business.
George S. Drake, engineer of fire department, Xenia, was barn in Morgan County, Ohio, in 1847, and is a son of George W. and Catharine Drake. His father was born in Virginia, and his mother in Pennsylvania. They located in the above county in 1845, and his father died in 1873. he mother is yet living, and resides in Muskingum County. They were parents of fourteen children, six of whom are living, Samuel, John H., Mary E., Kate, Louis B., and George S. The boyhood of George was passed in Zanesville. In E 1862 he enlisted in Company A, Eighty-Eighth Regiment, Ohio National Guard, and after serving his time (three months), enlisted in Company E, Nineteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in the battles of Chickamauga, Nashville, Franklin, Kenesaw Mountain, being wounded in the shoulder at the last-named battle ;
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also participating in the battles of the Atlanta campaign, and was discharged in 1865. In 1866 e obtained a position as fireman on the railroad, serving in that capacity for five years, and then took charge of an engine on the Little Miami Railroad, holding that position for six years. In 1875 he located in Xenia., and was given his present position. In 1872 he was married to Ann A. Matthews, by whom he has had two children, Nettie E. and William D. Mrs. Drake was born in Franklin County, in 1847. Politically, Mr. Drake is a Republican.
John S. Eavey, farmer, deceased, was born near Boonsborough, Maryland, January 14, 1814, and died September 30, 1879, being the second son of Margaret and Jacob Eavey. He received a liberal education for that day, passing his early youth and manhood with his parents. His father was the owner of an extensive marble quarry on Beaver Creek, near Boonsborough, Maryland. The subject of our memoir was engaged in the sale of marble from early manhood up to the time of his marriage, which was at the age of twenty-four, to Miss Margaret Kanode, daughter of John and Margaret Kanode, who resided near Hagerstown, MarylandMr. Kanode being an extensive farmer. In the third year of his married life, Mr. Eavey and his estimable wife immigrated to this state, settling on land near Xenia, granted him by his mother, and by industry and prudence he became one of Greene County's most wealthy citizens. Honorable in all the relations of life, taking a creditable interest in many of the enterprises of the county, he was admired and respected by all who knew him. The result of his marriage was five sons and one daughter-one of his sons dying in infancy-Arthur W., Henry H., John K., Joseph E., and Susan A. Arthur W. purchased, some years since, a large farm in the State of Mississippi. Henry H. is well known as a wholesale dealer in groceries in Xenia. John K., and Joseph E., are both enterprising farmers in the vicinity of Xenia. Susan A. is living near the city of Xenia, with her husband, J. F. G. Bell, son of George Bell, one of the earliest pioneers of this county, and whose biography, with his wife's, will be found on, another page of this history. His grandmother was a neice of General Metzinger, of Holland, and is thereby a legal heir of the Metzinger estate of sixty-five million dollars.
John Ewing, retired merchant, was born in Campbell County, Kentucky, the 6th day of January, 1800, and is a son of John and
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Margaret Ewing, who were raised in York County, Pennsylvania, and moved to Kentucky in 1795; thence to Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1801. Mr. Ewing lived in Hamilton and Clermont counties until fourteen years of age, and then came to Xenia and entered the store of James Gowdy, as a clerk, in which capacity he remained until grown up, when be entered into partnership with Mr. Gowdy. This partnership was continued until 1838, when Mr. Gowdy withdrew from the business, and it was continued by Mr. Ewing until 1861, when he retired to a more private life. A common school education was all that he received in his early life.
Paul Fetz, farmer and gardener, was born in Germany, February 1, 1825, and is a son of Paul and Elizabeth Fetz, both of whom were natives of and died in Germany, having raised a family of nine children. Paul, the subject of this sketch, came to Ohio in 1849, and was married in 1852 to Miss Elizabeth Seppert, daughter of Henry Seppert, of Cincinnati. The result of this union is five children, George P., Henry, Katie, Charles, and Willie, all living. Receiving his education in Germany, he served in her armies for a year and a half, and obtained his release and came to this country in his twenty-fifth year. He is now engaged in farming and gardening about a mile from the city, and by economy and faithfulness to business he has become a man of comparative wealth, and enjoys life as a man only can who has a clear conscience, and knows his accumulations have been made from honest toil and square dealing.
R.. S. Finley, physician, was born in Winchester, Adams County, Ohio, in 1827. His father, Samuel S., a Virginian by birth, and his mother, a Pennsylvanian, were married in Rockbridge County, Virginia, and immigrated to this state in 1808, raising a family of four children. R. S. Finley received a common school education in Xenia, and graduated in medicine in Cincinnati, in 1850, and immediately commenced practice in Xenia. He graduated in the eclectic school, but is practicing the homeopathic principle, and is to-day one of the leading citizens of the county. The Presbyterian Church is honored by his membership.
John W. Gazaway, minister, Wilberforce, was born in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1841, and is a son of Wesley and Cynthia Gazaway, both of whom were born in this state, and the parents of seven children, Charles H., Samuel J., John W., Virginia A., Martha E.,
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Sarah P., and Jacob P. John W., the subject of our remarks, was married, in 1865, to Miss Jerome L. Jackson, daughter of Wilson and Maria Jackson, of Putnam, Ohio, and has a family of five children, Grafton W., Lucy A., William W., Eva V., and Maria J.; and Martha E., and Annie L., deceased. Educated at Zanesville, where he-spent the greater part of his life, he was ordained an elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1873. He commenced preaching in 1868, and joined the traveling connection in 1871. The greater portion of his labors up to this time have been spent in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. He is a member of Doric Lodge No. 6, Free and Accepted Masons, of Newark, Ohio. e is now ministering to a congregation in Springfield, Ohio, where he is beloved by all who know him, for he is a man who shows his work by his daily walk and conversation. He was converted in the year 1855, in the city of Zanesville, Ohio, under the administration of Rev. A. R. Greene, and has always been an upright Christian man.
James E. Galloway, retired merchant, was born in this state, and is the youngest son of old Major Galloway, one of the old pioneers of Greene County. They immigrated to this county in 1778, and here spent nearly all their lives. James E., the subject of this sketch, received his education at the Miami University, and graduated there in 1844. After graduating, he engaged in the mercantile business in St. Louis, Missouri, and in 1849 left that city and crossed the plains to California, where he remained for seventeen years, engaged as a wholesale merchant. Leaving there, he went to Montana, Idaho, and various other places, and then left the West for Ohio, in 1870. Remaining here until 1872, he went to Chicago, where he remained for some years, and then returned to the old homestead in this county, where he has remained ever since. There are few men who have seen so much of the world as Mr. Galloway. He has visited South America, New Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba, and many other points of interest. At one time he went with a train and a party of six men across the plains to California. Stopping at Salt Lake City, they did some trading with Brigham Young's elder, Hyde. The old priest would not trade with them, but his substitute, Hyde, did the trading in the way of notes, and when they wanted their notes cashed old man Brigham was generous enough to do so, with a small shave of from twenty to thirty per cent. ; showing there are some tricks among the
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prophets as well as the gentiles. The country at that time was so new that most of the inhabitants were compelled to live in their wagons. When the name of old Major Galloway is spoken, it carries us back to his boyhood days, and it is hoped the son may live to the good old age of his father.
Jacob Ganyon, grocer, born in Germany in 1854, is the son of John and Elizabeth Ganyon, both natives of Germany, who immigrated to this country in 1866, with a family of five children. Jacob, the subject of our sketch, was married, in 1879, to Miss Mary Paul, daughter of John and Effie Paul, of Warren County, Ohio. They have one child living, Elizabeth, and one dead, Mary. He is a member of the Red Men, and is now engaged at No. 129 Second Street, Xenia, in the grocery business. Mr. G. is an active, energetic young German, such as our people may be proud to welcome among them.
George Ganyon, grocer, was born in Europe, January 10, 1852. Is the son of John and Elizabeth Ganyon, both natives of Europe, who immigrated to this country in 1865, with a family of five children. George, the subject of this sketch, was married, January 28, 1874, to Miss Enz, by whom he had one child, Lucy. Was married to his second wife, Miss Lelila Kelsay, daughter of John and -- Kelsay, on the 25th day of August, 1879, and by her has one child, George. Mr. Ganyon is a member of the German Protestant Church, and is now engaged in the grocery and restaurant business, on the Cincinnati pike, in Xenia. Like his brother, he is one of the prosperous Germans that all true Americans take pleasure in welcoming to our borders.
M. M. Gaunce, editor Xenia Democrat. The Xenia DemocratNews began its existence sometime in 1872, under the ownership of John Fahey and Frank Funk, then called the Xenia Enterprise. and was independent in politics. In February, 1874, it was changed to the Xenia News, and made a nine-column paper, Fahey, proprietor, with Coates Kinney the editor., and independent in politics. Early in 1875 W. V. Luce bought a half interest in the paper, became its editor, and made it Democratic in politics. In September, 1876, Luce & Fahey sold the paper to M. M. Gaunce. In January, 1878, Gaunce named the paper the Xenia Democrat-News, and has conducted it as a Democratic paper ever since, as it was under the Luce & Fahey proprietorship. Since the time Gaunce became the owner, LeGrand Tiffany has been its foreman, and has set up two
496 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
sides of the paper each week., The paper has been a co-operative, or patent outside, with the exception of short intervals.
John M. Gee, engineer, Wilberforce, Greene County, was born in Ohio, in 1849. Is the son of Charles W. and Jane A. Gee. The former was a native of Ohio, and the latter of Virginia. They had a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters. The subject of our sketch was married to Miss Frances V. Woodson, daughter of George and Anna Woodson, of Jackson County, Ohio, in 1874. Two children, Anna B. and Julia, are the result of this union. Mr. Gee is a practical engineer, and an honor to his profession. He is making his home at Wilberforce.
Ballam T. Goings, farmer, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1822. Is the son of Joel and Elizabeth Goings. His father is a native of Hindostan, and his mother of Dublin. They came to Ohio about 1830, with a family of ten children. Ballam, the subject of our sketch, was married to Miss Mary A. Taylor of Xenia, in 1870, by whom he has four children, Zora B., Peninnah, Tecumseh, and Oswego K. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in Company C, Eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Island No. 10, and many others. Received an honorable discharge in 1864, and returned to Richmond, Indiana, where he remained five years, and ten came to Xenia, remaining in that city ever since. Received his education at Oberlin, Ohio. Spent most of his former life on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. After settling in his present home, he discovered on his farm a vein of silver sand, used for molding purposes, which, if' properly managed, will give him a comfortable living the remainder of his days. Mr. Going is a man of great energy, and knows the value of his mine, and is now shipping his sand all over the country.
