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BIOGRAPHIES Source::
HISTORY OF BROWN COUNTY, OHIO
A History of the County; Its Townships, Towns, Churches,
Schools, Etc.; General and Local Statistics; Portraits of
Early Settlers and Prominent Men; History of the
Northwest Territory; History of Ohio; Map of
Brown County; Constitution of the
United States, Miscellaneous
Matters, Etc., Etc.
ILLUSTRATED
Published: Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co.
1883
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Jefferson Twp. -
ALBERT M. BAIRD, farmer, P. O. Russellville, was born
May 27, 1849, in Jefferson Township, Brown Co., Ohio. He is the son of
James and Martha Baird, of whom we have made mention in this work.
He was reared on a farm and received the rudiments of an education in a
district school, which was located across the creek from his father's
homestead. On Sept. 19, 1878, he married Miss Alice Potts,
daughter of Matthew (deceased) and Polly A. Potts. Matthew
Potts was born in Ireland and when quite young his parents emigrated to
America. They came to Adams County, probably in the year 1817.
Matthew remained at home until the date of his marriage to Polly
A. Smith, by whom he had eleven children, eight of whom are still
living. Several years after his marriage he moved to Byrd Township,
Brown County, where he remained several years, engaged in the milling
business, on Eagle Creek. He then moved to a farm in the southern
portion of Jackson Township, where he remained until his death, Mar. 11,
1876. His widow still survives him, and at present is residing at
Carlisle, Jackson Township. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs.
Baird lived in Jackson Township for perhaps one year. In December,
1880, they moved to the farm on which they still reside, in the eastern
portion of Jefferson Township near Eagle Creek. Mrs. Baird is a
lady of culture and taste, and a member of the M. E. Church. He is a
man of industrious habits and the owner of seventy-one acres of land.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 232 |
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Jefferson Twp. -
GEORGE BAIRD, farmer, P. O. Russellville.
John Baird, father of our subject, was born in May, 1807, in what is now
known as Jefferson Township, Brown Co., Ohio. His parents were
George and Jane Baird who were among the pioneers of this county, and of
whom we have made mention in another portion of this work. John
was reared to manhood on a farm and received but a rudimentary education.
In May, 1832, he married Mary Fenton, daughter of Jeremiah and
Rosanna Fenton. This union has been blessed with eight children
seven of whom are still living - Jeremiah, George, Sarah A54s, Rosanna,
John J., Mary and Rufus T. He has been very successful
during life as an agriculturist, and is at present residing with the subject
of this sketch, his wife having died in 1874. George Baird, our
subject, was born in March, 1835, in Jefferson Township, Brown Co., Ohio.
In his youth, he had not the opportunities of obtaining more than a
rudimentary education. Having selected Miss Mary Smith, born
September, 1842, for his betrothed, their nuptials were celebrated in April,
1873. She is the daughter of John S. and Ruth Smith This
union has been blessed with three children, two of whom are still living.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Russellville, a Republican and
the owner of about 463 acres of land. He resides about two miles
nearly due east of Russellville on his farm, which iis in a high state of
cultivation, and pleasantly located.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 233 |
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Jackson Twp.
GEORGE N. BAIRD, farmer, P. O. Russellville, was born
in April, 1843, in Jefferson Township, Brown County. His parents are
James and Martha Baird, of Jefferson Township, whose sketch appears
in this work. He was reared to man's estate on a farm, and received
but a limited education. In November, 1880, he married Miss Stella
Day daughter of Ellis and Miriam Day. This union has been
blessed with three children, one of whom is still living - Angy N.
Mr. Baird is a man of good judgment, agreeable, a liberal supporter of
all enterprises which tend to the rise and progress of the county and the
elevation of humanity. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church at
Russellville, a Republican, and the owner of eighty-eight acres of land
located in the southern portion of Jackson Township.
Source: The History
of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 274 |
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Jefferson Twp. -
JAMES BAIRD, farmer, P. O. Russellville. Among
the pioneer families of Brown County, there are but few whose names are so
well known and who are as highly esteemed by the community as are the
Bairds. George Baird, the pioneer, was born June 15, 1771, in
Pennsylvania. His father, William Baird, was an old
Revolutionary soldier, who settled in Virginia some time after the close of
the war. On Sept.15, 1796, were celebrated the nuptials of George
and Jane (Moore) Baird. By this union there were born ten
children, five in Virginia, and subsequently five in Ohio. In the year
1803 - 04, they emigrated to Ohio, and settled in what is now known as
Jefferson Township, Brown Co., Ohio, on 300 acres of land about where
James, their son, at present resides. He built his log cabin and
prepared himself for the more arduous task of clearing the land. He
served during the war of 1812 for about thirty days, but was not under fire.
About the year 1817, he built a large two story hewed-long house, which was
more commodious and better adapted to the wants of his family. The
family continued to occupy this building till about the year 1835-36, when
James, his son, the subject of this sketch, built a new brick house
near the site first occupied by the log cabin, in which house he remained
for perhaps two years, when he died in December, 1838, his wife having died
in October, 1820. The cares of the household were then devolved upon
his daughters, who performed them for the greater part of the time.
His daughter Elizabeth, being the last one at home, having married,
he was obliged to substitute in her stead foreign domestics. This
state of affairs existed until the marriage of his son James,
whose wife then took charge of affairs. Mr. Baird was of a kind
and generous nature, given to hospitality, especially to the poor and needy.
IN his transactions with his fellow-men, he was always strictly honorable,
and his death was the occasion of considerable sorrow and regret.
James Baird, our subject, was born in June, 1809, in Brown County, Ohio,
and received but a limited education. On Nov. 8, 1832, he married
Miss Martha Bowar, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Brown County about
1812. After remaining in the neighborhood of Ripley for a short time,
they (Mr. Bowar and family) moved into the neighborhood of Pilson's
Mill, where they became permanently settled. Mr. Baird claims
that from the time his wife's parents settled there to the present time,
"they have not lived one-half mile apart." To them have been born nine
children - William S., George N., Robert B. (deceased, who enlisted
in the Seventieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the war of the rebellion,
and participated in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, in the attack on Fort
McAllister, and subsequently was with Sherman in his grand march to
the sea), Lewis W. (who enlisted in the Seventieth Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, and continued in the service until the close of the war, and
participated in the attack on Fort McAllister; carried into the ramparts,
facing shot and bayonets, the first Union flag), James A., Albert M.,
Sarah E., Jesse L. and Jane (deceased, who married William B.
Carey). Mr. Carey was a soldier in the Union Army, was
captured by the rebels in Virginia and thrown into different Southern
prisons until he was sent to Andersonville, where he met with the fate of
starvation. Mr. Baird has also reared three of his
grandchildren from infancy - George B., Ella C. Carey (deceased) and
William C. son of James A. Baird. Mr. Baird states that
since the new house has been built on the homestead, it has never been left
a night without an occupant, which is an uncommon occurrence. He has
served as Trustee for Jefferson Township, and is a member of the
Presbyterian Church, in which denomination he has acted as Elder for perhaps
thirty-nine years. He received from his father eighty acres of land as
his inheritance, and by his industry, perseverance and good management had
at one time about three hundred acres. He is still hale and hearty, of
a pleasant nature and veryentertaining.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 232 |
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Eagle Twp. -
JESSE J. BAIRD, physician, Fincastle, was born Mar. 1,
1854, in Jefferson Township, Brown Co., Ohio. His parents are James
and Martha Baird, of whom we have made mention in this work. After
receiving a rudimentary education, in the fall of 1872, he entered the Miami
University, where he pursued his studies until the following June. In
the fall of 1874, he again entered the Miami University, this time pursuing
a classical course until the following June. In September, 1875, he
entered Hamilton College, N. Y., where he continued his studies until date
of graduation, June, 1877. He then returned home and for one year
studied medicine with Dr. Salisbury, of Russellville, this county.
Having received his diploma from a proper medical institute, he located in
October, 1880, at Fincastle, and began the practice of medicine.
