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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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1883 BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
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Clark Twp. -
JAMES S. SALISBURY, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O.
Hamersville, was born in Pleasant Township, this county, Oct. 28, 1832.
His parents were Thomas Salisbury, a native of Pennsylvania, and
Martha (Martin) Salisbury, a native of Ohio and a sister of Judge
Martin. He was reared on a farm, and received a common school
education. He commenced life by farming; rented land, after which he
purchased fifty acres, concluding to settle in this county after and
examination of three or four States. He resides on the Ohio pike,
where he owns 180¼ acres of land, most of which
is under a perfect state of cultivation. He was married, in 1858, to
Theresa Gray, daughter of Rev. Samuel Gray, a minister of the
Christian Church. This union was blest with seven children - Albert
g., Martha Etta, Mary Louella, Thomas L. (deceased), James W., an
infant (deceased), and Sarah M. The three eldest , with the
parents, are members of the M. E. Church, in which Mr. S. was Trustee
and a class-leader for ten years.. His relatives on both sides were
Presbyterians and Republicans. He has made all he has by his own
efforts, and is a much respected citizen.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 191 |
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Scott Twp. -
J. R. SCOTT, farmer, P. O. New Hope, was
born in England June 29, 1815, and emigrated to America with his
parents, Thomas and Ann (Leahman) Scott, when he was
quite young. They first settled in Edwards County, Ill.,
but subsequently moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where our subject
received a good common school education. He was the fourth
child of a family of eighteen children, and at the age of
fourteen years was put to work at the butcher’s trade. He
soon opened a shop of his own, and for nearly twenty-eight years
sold meat in the markets of Cincinnati. Since 1854, he has
been engaged in farming in Scott Township, where he owns 141
acres of land. He was Township Treasurer when the rebel
Gen. Morgan made his raid through South ern Ohio, and
of course received a call from that brigand robber. In
1838, Mr. Scott married Margaret Gibson,
a daughter of George Gibson, of Brown County, and
by her had nine children—W. G., a physician in Pueblo,
Colo.; Thomas, a soldier in the Seventh Ohio Infantry,
died in Indiana, in 1879; Mary Ann (deceased);
Albert, who lost his life in the service of his country;
Elizabeth (deceased); Mattie, wife of M. Watson,
of Indiana; Sarah A., wife of George Brooks; J. B.,
a farmer in Iowa, and George at home with his parents.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in
which he has been Trustee, class-leader and Superintendent of
the Sabbath school. He is a Republican and a charter
member of the Odd Fellows Lodge.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers
& Co. - 1883 - Page 255 |
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Huntington
Twp. -
JOHN C. SCOTT, farmer, P. O. Aberdeen, was
born in this township Apr. 26, 1813, and is a son of Robert
and Joanna (Cooper) Scott. His father was born in
Kentucky, and was a son of John, Sr., a native of
Virginia, who settled in Kentucky about 1795, and in this
township in either 1801 or 1802, in which he lived till his
death. Robert was married to the daughter of
William Cooper, and lived in this township till his death,
which occurred at the age of fifty-six years. He was a Trustee
of the township, and held other minor offices. During the
old muster days, he was Major of a military company. To
him were born thirteen children—John, William, Jane, Nancy,
Elizabeth, Martha, Exhira Amanda (deceased), wife of
Dr. W. H. Evans; Isabelle, and four died in
childhood. Feb. 9, 1837, our subject was married to
Millie A. Howard, and in 1838 settled where he now lives.
He owns 415 acres of land, which is in excellent farming
condition. He and wife are members of the Christian
Church, to which they have belonged for forty years. Ten
children have been born to them, seven living—James R., John
W., Ellen, Martha, Mary, Millie and Franklin; the
deceased are William, Tamar and Reny.