George Gordon, farmer, was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, September 7, 1786. In 1790 his father removed West, and settled in Kentucky, and in 1802 removed to Ohio, and settled near the present site of Lebanon, then a part of Hamilton County. George remained with his father until 1813, and then married Miss Agnes McDaniel, who was three years his junior, and who had come with her parents from Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and settled in Warren County, Ohio, within a few miles of where his parents ten lived. In March of the same year the newly-married couple came to this county, and settled in the woods, in Sugar
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Creek Township, about three miles west of the Spring Valley and Centerville pike. Upon arriving at this place he built a log hut, and, together with his wife, continued to follow, for several years, the usual avocations, and to endure the hardships of pioneer life. After a few years of earnest toil in clearing and improving his farm, he was able to possess a good four-horse team. Finding that he could make more money by teaming than in any other way, he followed that business for several years, between Cincinnati and Xenia, getting $1.25 per hundred. In 1831 he purchased a farm on Massie's Creek, lately owned by a Mr. James, and now the property of Henry Conklin. To this he moved with his family the same year, and soon after erected new buildings on the place. In 1851 he purchased the ground between North Detroit and King streets, and began the erection of a residence, finishing it in the spring of 1853, and removed to this residence from his farm on Massie's Creek in that year. His wife died in May, 1860, in the seventy-first year of her age. Mr. Gordon leaves three sons, George R., William I., and Andrew A., of Holton, Kansas, and a daughter, wife of Rev. D. M. Dill, of Monmouth, Illinois. George R., the oldest now living, still resides at the old homestead, with his brother. They are both single, are enterprising farmers, and belong to the United Presbyterian Church, following in the footsteps of their father, who was called to the better world less than a year ago.
James M. Griffin, minister, Xenia, son of John G. and Judith Griffin, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 10th of October, 1847. He received his education at Wilberforce University, spending his youth principally at that place, going to school. He removed from Cincinnati to Wilberforce with his parents, September 17, 1857, and attended school until 1866, when he went South and engaged in teaching, as principal of the Union School, at Woodville, Mississippi. Returning to Wilberforce, in May, 1876, he accepted a call to the pastorate of St. Paul's Church, Yellow Springs, until March, 1877, and his stay of twenty-one months was pleasant and prosperous. He then received a call to the Zion Baptist Church of Xenia, where he now presides as its pastor. He is a member of Wilberforce Lodge No. 21, Free and Accepted Masons, and Lincoln Chapter No. 2; Tonssant Lodge No. 1823, of Odd-fellows; New Idea Lodge No. 117, Independent Order of Immaculates ; district deputy master of the Baptist Church; and Kadess Chapter Eastern Star No. 3. December 16, 1869, he was married to Miss
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Sarah B. Black, of Mississippi, and has a family of two sons and four daughters : John J., Carrie E., Aurelia B., Eugenia F., Dora L., and William H., all living. During his residence in the South he was, at different periods, alderman, city clerk, city treasurer, mayor, and ex officio justice of the peace, of the town of Woodville; clerk of circuit court, and superintendent of education, of Wilkinson County, Mississippi. November 5, 1874, he was ordained a minister of the gospel, and has been trying faithfully to serve his Master ever since. By his gentlemanly deportment and Christian walk, he has gained many warm friends.
William H. Gram, farmer, was born in Xenia, in the year 1859, and is a son of Harvey and Ann Gram; his father being a native of Maryland, and his mother a native of this state. October 2, 1877, he was married to Miss Sallie Rodgers, daughter of Amos and Susan Rodgers, of Xenia. Educated at Yellow Springs, he is a good general business man, .and has spent the most of his life in this county. Two children, Anna M. and Amie S., brighten his household. A young man of energy, perseverence, and a genial, .social disposition, he is greeted by a host of acquaintances.
Harvey Gram, superintendent of Greene County Infirmary, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1822, and is the only child of Henry M. and Elizabeth Gram, of Maryland and Pennsylvania., both of whom died when our subject was quite young. By his first wife, Miss Ellen R. Prince, of Lebanon, Ohio, he had one son, Clarence L., now dead ; and March 4, 1857, he married his present wife, Miss Ann Parkhill, of Waynesville, Ohio, and by her had one child, William H. He received his education in Maryland, where he lived until he was seventeen years of age, when he came to Ohio. Some ten years was spent in the hotel business, affording him a good opportunity to study human nature, and fitting him for the position he now occupies. He is a wagon-maker by trade, but being a man of good judgment and a genial disposition, he was chosen and appointed superintendent of the Greene County Infirmary in 1874. He still occupies that position, and a glance through the institution satisfies one that the right man is in the right place.
George W. Harding, miller, Xenia, born February 6, 1841, is a son of David M. and Pricilla Harding, both Virginians, who, after his maturity, emigrated to Tennessee, where his father died, about the year 1855, In July, 1858, his mother immigrated with him to
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Ohio. George W. was married, March 6, 1861, to Miss Emaline Cathleman, of Tennessee, and by her has three children, Fannie O., Willie M., and Arthur. He received a common school education at Wilberforce University, and has been a resident of this county since he was seventeen years of age.
David S. Harner, farmer, Xenia, born in Greene County in 1838, is a son of David and Anna E. Harner, both of this county, who have a family of four children, David S., Jonathan, Sarah E., and Maggie. David, the subject of this sketch, was married in 1866 to Miss Lavina Wall, daughter of Andrew and Mary A. Wall, of this county. Four children, all living, are the result of this union: Casper B., Franklin B., Mary L., and Emma L. Both himself and . wife are members of the Reformed Church. He received his education in this county, where his life has been passed, and is now the occupant of a model farm. A man of a genial disposition, he is one of the staunch men of the county.
Daniel Harbersteg, farmer, born in Maryland, July 19, 1826, is a son of Daniel and Catharine Harbersteg, natives of Maryland, who immigrated to Ohio in April, 1837, with a family of sixteen children. Daniel, the subject of our sketch, was married, about the year 1841, to Miss Parthena Brown, daughter of Michael and Jane Brown, of this county. They have a family of three children, Harriet, Mary 0., and William. e was educated in this county, and is a member of the German Reformed Church. He is now engaged in farming one mile from Xenia, and resides at No. 57 Market Street, Xenia. A well-known, thorough-going business man, he possesses the esteem and confidence of all who know him.
George W. Holland, farmer, Xenia, born in South Carolina in 1846, is a son of Daniel and Maria Holland, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of South Carolina. His father died in south Carolina, and in 1856 his mother came to Ohio with her three children, Andrew J., William McD., and George W., the subject of our sketch. In 1872 he was married to Miss Evaline Bradly, of Kentucky. They have a family of four children, William A., Lee A., Ophelia M., and Gertrude, all living. He is a member of Wilberforce Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, and has filled the office of senior deacon for several years, and is also a member of the Baptist Church. In 1875 he was admitted to the bar, in Edgefield County, where he practiced law for some two years. His mother, Maria, is a surprisingly young-looking woman
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for her age, and is the owner of a good farm near Wilberforce, where she is spending her days, in company with her son George and his pleasant family, and improving the farm in such a manner that they may all pass their last days in peace and plenty.
R. F. Howard, lawyer, Xenia, was born in Hamilton, Ohio, at College Hill, on the 20th day of July, 1813. Is a son of Cyrus and Lucy Howard. Received his education at Miami University, and graduated at Augusta, Kentucky. Also graduated at Cincinnati Law School in 1837. In 1849 was married to Miss Margaret Steele, a native of this city. They had a family of seven children, only two of whom are now living, Charles F. and William S. Mr. Howard has been mayor of the city, and has been one of the school board examiners for twenty years, and has been a. member of the legislature for five years. Commenced the practice of law in 1837, and by his untiring energy has climbed, step by step, until he stands in the front rank at the bar, being one of the most able lawyers in the county. In 1873 his first wife died, and in 1876 he was married to Miss Mary Pollock, of Logan County. Is a member of the Presbyterian Church in this city, and has gained a host of friends throughout the county.
John W. Hill, engineer, Xenia, was born in Hacking County, Ohio, in 1824. Is a son of Joseph and Lucretia Hill, the father a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother of Virginia. They immigrated to Ohio about 1820, with a family of five sons. The subject of our sketch was married, in 1845, to Alicia Ann Gee, daughter of John and Mary Gee, of this state. They had a family of four children. Amanda Jane and Birdie are living, and Samantha and William L. are dead. John W. enlisted, in the year 1863, in the Third Indiana Battery, and was engaged in thirty-six different battles. Some of the principal fights were Corinth, Shiloh, Island No. 10, and Fort Pillow. While in the fort at Mobile, he was under fire for thirty-nine days. Was also at Mobile Bay, and participated in the last fight-of the rebellion. Is now living in this city, where he expects to spend the' remainder of his days.
Hezekiah R. Hubbell, carpenter and plasterer, Xenia, was born in Shelby County, Ohio, in 1843. Is the son of Stineman and Ann Hubbell, of this state, who had a family of ten sons and two daughters. The subject of our sketch was married to Sarah E. Gaskill, daughter of William and Susan Gaskill, and had a family of five children. William S., Isabella, and Rachel E. are living. Jacob
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A. and Sarah J. are dead. In 1861 he enlisted in Company B, Twelfth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and received his discharge in 1864. Was in the battles of Scare Creek, Colfax Ferry, Lewisburg, Princeton, South Mountain, and others. Received his 'education in this city, where he has spent the principal part of his life. Is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Lost his wife in 1877, and has remained here ever since.
C. B. Jones, physician, Xenia, was born in 1849. In 1833 his father, George W. Jones, immigrated to this county from Virginia, and his mother came from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1818, when but a child. They reared a family of nine children. The subject of this sketch received his education as a physician in 1872, in Cincinnati, and commenced practicing the same year. Was married to Miss Alice Ewing in 1874, and has two children, Florence and Ewing, who are both young, and living with their parents. Is now physician at the Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home, near this city, which position he has held for over five years. Is master of the Masonic lodge in this city, and is a young man who, by his gentlemanly deportment, has gained the good will and a fair portion of the patronage of the people of his county.
William J. Johnson, minister, Wilberforce, was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1845. Is the son of Wescom and Susan Johnson, both natives of Virginia, who came to Ohio about 1851, and settled at Cadiz, where his mother still resides, his father having died twenty-two years ago. They had a family of six children, Walter L., Eddie, Katie, Fannie, Susie, and William. The subject of this sketch was married, in 1868, to Rhoda J. Smith, daughter of John and Mary A. Smith, of Cadiz, Ohio. In 1864 he enlisted in Company C, Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was a corporal, and received an honorable discharge in September of the following year. Received most of his education at Wilberforce University, and has spent the greater portion of his life in Harrison County, Ohio. Is a member of the Masonic order. and is also a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been a minister for seven years. Is now stationed at Cambridge, Ohio, and has a fine congregation. By his Christian deportment and godly example he has endeared himself to his congregation in such a way that it will be difficult to fill his place in that charge.
Joseph D. Kyle, clerk Second National Bank, Xenia, was born in that city, October 2, 1852. Is the son of James and Rachel Kyle,
502 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
natives of this county, and one of the oldest families in the county. They had a family of three children, Joseph, Olive, and Nellie, the last one having died at the age of one year. Joseph, the subject of our sketch, was married to Sallie E. Neville, daughter of Henry Neville, of this city, on the 16th of December, 1879. They have one child, James LeRoy. Joseph received his education in this city, and spent fifteen years of his life in Cincinnati, where he was engaged in book-keeping for different branches of business, and is now correspondent for the Second National Bank of this city, a very prominent and responsible position. Is a member of Danion Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of Cincinnati. His father and mother are now living in the last named city, keeping the Merchants' Union Hotel, which is connected with the Union Bethel. Was mayor of this city in 1861, at which time a number of young men of fighting quality came to him, and proposed to raise a company for the war, and make him their leader, to which he responded, and was commissioned as captain of Company H, Ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteers. Was appointed provost marshal under General Rosencrans, and resigned on account of ill-health. Was a brother of Dr. James A. Kyle, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of this city.