Although a young physician, he has secured a good patronage, and which is
continually on the increase. Mr. Baird is of a sociable, clear
disposition, and is a rising young physician.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 223 |
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Eagle Twp. -
GEORGE BAKER,
farmer, P. O. Winchester, Adams County, was born Jan. 13, 1811,
in Eagle Township, Brown County, Ohio. His parents were
John and Sarah (Rhoads) Baker; they settled in Eagle
Township, Brown County, about the year 1807, and were the
parents of six children, three of whom are still living, viz.,
John, Elizabeth and George. Our subject was
reared on a farm, and received but a limited education. In
August, 1846, he married Rachel Duffy, born in May 1822,
daughter of William and Margaret Duffy. To them
have been born five children - William J., Wilson S., Sarah
E., Margaret J. and Jerusha E. Mr. and Mrs.
Baker are both members of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Baker has been successful in business during life; is a
liberal contributor to enterprises which prove beneficial to the
county, and the owner of 353 acres of land, located in the
eastern part of the township.
Source: The History of Brown County
Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 223 |
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Washington Twp. -
HUSTON BARE, farmer, P. O. Sardinia, a native of
Franklin Township, was born Apr. 14, 1814. His father, William Bare,
was a son of William and Margaret Bare, who emigrated from Ireland in
1783, and settled in Mason County, Ky., where they both ended their lives.
His grandparents, on his mother's side, Robert and Jane Ewing, also
natives of the Emerald Isle, came across the waters in the same boat with
William Bare and family, and subsequently settled in Franklin Township,
where they were among the first settlers. Mrs. Bare, nee
Miss Esther Ewing, was born in Ireland, and came to this country with
her parents. In 1808, William Bare the father of our subject,
came and located in Franklin Township. He died in Montgomery, Mo., in
1848. Mrs. B. departed this life in 1822. Huston
the third son of the family, was reared to manhood on a farm. In 1840,
he moved to Sardinia, and was a partner with Moses B. Riggs in
merchandising till 1850, when he removed to his present farm. He is
the oldest and most successful merchant of Sardinia. Apr. 30, 1835, he
was married to Miss Jane McKinney, who died Dec. 2, 1862.
Mr. Bare celebrated his second marriage, Aug. 27, 1863, with Miss
Elizabeth J. Fieke, a daughter of Francis and Nancy M. Feike.
Mrs. Bare was born in this county, Oct. 23, 1836. Five children
were the fruits of this union, of these two are living, viz.: Orlan
E., born July 10, 1864, and Francis A., born July 11, 1867.
Effie M., born July 31, 1869, died July 4, 1874; Stephen F.
born Nov. 16, 1871, died May 11, 1875, and an infant daughter also died.
Mr. Bare is a member of the Baptist Church and Mrs. B. of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. Bare is a
Republican. In 1841, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and served
twenty-seven years consecutively. He was Trustee of Washington
Township six years and Treasurer ten years. In 1864, he was chosen a
candidate for County Commissioner and was elected by a handsome majority -
receiving a popular vote from the opposite party. When fourteen years
of age, he started out to fight the battles of life. He first began by
working by the month, going from good to better salary till he made a small
competency, which he judiciously applied, and, combined with unceasing
industry and rigid economy, he has accumulated large and valuable property,
owing at the present time 600 acres of land. For the last thirty-two
years, he has dealt extensively in cattle and Poland-China hogs, and has
been eminently successful in its pursuits.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 283 |
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Clark Twp. -
ROBERT A. BARNES, P. O. Hamersville, a prominent
land-holder of Clark Township, was born in this township Dec. 5, 1837.
He is a son of Joseph and Asenath (Peddicord) Barnes, the former a
native of Kentucky, of Irish descent, and the latter of Ohio, of German
parentage. Joseph Barnes came to Brown County when twenty-two
years of age, and lived there many years. He now resides in Smith
County, Kan., in his seventieth year. Our subject was reared on a
farm, and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits and the raising
of stock. He is well known throughout the township and well respected
by all. Mr. Barnes' political principles are purely Democratic.
In 1862, he was married to Asenath Applegate, a daughter of Adam
and Naomi (Wall) Applegate, natives of Pennsylvania, who located in this
county over one-half century ago. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are the
parents of three children - George C., Charles A. and Clarilla.
Mrs. Barnes is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Feesburg.
Mr. Barnes is a member of the Democratic party, and is the owner of 250
acres of good land, the old homestead on which his wife was born.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 179 |
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Pike Twp. -
FREDERICK BAUER, farmer, P. O. Surryville.
Frederick Bauer was born in Bavaria Germany, in March, 1839. He
was the third son and fifth child of George and Philipena (Christman)
Bauer. In his youth, he was trained to the pursuits of farming, in
which he is still engaged. In September, 1868, he married Catherine
Lutz, by whom he has three children - George, Elizabeth C. and
Thomas. In 1881, he was elected Treasurer of Pike Township in
which capacity he still officiates. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.,
and the owner of 235 acres of land. His parents emigrated from Germany
to America in 1815; came to Hamilton County, Ohio, where they remained a
number of years; then came to Clark Township, Brown County, where they
remained two years; then to Williamsburg Township, Clermont County, where
they remained four years; from Clermont County they moved to Pike Township,
Brown County, where they remained until 1880, in which year he moved to
Clermont County, where he died in April, 1882, having spent a life of
usefulness.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 213 |
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Pike Twp. -
MARTIN V. BAVIS
(deceased) was born in Illinois Feb. 22, 1839. He was a
son of John and Mary Bavis. His life was spent in
farming. On the 12th of July, 1856, he was united in
marriage with Miss M. H. McLean. Soon after their
marriage, he purchased ninety acres of land and engaged in
farming; this he continued until his death, which occurred Mar.
13, 1880. In the death of Martin V. Bavis, Pike
Township lost a good man and a valuable citizen. He
obtained his education in the common schools. The widow
never married again, but remained with her family on the home
farm. Mr. and Mrs. Bavis were the parents of nine
children, of whom seven now survive, viz., Finley,
Emma, Henry, Jesse, Maude, Gaylord
and Recksford.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers
& Co. - 1883 - Page 213 |
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Huntington
Twp. -
HARVEY BEASLEY (deceased), was born in this township Mar.
7, 1813, and was a son of Benjamin and Ann Beasley, old
settlers in the county, of whom mention is made in this work
He (Harvey) was married to Eliza Killen, by whom
he had eleven children - Eliza A., Mason, John H., Mary,
Erastus, Caroline, Margaret, Louisa, Henry (deceased),
William (deceased), and Alice (deceased).
Eliza A. was married to William H. Grimes in 1853, by
whom she had eight children - Elizabeth, Mary, Samuel,
Jessimine, William H., Ola B., Sallie, and an infant.
Mr. Grimes was born in Brown County July 4, 1827, and
died Feb .8, 1873; was a son of Samuel and Sallie (Brookover)
Grimes. Mrs. G. was married to L. P. Cord
Apr. 27, 1876. He (Mr. Cord) was born in Fleming
County, Ky., Apr. 12, 1835, and is a son of Garrett and
Martha Cord; the former a native of Maryland, and the latter
of Georgia. Early in life Mr. Cord began
teaching and was appointed Postmaster in Flemingsburg in 1855,
he having previously studied law. He has since followed
various pursuits in various places. July 23, 1862, he was
married to Ruth A. Williams. In 1872 he began the
practice of law at Mount Olivet, Ky., and shortly after was
elected Prosecuting Attorney of Fleming County, a position he
filled for several years; he was also Probate and Police
Magistrate. His wife died July 21, 1870. Since his
last marriage he has resided in this township. To Mr.
and Mrs. C. has been born one child (deceased) - Gertrude
By his first wife he had one child - Theodore (deceased).
Mrs. Cord owns 251 acres of excellent land well improved.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H.
Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 149 |
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Union Twp. -
JEPTHA C. BEASLEY, farmer, P. O. Ripley,
was born in Union Township, Jan. 5, 1809. He is a son of
Jeptha and Sarah (Fisher) Beasley, natives of
Spottsylvania County, Va. Mr. Beasley was
born Aug. 20, 1769, and Mrs. B. the same year. In
1794, they were married, and in 1796 removed to Maysville, Ky.,
and the following fall crossed the Ohio and located in Union
Township, where he purchased 100 acres of land. In 1818,
he removed to Ripley and followed boating to New Orleans for ten
years successively. He was, for a number of years, engaged
in merchandising with his brother, Nathaniel Beasley.
In 1828, he planted a vineyard containing two acres, which was
the first in the State. His death occurred Apr. 9, 1858.