John W. was a member of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer
Cavalry, and saw active service throughout the war.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers
& Co. - 1883 - Page 175 |
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Lewis Twp. -
SALLEE SISTERS, P. O. Higginsport. Eliza J.
and Martha Sallee are daughters of James H. and Maria (Jones)
Sallee, and grand-daughters of Abraham and Lucy (Nelson) Sallee,
the two latter natives of France, where they were reared and married, but
soon after set sail for America and settled in Kentucky, where George
Bartlow now lives, opposite Higginsport, in 1795. They both died
in that State, at advanced age. Of their children, James H. was
the fourth, and was born in Kentucky July 23, 1898; he grew to maturity in
his native State, and Sept. 1, 1819, married Maria Jones who was a
native of Fauquier County, Va., born May 30, 1801. She remained in her
native State until 1815, and having at this time lost her parents, she came
to Kentucky. She was the eldest of three children. Four years
after, she and James H. were united. They came to Ohio,
locating near Felicity, in Clermont County, where he purchased land, but in
1827 came to Lewis Township, Brown County, and bought 150 acres of land in
R. K. Mead's Survey, No. 1661. To this he added through life,
until 211 acres was the amount. He began to clear his farm with but
little or no assistance, but with a will and determination he succeeded.
He labored long and hard, and on December 1, 1869, ended the earthly career
of one of Lewis Township's noble citizens. His wife died July 22,
1876. They were both members of the church of the Disciples in
Georgetown. He was a man of firm principles, although he had few
educational privileges when a youth. In riper years, he was a hard
student and became a well-posted citizen. His nine children all
reached maturity, viz.: Abraham, William, Lucy, Robert C., Eliza
J., Emily F., Martha, John L., and the youngest, Nannie, wife of
Judge Tarbell, of Georgetown. Abraham was at one time
surveyor of this county, but now resides in Dixon, Ill. William
educated himself, and labored as a minister in the Disciples church a period
of nearly forty years, and died, Nov. 1, 1879. Robert C. is a
practical druggist. Lucy is the wife of Josiah Eakin,
now in Illinois. Emily T., is the wife of George McLean,
also, in Illinois. The two sisters, whose names head this sketch,
reside on and own the old homestead, and manage its cultivation. They
are lovers of good books and are well informed.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers &
Co. - 1883 - Page
114 |
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Perry Twp. -
PATRICK SAVAGE, attorney, Fayetteville, son of
George and Sarah A. (Cane) Savage, was born in Perry Township, near the
Ursuline Convent, May 4, 1844. He was reared on a farm till eighteen
years of age, when he was bound to Judge Sloane, Hillsboro, Highland Co.,
Ohio. He remained about one week, when himself and another student,
James Vickers, concluded to run away, and as the war of the rebellion
was then raging, they enrolled their names. Patrick enlisted in
Cincinnati, in the Seventy Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Capt. Lewis.
He was in thirty-six engagements, including skirmishes, and after serving
three years he was discharged at Nashville, and returned to Fayetteville and
read law under James H. Thompson, of Hillsboro, and was admitted to
the bar at Georgetown, Sept. 11, 1868, and has since practiced in this
village, where he is enjoying a good practice. He was married here,
Jan. 6, 1869, to Rosa A., daughter of Joseph and Rosa A. Brulport,
born in Boston, Clermont Co., Ohio, in 1851. They have three children
living - George F., Rosa B. and Clifford; two deceased,
Francis and Clarence.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers &
Co. - 1883 - Page 145 |
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Union Twp. -
J. M. SCHWALLIE is a native of Brown County, where he
was born in 1853. His parents, Jacob and Mary M. (Kraener)
Schwallie, were native of Alsace, Germany, who embarked to America in
1830, and soon after made this settlement in Union Township, and thereby
becoming pioneers, where Jacob resided until the close of his life in
1878. His estimable wife survives him and resides at Russellville.
The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, which avocation he closely
followed until 1880, when he became engaged in raising and selling tobacco.
By industry and close economy, he had been enabled to purchase 11½
acres near Ripley, upon which he has erected a storehouse and is doing a
safe and profitable trade. During the year 1881, he shipped to
Cincinnati, Ohio, 115,000 pounds of tobacco, and the demand is greater than
the supply. He was married, in 1881, to Miss Elizabeth Fox, a
native of Hamilton County, Ohio. The family are members of the
Catholic Church, and are highly respected.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W.
H. Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 84 |
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Huntington Twp. -
ROBERT SCOTT, JR., (deceased), was born in this
township in the year 1835, and was a son of Robert Scott, Sr., of
whose family mention is made. Our subject was reared to farm pursuits,
and was married to Margaret Brookover June 18, 1865, after which he
settled on the farm where his widow and her second husband now live, and
where he died Mar. 29, 1872. He was a member of Charter Oak Lodge, F.
and A. M. To them three children were born - Edward C., Ira I.
(deceased) and Ezekiel. Mrs. S. was married , the second
time, to John Carrigan July 1, 1879, and by him ahs had one child -
Andrew R. Mr. C. was born Dec. 16, 1839, and is a son of James
and Mary (Gray) Carrigan. Mrs. C. and her husband are members of
the Christian Church.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 175 |
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Lewis Twp. -
BENJAMIN SELLS, JR., farmer, P. O. Feesburg.
Benjamin Sells, the grandfather of this gentleman, emigrated from
Pennsylvania to Ohio in the early part of the present century, settling in
the present limits of Clermont County. His wife was Catherine,
daughter of Charles Baum an early pioneer of Lewis Township, Brown
County, who is mentioned in the body of this history. Of their
children, Samuel, the father of our subject, was born and raised in
Ohio, and after having endured many years' hard labor, died.
Benjamin, Jr., was born on the farm he now owns, in the year 1835; he
was raised to farm life and enjoyed the usual common school privileges.
He gave his father the benefit of his time until his marriage with Emily
Chapman, a native of Clermont County, in 1856. She died in 1862,
the mother of three children - Ella, Mary S. and Emma.
In 1864, Mr. Sells married for his second companion, Lucy Joslin,
to whom has been born six children, viz., John, William, Bertha, Harvey,
Silva and Ida. Mr. Sells still continued his boyhood
occupation (farming) and owns 100 acres of good land fairly improved, and,
as most of the land of Lewis Township is reasonably well adapted to the
raising of tobacco, he makes that his principal crop. He is a man of
medium size, possesses a fair constitution, and is politically inclined to
the Democratic party.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 114 |
S. B. Sheldon, M.D. |
Sterling Twp. -
DR. S. B. SHELDON, physician, P. O. Five Mile,
youngest child of Thomas and Mary Sheldon, was born in Tate Township,
Clermont Co., Ohio, Dec. 16, 1842, and was raised on a farm, and received a
good common schools education. He enlisted as a private December,
1861, in the Forty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was veteranized in 1864,
and was discharged in January, 1865. He participated in the following
hard-fought battles: Shiloh, Corinth, Holly Springs, Yazoo Swamp, Arkansas
Post, Magnolia Hills, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, siege of Vicksburg
and Jackson. He graduated in Miami School of Medicine and Surgery,
Cincinnati, in 1869, and commenced the practice of medicine. He was
married, Dec. 25, 1872, to Ruth A., daughter of James and
Elizabeth Dennison of Cincinnati, and sister of Dr. Dennison, of
Westboro. Dr. Sheldon is a respected member of the I. O. O. F.
fraternity; he is a well-read physician, and enjoys an extensive practice.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 301 |
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Sterling Twp. -
JUDGE THOMAS SHELDON, farmer, P. O. Five Mile, son of
Thomas and Mary (Burr) Sheldon, was born Aug. 11, 1807, in the State
of New Jersey, of English and Welsh descent, and came with his parents to
Ohio, in 1818. He was married in 1831 to Elizabeth, daughter of
Samuel Bradbury, a native of Clermont County, of English descent; her
parents came to Ohio about 1800. They had born to them six children -
Mary S., still single; Caroline, wife of A. Scott, of
Green Township; Elizabeth, wife of Edler C. W. Garoutte of
Dayton; Lydia B., wife of Alfred Conner, of Perry Township;
Anna H. of Tayler Conner, of Sterling Township; and Dr. S. B.
Sheldon. Judge Sheldon settled in Tate Township, Clermont County,
Ohio, in 1833, and served as Justice of the Peace eleven years, when he was
appointed Associate Justice on the Common Pleas bench of Clermont County,
and served seven years. He was Trustee of Tate Township. He
removed to Brown County in 1853, and has been Trustee of Sterling Township,
and Justice of the Peace six years, also a Notary Public over forty years.