Prof. B. F. Lee, President of Wilberforce College, Xenia, is a son .of Abel and Sarah Lee, and was born in New Jersey, in 1841. Passing his youth in that state, he came to Ohio in 18,64, and received his common school education in Gouldstown, a post-place ; entered the theological department of Wilberforce University in 1865, and graduated in 1872, making this his home ever since. In 1873 he was appointed Professor of Pastoral Theology in Wilberforce University. In 1874 he resigned the practical duties of the position, but retained the principalship; and in 1876 was appointed president of the university, and still occupies that position. For ten years he has been a member of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1873 be married Miss Mary E. Ash, of Mobile, Alabama. She was also a graduate of Wilberforce University. Four children, Francis A., Sarah H., Mary A., and John F., are the result of their marriage. Himself and family enjoy life at Wilberforce, and the people of the county will find it a hard matter to fill his place, should be be called to some other locality.
David Lee, coal dealer, Xenia, is a son of Merideth and Sabra Lee, both of North Carolina, where his mother died, His father
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immigrated to Ohio in 1859, with his only son, David. He married .Miss Lucy Tyler, who died in 1870, and in 1874 he married Miss Charlotte Harris. He is a plasterer by trade, but is also a dealer in coal. He is an industrious man, a Mason (in which he has filled some of the offices), Odd-fellow, and a member of the Baptist Church. He was in the Union army for two years and a half, and was honorably discharged in October, 1865. Is now a member of the city council.
Noah Lones, peddler, Xenia, was born in Virginia, in 1836. Is a son of Jesse and Mary Lones, both natives of that state, who immigrated to Ohio in 1859, with a family of eleven children. Noah was married, in 1858, to Martha A. Burton, daughter of George W. and Mary Burton, of Virginia. They have a family of four children, Ida, Carson, Early, and Herman. Received his education in Virginia, where he spent the principal portion of his life. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is now engaged in the peddling business throughout the country, making his home in this city.
Basil V. Lucas, dealer in wood and iron fencing, Xenia, was born in Berkeley County, Virginia, in the year 1837. Is a son of Dennis and Elizabeth Lucas, both natives of that state, who removed to Ohio in the year 1858, with eight children, Basil V., Emily C., Matilda A., John W., Elizabeth B., Dennis T., Charles D., and Eliza S. The subject of our sketch was married, October 24,1868, to Rebecca A. Niswanger, daughter of Perry and Hester Niswanger, of this city. They had a family of six children, Effie G., Ida May, Minnesota, William A., Basil V., and Lee McClung. The daughters are all dead. He enlisted in the Union Army on the 3d day of February, 1864, in Company D, Seventy-Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and received his discharge in 1865, at Camp Dennison, Ohio. He was in many hard-fought battles, and at Tunnel Hill was in a continual fight until the battle of Jonesborough, and was with Sherman in his famous march to the sea. At Buzzard's Roost, on the 10th day of May, 1864, his collar bone was broken, by being struck with a piece of shell, disabling him in the right arm. Received his education in Virginia, where he lived until he was twenty-one, when he came to Ohio, where he has been engaged in carpentering since the war. Is now, in connection with his trade, contracting and putting up iron fencing, and is also engaged with George Barnes in the manufacture of a patent folding
504 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
lounge, one of the best, if not the best, ever brought before the public.
W. V. Luce, ex-editor, Spring Valley, was born in this county, August 12, 1843. Is the youngest son of Abner G. and Avaria Luce, both natives of Ohio. She was the daughter of. Robert Buckles, an officer in the war of 1812, who removed from Virginia and settled in this county, in 1799, raising a family of eight children. Our subject received a good common school education, having attended the normal school at Lebanon, and the college at Delaware, Ohio, in which way his youth was spent up to the time he enlisted in the army, on the 16th day of August, 1862, only a few days after he was nineteen years of age. He entered the army as corporal in Company D, One Hundred and Tenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, where he remained until he was mustered out, in June, 1865, at the close of the war. Received a wound in the hand, by a minnie ball, at the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864. After being mustered out, he engaged in the drug and grocery business, in Spring Valley. Removed to Dayton, in 1868, and there engaged in the drug trade until 1871, when he returned to Spring Valley, where he still resides. He has served as assessor of this township seven terms, and is now constable. Was elected justice of the peace in 1873, and resigned in 1875, to take charge of the Xenia News, a paper neutral in politics, which he converted into a Democratic journal, the first of that politics published in that city for thirty years. He continued its editor, in connection with John Fahey, until the fall of 1876, when they sold to Mr. Gaunce, the present editor. He was married to Evaline Clark, daughter of George C. and Charlotte Clark, October 10, 1867, and has a family of five children, Lottie A., Ella, Abner C., Stella, and Robert: Is now engaged in the insurance and collection business, in which latter he does an extensive business. Is a Democrat, and as such has figured conspicuously in this county. His father, Abner G. Luce, was appointed one of the associate judges of this county in 1842, and Continued in that office until his death, in 1849.
Campbell L. Maxwell, city clerk and attorney-at-law, Xenia, born in Fayette County, Ohio, April, 1849, is a son of Campbell and Henrietta Maxwell, both Virginians by birth, who immigrated to Ohio, a few years after their marriage and settled in Fayette County, where they bought a farm in the woods, upon which they raised a family of ten children. Of these Campbell L. is the fourth
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son and sixth child. His educational advantages were poor, but by hard study and energy he managed to procure a good English education before arriving at the age of manhood, after which he attended Wilberforce University. While a student there the principalship of the colored schools at Zanesville, Ohio, having been tendered him, he accepted the same. Meanwhile, he had been prosecuting his law studies under the Hon. John Little, and at the close of his first year as principal, he returned to Xenia. In the following September, 1872, he was examined by the Supreme Court of Ohio, and admitted to the bar. He is now the city clerk of the City of Xenia, having been elected in 1879, and re-elected in 1880.. In June, 1873, he was married to Miss Mary E. Cousins. Two children have been born to them. the oldest one dying in October, 1878. He is a prominent member of the Masonic order; having for several years been a member of the grand lodge of the state. He has a growing practice, and stands high in his profession. In politics he is a Republican.
H. S. Mathewman, florist, Xenia, was born May 6, 1841, and is a son of Benjamin and Esther Mathewman; both of England, who emigrated to Canada about 1830. In 1866 the subject of this sketch concluded to try his fortune in the United States, and with this object in view he located in Xenia, and engaged in the nursery business, which he followed for some four years. Being a man of taste, and a lover of the beautiful, he became a florist., and has continued in the business up to the present time, having such a floral garden on North King Street as is seldom found outside the larger cities. July 10, 1866, he was married to Miss Josephine Cook; daughter of Isaac and Mary Cook. They have a family of two girls, Rena and Mary A. He is a member of the Odd-fellows, and also of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a Republican in politics, and a staunch union man.
George Marshall, plasterer, Xenia., was born in that city in 1842. His father and mother, Jesse and Jane Marshall, both natives of Kentucky, immigrated to this country about the year 1800, and raised a family of eight children,. William, Jane, Eli, Albert, George, Robert F., and Simon. George, the subject of this sketch, was married in 1866, to Miss Sarah C. McFasland, daughter of Jacob and Margery McFarland, of Xenia; her father being among the first born in Greene County. George is the father of one daughter, now in her fourteenth year, who is the pet of the family.
506 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
When the war broke out, he was among the first to respond to the call, and enlisted in Company G, Fifty-Fourth Ohio, under Colonel Smith, and served three years and eleven months. Entering the army as a private, by his bravery and faithfulness he was promoted to first lieutenant, which rank he held until he received an honorable discharge and was mustered out, at Little Rock, Arkansas. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which they have been connected for some twelve years. In politics he is a Republican. A plasterer by trade, by strict attention to the wants of his customers he has built up a business any person might be proud of.
William G. Marshall, lawyer, Xenia, born in Ohio, August 27, 1856, is a son of William W. and Mary Marshall, both of this state, who have a family of two children, Mary M., and William G. The subject of our remarks received his education at home, and at common schools, and he can be counted among the self-made men of our country. His youth was passed principally in this county. Commencing the study of law, under Judge J. E. Hawes, when only nineteen years of age, he was admitted to the bar at twenty-one, making an uncommon advance in his studies. He has made his mark early in life, and is now engaged in the practice of law. A single man, a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and a staunch Republican in politics.
John W. Manor, carpenter, Xenia, was born in Frederick County, Virginia, in the year 1824, and is a son of Benjamin and Catharine Manor, both of that state, who immigrated to Ohio in 1828, with a family of twelve children. John W., the subject of our sketch, was married in 1844, to Miss Margaret A. Scott, daughter of James A. and Elizabeth Scott, of Xenia. They have a family of nine children, David L, William A., Catharine E., Samuel H., Asbury L., Henrietta M., Benjamin L., James S., and John E. Our subject, with two of his sons, enlisted in the one hundred days service. His life has been passed in Xenia, where he received his early education. From 1861 to 1869, eight years, he was superintendent of the Greene County Infirmary. He is a leading member of the Odd-fellows, including the Encampment, having filled all the chairs of both bodies ; and is also a member of the Reformed Church. He is now carrying on his trade of carpentering, and has no superiors at the business.
James B. Monroe, furniture dealer, Xenia, is a son of David and
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Barbara Monroe, who immigrated to this country from Scotland, in 1818, and had at that time the county of Greene in view as their future home, it being at that time a central point of the association to which they belonged, known as the Associate Church, which is now merged into the United Presbyterian Church, by the union of Associate and Associate Reformed churches. They were among the oldest settlers of Greene County, and had a family of three children, George, Margaret, and William, who came to this country with them, after which was born Mary Ann, who is now Mrs. John Moore. Her husband is one of the old merchant tailors of this county, having been engaged in this business for some thirty years or more. James B., the subject of this sketch, was born in Xenia, on the site where he now resides, and was, in 1849, married to Miss Henrietta Riley, of Troy, Ohio, a daughter of one of Miami County's oldest settlers, Z. Riley, who for nearly the natural term of his life held some one or another of the highest county offices. The result of this marriage was four sons and two daughters, Juliet C., James S., Laurence R.., Minor W., and Riley, the eldest, who departed this life in the seventh year of his age. While on a visit to his grandmother, in Troy, Ohio, he was taken suddenly ill of brain fever, and lived but a few days. During the war Mr. Monroe was a trustee for the relief society for the benefit of soldiers' wives and children, and was one of its most active members. e is a member of the school board, a position he has held for over thirty years. He is now engaged extensively in the furniture business, is a man of sound Republican principles, and highly appreciated by the community at large.
Scott Mongold, clerk, Xenia, was born in Hardy County, West Virginia, March 17,1859. Is the son of George and Caroline Mongold, who immigrated to this county, in 1863, with seven children, John W., Charles H., Cary, Jacob F., Harvey W., Virginia, and Scott. The subject of this sketch worked on a farm for John Levally for about eight years after he came to Ohio, and then lived with David Davis until 1880, wen he came to this city and took, the clerkship of the Burnett House, where he still remains. Is a young man of promise, pleasant ways, and accommodating disposition. His father, during the war, or at the commencement of it, was living in Virginia, but, true to his country, he took up arms for the side of right, and fought for the Union, and when at home on furlough, was captured, taken South, and imprisoned, first at
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Wheeling, and from there to Libby. Watching an opportunity, with some others he broke guard, came to this city, and wrote to his wife and son Scott to meet him here, which they did at once.