He had served in various official capacities; among them was the
office of Justice of the Peace, which he held for fifteen years,
and County Commissioner four years. His father, Ezekiel
Beasley, and family removed from Virginia to Maysville,
Ky., in 1800, and died there. James Beasley,
brother to Jeptha Beasley, Sr., served in
the Revolutionary war, and was killed by the Tories in South
Carolina. His brother, Charles Beasley, left
Virginia and went to Lexington, Ky., thence for Louisville, but
was captured on the way by the Indians; he finally escaped at
Troy. He and his brother John both participated in
the battle of Blue Lick, where the latter was captured by the
Indians. Mr. Beasley, our subject, was
reared on a farm and received his training in the common
schools. When of age, he and his brother, William
Beasley, engaged in boating to the Crescent City, and
followed it six years. He was married, July 27, 1833, to
Sarah Shelton, a daughter of Thomas and
Sarah Shelton. Mrs. B. was born in
Mason County, Ky., Oct. 20, 1815. One child was born to
this family, viz., William T., married July, 1857, to
Miss Frances Douglas, a daughter of David and Mariah
Douglas, of Kentucky. Two children were the fruits of
this union; of these, one is living— Hattie; Horace G.
(deceased). Mr. Beasley is by occupation an
agriculturist and stock-raiser, and has been successful in the
pursuits of life. Mrs. B. has been a member of the
Christian Church for forty years. Mr. B. is a
Republican. He owns 178 acres of well-improved land.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio -
Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 52 |
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Huntington
Twp. -
MASSIE BEASLEY, Justice of the Peace,
Aberdeen. Probably no man in Brown County enjoys a greater
degree of notoriety than the above-named gentleman. He was
born in this township Jan. 3, 1811, and is a son of Benjamin
and Ann (Allentharp) Beasley. The former was born in
Virginia, Dec. 13, 1773, and died in this township July 24,
1851; his wife was born Dec. 25, 1777, and died Dec. 7, 1841
Benjamin was a son of Charles and Elizabeth Beasley.
Charles’ father was born in England. In 1788,
Charles Beasley with his family emigrated to
Kentucky, and in 1793 and 1794, Benjamin acted as an
Indian spy under Gen. Henry Lee, and did good service for
the pioneers. In 1796, he was married to Ann Allentharp,
and soon after joined a company gotten up by Gen. Nathaniel
Massie, to found a settlement where the city of Manchester
is now located. One year later, he came to this township
and bought 200 acres of land in Survey No. 2,627. He was a
man of good attainments and a skilled surveyor; he was
successful, and accumulated a large property. Ten children
were born to him— John T., Mary, Elizabeth, Jeptha, Lucinda,
Benjamin, Mason, Massie, Harvey and Julia Ann —all
deceased but Massie. The early life of our subject
was passed in a manner common with pioneer boys. His
scientific training was received under his brother Jeptha
and Adam Calderwood, surveyors of considerable
note. At the age of sixteen years, he had completed his
studies, and then took up civil engineering under the tutorage
of Mr. Calderwood. His business has been
extensive, and he has without doubt run more lines than any
other surveyor the county ever had. In 1850, he was
elected Justice of the Peace, of this township. In 1855,
he came to Aberdeen, aid has been Mayor of the place three
terms. In 1870, he was again elected Justice of the Peace,
and successor to the famous Thomas Shelton, Esq.
For fifty four years this remarkable man wore the ermine of
office, and during this time solemnized 4,000 marriages before
he died; his mantle fell upon the shoulders of our worthy
subject, who, since has with dignity and decorum linked together
“for better or worse,” the destinies of 3,000 couples. His
popularity as the “Marriage Squire” extends everywhere, and
those whose fondest desires cannot be realized because of
parental authority, have only to call upon the Squire, who will
in a few minutes, and in an impressive way, still their troubled
hearts in defiance of parental restrictions. Mr.
Beasley was married, Mar. 4, 1832, to Jane T., the
daughter of Henry and Sophia Cropper, by whom he had nine
children— James H., Thomas M., John F., Benjamin F., Eliza,
and four that died in infancy. Mrs. Beasley
died Sept/ 7, 1874, aged sixty-one years and twenty-three days.
Massie Beasley, the subject of this sketch, is a
well-preserved man, both physically and mentally; is buoyant and
frolicism in disposition, and highly esteemed throughout the
county.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H.
Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 148 |
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Eagle Twp. -
LOUIS BIEHN, farmer,
P. O. Bernard, was born Feb. 7, 1839, in Washington Township,
Brown County, Ohio. His parents were Louis and Eva C.
Biehn, who emigrated from Germany at quite an early day, to
Pittsburgh, Penn., where they resided seven years, after which
they came to Brown County, Ohio, and settled in Washington
Township. Our subject was reared to manhood on a farm, and
received but a limited education. On Apr. 5, 1868, he
married Eva Bush, daughter of George and Eva C. Bush,
of Kentucky, formerly of Highland County, Ohio. To them
have been born seven children, of whom six are still living,
viz., Charles E., George L., Mary L., John P., Jacob H.
and Catharine E. In October, 1861, he enlisted in
the Eleventh Ohio Cavalry, which operated principally in the
Rocky Mountains, protecting the mails and immigrants from the
depredations of the Indians. He was engaged in several
important battles and skirmishes, and received an honorable
discharge at teh close of the war in 1865. Mr. Biehn
is a member of the German Lutheran Church; the owner of
ninety-seven and one-half acres of land, pleasantly situated in
the western portion of the township.
Source: The History of Brown County
Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 223 |
| |
Perry Twp. -
FLORIN BERGER, farmer, P. O. Blanchester, Clinton Co.,
Ohio, son of Lucien and Annie Berger, was born in Baden, Germany, May
5, 1829. In 1837, his parents came to this country and settled in this
township with seven other children. His parents both died here; his
father in 1862, and his mother in 1857. Mr. Berger was married
here, July 29, 1852, to Nancy, daughter of John B. and Eleanor
Gus_in, born in Clinton County, Ohio. They have eleven children -
Peter, Sarah, Jemimah, Enoch, John, Andrew, Benage, Flora, Ellen, Fannie
and Joseph. Mr. Berger now has a fine farm of 70 acres, one
mile northwest of Ferristown, 20 acres of which he received from his father.
He has been Township Trustee several years, and Supervisor a number of
years, and is at preset a School Director.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 131 |
| |
Perry Twp. -
JOSEPH L. BERGER, farmer, P. O. Fayetteville, son of
Lucien Berger, was born March 19, 1818, in Germany. In 1835 or
1836, he came to this country and settled in this township, two miles south
of Fayetteville. Several years later, he bought a farm of 160 acres in
the northwest part of the township. He was married in this township,
at the age of twenty-seven years, to Lugard Berger, by whom he had
eleven children, nine now living - Martin, Joseph, Mary, Elizabeth,
Frances, Annie, Christina, Ellen and Peter. His wife died
in 1864, and he again married in this township, in 1865, to Margaret
Heitzelman. They have three children - Louis, Margaret and
Matilda. Mr. Berger received through his wife, who was an only
daughter, 100 acres of land. He afterward bought 63 acres adjoining.
In 1867, he bought 117½ acres of land where he
now lives, on which he moved in February, 1882. He now owns 432 acres
of fine land, about two hundred of which are under cultivation. Mr.
Berger has held numerous township offices. He is at present
serving his third term as supervisor; was Township Trustee about nine years
and County Commissioner three years. The family are all members of the
Catholic Church of Fayetteville.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 131 |
| |
Franklin Twp -
ABRAM BERRY, farmer, P. O. Georgetown, was born in
Pleasant Township, Brown County, Ohio, Feb. 27, 1824. His father,
Samuel Berry, was a native of Pennsylvania, who came to this county when
a young man. He located in Pleasant Township, where he resided till
his death. He was an engineer by trade, and worked at that through
life. He married Catharine Sowers, also a native of
Pennsylvania, who bore him ten children, six of whom are living. Our
subject was reared a "farmer's boy," and has always been engaged in
agricultural pursuits through life. His educational facilities were
limited; and, when quite young, he left the parental roof and went to
Ripley, obtaining employment on a farm near that place. Some time
after, he purchased a farm of forty nine acres near his present one, where
he resided thirty years. He then bought his present farm of
seventy-one acres, a portion of which is woodland. Mr. Berry is
a firm believer in the principles set forth by the Democratic party, and has
served his township as Road Supervisor. He was married, in 1847, to
Elizabeth Abbott, a native of this county. Of the eight children
born to them, six are living - Mary Ann, wife of Ira Hendricks,
a farm of Lewis Township; George, a farmer of Pleasant Township, who
married Sarah Morrow; Belle; Alice, Mary; and Charlie. Mr.