His business ability and sterling honesty have kept him in business all his
life, but he always operated a nicely kept farm. He is a member of the
Christian Church, licensed to preach in 1840 and Clerk of the General
Conference thirty-one years. He lost his first wife and married
Mary, daughter of Thomas Fitzwater, and widow of J. J.
Thompson, July 4, 1874. Few men can look back on a more busy or
well-spent life than Judge Sheldon, who is venerated and respected by
all.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 300 |
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Lewis Twp. -
B. B. SHINKLE, Farmer, P. O. Higginsport. To
another of the descendants of a worthy pioneer family of Lewis Township we
dedicate this shetch. He is a son of Michael Shinkle,
whose biography appears in this volume, and a native of this township where
he was born Apr. 2, 1843. The early part of his life was spent at
home, assisting his father in the rural duties, and attending the winter
schools in the country district. He was raised by Christian and loving
parents, and now adheres to the church of his choice - Christian - his wife
also being a member of the same denomination. Her maiden name was
Eliza Mefford, and to her he was joined in wedlock Jan. 16, 1868.
To this union have been given three children, viz.: Charlie C.,
George E. and Albert L. Mr. Shinkle's principal crop is
tobacco, the staple crop of the county. Mrs. Shinkle is a
descendant of a pioneer family of Union township, Brown County, Ohio.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 116 |
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Clark Twp. -
GEORGE W. SHINKLE, farmer, P. O. Hamersville, son of
John L. and Malinda (Jones) Shinkle, was born in Clark Twp., this
county, Mar. 23, 1848. His grandfather, Christian Shinkle, was
among the early settlers of what is now Lewis Township, emigrating from the
State of Pennsylvania and settling on what was known as Shinkle's
Ridge, in this county, prior to 1810. John L. Shinkle, son of
Christian and father of George W., was born in Lewis Township,
Sept. 25, 1810, and his wife, Malinda (Jones) Shinkle, was born in
Clermont Co., Ohio, Sept. 17, 1819, her father having emigrated from the
State of Kentucky. John L. is by trade a cabinet-maker, having
learned that trade at Higginsport, and there followed it for a number of
years. The children born to John L. and Malinda Shinkle are
Louisa J., Lewis M., Letha E., Thomas J., George W. and John C.
In 1847, the father of our subject removed to Clark township, and, in
connection with farming, carried on a nursery for a number of years.
Himself and wife are now residents of Clark Township. In politics he
is a Republican. Our subject was reared on a farm, and received the
usual district school education known to farmers' sons, and having arrived
at manhood he was united in marriage with Martha, daughter of
Oliver and Barbara Crawford, Apr. 14,1870, and to them were born
Maggie and Minerva G. The wife died Oct. 17, 1877. On
the 28th of November, 1878, Mr. Shinkle was married to Elizabeth,
daughter of William and Caroline (Wood) Leach, the former a native of
Kentucky, who was born in 1807, and the latter a native of Ohio. The
wife of our subject was born in Lewis Township Jan. 1, 1847. Their
children are Willard E. and Silva E. Mr. Shinkle has
been engaged in farming all his life, and for a number of years carried on
the nursery began by his father. Both himself and wife are members of
the Christian Church, and, in politics, he is a Republican.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio -
Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 191 |
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Lewis Twp. -
M. H. SHINKLE, farmer, P. O. Higginsport, is a son of
Michael Shinkle, whose sketch appears above, and was born Jan. 2,
1848, in Lewis Township, Brown County, Ohio. Like many other sons of
the pioneer families, he assisted on the farm at home until of age.
In the meantime he had opportunities for a fair education, which he
improved, and finished his school career at the National Normal School of
Lebanon, Ohio. Though amply prepared to teach, he never engaged in the
profession, but preferred the common routine of a farmer's life, in
cultivating the crops - corn, wheat and tobacco; of the latter he raises
quite extensively. He is one of the well-to-do young farmers of Lewis
Township, and owns 193 acres of good land. On Dec. 6, 1876, he was
married to Josephine Park, of Higginsport, where she was born Nov.