D. T. Montague, druggist, Xenia, was born in Vermont, on the 7th day of November, 1830, and is a son of Otis and Abigail Montague, natives of New York. They moved to Ohio in the year 1837, with one child, and were afterward blessed with the second, Charles Otis. The subject of our sketch was married to Miss Elizabeth Hosack in the year 1855, who bore him four children, Charles Otis, Frederick, Florence May, and George H., the first two having died. Mr. Montague is a member of the Masonic order, and has gone through the chapter and commandery, and has been their treasurer for several years. Is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is now engaged in the drug business, on Detroit Street, in this city, and is one of the main druggists in the county, looking well to his interest, and also his customers, not trusting his prescriptions to be filled by a clerk, but attends to that department himself. He is an agreeable, pleasant gentleman to do business with, and well deserves the great trade he has worked up.
W. J. Morris, dealer in notions, and son of George and Lila Morris, of Maryland, was born in this county in the year 1842. Was married, July 27, 1865, to Martha E. Harshman, daughter of George and Nancy Harshman, of Spring Valley, and has a family of six children, John W., Mary E., Rilla E., Pearly M., James B., and Charles, all living. He enlisted in the Eighty-First Ohio, and remained with it one year, and was discharged on account of disability. Afterward he joined the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio., with which he remained eleven months, and was engaged in all the bloody and hard-fought battles through which the old veteran regiment passed, receiving an honorable discharge on the '3d day of July, 1865, wen he returned to the bosom of his family. Received his education in Allen County, and has spent the greater portion of his life in this county, now residing in Xenia.
Joseph Morrow, farmer, Xenia, was born in this county in the year 1812. Is the son of James and Anna K. Morrow, both natives of Virginia, who were married in the year 1801, and had a family of twelve children. The subject of this sketch was married to Sarah Findley daughter of John and Ann Findley, in the year 1838. Joseph was one of the first to shoulder his gun to drive Morgan'& rangers out of Ohio, and gained the title of squirrel hunter; which
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we all remember was a very large and lively company of hunters. He and his estimable wife are both members of the United Presbyterian Church. With the exception of about ten years, he has spent his life in this county, and is one of its old citizens. He is a Republican in politics, and a hearty supporter of the cause of freedom. In slavery times he was one of the strong anti-slavery men, until he joined the Republican party. With his wife, he is now living about four miles northeast of Xenia, on one of the finest farms in the county, and in all the writer's travels through his district, he has net no one who semis to enjoy life more than they.
William A. Mullen, farmer, was boro in Brown County, Ohio, in the year 1847. Is the son of James and Amanda Mullen, of this state, who have a family of seven children. The subject of this sketch was married, September 23, 1875, to Miss Sarah J. Shockey, daughter of James and Rachel Hueston, of Allen County. Her parents are both dead. They were married in Dayton, by Rev. W. A. Robinson. Mr Mullen enlisted in Company I, Fifty-Ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, February 6,1864, and was in many of the hardest battles of the war, such as Chickamauga, Ringgold, Cumberland Gap, and Buzzards' Roost, where he was wounded, May 9, 1864, in the left side, in the lung and shoulder, twice in the right knee, and again across the back. His collar bone was cut off by a ball, totally disabling Mm in the left arm. After being wounded he was taken to the post, and left for dead twice, and lay in an unconscious state from May until September, when he was sent back to Cincinnati, where he was discharged by command of General Joseph Hooker. He had some four hundred dollars with him when wounded, and when left for dead, one of his party tried to get hold of it, but his name is withheld on account of his family. Mr. Mullen's father died when he was but two years old, and he was placed with J. C. Wells, with whom he remained from his fifths to his eighteenth year, when he enlisted. Received his education in Brown County, where he spent the most of his life. He is a self-made man, and hard study has made him what he is. Is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife is a Presbyterian. They are now living in Xenia, where he expects to make his home.
George A. McKay, engineer and surveyor, Xenia, was born in this county, December 25, 1850, and is a son of Samuel F. and Angeline A. McKay. His mother is a Virginian by birth, and
510 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
came to Ohio when she was but seven years of age. His father was born in Ohio, and was married in the year 1850 to Miss Angeline A. Moore, daughter of Persley Moore, of this county. He lost his life by a tree falling on him, and left a family of five children, George A., Maria L., Oscar F., Sarah J., and Irving F. George A., our subject, was married September 25, 1873, to Miss Ada I. Peterson, daughter of Jacob S. and Sarah C. Peterson, of Clinton County, Ohio. They have a family of two children, Werter P., and Mable. He commenced engineering when but sixteen years old, and now holds the position of civil engineer of the Miami Valley and Columbus Railroad, where he has been for the last two years, and where he is likely to remain as long as he wishes. He was raised on a farm, but being of `an active mind and an aspiring nature, he left it and engaged in his present profession. He received a common school education in this county, and afterwards graduated in mathematics at Antioch College, Yellow Springs.
A. B. McIntosh, plasterer, Xenia, was born in Boone County, Kentucky, March 22, 1846. Is the son of William R. and Ann C. McIntosh, his father being a native of Ohio, and his mother of Pennsylvania. The subject of our sketch was married, September 7, 1864, to Miss Kate Cochern, daughter of Samuel and Lucinda Cochern, of this city. They have had three children, Gliscoe G., who died young, Cyrus W., and John P., who are still living. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Tenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, January 8, 1864, and was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864, and was transferred to Washington, after which he reported to his regiment at Danville, and after going through all the bloody and hard-fought battles participated in by that noble old regiment, received an honorable discharge in 1865. Received his education in this city, where he has spent the greater portion of his life, and is now engaged at his trade of plastering, doing a business second to none.
Thomas J. McGaughey, laborer, Xenia, was born in Pennsylvania., in the year 1839. Is the son of Wilson and Catharine McGaughey, his father being a native of Kentucky, and his mother of Pennsylvania, and had a family of twelve children. Thomas, the subject of our sketch, was married to Miss Elizabeth Sybert, of Maryland, in the year 1864. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, Ninety-Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Chickamauga, Big Shanty, and many
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others; was a good soldier, and in 1864 was honorably discharged. Received his education in Pennsylvania, and was formerly a distiller. Is now living in this city, and is a man loved by all who know him.
Frank E. McGurvey, assistant county treasurer, Xenia, was born in this city, in the year 1855. Is the son of James McGurvey, of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio about the year 1832, and his mother came when quite young. They had a family of five children. Frank E. has always lived in this city, and was educated here. In the year 1870, he entered the book store of J. C. Trader & Co., where he remained three years, and then became bookkeeper for Merrick & McClure, which position he filled two years, when he became book-keeper for J. C. Trader & Co., remaining with them for two years more. In 1876 he was appointed deputy county treasurer, under Lester Arnold, which position he now holds, though Mr. Arnold has been succeeded by J. H. Cooper, Esq. He has been connected with Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, as organist, for six years. In 1880 he was married to Miss Julia Dean, daughter of Daniel Dean, Esq., all of this county.
James M. McCann, sheriff, Xenia, was born in this city, August 29, 1841. His father, Wilson B., was born in Virginia, October 4, 1811, and came to Ohio in 1833. His mother, Catharine (Williams) McCann, was born in this city, December 29, 1812. They were married August 13, 1835, in this city, and have a family of three children, two daughters and one son, our subject, who is the youngest of the family. The daughters were Cassander, the eldest, and Cinderella, who died December 19, 1879. James received his education in this city, and his youth was spent on a farm near here. He is a painter by trade, which he followed several years. He was among the very first troops called out for the three months' service, and re-enlisted for three years, serving that time, and re-enlisted again, as a veteran, for three years more, or during the war, serving four years and four months, and for his valor as a soldier, was promoted from a private to first lieutenant, and then to captain of the company. He went out in Company B, Seventy-Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Is now sheriff of this county, and has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for several years. He was married, December 7, 1870, to Miss Luella Hatch, daughter of Ebenezer and Lydia Hatch. She has borne him two children, John G. and Katie May, the son seven, and the daughter five years
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of age. He has always been a staunch Republican. His father died when he was young, leaving his mother to toil for their support until they were old enough to help themselves. His mother, sister, and himself have always lived together. They are now living with him, and have a good and happy home. He has rendered all the service to his country that could be done by any one man, fighting from the commencement, to the end of the war, and is now enjoying some little return for his services, but a lifetime in such an office could not repay the risks of life he has- gone through. This, however, is not what a valiant soldier, such as our subject, risks life for, but rather for the glorious old stripes and stars, without one taken away.
John F. McCain, Burnett House bar, Xenia, was born at Batavia, Clermont County, Ohio, on the 29th day of May, 1854, and is the son of Patrick and Susanna McCain. His boyhood clays were spent principally in this city. Received a liberal education at Xenia College, and in the year 1868 engaged in the liquor business, clerking for T. G. McAniffe, London, Ohio. He has continued in this, his chosen business, up to this clay. He is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. His father entered the Union army in 1861, as a member of the Seventy-Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, an authentic history of which appears in this work. He was twice wounded, and came home on furlough, but returned, and was again wounded and taken prisoner, and taken to Libby Prison, where he endured all the hardships and privations in that human hell. From there he was taken to Andersonville, and from thence to a prison at Charleston, South Carolina, where death relieved him of his sufferings, on the 11th of October, 1864, just one year after being taken prisoner. The subject of our sketch opened a sample room, on the 6th of December, 1880, in connection with the Burnett House. The room has been beautifully arranged, and is now, without exception, the finest in the city. A billiard and pool table has been added, which is being patronized by the elite of the city. He is a young man of prepossessing appearance, is well and favorably known throughout the community, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him.
James McDonald, conductor, Xenia, was born in Cincinnati, in the year 1856. Is a son of Oliver and Catharine McDonald. His father is a native of Scotland, and his mother of Ireland. They immigrated to this country about the year 1840, with a family of
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five children, Mary, Katie, Bridget, Julia, and James, the subject of our sketch, who is now a conductor on the narrow-gauge railroad, from Dayton to Chillicothe. He has been in the railroad business a great portion of his life, and is one of the favorite conductors of the road, always gentlemanly, and willing to accommodate his passengers, and is so well adapted to his position, that all with whom ,the writer has conversed say he has, or ought to have, a life lease on the road. Received his education in this city, where the principal portion of his life has been spent, and where all who know him wish him to spend the remainder of it.