Berry, wife and eldest daughter are members of the Christian Union
Church.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 197 |
| |
Franklin Twp. -
S. P. BERRY, P. O. Ash Ridge, a well known and
enterprising agriculturist of Franklin Township, is a native of
Pennsylvania, where he was born Apr. 19, 1833. His father, John
Jacob Berry, was born in Germany, and emigrated to the United States
about 1831. He first located in Pennsylvania, where he married
Susan Rice, a native of that State, and a daughter of Andrew Rice.
In 1837, he came to Brown County, Ohio, settling on a farm adjoining
that now occupied by his son, where he lived till his death, Oct. 26, 1881.
Mr. Berry was the father of three children, two living - Elizabeth,
wife of George Houck, of this township, and S. P. The
subject of this notice was reared in Franklin Township, and what education
he obtained in boyhood days was picked up during leisure hours. He
lived with his father till attaining his majority, and then went to work on
a farm by the month. Some time after, he learned the carpenter trade,
which he followed as a business for many years. When about twenty-four
years of age, he bought forty-six acres of his present farm, and has since
added to it at different periods, until its present acreage numbers 233,
mostly under cultivation. The buildings on the farm where erected by
himself, and betoken the successful farmer. Mr. Berry's
politics have always been strongly Democratic, and for four years he was
annually elected to fill the office of Township Treasurer. He was
married, Sept. 16, 1855, to Mary A. Gwinner, a native of this county.
Of the ten children given them, seven are living - Michael, Simon,
Edward, Charlie, Lottie A., Louis F., Lafayette, Lizzie, Cora and
Matilda F. Mr. Berry, wife and family, are members of the
Protestant Evangelical Church of Arnheim.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 198 |
| |
Pleasant Twp. -
SAMUEL BERRY, farmer, P. O. Georgetown, was born in
this township, south of Georgetown, Nov. 15, 1801, the son of Jacob and
Elizabeth (Shick) Berry. His father was of Irish descent.
His maternal grandfather, Louis Shick, emigrated from Germany and was
bound out, on his arrival here, for several years to pay his passage, and
settled in Straight Creek among the first pioneers. Samuel was
raised on the farm and in earlier life was a great hewer of wood. He
prepared the timber for many a dwelling, and cut many cords of wood was only
an average day's work for him. By his unceasing toil, he obtained a
start in this world's goods, and labored long and hard to increase it.
He purchased the farm of his father from the other heirs and still occupies
it in the northwest part of the township. His politics are Democratic.
In 1827, he was married to Rebecca, daughter of Joseph and Dilly (Hannars)
Hamilton. Mrs. Berry was born in 1808. Their children
are Lorenda, wife of William Esby; Jane W., wife of Joseph
Ward; Deliverance, wife of Jacob Petacord; Mary E., wife of
James W. Herron; Amanda, wife of Joseph Richard; Robert, married;
M. D. L., married; Anna, wife of John Purcell.
Mr. and Mrs. Berry were both members of the M. E. Church, of which he
has been class leader. He remembers the time in early days when tea
sold for $3 a pound.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 4 |
| |
Sterling Twp. -
GEORGE W. BINGAMAN, farmer, P. O. Marathon, oldest son
of Solomon and Rebecca (Hook) Bingaman, was born in Highland County,
Ohio, Aug. 15, 1825. His father, Solomon, was born in
Pennsylvania July 6, 1795, and came to Ohio in 1797. His mother,
Rebecca Hook, was born in Brooke County, Va., in 1804. They
married in 1824. The subject of this sketch was married to Nancy A.,
daughter of Benjamin Hook, of Highland County; they had one daughter,
Catharine, wife of William Creager. Mrs. Bingaman died
when her child was an infant, and Mr. Bingaman still remains single.
He has led an active and varied life, sometimes as a contractor on public
works, and sometimes trading in anything he thinks there is money in.
He has traveled in almost every State east of the Rocky Mountains. He
was drafted during the war and paid $700 for a substitute.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 295 |
| |
Pleasant Twp. -
JOHN P. BIEHN, Georgetown, attorney at law, was born
at Neidersteinbauch, Alsace, Lorraine, France (now Weisenburg County,
Germany), June 17, 1827. His father was Henry Biehm, a
Burgeomiester, or Mayor, of that village, and for twelve years a soldier
in the French Army. He was subsequently a merchant there. He
married Katherine Yockey a native of Alsace, Lorraine, and while
Burgeomiester of the village, had six sons born to him. During
this period, the French and German empires were constantly quarrelling over
the possession of his native villages, and each had it garrisoned at
frequent intervals. The first son was born while the town was under
German rule, the other while under French, and so on, alternately, till our
subject, the sixth son, was born, the town at that time being a French
possession. Of the six sons born in one house, three were German by
birth, and three French. Mr. Biehn had a good position in his
native country, and was a man well to do in life. He did not like the
cramped position which liberty was forced to occupy, and a hope of freedom,
coupled with a strong desire to find, a better home for his children,
induced to him to come to America. In 1835, he made the journey, and
located in Washington Township, Brown County, Ohio, where he was engaged in
farming. He died in February, 1862, and is buried on the homestead
farm. Mrs. Biehn died one year previous. Three of their
children still survive - Henry Biehm, who has been Postmaster of
Ripley for the past thirty years; a sister,
Katherine, unmarried, and residing at Carson, Nev., and our subject.
Judge Biehn was reared on the old homestead. He had attended a
German school for two months previous to coming to America, and after
arrival in this country was an attendant at the district school for three
winter terms. He remained on the farm till twenty years of age, and
then went to Maysville, Ky. Here he secured a position in the
principal hotel of the village, remaining there three years. His older
brothers having married, or moved away, Judge Biehn returned home to
assist his father on the farm. In 1850, he was elected Recorder of
Brown County, on the Democratic ticket; he was re-elected, serving two terms
of three years each. He was subsequently Deputy Sheriff, under
Charles Oursler, for two years. During his official career, he
applied himself vigorously to the study of law, and was admitted to the bar
in 1857. Soon after, he formed a law partnership with William H.
Sly of Georgetown, and remained with him in law practice seven years.
When the war commenced, Judge Biehn sided with the Government, and
became a strong "War Democrat." His was President and Secretary of the
County Military Committee, and also served as Secretary of the Congressional
District Military Committee. When the drafting commenced, he was
appointed Drafting Commissioner of Brown County, holding that position one
year. He subsequently took affidavits of damage done by "Morgan's
Raid," while passing through Brown County. In 1864, Judge Biehn
was chosen Elector at Large for Ohio, on the Lincoln and Johnson
ticket, and stumped the State during the succeeding canvass. After the
war, he resumed his practice, leading a quiet and uneventful life until
1875. In the fall of that year, he was nominated and elected to the
office of Probate Judge of Brown County, serving two terms in this position,
and until his successor took the bench, in February, 1882. Judge
Biehn speaks German fluently, and in 1872, during the Greeley campaign,
stumped the State for the Liberal party, making thirty-six speeches in
thirty days, both in English and German. He was Secretary and member
of the Democratic Executive Committee of Brown County for many years.
In the practice of his profession, Judge Biehn has been very
successful, having accumulated considerable wealth, and a large amount of
valuable village property. He is connected by membership with the
Masonic Lodge, Chapter and Council, at Georgetown; Confidence Lodge 307, I.