Austin McDowell, lumber merchant, Xenia, was born in Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, on the 27th day of April, 1815, and is the son of William and Charlotte McDowell, his father being a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Maryland. They had three sons, and have always lived in Pennsylvania. Our subject received his education in a couple of log school houses, about a mile and a half from his father's farm, where his youth was spent, with the exception of the winters he spent at school. At the age of eighteen he left home to learn the carpenter trade, and worked two years in the country, finishing his trade with Andrew Millen, in Pittsburgh, in 1836. He was a journeyman until 1837. In the fall of that year he came to this county, and in 1857 engaged in the lumber business, in which he still continues. He was second lieutenant of infantry in the state troops from 1844 to 1846, and was elected and commissioned as captain of Company D, SeventyFourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, December 28,1861, and went into Camp Chase, February 24, 1862. Removed from there April 20, 1862, and reported at Nashville, Tennessee, on the 24th of the same month. Remained with the regiment, being in command of it several times, until September 1, 1862, when they were ordered to report to General Fuel, and was sent home on recruiting service. Was taken prisoner, with recruiting squad, at Franklin, Kentucky, paroled soon after, at Hartsville, Tennessee, reported to Governor Wood, at Columbus, Ohio, and was granted permission to remain a few days at home. Returned to Columbus, and remained until he was exchanged, and then reported to his regiment in Tennessee, remaining until February 10, 1863, when he resigned, on account of an injury received while building a stockade at Franklin, Tennessee, in August, 1862. Was commissioned captain of Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Regiment, Ohio
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Volunteers, December 25, 1863, a regiment principally engaged in garrison duty. In March, 1865, was sent by General Ord to serve do general court martial. Served until July, when he was ordered back to his regiment, which was ordered to Camp Chase, and there mustered out, July 17, 1865. He was county commissioner at the time he entered the service; also a member of the Board of Education and trustee at the same time, for several terms. Was once member of council at Wilmington, Clinton County, and is now councilman of the first ward of this city. He has been connected with the Reform Church here, as ruling elder, since 1853, it being now the First United Presbyterian Church. He was married on the 22d of March, 1843, to Susan A. Finney, daughter of John and Isabella Finney, of Pennsylvania. They have two children, Charlotte F. and Isabella. He has often been called to preside over celebrations, and other matters of importance, and was appointed chief commander at the centennial celebration, July 4, 1876. He was a Democrat until the beginning of the war, but from that time he has voted with the Republican party.
Alfred T. McDaniel, cattle broker, Xenia, was born at Caesar's Creek, this county, in 1817 and is a son of Wilson and Elizabeth McDaniel. His father immigrated to this country about the year 1798, and landed in Cincinnati, where he remained for about two years, and then removed to Lebanon. Remaining there one year, he removed to Cedarville, where he was married to Miss Elizabeth Ladd. The result of this marriage was eleven children, six sons and five daughters. Alfred received his education in this county, and in 1839 was married to a Miss Bone, who bore him one child, which died when nine months old. Two months after this his wife succumbed to the grim destroyer, leaving him alone to fight the battle of life. In 1842 he married Miss Catharine Smith, by whom he had three children, two sons-Hiram, and William L.and one daughter, who died in infancy, and her mother followed her in eight days after the child's birth. After a space of nine years he was again married, to Miss Mary F. Maxey. She gave him four sons and one daughter,. James E., Ella, Xenia, Chauncey S., and the little lad who died in his second year, "Tippy." Tile father has been a resident of this county nearly his whole life; is an active business man, and a staunch Republican, and when Kirby Smith made his raid through Ohio, was among the first to shoulder his musket and assist in his capture.
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Wilford McDonald, farmer, was born in Tennessee, March 9, 1798, and is a son of Isaiah and Edith McDonald, who immigrated this state in 1801. He was educated in this county, where he a as passed the greater portion of his life. In 1831 he was married to his first wife, Miss Martha Lyon, who presented him with eight children, all of whom are living but two. Three of his sons, Franklin H.; Mills S., and Columbus, were in the Union army, and all were honorably discharged. Melville and John H. are now in Nevada seeking their fortunes among the hills. These, with Americus Jane, are all living. The other two, Sarah E. and Mary E., are dead. Mr. McDonald was married to his second wife, Miss Elizabeth A. McCorter, of Clinton County, Ohio, in 1854. She has borne him no children. He is one of the old settlers and successful farmers of the county, and any one going over his farm would not have to be told that he understands his business.
William M. North, farmer, Xenia, was born in Oldtown, Greene County, in 1831, and is the son of Orin and Martha North, natives of Connecticut and Kentucky. His father came to Ohio in 1817, and his mother in 1825. She rode on horseback all the way to her brother's, whole she came to visit, and while there was married, in 1828. They had only one child, the subject of this sketch, who, on the 20th day of November, 1856, married Miss Sarah E. Snyder, daughter of Jasper and Rachel Snyder, of Oldtown. He is the father of six sons and five daughters, Albert, Laura, Kenton, Anna, John W., George R., Willis G., Hester A., Margaret M., Orin, and Martha R. John W., George, and Orin, are dead. Mr. North's mother was a neice of Simon Kenton, a noted pioneer of Kentucky, who passed the latter part of his life in Logan County, this state. Mr. North is now master of the Masonic lodge in Xenia, and also a member of Reed Commandery No. 6, of Dayton, Ohio, and of Xenia Lodge No. 1658, Knights of Honor. He enlisted in the Union army in 1864, and was mustered out the same year. Both himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He received a common school education in this county, and afterwards took the higher branches. He has disposed of his farm here, and purchased in Clinton County, where he expects to pass the remainder of his life.
Charles Orr, bookseller and stationer, Xenia, was born in Cedarville, Ohio, January 8, 1858, and is a son of John and Henrietta Orr. He graduated in Xenia High School, in 1875, and passed his
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youthful days in that city. He is now engaged in the book and stationery business, in connection with which he has a bookbindery, and has succeeded in building up a very extensive trade. He is probably as well known as any dealer in his line in the county, and by his promptness in business, square and honorable dealing, has made for himself a pathway to a competency in the future.
Wesley Owens, fireman, was born in Xenia in 1844, and is a son of George and Malinda Owens, his father a Virginian, and his mother of this state, who were the parents of one son and two daughters. Wesley has been twice married, his first wife dying without issue. His second marriage was celebrated with Lillian, daughter of Jesse Wright, of Xenia, by whom he has had one child, George W. His education was received in the Beaver Creek school house. He followed farming until 1870, and then made Xenia his home, following teaming for a while, until be became connected with the fire department. Enlisting in the army at the first call for troops, he was discharged after nine months service on account of disability. He is a member of the Odd-fellows and Knights of Pythias, and is ever ready to give a helping hand wherever duty calls.
James A. Payne, grocer, Xenia, was born in Kanawha, Virginia, in the year 1840. Is a son of Alexander and Agnes Payne, natives of Virginia, where his father still resides, his mother having died thirty-one years ago. James came to Ohio in the nineteenth year of his age, and in 1868 was married to Mary F. Hughes, daughter of Nelson and Rebecca Hughes, of Kentucky, by whom he has had three sons, Charles N., Freddie C., and Louie, who died, October 24, 1880. He was a soldier in the Union army, enlisting in the year 1863, in Company I, Fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out the same year, on account of physical disability. He saw some severe fighting, being engaged in the battles of Scare Creek, Bull Run, Antietam, South Mountain, and many more. He is a member of the Free American Lodge of Masons, No. 2, of Cincinnati, also of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, of this city. Received his education in Virginia, in the common schools, and has spent the principal portion of his life in this county. Is now engaged in the grocery business on Church Street, in this city.
Rev. Daniel A. Payne, D. D., was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in the year 1811. Is the son of London and Martha
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Payne. Daniel spent his youth in Charleston, as a carpenter and teacher. Received a liberal education at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He is a married man, but has no children, and is a man of extensive knowledge, all his works and efforts being to do good and to serve his Master. He is generous and kind-hearted toward the poor and suffering, and is the founder of Wilberforce University, an institution well known throughout the United States, and even in the old country. He is constantly traveling all over the country, doing, good in whatever way the Master calls. He owns one of the finest residences at Wilberforce, known as the evergreen cottage, and it well deserves the name. While the writer is penning these lines the bishop is at Raleigh, North Carolina, and knowing the good this man is doing, we feel like uniting, with the thousands of his friends, in the prayer for his protection and a long, happy, and prosperous life.
Silas D. Piper, grocer, Wilberforce, was born in Louisiana, in the year 1857, and is the son of Philip and Nellie Piper, who were both natives of Louisiana, and immigrated to Cincinnati, where they remained about two months, then removed to Wilberforce in 1859. They have a family of three daughters and three sons, all living : Adelia, Alexander E., Silas D., Philip J., Ella L., and Josephine. Silas D., the subject of our sketch, was married to Ella S. Bass, daughter of John and Maria Bass, of North Carolina, in the year 1879, but they have no children. Taught school in Harrisburg County, Louisiana, in the fall of 1876, after which he returned to Ohio, and located at Wilberforce, where his mother and family reside. He is now engaged in the grocery business, and by his honest and fair dealing, and sociable and genial disposition, has gained a good trade, and a great many warm friends. Received his education at Wilberforce University, where he has spent the principal part of his life. Is a Republican in politics, and is always ready to advance the interests of his country, and to aid in all worthy undertakings for the good of those around him.
K. B. Rader, carriage painter, Xenia, was born in this city, in the year 1859. Is the son of Levi and Elizabeth Rader, both natives of Ohio, who had a family of six children, John A., Emma D., Jennie, Henry, Kimber, and Clara. The latter, who was the second child, died many years ago. The subject of our sketch is a carriage painter by trade, but is now engaged with Mr. Sowards, in the sale of musical instruments, at No. 18 South Detroit Street, and is much
518 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
better fitted for his present position than a painter, having a fine musical ear, with a talent for music which but few possess, and is a man of genial disposition.
Drostus Saunders, grocer, Xenia, was born in Warren County, Ohio, in the year 1854. Is the son of Hiram and Sarah Saunders, both natives of Virginia, who came to Ohio about the year 1814, with a family of three sons and two daughters. Drostus, the subject of our sketch, was married to Rebecca. J. Barnes, daughter of John and Margaret Barnes, of Warren County. They had one child, William Harrison, who died, September 17, 1880, in the third year of his age. By trade he is a carpenter, but is now engaged in the grocery business, as clerk for E. Smith, on Detroit Street.
William S. Scarborough, professor of Latin and Greek at Wilberforce, born in Macon, Georgia, in the year 1852, is a son of Jeremiah and Frances Scarborough, both natives of that place. The subject of our sketch came to Ohio, and entered Oberlin College, in the year 1871, and graduated in the year 1875. Is now professor of Latin and Greek at Wilberforce University. Received the degree of Master of Arts in 1878, and is a member of the order of Good Templers. Is also a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church at Wilberforce. Is now engaged in a work on Greek, called the "Elementary Text Book," or the first lessons in Greek, which is intended for new beginners. Was principal of the Albany Enterprise Academy ; also taught at Cuthvert, Georgia, at the Howard Normal School, as principal. Taught Latin and Greek under the American Missionary Society, and was principal of Payne's Institute, at Coaxville, Abbeyville County, South Carolina. Is a great favorite at Wilberforce University, and wherever known.
George A. Schardt, sewing machine agent, Xenia, was born in Cincinnati, in the year 1857, and is a son of John and Barbara Schardt, both natives of Germany, who immigrated to this country about the year 1850, with a family of three sons and three daughters, George A., Lena, Bennie, Rettie, Joseph, and Katie. George A., the eldest son, and the subject of our sketch, received his education in Baltimore, Maryland, and Ohio, and has spent the greater portion of his life in this city, where he is now engaged in the sewing machine business, and by his untiring energy and genial disposition has worked up a trade second to none in the county. His place of business is in George W. Conners' drug store, corner of Main and Detroit streets.
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Thomas E. Scroggy, attorney-at-law, Xenia, was born in Harrisburg, Warren County, Ohio, on the 18th day of March, 1843, and is the son of John and Sarah Scroggy, both natives of New Jersey, who immigrated to Ohio about the year 1820, with a family of seven children. His father's first wife died about the year 1830, and in 1835 he married Miss Lucy A. Smith, by whom he had eight children, John B., Charity A., Margaret J., James W., Thomas E., Elizabeth H., Lydia L., and Catharine A. Thomas, the subject of of our sketch, was married, January 18, 1866, to Mary S. Ledbetter, daughter of Robinson and Keziah Ledbetter, of this city, and had one child by her, Earl Edmund, who died at the age of ten months. Our subject enlisted in the three months' service, at the opening of the war, in the Twelfth Regiment, Ohio Volunteers, and re-enlisted for three years, in Company H, Thirty-Ninth Ohio Volunteers. This regiment was organized at Camp Dennison, Ohio, and left in July, 1861, for Camp Benton, at St. Louis, Missouri, and from there went to New Mexico, Missouri, and thence to the relief of Colonel Mulligan, at Lexington; but when within six miles of that place, they learned that the rebels had captured it, and being surprised, retreated to Liberty, where they took boats, and went to Kansas City, and from there to Springfield, under General Fremont, following him until he reached New Madrid, where he had his first engagement. After capturing the place, they went to Island No. 10, which they took, with over five thousand men, and all their munitions of war; thence to Fort Pillow, Pittsburgh Landing, and Corinth, and at its evacuation they were the first regiment to enter the fort. At Nicojack Creek he was shot through the right lung, taking out forty-two pieces of bone. He has the ball which did the work in his possession, and an open wound as large as a ball, which, in all probability, he will carry to his grave, as a memento of that bloody battle. After being wounded, he was sent to Nashville, Tennessee, and after laying there a month, his friends brought him home. He was reported mortally wounded, but being a man of uncommon nerve, he survived the sickness, and after going through the many hard-fought battles with his regiment, received an honorable discharge in April, 1865, and to-day is engaged in the practice of law, in which, from the writer's knowledge and information, he stands at the head.
John M. Sellers, carpenter, Xenia, was born in the year 1824. Is a son of Jacob S. and Susan Sellers, who were both born in
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Warren County, Ohio, and had a family of seven children, Henrietta, John M., Lucinda, Elizabeth, Cynthia, Newton, and Jane S. John, the subject of this sketch, was married, in 1846, to Miss Olive Holcomb, by whom he had two children, both daughters;, Millie, the eldest, who died in her twenty-first year, and Clara, now living with her parents. He enlisted in Company H, Ninety-Fourth Ohio Volunteers, in 1862, and had a taste of battle at Tates' Ford, Kentucky, and after many long and tedious marches, was discharged in November, 1862. Received a common school education in Warren County, Ohio, where he spent the principal portion of his life. Removed to this city in April, 1852, where he has since remained. A portion of the time he was engaged in the grocery business, and the balance of his life has been spent at his trade. By his faithfulness, and strict attention to business, he has gained a full share of patronage from the people of this county. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for twenty-six years, and is today one of the influential men of the town.
Rev. James A. Shorter, bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Wilberforce, was* born in Washington, D. C., in the year 1817. Is the son of Charles and Elizabeth Shorter, both- natives of Maryland, who were blessed with a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters. The father and mother both died in Washington. James, the subject of our -sketch, was married to his first wife, Miss Julia Stewart, of Philadelphia, in the year 1839, and by her had three children, James A., Emma A., and Joseph P. , They all lived happily together for thirteen years, when the mother was called to the better world, and in 1851 he was again united in the holy bonds of wedlock to Miss Maria Carter, of Washington, D. C., daughter of Amos and Julia Carter, of Montgomery County, , Maryland, by whom he has two children, Julia A. and Roberta P., both living. he has been a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for forty-two years, and for over thirteen years has filled the exalted office of bishop. Received his education at Washington City, where his youth was spent. In politics he is a Republican, and is a staunch believer in the democratic doctrine that the majority shall rule, and in free speech, free ballot, and a free press, and is a zealous worker for the right in all things. By his hard labor, and his firm and sturdy example, he has made every one who knows him his friend. He has a son, who is now one of the professors at Wilberforce University, and a leader in his profes-
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lion. To visit them at their homes, one would think that nothing more was needed to make their happiness complete. The old gentleman, with his frosted locks, and the young son following in his footsteps, and probably soon to fill the vacant place, is encouragement enough to ease the mind when the summons shall come, and we bear the words, " 'Tis enough; come up higher."
Henry W. Shields, reporter of banks, was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, in the year 1823. Alonzo and Celia Shields, his father and mother, are lost to memory. Born and raised a slave, he was the property of William Shields, who purchased him on the auction block, and kept him for some six years. Just before the breaking out of the rebellion, Mr. Shields willed Henry his freedom. In 1847 he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Weaver, and by her had one son and two daughters. One child died a natural death, and the other two were drowned, with their mother. He settled in Xenia, and after seven years was married to Miss Amelia Petway. Two sons and six daughters, Robert W., Mamie E., Anna H., William II., Stella E., Henrietta V., Luella F., and Laura D., all living, are the fruits of this union. Anna A., and Minnie, are dead, and have gone to meet their friends where the troubles of life are over.
Joseph P. Shorter, professor of mathematics, Xenia, was born in Washington, D. C., in 1845, and is a, son of bishop James A. and Julia Shorter-his father a native of Virginia, and his mother of Washington, D. C. His youth was passed principally at Wilberforce, where he received the greater part of his education. In 1878 he was married to Miss Susie I. Lankford, of Richmond, Indiana., and the result of their marriage was one child, a daughter. Now professor of mathematics at Wilberforce University, and member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, he is. highly regarded by all friends and acquaintances. His father, James, has been a bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for some sixteen years, and now resides near the college grounds.
David W. Shoemaker, solicitor, Xenia, born in that city on the 19th day of June, 1844, is a son of Isaac and Lucinda Shoemaker, who immigrated to Ohio about the year 1810, with a family of five sons and two daughters. David was educated in his native city, where his youth was passed. During the war he belonged to an independent military company, which was consolidated with others, forming the Sixtieth Regiment Ohio National Guard. They were
522 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
called out in the spring of 1864, and served some four months, participating in several engagements. On the 23d of August, 1865, he was married to Miss Abigail Gorham, daughter of David and Lucinda Gorham, of this county. They have been blessed with four children. Their first, Harry A., is living; the second, Albert, died when only five weeks old; and George F. and Lucinda, twins, died when eight months old. Mr. Shoemaker's father was a Democrat, and died when our subject was only thirteen years old. The children were all Republicans until after the war, when one of them became a Democrat. They were all in the army. John F. was captured at the battle of Pittsburg Landing, and was held a prisoner for three months. John F. and George W. have died since the war. Our subject has always been a true and outspoken Republican, and is ready and willing at all times, in peace or war, to be found in the front rank.
John F. Shaffer, clergyman, Xenia, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, March 28, 1837, and is a son of John and Sarah Shaffer, both of this state, and both pious people. With their family they moved some fourteen years ago to Jasper County, Missouri, where they still remain, with the exception of the father, who died about five years ago. John, the subject of this sketch, when but a boy was put into a woolen mill, with the intention of becoming its foreman, but before he was engaged quite a year he became disgusted with the place on account of the malaria, and left it. While there, however, he taught school, and hungering for more knowledge, his friend, Thomas Davis, persuaded his father to send him to a better place, where he could more thoroughly complete his education. He was consequently sent to Wittenberg College, at Springfield, this state, in June, 1854, being then in his seventeenth year. Remaining there one year, in the fall he commenced teaching a country school, in which he was very successful. Teaching until he was nineteen years of age, he returned to college, and remained until he graduated, June, 1860, and then returned home. After much persuasion by the school board, he concluded again to teach the home school. While engaged at this, he commenced the study of theology under private instruction. After this he returned to the theological seminary, where he finished his studies, and received license to preach the gospel. In the fall of 1861 he received a call from Xenia charge, which embraced two congregations-one in Xenia and one on Beaver Creek-called Mt. Zion.
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He accepted the call, and August 28, 1861, preached his first sermon in Xenia. Good congregations have been built up at both charges, and the best of harmony prevails. Has been a member of the board of examiners of this county for thirteen years; a member of the board of examiners of city teachers for nine years, and has recently been appointed for three years more; and has been member of the city school board for nine years, having been elected last spring for three years more. Was not in the army, but spent many days at Camp Dennison in helping the men, and wrote many hundred letters home for the boys. September 18, 1862, was married to Miss Eliza J. Puterbaugh, daughter of Samuel Puterbaugh, one of Xenia's oldest merchants and pioneers. The result of this marriage was five children: Sallie M., Franklin N., Walter S., Augusta V., and John S. March 2, 1873, his wife died, and on the 8th of October, 1874, Mr. Shafer was married to Miss Ella Barnes, daughter of Henry Barnes, an old citizen, at one time sheriff, and subsequently treasurer of this county. Mrs. Shaffer is now president of the Women's Home and Foreign Missionary Society of the Miami Synod, and also president of the Women's Home and Foreign Missionary Society of the General Synod of the United States.
Charles C. Shearer, attorney-at-law, was born in Xenia, October 8, 1840, and is the eldest son of John and Mary E. Shearer. He was educated in Xenia high School and local academics, and passed his youth at these places until he was seventeen, when he engaged in various avocations. ,In 1862 he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and went into camp at Piqua, Ohio. The post surgeon sent him home as unfit for service, and he was afterwards discharged by the adjutant general of the state. In 1864 he began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1866. In 1872 he formed a partnership with Hon. John Little, which connection still exists. In 1869 he was elected city clerk, and held the office four years. In 1872 he was elected prosecuting attorney of the county, and was re-elected in 1874, holding the office two terms. Has been United States Commissioner since July, 1871. Is a member of Warren Lodge No. 410, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he was master durthe years 1875 and 1876, and then declined a re-election ; of Xenia Chapter No. 36, R. A. M.; Reese Council No. 53, R. S. M.; and Reed Commandery No. 6, of Dayton, Ohio: Has always been a
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Republican. January 3, 1867, he was married to Miss M. B. Dunlap, of Utica, Ohio, who died February 25, 1869, without issue. In February, 1872, he was married to Emma J. Powers, eldest daughter of J. W. Weakley, D. D., by whom he has one daughter, Helen, born June 5, 1873, and one son, Frank, born June 10, 1875. His office is on Greene Street, and he is doing a very prosperous business.