O. O. F., of Georgetown, and the Knights of Pythias Lodge, at Russellville,
in Jefferson Township. Judge Biehn's parents were members of
the German Protestants, and the Judge was reared in that faith. He was
married, Jan. 4, 1853, to Elizabeth, daughter of Matthias Arn,
a prominent farmer of Franklin Township, residing near Arnheim. Five
children have been born to this union, three living - Mary A., who
served as Deputy Probate Judge under her father; Henry, and
Lisette, operator in charge of the Western Union Telegraph office at
Georgetown. The eldest daughter, Lillie D., was an excellent
musician, but died of consumption, contracted while attending a conservatory
of music at Cincinnati. The other child, Howard G., died at the
age of six months. Mrs. Biehn is a member of the Presbyterian
Church. In 1869, Judge Biehn was suddenly attacked with small
pox, probably contracted through correspondence. He suffered severely
during the winter months, and in the spring of 1870 decided to pay a visit
to his birthplace, and the scenes of other days." He left New York for
Ireland thence to England, having come business to attend to in each
country. He next visited Belgium, Brussels, Aux la Chapelle; thence to
Cologne, and up the Rhine to Alsace, Lorraine, his native country. The
Franco-Prussian war was in progress, and Judge Biehn, visited Sudan
three days after the battle; was at Strasbourg next day after the surrender,
and subsequently visited the battlefield of Woerth, which is only six miles
from his native town. While in the latter place, he was pointed to a
large granite schoolhouse, built by the village while his father was its
chief officer, and which bore the latter's name over the door. Since
retiring from office, Judge Biehn has become a Director of the First
National Bank, and also a Director and Treasurer of the Columbus & Ohio
River Railroad Company. In these latter positions, he has worked
faithfully and earnestly to secure for Georgetown and Brown County a
railroad on which to ship the many products, and to decrease the cost and
time of freight landed within the county's borders.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers
& Co. - 1883 - Page 4 |
| |
Jefferson Twp. -
LEWIS BLACK, farmer,
P. O. Russellville. John Black, father of our
subject, was born Nov. 24, 1800, in Pennsylvania. His
father having died, his mother, with the remainder of her
family, emigrated to Ohio. they were among the first who
settled on the main branch of Eagle Creek, near where our
subject at present resides. After living there several
years, she married William Smith, and she remained where
she settled until her death, in March, 1849. John
was married about the year 1824-25, to Catherine Moore,
by whom he had eight children, two of whom are still living.
He remained on the old homestead farm during the remainder of
his life, in the peaceful avocation of farming, and died April,
1856. His wife died in May, 1844. Lewis Black,
son of John and Catherine Black, and subject of this
sketch, was born Oct. 11, 1832, in Brown County, on the
homestead farm, where he still resides. He received but a
rudimentary education in his youth, but being a man of good
intellect and being able to grasp a subject with commendable
readiness, he has, by continual reading and study, become
familiar with many important topics of the day. In
December, 1869, he married Miss Jane Richey (deceased),
born in June, 1833, and daughter of Samuel and Ellen Richey.
This union has been blessed with eight children, six of whom are
still living - John W., Brice, Felicie M., James T.,
Catherine C. and Hester C. Mr. Black has a fine
farm of 141 acres, and is recognized as a good farmer.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers
& Co. - 1883 - Page 233 |
| |
Clark Twp. -
S. W. BLAIR, agent C. G. & P. R. R., Hamersville, is
the son of Samuel Blair and a native of Clark Township, where he was
born Oct. 24, 1847. He received a common school education in his
native township, and at the age of twenty years commenced teaching school,
at which he continued nearly five years, a part of the time in Woodford
County, Ill. He subsequently returned to Hamersville, where he engaged
in mercantile business with his brother under the firm name of C. C.
Blair & Bro. They met with good success in their enterprise, and,
on the retirement of his brother, our subject continued the business until
1876, when his store was destroyed by fire. His loss was considerable,
but by industry and economy he has succeeded in recovering his financial
standing. He received the appointment of railroad agent at
Hamersville, and in that capacity is giving universal satisfaction. He
was married, in 1872, to Miss Isabelle Price, by whom he has had two
children - Daisy Irene and Elmer Hamer. Mr. and Mrs.
Blair are members of the Disciple Church. He is a Democrat, has
acted as School Director, and is an earnest supporter of the public schools
of his village, in which he takes the greatest interest.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 180 |
| |
Pleasant Twp. -
GUSTAVUS A. BOEHM, farmer, P. O. Higginsport, was born
in Saxony, Germany, July 18, 1841, the son of Frederick Joseph and
Caroline (Sonday) Boehm, who emigrated to America in 1851. He
received a common school education in Germany, and chose farming as his
occupation. In it he has been successful, and now owns a farm of 158
acres, under a high state of cultivation, well adapted for tobacco raising.
He enlisted in Company G, Fifty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1862.
under Capt. Kautz, and was discharged in 1865. They have one
child, Caroline Rosa. Both are members of the Lutheran Church.
Mr. Boehm commenced life by working by the month, and has accumulated
his property by his own industry. He is a Republican. His father
died in Lewis Township in 1881.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 6 |
| |
Eagle Twp. -
HENRY BOHL
(deceased), was born in Germany, in January, 1813. In 1826
with his parents, Jacob and Catharine E. Bohl, he
emigrated to America. They came to Pennsylvania, where
they resided perhaps seven years. They then came to Ohio,
and settled in Eagle Township, Brown County, near Fincastle, on
the farm at present occupied by J. T. Parish. In
February, 1844, our subject married Mary Hennize, by whom
he had ten children, seven of whom are still living -
William, George, Henry, Christopher, Mary, Maggie and
Sophia. After their marriage, for perhaps twenty-two
years, they lived near Fincastle. Mr. Bohl departed
this life in December, 1866. His widow survives him, and
resides on her farm of 195 acres in the northern part of this
township.
Source: The History of Brown County
Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 223 |
| |
Clark Twp. -
JOSEPH BOWERS, farmer, P. O. Hamersville, was born in
Dauphin County, Penn., Sept. 9, 1819. His parents, John and
Margaret (Weaver) Bowers, were of German Descent. Mr. Bowers
left the parental roof and started to make his own living at the early age
of sixteen years. He embarked at Pittsburgh on the steamer Oswego as
cabin boy; the boat froze up on the first return trip from Louisville at
Hanging Rock, and he had to walk to Pittsburgh. On the opening of
navigation he shipped on the Dolphin as bar-keeper, and continued three
years, then went to school a short time in Pittsburgh, then worked awhile in
a blacksmith shop, and then worked at steamboat building for a couple of
years, the most of the time in the finishing shop. All this time he
was preparing himself for an engineer. He shipped for his first trip
on the steamer Lilly as assistant engineer, and continued in the Wabash
trade about three years on different boats. He then went on the Lower
Mississippi trade, and was on the Mattamora when she sank in Cyprus Bend.
He was in the Government service during the Mexican war on the steamer
William R. McKee, on the Rio Grande, for nearly a year. He then
went back to the Mississippi trade, where he continued on the different
rivers of the South up to within a short time of the rebellion. During
the civil war, he was enrolled as an engineer in the United States service,
but was not called into active service. During his long and eventful
career as a steamboat engineer, not a single life was lost by the
carelessness or incapacity of the officers. Mr. Bowers was
married in 1850 to Rehab Higgins, daughter of Wesley Higgins,
a native of Brown County, and soon after, in 1854, settled in Clark
Township, where he has since resided. He was in the huckster and
grocery business for several years, and then bought his far and went to
farming. He raised three children, all girls - Emma B. (wife of
Charlie De Vore), Sarah Ada (wife of George W. Moore),
and Dora M.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 180 |
| |
Huntington
Twp. -
REV. T. J. BOWMAN, minister, Ripley, was
born in this township in the year 1846, and is a son of
Benjamin and Mary (McElwee) Bowman, old settlers in the
county. The early life of our subject was spent upon the
farm, and at the same time he obtained a good practical
education in the district schools. In 1864, be enlisted in
the One Hundred and Seventy-second Regiment, of which he was
Drum Major; he served seven months and was honorably discharged
in 1865. In 1878, he entered the ministry of the Christian
Church, in which he labored as a minister until his ordination,
which took place Sept. 11, 1880, since when he has labored
regularly in the Southern Ohio Conference of the Christian
Church. June 2, 1876, he was married to Miss Abigail Bartley.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H.
Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 149 |
| |
Perry
Twp. -
PETER BOWMAN, farmer, P. O. St. Martin’s,
son of Peter and Ellen Bowman, was born in the southern
part of France Apr/ 7, 1812. He remained in his native
country until 1847, when he emigrated to America. Landing at New
York, he remained there one month, after which he came to Perry
Township and located in the vicinity of St. Martin’s. Here
he met and, in 1856. married Mary Henry, a
daughter of Joseph and Margaret Ann
Henry, and by her had seven children, viz.: Julia,
Peter, Joseph, Frank, Catharine (deceased), Rosa and
Anne. In 1867, Mr. Bowman purchased
and moved on to the farm he now occupies, which consists of
eighty-two acres of fine arable land. His children all
live at home with their parents.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H.
Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 131 |
| |
Jackson Twp. -
BENJAMIN BRADY (deceased), was born May 22, 1813, in
Franklin Township, Brown County; he was reared on a farm and received but a
rudimentary education. In October, 1849, he married Abigail Shaw,
born in September, 1812; this union was blessed with ten children -
William A., Mary J., Thomas H., Sarah A., Nancy E., Elizabeth T., Arminda,
Joseph K., Benjamin D. and George E. Mr. Brady has served
as Trustee of Jackson Township, and was held in high estimation by the
community in which he resided; his death was regretted by all who knew him.
He was a kind and loving father and indulgent husband, and departed this
life in June, 1875. Not only is his presence missed by neighbors and
friends, but by loved ones of his own family who mourn their irreparable
loss. His widow still survives him, now in her seventieth year, and
resides in the northwestern portion of the township.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 274 |
| |
Pleasant Twp. -
CAPT. JOHN T. BRADY, farmer, P. O., Georgetown, was
born in Jackson Township, Brown Co., Ohio, Sept. 17, 1836, the son of
John and Mary (Moore) Brady, both of whom were natives of this county.
His grandfather, Thomas Brady, settled in Brown County in 1800.
The subject of this sketch received his education in the common schools, and
adopted farming as his life pursuit. He has carried it on with
complete success, and is the proprietor of a fine farm of 290 acres, near
Georgetown. In 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company A, Seventieth
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served throughout the war. He was with
Sherman in the grand march to the sea. He rose form the ranks to
the command of his company, and was discharged with it at Little Rock, Ark.,
in 1865. In 1875, he was elected Sheriff of Brown County, and served
two years. His marriage to Rachel Rhoten was celebrated in
1873. They have three children - Rosa, Belle, Sarah A., and
John W.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 6 |
| |
Eagle Twp. -
JOHN C. BRECKENRIDGE, farmer, P. O. Fincastle, was
born Apr. 14, 1830, in Eagle Township, Brown County, Ohio, near where he at
present resides. His parents were Samuel and Mary (Cross)
Breckenridge. They settled in Eagle Township about the year 1829,
and were the parents of nine children, four of whom are still living -
John C., Mary J., Eliza R. and Sarah T. Samuel died in
October, 1878; his widow survives him, now in her seventy-ninth year.
Our subject was reared to manhood on a farm, and received but a limited
education. In March, 1857, he married Elizabeth J. Duffy, by
whom he had one child - Mary C. She died in May, 1858. He
subsequently married Ella Blair, daughter of William and Louisa
Blair, of Pike Township, Brown County. This union has been blessed
with four children, viz., William J., Robert W., James S. and
Sarah L. Mr. Breckenridge has served as Treasurer one year, and
Justice of the Peace nine years, for Eagle Township. He is the owner
of seventy-five acres of land, located near Fincastle.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 223 |
| |
Huntington
Twp. -
JOSEPH BRISBOIS, farmer, P. O. Ripley, was
born in France in the year 1822. He was reared on a farm
in his native land, where he followed farming until he came to
this country. In 1855, he emigrated to America, landing in
New Orleans, from which place he came to Kentucky, where he
lived three years in Mason County. In 1858, he came to
this county and rented land for two years on Brush Creek.
He then purchased fifty acres near Carlisle, to which he added
fifty more, on which he lived for six years, when he sold his
property and came to where he now lives. He owns seventy-five
acres in the home farm and eighty on Laferty Creek, near Eagle
Creek. His land is all under cultivation, and is well
improved. He has been successful since he came to the
county, and from nothing he has made a good and comfortable
home. While in France he served six years in the French
Army, five years of which time he was on the Island of Martinet.
In 1851 (in France), he was married to Christena
Kaufman, who has borne him eight children, five
living—Benjamin, Magdalena, Catherine, Christena and John. The deceased are Mary,
Joseph and Josephine. He and entire family
belong to the Catholic Church. In politics, he votes with
the Democrats.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H.
Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 149 |
| |
Pike Twp. -
A. B. BROOKS, teacher, Locust Ridge, was
born in Clark Township, Brown County, Ohio, Oct. 10, 1851, and
is a son of Rev. William Brooks, who was a Baptist minister for
a period of forty years. He was born in Clark Township,
Brown County, Oct. 10, 1805, and was united in marriage with
Abigail Rounds, who was born in Brown County in 1812.
A. B. Brooks was the eighth child and seventh son.
He acquired a common school education, and is a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was married to
Salina B. Long, Feb. 26, 1875. He began work for
himself at twenty-one years of age. He first engaged as an
apprentice to learn the carpenter trade, and his health would
not permit him to follow that. He then engaged as teacher
in the common schools, a profession he has followed for seven
years. He was elected Justice of the Peace, in Pike
Township, in April, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks are
the parents of two children, viz.: William H. and
Augustus O. Mr. Brooks ranks to-day among the
intelligent men of his neighbor hood, and enjoys the confidence
of all who know him. He and his wife both belong to the
Christian Church.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers
& Co. - 1883 - Page 214 |
| |
Clark Twp. -
A. E. BROOKS, farmer, P. O. Hamersville, was born in
Clark Twp., Mar. 6, 1834. His parents were John and Nancy (Curliss)
Brooks, the former born four miles south of Lexington, Ky., and the
latter a native of Pennsylvania. They were among the early settlers to
Brown County. Our subject received a good common school education, and
spent six years of his early life in teaching. He now owns the farm
upon which he resides, and is devoting his time to farming, making tobacco
raising a specialty. He was married, in 1858, to Miss L. Neal,
a daughter of John and Betsey Neal, who were early settlers in this
vicinity. Seven children are the surviving issue of this union -
Nancy V., John, Sherman, Ida, Thomas, Ora and Albert. Mr. and
Mrs. Brooks are members of the M. E. Church, in which he has been a
classleader and Steward. He is an Odd Fellow, a Democrat and for six
years was a Justice of the Peace.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 180 |
| |
Pike Twp. -
J. BROOKS, farmer, P. O. Surryville.
Mr. Brooks is a son of John and Nancy Brooks,
was born Aug. 9, 1830, in Clark Township, Brown County, was
raised and educated a farmer, and has always been engaged in
that pursuit. His educational advantages were very
limited. He was married to Clarissa Cowdery,
and engaged in business for himself at twenty years of age.
He rented land for twelve years, then bought twenty acres, where
he now resides. He and his wife both belong to the
Methodist Church. His political views are Democratic.
They had ten children, of whom eight are living, viz.: Oscar
C., Augustus, Charlie, Olive, Sarah Elizabeth, Frances Mary,
Acksa Isabelle and Eva. Mr. Brooks is noted for his
honesty, and as a neighbor, enjoys the confidence of all with
whom he is acquainted.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers
& Co. - 1883 - Page 214 |
| |
Pleasant Twp. -
JOHN E. BROSE, farmer, P. O. Georgetown, was born in
Baltimore, Md., Sept. 19, 1829. His parents, John G. and Maria (Kober)
Broe, emigrated from Wurtemburg, Germany, to the United States, in 1827.
They lived in Maryland four years; then came West to Cincinnati, and in 1833
to Brown County, settling seven miles north of Georgetown. John G.
Brose was a baker and confectioner by trade, and became a highly
respected citizen of Brown County, and a prominent member of the Masonic
fraternity. His death occurred in 1877. John E. worked
with his father at the baker's trade till he was twenty-three years old,
then commenced the business of farming, and has followed it with success
since. In 1852, he was married to Miss M. E. Fyffe, a daughter
of Perry Fyffe, of this county, and has the following children:
Lucinda J. (the wife of J. D. Richards, of Clark Township),
Frank A., John P., George, and E. K. Mr. and Mrs. Brose are
members of the Presbyterian Church. He has served his township as
Justice of the Peace, and Trustee; is a Democrat, and prominent Freemason,
and member of the lodge of United Workmen.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 6 |
| |
Pike Twp.