Lewis Sides, carriage maker, was born in North Carolina, in the year 1818. Mrs. Patsey Page, a white lady, raised him from the time he was three weeks old until he was in his eighth year, when he was bound out to a farmer until he became of age. Remaining here until he was eighteen, through the persuasion of his mother he was allowed to go to a trade. The farmer was to give him a horse, saddle, bridle, nine months schooling, fifty dollars, and a free suit. He only received six months schooling, at odd times, when there was nothing to do, and in going' to his trade forfeited all the rest. Samuel Kessler and George W. Spears were his employers, and they were to give him a set of bench-tools, a suit of clothes, and fifty dollars in money. From February 8, 1835, to February 8, 1838, was thus occupied. Court being in session at that time, he was taken before it and received his papers of release; but his employers being bankrupt he received nothing from them. When he was at liberty he took the only five dollars he had and went to a lawyer, who procured his free papers by getting parties to certify that he was free-born. After working for one year, at two dollars a day, he was married to Miss Martha Holder, by whom he had three sons and eight daughters: Mary L., Martha E., Martha J., Louisa, John W., Richard, Julia C., and Charles H., living, and three dead. Educated in North Carolina, he passed the principal portion of his youth there. At twenty-two he went to Lincoln, North Carolina, and thence to South Carolina, where he worked at his trade some two months. One Sunday morning he was assaulted by a lot of roughs, because he was a free man, and chased out of the county. He then went home, and short afterward came North, arriving in Cincinnati February 8, 1846, and endeavored to get work as a stone mason, but failed on account of his color. After this he followed painting for a while, until he finally got work at his trade, at which he remained for eleven years-working five years for one man.. For ten years he lived in the country, and selling out he located in Xenia, where he has been
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living for some fourteen years. By his honesty and fair dealing he has accumulated a good trade, and made many warm friends.
Joseph A. Simons, coal and lime dealer, was born in the state of New York, where he was married to Miss A. J. Gillett, of the same state. In 1854 he came to Ohio, and settled in Cortsville, Clarke County, and engaged in the corn planter business. After a time he moved to Cedarville, and engaged in the coal and lime business. From there he went to Michigan, but remained only a, short time, and returned to Cedarville, whence he removed to Xenia, where he has remained ever since, engaged in the same business. He has a family of three sons and four daughters. The oldest son is married, and is a lieutenant in the United States Navy. Mr. Simons is a member of the Odd-fellows, and has passed all the chairs of both the lodge and encampment ; has also taken the degrees in the grand encampment. Is also a member of the First Baptist Church.
Rev. Alexander Smith was born in Harrison County, Ohio, in the year 1845. Is a son of John and Mary Smith. His father was a native of Virginia, and his mother of North Carolina. The former came to Ohio when he was but six years old, and the latter in her seventh year. After maturity they were married, and had a family of thirteen children, six daughters and seven sons. Alexander, the subject of our remarks, was married, in the year 1874, to Mary E. Morgan, daughter of William and Nancy Ann Morgan, of Springfield, Ohio. They have no children. He is a member of the Masonic order, David Temple Lodge No. 15, and has filled the office of senior warden for some time. Received his education at different schools, but finished at Wilberforce University. Spent his youth in Harrison County, and now has charge of a congregation at the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Yellow Springs, Ohio. A congenial, attractive man, he shows from his fruits that he practices what he preaches.
Rev. Jesse H. Smith, Yellow Springs, was born in Harrison County, Kentucky, in the year 1845. Is the son of Simpson and Sallie Smith; his father a native of Virginia, and his mother of Kentucky. They were married about the year 1838, and had a family of twelve children, eight sons and four daughters. The subject of our sketch was married, in the year 1868, to Martha J. Harris, daughter of Starlen and Martha Harris, of South Carolina, and have a family of three daughters, Jessie A., Josephine C., and
526 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Anna M., all living. He is a member of Wilberforce Lodge No. 21, F. & A. M., and also a member of Lodge No. 1823, I. O. O. F., having filled all the chairs in the latter. Received his education at Yellow Springs, and at Wilberforce University; has taught school in this county, where he has spent the principal portion of his life ; has gained many friends, and has unbounded success in all his undertakings. Is a staunch Republican, and always stands ready, with open hand, to assist in any good cause.
Martin Snyder, superintendent county infirmary farm, Xenia, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, in the year 1547, and is a son of Eli and Ellen Snyder, both natives of Virginia, who came to Ohio about the year 1830, with a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters. The subject of our remarks has spent the principal portion of his life in Miami County, Ohio, leaving there about fifteen years ago, and has been doing for himself many years. Is a self-made man, single, and has the experience of many years' farming, and is a model for many much older in the business than himself, as the farm at the county infirmary will show.
Alfred Soward, dealer in books and stationery, Xenia, was born near Bellbrook. His parents are natives of Ohio, and his grandparents of Pennsylvania. Our subject received his education in this county, where his youth was also spent on a farm. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He was married to Miss Cunningham, and by her has a family of twelve children. Is now engaged in the music business in this city, and has a branch store at Wilmington Ohio, and also one at Washington Court House, and is doing a business of over one hundred thousand dollars per year. Mr. Soward is a very pleasant gentleman, always ready to greet his many customers with a hearty welcome, and this, in connection with his square dealing, and promptness in his business, is the secret of his enormous trade and many friends.
David E. Spahr, physician, New Jasper, this county, was born in the above place in the year 1852, and is a son of Gideon and Elizabeth Spahr; his father a native of Virginia, and his mother of Ohio, both having spent the last fifty years in this state, with a family of twelve children, five daughters and seven sons. The subject of our sketch was married, December 3,1872, to Emma Highwood, daughter of William and Caroline Highwood, of Van Wert, Ohio, and has a family of one son and three daughters, Lillie M., James
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H., Gertrude C., and Jessie. Received his education at Van Wert, Ohio, and graduated at the Fort Wayne Medical College, in the allopathic school of practice, and has spent the principal portion of his life in this county. Is now residing at New Jasper, where, by his inveterate study and hard work, he has gained a reputation and respect that few of his age have been able to control.
John B. Spencer, proprietor Burnett House, Xenia, was born in this county, December 22, 1845, and is the son of George W. and Mary A. (Faulkner) Spencer. His father, a native of Utica, New York, was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and devoted his life to the elevation of Christianity. At the age of fortyfive he removed to this county, continuing in the service of the Master, and closed his earthly career in 1850, while on a visit to friends in Utica, dying triumphantly. Our subject received a liberal education at the Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio. At the age of twenty, he engaged in the mercantile business, at Lamberton, Ohio, continuing for a period of three years. At twentyone, he married Hannah Hackney, daughter of Joseph and Deborah Hackney, of Wilmington, Ohio. Three children are the fruits of this marriage, Debbie L., George W., and Harry E., all. living, and all have amiable dispositions. During the late unpleasantness he was a sergeant in the One Hundred and Fifty-Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was subsequently engaged in traveling, disposing of notions at auction. Abandoning this, he acted in the capacity of traveling salesman, being employed by the well known firm of Foos & Co., of Springfield, for four years, until February, 1880, when he assumed control of the Burnett House, in this city.
Smith A. Stowe, farmer, was born in this county, in the year 1835. Is the son of Joseph and Mary Stowe, who came to Ohio in the year 1827, with a family of two daughters and one son. Our subject was married, in the year 1867, to Maria S. Hook, daughter of Lewis Hook, whose mother was a Lloyd, one of the old settlers of this county. Received his education at the old Union Seminary, near where he now lives. He and his wife both belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, he being one of the trustees and leading members, and is also one of the successful farmers of the county. During the war his wife was connected with the Christian commission of workers, who so promptly and effectually soothed the cares and anxieties of the sick and wounded soldiers on the
528 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
field of battle, and is' a woman of nerve and energy, equalled by few of her sex. Mr. Stowe was a member of the Seventy-Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving three years, and about half of the time was in charge of a supply train, a very responsible position to fill, and in December, before the close, received his discharge. Mrs. Stowe, the mother, settled on Caesar's Creek in early life, and remained until her family grew up. John L., her brother, became a very popular and prominent minister of the gospel, and a member of the Methodist Book Concern of Cincinnati, and was also presiding elder for some years, and postmaster at Thorntown, Indiana. Her brother Matthew was elected to the Indiana Legislature for two terms, and her brother Benjamin F., in Delaware County, has held several offices of importance, and is now county commissioner. She had six sisters, also, all of whom married prominent professional men, except Louisa, who remained single until her death. Mr. Stowe is now living about two miles south of Xenia, on one of the finest farms in the county, which speaks for itself of the enterprise of its owner.
S. S. Street, dentist, Xenia, was born in New Burlington, Clinton County, Ohio. His father and mother were born in Lumberton, Pennsylvania, and immigrated to Ohio about the year 1835. Our subject received a common school education in Ohio, and commenced the study of dentistry in the fall of 1877, graduating at the Ohio College of Dentistry and Surgery in the spring of 1880, and immediately commenced practicing in this city, and has a very fine and rapidly increasing business. Is a single man, and stands second to none in his profession.
Francis A. Stewart, musician, Xenia, born in the State of Virginia, in the year 1854, and only son of William E. and Elvira E. Stewart; received a common school education in this city, and spent his youth in Pickaway, Hardin, and Greene counties, making carriages and going to school. Left his birthplace in 1857, and came to Ohio, remaining until 1873, when he connected himself with a concert troupe, known as the Tennesseeans (now known as Donoven's Tennesseeans, who were engaged in giving concerts, the proceeds of which were for the erection of a new college building at Nashville, Tennessee, for the education of the colored race in the South), and is now tenor singer for the company. Is a Republican in politics, and by his steady habits and economy has amassed a sufficient sum to be the owner of a fine two-story dwelling on Main
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Street in this city. Is also a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and for a single man he is nicely fixed for the future.
J. D. Stine, editor and business manager of the Xenia Torchlight, was born near that city in June, 1833. Received a common school education until seventeen years of age; became a student of Miami Academy, in Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1853, and attended Antioch in 1854-'55; was superintendent of public schools of Jamestown, in 1855-'56, and principal of the German school department of the public schools of this city, in 1856-'57. Graduated in the scientific department of the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1859, and was superintendent of the public schools of London, Ohio, from 1859 to 1864. Married Miss Jennie A. Evans, of Delaware, Ohio, in 1860, and was a member of the board of school examiners of Madison County for eleven years; clerk of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1874 to 1876; editor and proprietor of the Madison County Union from 1863 to 1870, since which time he has been connected with the Torchlight, as above mentioned, a paper having as large, if not a larger, circulation than any paper in the county.
L. A. F. Summers, engineer, Xenia, was born July 22, 1832, on the Great Kanawha River, near Red House shoals, in Mason County, Virginia, and is a son of Lewis, one of ten children, five sons and five daughters, of Francis and Sarah Summers. But little is known of their ancestry. Lewis died August 24, 1833, in his twenty-fourth year. Three years before his death he was married to Samantha Webster, a native of New York, born September 2, 1805, and daughter of Augustine and Mary (Tyler) Webster, both natives of Connecticut. They immigrated to Ohio in 1810, and located in Meigs County, on the Ohio River. After remaining there a short time, they moved to near Chester, in the same county, where they raised a family of seven sons and five daughters. When two years of age, the subject of this sketch came with his widowed mother to Meigs County, this state; thence to Athens County; and from there to Washington County, near Plymouth. He received a common school education at Savannah, and afterwards attended Coolville Seminary, and Delaware College. At the age of eighteen he began teaching during the winter, and in the summer worked on the farm. In the fall of 1853 be moved to Bellbrook, this county, and devoted his entire time to teaching. In 1855 he was married to Miss Eleanor J., second daughter of
530 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Henry and Elizabeth (Lawrence) Mills. Seven children were born unto them. Two boys (twins) died when but a few days old; the others, three sons and two daughters, are living. Mr. Summers continued his teaching for ten years ; was a strict disciplinarian, and was accounted a thorough educator. Many of our eminent business men credit him with giving them their first start. In the fall of 1863, finding that teaching brought too small an income for a growing family, he attended the Dayton Commercial College until he secured a situation as book-keeper. Remaining there about six years, he left Dayton, and settled on a farm near Bellbrook. Financially, his farming was a failure; and at the end of ten years he relinquished it, and resumed book-keeping. He has succeeded in raising a family who are entirely free from all the vices of the world,-not even using tobacco, all of whom bid fair to fill any position of trust in the community, creditably to themselves and their employers. During the war he was drafted, but was discharged on account of physical disability. In politics he is an unswerving Republican, yet always ready to oppose dishonesty, wire-working, or any unfair means of electing a candidate. He is at all times a strong advocate of temperance, and all measures for its promotion. Since 1851 he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is ever ready to espouse the cause of the oppressed against the oppressor, justice against injustice, morality against immorality, and right against wrong.
Oscar Summers, engineer, was born in this county, July 10, 1856, and is a son of Henry and Matilda Summers, who raised a family of five children, all living, but one. His father was a native of South Carolina, and his mother of this county. Oscar, the subject of our sketch, was married August, 1876, to Miss Fannie Sterling. They have a family of two sons, Earl and Albert. The principal part of his life has been passed in Xenia, where he received his education. He is now employed as engineer at the Greene County Infirmary-a position for which he is admirably adapted. Mr. Summers has made hosts of friends by his promptness and sterling qualities.
George W. Thomas, carpenter, Xenia, was born in Berkeley County, Virginia, in the year 1821, and is a son of Archibald and Catharine Thomas. His father was a native of Wales, and his mother of Germany. They immigrated to America about the year 1800, with a family of thirteen children. George W. was married,
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September 5, 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Gaskill, daughter of Hudson and Mary Gaskill, of New York. During the war he was one of the "squirrel hunters," who drove Morgan from Ohio soil in 1864. Received his education in this county, and is now extensively engaged in carpentering. Being an active, jovial man, and having traveled for some thirty years, has many friends and acquaintances.
Alfred Trader, cashier First National Batik, Xenia, was born in this county in 1810. A limited common school education was all that was bestowed upon him. In 1834 he was married to Miss Lucinda Bobbins, and has a family of four sons and one daughter. He was engaged in the mercantile business with his father for a number of years. In 1839 he was elected county treasurer, and continued in that position for twelve years. At the end of that time he was elected cashier of the Xenia Branch Bank, and continued in that capacity after it was merged into the First National Bank of Xenia. In 1871 he was succeeded by another party, and in 1878 was again elected to the position, which he continues to occupy at the present time. He is a self-made man, and competent to fill any business position.
George Watson, farmer, Xenia, was born in Virginia, in the year 1816, and is a son of Francis and Martha Watson-both Virginians who immigrated to Ohio in 1818, with a family of three sons and six daughters. George, the youngest, was married in 1840 to Miss Cynthia A. McDaniel, who bore him one son. His wife died in April, 1841. Mr. Watson was again married, the lady being Miss Margaret Richarson, by whom he has four children : James W., John F., William H., Sarah E., Robert L., and Thomas R., all living. Mr. Watson received a common school education in this county. His son, James, served over three years in the Union army, in the Thirty-Fourth Ohio Regiment. William was in the one hundred days service, and his son John enlisted, but was sent back front Camp Dennison. All were honorably discharged. Mr. Watson and his sons are among the most energetic farmers in the county.
George Watt, physician and dentist, Xenia, was born in this county in the year 1820, and is a son of Hugh and Isabella Watt; his father a native of Belfast, Ireland, and his mother of Pennsylvania. The former immigrated to Ohio in 1790, and was the youngest brother of the famous Scotch chemist, James Watt, of Glasgow, Scotland, who was the discoverer of the composition of water, for
532 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
which the University of Glasgow awarded him a medal, which his nephew George, the subject of our sketch, now has in his possession. His father had a family of six sons and three daughters, Mary, John, Hugh, Jane, Thomas, Nancy, Andrew, James M., and George, our subject, who was married, in the year 1845, to Miss Sarah J. McConnell, of this city. Having no children, they adopted a daughter, now Mrs. William H. Sillito, of this city. Mr. Watt was surgeon of the One Hundred and Fifty-Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry from May 2, 1864, to September 4, 1864, and was compelled to resign on account of physical disability. Held a professorship in the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, in Cincinnati, for twenty years, and also edited the Dental Register for fifteen years. Received his professional education at the Medical College, and Ohio College of Dental Surgery, at Cincinnati. Is also the author of Watt's Chemical Essays, published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1867, and also author of the one-hundred-dollar prize essay of the Mississippi Valley Association of Dentists, besides many other articles of note. He was twice elected professor of chemistry of two different colleges in New York city, but was compelled to refuse all on account of ill-health. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church, and has held the position of elder for many years. With the exception of about five years, his life has been spent in Ohio, where he is extensively known.
David B Watt, farmer, was born in this county, in the year 1855, and is a son of William and Sarah G. Watt, both natives of Scotland. His father immigrated to this country in 1833, and his mother in 1837. They had a family of ten children, all of whom are now living but three daughters. David, the subject of our sketch, was married September 2, 1880, to Miss Anna Fleming daughter of J. B. Fleming, of Xenia. He received his education in this county, where his life has been passed. Mr. Watt and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church, of Xenia. They own a farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres, one and a half miles east of the city, and it is a model for those who seek to find only that which is best.
Samuel M. Wead, farmer, Xenia, was born in this county, March 2, 1856, and is a son of Joseph and Martha A. Wead; his father a native of Ohio, and his mother of Virginia, who had a family of twelve children, three of whom are dead, Mary, Narcissus, and Da-
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vid. The living are James A., William S., Alice L., Samuel M., Jennie I., Mattie A., Amanda, Joseph S., and George W. Samuel M., the subject of our sketch, is a single man, and is living with his father, who was born near Dayton, Ohio, and has lived in this county nearly fifty years.
Paul Weiss, insurance agent, Xenia, born in Weissbach, Rhein Phalz, a province of Bavaria, is a son of Jacob and Maria Weiss, natives of Germany. His mother died when he was an infant, and his father after he left his home for the new country. The subject of our sketch came to this country in February, 1866, and has made his home in this city ever since. In 1874 he was married to Minnie J. Schury, of this city. daughter of H. G. and Charlotta Schury. They have three children, Emma E., Edgar H., and Paul, all living. He has been for years a leading member of the Improved Order of Red Men, and now a grand officer; also a member of the Oddfellows. Is now engaged in the insurance and real estate business, and represents some of the European steamship lines, and a general European business, such as sending and collecting moneys, and issuing letters of credit to all parts of Europe. Is one of our liveliest business men, and has handled in his business, within the last six months, between sixty and one hundred thousand dollars in foreign moneys, and about sixty thousand dollars' worth of property, not including his other transactions. He has made himself among the first and most respected in his line of business in the county. Is a man who has never had the advantage of an English education, and while he recognizes this as the greatest nation on earth, he still clings to his original language, and prides himself on being a German, and a citizen of this great country.
Prof. Charles A. White, Xenia, was born in New Vienna, Ohio, in the year 1860. Is a son of Stephen D. and Fannie F. White. Received his education at Washington Court House, and spent the principal portion of his life there. He teaches organ and piano music; has been engaged in teaching about four years, and has been very successful. Is a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics is a Republican.
David M. Wright, farmer, was born March 3, 1852. Is a son of Merritt and Mary B. Wright. His father was a native of Virginia, and his mother of this county. His father came to Ohio about the year 1837, and has a family of eight children living. David, the subject of our sketch, was married, October 7, 1879, to Lura M.
534 - HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Tiffany, daughter of the late Thomas Tiffany, one of Xenia's old settlers. Both himself and wife are very zealous members of the Second Presbyterian Church of Xenia. Received a common school education in this county, where be has spent his life. His father died while he was quite young, and he was put with Stephen Ledbetter to be raised, who was a cousin of his father, and judging from the looks of things, he has been well paid for his trouble in raising him; for he has certainly a model farm, and it tells what kind of a man is at its head. In politics he is a staunch Republican, and a great reader, and for a man of his age, is well posted on most of the important topics of the day.
John F. Wright, retired farmer, Xenia; born in South Carolina, in the year 1818; son of Andrew and Rachel R. Wright, natives of South Carolina, who immigrated to Ohio in the year 1832, with a family of eight children, three sons and five daughters : Mary E., Jane D., William F., John F., Sarah A., Margaret L., Rachel, and Andrew E. Our subject, John F., was married, in the year 1842, to Miss Eliza Ann Jackson, daughter of David and Anna Jackson, of Cedarville, Ohio. He had one child by his first wife, Andrew J., who died in 1848. In the year 1852, be married Miss Rebecca Van Eaton, daughter of John and Sarah Van Eaton, of Xenia, and by her had three children, one son and two daughters : George L., Sarah E., and Mary. Their son died in 1870, leaving them their two daughters. Mr. Wright received his early education in South Carolina, and spent his wild boyhood days there, as one of many of his boyhood adventures, on an old gray horse, will show. At the age of ten, his father sent him on an errand, on the old horse, and wishing to make a quick trip, he put on a pair of spurs. Planting them in the sides of the old gray, he had his desired wish, for off he went at full speed; and a hunter seeing him coming, mistook him for a deer, and came very near shooting him. But the old horse kept on, and landed him, luckily, at the very house to which he was going, and he was well enough satisfied not to repeat the operation in returning home. Both his wife and himself are now members of the United Presbyterian Church. He is on the shady side of life, but is a man of uncommon energy and activity; is of a genial disposition, and well beloved by all who know him. He is on the retired list of farmers, and in his old age has plenty of this world's goods to ease his journey the remaining days of his pilgrimage.
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James E. Wright, engineer in fire department, was born in Xenia, on the 13th day of February, 1846, and is a son of William and Ursula Wright. His father was a native of Washington County, Maryland, and his mother of Xenia. Our subject is the only one living out of a family of five children. Received his education in Xenia, where his youth was spent. At the age of eighteen he left school, and entered the army, and after receiving an honorable discharge, engaged in railroading through the states of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, which he followed a number of years. After becoming tired of the railroad business, he entered the Xenia Fire Department, as engineer, where he still remains. This is acknowledged to be one of the best trained fire departments in Ohio, a full notice of which is given in another part of this work, and a man can feel proud to belong to it. He was also in the one hundred day service, and is a member of Shawnee Encampment No. 20, and Lodge No. 52, I. O. O. F. He was married in Dayton, Ohio, in January, 1879, to Miss Carrie E. Drake, daughter of John and Kate Drake, of Janesville, Ohio. They have one child, Maine D., born October 20, 1879.
John B. Wright, farmer, was born in South Carolina, in the year 1808, and is a son of William and Nancy Wright, both natives of that state, who immigrated to Ohio in the year 1830, with a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters. John B., the subject of our sketch, was married, in 1835, to Miss Sidney Simpson, daughter of William and Mary Simpson, of Xenia. Their family consisted of three children, William, Mary, and Samuel, all of whom have been called to their final home. He and his wife are members of the Third Presbyterian Church of Xenia. Received his education in South Carolina, and has spent most of his life in this county, having lived here fifty-one years. Speaking of the past, he remarked that the year 1812 was the hardest time ever known in his history, many families begging to work for their board and clothes. In that year, also, was seen the largest and plainest comet ever known, which caused much alarm, many thinking the day of judgment had come.