E. E. BROWN, farmer, P. O. Surryville, was born in
Russellville, Brown Co., Ohio, Feb. 24, 1860, and is a son of James E.
and Minerva Brown. James E. Brown was born near Russellville,
Brown Co., Ohio. He was married Nov. 9, 1858. He was a school
teacher, and taught until Sept. 7, 1864, at which time he died, being the
thirty-eighth year of his age. Mrs. Brown remained a widow
until Apr. 9, 1870, when she married Thomas Robinson. Young
Edwin Brown commenced business for himself while very young; he first
engaged in farming, and thus continued until he purchased forty acres, where
he now resides. He was married Feb. 24, 1882, to Georgia Donley.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 214 |
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Scott Twp. -
EPHRAIM BROWN, farmer, P. O. Brownstown, was born in
Brown County, Ohio, Aug. 11, 1815, he is a son of John and Lettice (West)
Brown. His father, a native of New Jersey, enlisted during the war
of the Revolution, but was not accepted on account of his youth; removed to
Ohio about 1795. The subject of this sketch was married in 1835, to
Lucy, daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Wait) Fuller, a native of
Vermont. They raised one daughter—Samantha Frances, born
Mar. 20, 1840, and wife of John L. Smith. Lucy (Fuller)
Brown was born Nov. 11, 1819, and died Apr. 14, 1882. John L.
Smith was a member of the Fifty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was
wounded at the battle of Stone River. Mr. Brown and wife are
members of the Christian Church. Mr. Brown is a modest,
hard-working farmer, and made what he owns by hard labor.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 247 |
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Clark Twp. -
JAMES C. BROWN, farmer, P. O. Hamersville, was born in
Franklin Township, Brown Co., Ohio, Feb. 3, 1837. He was the son of
D. D. and Elizabeth (Abbott) Brown, early settlers of Brown County, the
former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Ohio. The father came to
Ohio in 1800, and located in Franklin Township. He died in 1879,
leaving a widow who still survives him. Our subject received his
education in the common schools, and early commenced the occupation of
farming, at which he continues. He owns land in Illinois and in Clark
Township. He is a Democrat and has been a school director. He is
an energetic and enterprising young man, capable of filling almost any
office in the county.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 180 |
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Jefferson Twp. -
JOHN BROWN, farmer, P. O. Red Oak. John Brown,
the pioneer and grandfather of our subject, emigrated from Kentucky to what
is now known as Brown County, Ohio, about the year 1801. He settled on
the waters of Straight Creek near the old county seat in Franklin Township.
Here amid the varied scenes of pioneer life was reared William Brown,
father of the subject of this sketch, who was born Mar. 14, 1799, in
Kentucky. He received a good English education, which enabled him to
teach school for several years. He married in 1820, Elizabeth
Edwards, daughter of Col. George Edwards, one of the early
settlers of Brown County. They had nine children, four of whom are
still living - John, Thomas J., Lettice M. and Lizzie F.
After living in different parts of Brown County, he finally settled on a
farm in the southern portion of Jefferson Township, on the waters of Red Oak
Creek. This occurred about 1830, and he remained there until his
demise, in February, 1841. His widow survived him until April, 1874.
He served as Justice of the Peace for Jefferson Township, and was a member
of the Christian Church. In his death, Brown County lost a worthy and
energetic citizen. John Brown, our subject, was born in August,
1823, in Brown County, Ohio, was reared to man's estate on a farm and
received but a limited education. In April, 1853, he married Rachel
A. Records, born in October, 1824, daughter of John N. and
Rachel Records The Records originally came from Maryland
and settled in Adams County, now Brown, about the year 1799. This
union has been blessed with four children, two of whom are still living -
Charles E. and Omar E. He has served as Trustee for
Jefferson Township, is a fervent member of the Christian Church, and the
owner of 171 acres of land.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 234 |
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Franklin Twp. -
JOHN E. BROWN, farmer, P. O. Russellville, was born on
Straight Creek, in Franklin Township, Apr. 26, 1828. His father,
David D. Brown, was a native of Brown County, Ohio, and an agriculturist
through life. He married Eliza Abbott, also a native of
Franklin Township, who bore him eight children. Mr. Brown
departed this life in 1879. Mr. Brown still survives, and
resides in Clark Township, four miles from Bethel. John E. Brown,
attained his majority on his father's farm, obtaining the benefits of good
English education. He early learned the carpenter's trade, and
followed it for about twenty years, erecting all the buildings on his own
farm, and many of the substantial residences and barns in that portion of
Brown County. He also worked at his trade in New Orleans for two
winter seasons; but not liking the country, came back to Ohio. On
February 9, 1857, he purchased 111 acres of land - his present farm - which
is located on both sides of Straight Creek, and the Ripley & Arnheim pike.
A short time since, Mr. Brown gave one-half acre of his land to the
school district in which he resides; upon which was erected a handsome frame
schoolhouse. Mr. Brown has been fairly successful in life; is
Democratic on National questions. but locally votes for the man who will
best serve the community; and has officiated as School Director. He
was married, Mar. 6, 1856, to Sarah E. Coombes, a native of Southern
Indiana. They have eight children - William M. (who married
Annie Kendall), Levi E., Clement A., Annie May, Addie Ora, Lee
Owen, Eddie E. and Lora Eliza.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 213 |
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Pike Twp. -
R. A. BROWN, retired farmer, P. O. White Oak. To
another of the early settlers of Pike Township we are pleased to allot a
space to the biographical album of this work. He has been a resident
of this county since his birth, which took place June 11, 1819, and has been
schooled in the pioneer days of Brown County, passing through the trials of
those days. He was raised to farm life, and shortly after his marriage
he began farming as a renter. Thus he continued for a few years, when
he bought fifty-three acres; not liking the location, he sold and purchased
two other tracts, and neither of these tracts suiting him, he sold and
bought 126 acres where he now resides. His marriage with Elizabeth
Wardlow, was solemnized Sept. 30, 1840. The following children
were the issue of this marriage, eleven in number, of whom seven now
survive: Mary, Martha, William R., Adda, Robert L., Jackson J.
and James H.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 214 |
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Eagle Twp. -
REASON R. BROWN, farmer, P. O. Emerald, Adams Co., was
born in September, 1813, in Adams County, Ohio; son of Thomas and
Catharine Brown, who were among the early settlers of Adams County.
Our subject was reared to manhood on a farm, and received a rudimentary
education in a district school. In November, 1841, he married
Elizabeth Gutridge, daughter of Benjamin and Rachel Gutridge.
To them have been born five children, three of whom are still living, viz.:
Robert F., Lucinda J. and Franklin W. In March, 1842,
Mr. Brown located in the eastern portion acres of land, pleasantly
located, and in good state of cultivation.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 223 |
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Green Twp. -
SAMUEL R. BROWN (deceased), was born June 20, 1817, in
Antrim County, Ireland. His parents were Allen and Margaret E.
Brown, with whom, when he was seven years old, he emigrated to America,
and by way of Baltimore came to Kentucky, where they remained but a short
time. About the year 1825, they came to Ohio, and located at Point
Pleasant, Clermont County, where they remained but a short time. They
then went to Highland County, where they engaged in the mercantile business
several years. They then spent one year in Brown County, when they
went to Oxford, Butler County, and engaged in the mercantile business
several years; from Butler County, Mr. Brown moved to Hillsboro,
Highland County. In April, 1868, he located in Brown County, Green
Township, where his son Charles E. now resides. He was one of
the most prominent stock-raisers in Southern Ohio, his farm, known as the
"Sterling Stock Farm" is now judiciously managed by his son Charles E.
Brown, who, since his father's death, has sustained the reputation of
the Sterling Stock Farm which his father established. Mr. Brown
was greatly given to hospitality and kindness, and his marked success in a
financial view is apparent, having left to his family a fine estate of 550
acres of land. The homestead farm is pleasantly located in Green
Township, and is one of the finest in Brown County. He died at the
homestead Dec. 22, 1881. His wife died Dec. 12, 1880. They were
the parents of eight children, seven of whom are now living - Margaret
E., John A., Anna M., Charles E., Edward W., James D. and Mary B.
Mr. Brown was a man of sterling integrity and reliable character and in
his death Brown County lost one of her most worthy citizens.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 259 |
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Jefferson Twp. -
THOMAS J. BROWN, farmer, P. O. Red Oak, was the third
child of William and Elizabeth Brown of whom we have made mention in
this work, and was born Jan. 12, 1825, in Brown County, Jackson Township.
He received the rudiments of an English education in a district school.
Having selected for his future companion, Miss Margaret A. King,
daughter of Hugh and Sarah King their nuptials were celebrated in
December, 1849. This union has been blessed with ten children, eight
of whom are still living, viz.: Edward F., Ida B., Orlando E.,
Lillie M., Oscar L., William T., James H., and Lewis L. In
1872, Mr. Brown moved from Jefferson Township to Georgetown, where he
was for some three or four years part proprietor of the woolen mills.
He remained in Georgetown until 1871, when he returned to his farm in the
southern portion of Jefferson Township, where he still resides. While
in Georgetown he served as Street Commissioner, and as Trustee for Pleasant
Township. Mr. Brown and wife are both members of the Christian
Church. He is a Democrat and the owner of ninety-six acres of land.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 234 |
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Huntington Twp.
JOHN BUCHANAN, farmer, P. O. Ripley, was born in Balfron, Scotland, in the year 1823. His early life was passed in his
native village, where he received the rudiments of his education in the
common schools of the town. After becoming of proper age, he was
apprenticed to a shoe-maker and, after he had acquired the trade, he
commenced business on his own responsibility. On June 6, 1849, he
emigrated from Glasgow to New York, which latter place he reached after a
voyage of forty-nine days. From New York he came by way of Buffalo and
Eire to the Ohio River, then to Ripley, Ohio, on the old Mayflower.
The latter place he reached August 6, following. He made his home in
Brown County, Ohio, and for nearly three years followed his trade in
Maysville, Ky.; after which he engaged in farming, having purchased an
interest in 198 acres of land, where Thomas Buchanan now lives.
Here he carried on farming for several years, when he purchased his present
farm of 184 acres, which is the result of different purchases. On this
land he located in 1860, and it has since been his home. He has been
successful in his business operations, and has a well improved and highly
cultivated farm. He has been Trustee of the township three terms and
held some of the minor offices, such as School Director, etc. He has
been a member of the School Board since 1861, and Superintendent of the
Colored School Fund since its organization. He is a member of the
Union Lodge No. 71, F. & A. M., Ripley Chapter, and Cincinnati Commandery
No. 3. He and wife are members of the Huntington Presbyterian Church,
of which he is a Trustee. He was married Dec. 13, 1860, to Isabella,
daughter of Samuel and Sarah Hiett, old settlers. To them have
been born nine children, namely - Sadie J., Thomas S., Mary E., Swinton
J., Anna Y., Margaret M., George H., Elizabeth S. and Samuel H.,
deceased. Mr. Buchanan returned to Scotland in 1854, and again
in 1858, making five times he has crossed the ocean. Mrs. Buchanan
was born in this township August 7, 1837.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 151 |
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Huntington Twp. -
THOMAS BUCHANAN, farmer, P. O. Ripley, was born in
Scotland in the year 1833, and is a son of Thomas Buchanan, Sr., a
native of Scotland. Our subject resided in his native land until 1849,
when he came to this country, and found work with one John Thomas in
this township. His industry and economy enabled him, in 1851, to buy
sixty-six acres, where he now resides; and at the present time (1882) he
owns 324 acres of land. He is a Free and Accepted Mason, belonging to
Union Lodge, No. 71, Commandery No. 3, and Cincinnati Consistory. Apr.
13, 1853, he was married to Ellen, the daughter of Samuel and
Sarah (Gilbert) Hiett, by whom he was married to Ellen, the
daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Gilbert) Hiett, by whom he has had ten
children, viz., John, Thomas, Sarah A., Janet, George, Griffith,
Elizabeth, Ruth, William, and Samuel (deceased). Mr.
Buchanan has been very successful, and is one of the foremost in
improvement and prosperity. Samuel Hiett, father of Mrs.
Buchanan, was a son of William and Mary (Daniels) Hiett, of
Virginia, who settled in this township in 1806, buying 300 acres of land in
the Hite Survey. Seven children were born to them, three of whom are
living. Mr. Hiett was born July 14, 1803. He died in
1868. Mrs. Hiett died in 1866.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 151 |
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Pleasant Twp., -
GEORGE BURGETT, farmer, P. O. Georgetown. Mr.
Burgett was born in this township Mar. 24, 1840. His parents are
Samuel and Mary (Brazelton) Burgett, the former a native of this
county, the latter of Gibson County, Ind. He attended school in his
own township, and has followed the avocation of farming. In 1863, he
united in marriage with Louisa Mitchell, the daughter of George
Mitchell, an early settler of Brown County. Five children have
blessed their marriage Emma, Felix S. (deceased), Everett
Lewis, Ella and Samuel. The religious connections of Mr.
and Mrs. Burgett are with the New Light Church.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 7 |
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Pleasant Twp. -
JOHN V. BURGETT, farmer, P. O. Georgetown.
Mr. Burgett was born in this township in 1842, and is the son of
Samuel and Mary (Brazelton) Burgett. He received a good common
school education in his home district, and then gave his attention to
farming. He has a pleasant little home of sixty-eight acres, and has
recently erected a neat and substantial residence. In politics, he is
a stanch Republican, and is outspoken in the expression of his political
opinions. His marriage to Mary Milburn, of Gibson County, Ind.,
occurred in 1865. Three children have blessed this marriage
Clara Lee, Clark Milburn and Cordelia Florence.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers &
Co. - 1883 - Page 7 |
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Pleasant Twp. -
SAMUEL BURGETT, Georgetown, is one of the oldest and
most prominent citizens of Pleasant Township, and Brown County. He was
born on the farm where he now resides Jan. 25, 1812. His parents were
Valentine and Mary (Lane) Burgett, natives of Virginia, the former of
German and the latter of English parentage. Mr. Burgett was
raised a "farmer's boy,{" and has been a farmer through live. In 1829,
his father died, and soon after Mr. Burgett purchased the farm of 240
acres of the heirs. When twenty-three years of age, he engaged in
boating on the Ohio River, and followed it for five years. His father
gave him $300 when he attained his majority, which has been all he has
received, except from his own labors. In 1874, he commenced dealing in
leaf tobacco, barreled pork and flour, having at one time 75,000 pounds of
tobacco, 1,000 barrels of flour and 250 barrels of pork. Investments
in these products proved quite satisfactory in a financial point of view,
and were continued until 1881,when Mr. Burgett turned over his
business to his son-in-law, John A. Tweed, a former partner, who is
still engaged in buying and shipping tobacco. Mr. Burgett has
been twice married. His first wife was Harriet Parker, daughter
of William Parker. They were married in 1831, and one daughter
is living - Harriet, wife of Samuel Brazelton. Mrs.
Burgett departed this life Nov.18, 1832. Mr. Burgett was
again married, in 1839, to Mary G. Brazelton, a native of Gibson
County, Ind. Of their six children, three are living - George, John
V. (soldier in the late war), and Cordelia (wife of Jacob
Rainey). Mr. Burgett and wife are members of Olive
Chapel, of the Children denomination, in which body he has been a Deacon
from date of organization. Politically, he is Republican, and he
served two terms as Township Trustee. Samuel Burgett was born,
reared and educated in Pleasant Township, and has there lived during his
long and useful life. He was present at the erection of the first
brick building in Georgetown, and has watched with strange interest in the
progress made in all parts of the county during these intervening years.
Not only has he watched, but the better part of his life energies have been
given to advance the cause of morality, social life, business and
agriculture. For seventy years he has toiled earnestly, early and
late, to make a home for his children, and a count of which they will be
proud. Mr. Burgett is probably the oldest inhabitant, by birth,
in Pleasant Township, and none is more highly esteemed. Himself and
wife are genial and kind-hearted, and by their acts of benevolence and
charity have endeared themselves to one and all. His long life has not
been a failure financially, for he has amassed a sum sufficient for old age,
and to benefit those who survive him.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 7 |
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Eagle Twp. -
GEORGE BUSH, farmer,
P. O. Bernard, was born Feb. 2, 1822, in Bavaria, Germany.
His parents were Adam and Charlotte Bush. In his
youth, he learned the trade of shoe-making, which he followed
for many years. In September, 1847, he married
Catharine Zerell, by whom he had eight children, viz.:
Louisa, Catherine, Henry, George, Mary, Matilda, Elizabeth
and William. In 1852, with his family, he emigrated
to America; came to Cincinnati, where he worked at his trade
about two years. He then moved to Fincastle, Brown County,
where he was engaged in shoemaking five years. He then
moved to the farm on which he at present is located, in the
northern portion of this township. Mr. Bush
is a liberal contributor to all enterprises having for their
effect the rise and progress of the county and the elevation of
humanity.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers
& Co. - 1883 - Page 224 |
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