20, 184. She is a descendant of William Park, mentioned in
Russel Park's sketch in this township. She was raised and educated in
her native village, and was engaged in the profession of teaching from
sixteen to within one year of her marriage.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 116 |
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Lewis Twp. -
MICHAEL SHINKLE, farmer, P. O. Higginsport, is a
grandson of Christian Shinkle, who is mentioned in the pioneer
history of this township. He was the father of thirteen children, of
which John B. was the eldest son, and was born in Pennsylvania, near
Philadelphia, in the year 1789, where he reached his sixteenth year.
At this time, his father emigrated to Ohio, where he matured amid the
primeval forest of the State, assisting in all the pioneer family duties and
giving his time to his parents until about the year 1812,when he married
Susanna Gray whose parents were early settlers near Felicity. He
was a Democrat. Early in life, he became a supporter of Christianity
and joined the Christian Church, under the ministerial service of Elder
Gardner. In this, his chosen denomination, he reared his family, who
imbibed the same doctrine. He died, a worthy citizen much respected,
in the year 1844, and his wife, in 1865. Their children were nine in
number, of whom six grew to maturity. Of the family, our subject is
one of three sons, and is the second eldest of the family; he was born Mar.
6, 1815, in what is now Lewis Township, Brown Co., Ohio, and is one among
the oldest native born citizens now living in the township. In early
life he endured many privations, but now in advanced age he enjoys the
fruits of his labors. His education was acquired in the common schools
of his day, but from fourteen years of age he devoted his time to teaming
until his majority, when, on Dec. 1, 1836, he united in marriage with
Miss Sally A., daughter of Elder Matthew Gardner; she was born
Dec. 5, 1815, in Brown County, where she has ever since resided. Soon
after their marriage, they settled on the farm where they now live. He
has devoted his entire life to farming, and is one of the well-to-do
citizens of the township. He and wife have been members of the
Christian Church for many years, and he has been a Trustee. Their
children were eight in number, of whom six are now living, and all married.
The youngest, Michael E., was born Feb. 7, 1854, and still resides on
the old home farm. During his early life enjoyed the benefits of the
common school and assisted his father. In 1876, he married Miss
Sarah Marsh, by whom he has had two children.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 115 |
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Lewis Twp. -
WALTER L. SHINKLE, farmer, P. O. Higginsport, is a son
of Michael Shinkle, whose sketch appears above. He was born
Sept. 13, 1837, in Lewis Township, Brown Co., Ohio. Here he grew to
manhood under his parents' care, and gave them his time until his majority,
when, on Nov. 30, 1858, he united in marriage with Miss N. E. Nowlin
a native of Dearborn County, Ind., born in October, 1837. To this
union has been given five children. Soon after their marriage, he
settled on the farm where he now lives and began its cultivation, and with
the exception of a few short intervals has resided there since. He has
devoted about ten years of his time as a tobacco merchant, and recently has
devoted some time to carpentering, being handy with tools and having a taste
for this pursuit, which he coupled with farming and tobacco-raising.
His life and manner of living has given him rank among the leading citizens
of the township. He is a Trustee of the township. The interest
shown by him in educational affairs deserves special mention, as he is
especially interested in the education of the rising generations, and has
been a member of the Board of Education since 1868, and Superintendent of
the colored school since its organization in the township. He and wife
are both members of the Christian Church, in which he now serves as Deacon
and Church Clerk.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 115 |
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Pleasant Twp. -
FREDERICK SHUSTER, miller, P. O. Georgetown, born in
Germany July 12, 1825, the son of J. F. Shuster. He received
his education in the common schools of Adams County. At the age of
twelve years, he concluded to learn the tanner’s trade,
and left home to find a place. Arriving at Georgetown he engaged
himself to Jesse R. Grant, father of Gen. Grant, and remained
with him a year, when Mr. Grant sold out, and the subject of this
sketch turned his attention to milling, and has followed it ever since.
He worked by the month for ten or twelve years, and since that time, has
owned and controlled a mill of his own. He is the proprietor of the “
Tunnel Mill,” about a mile west from Georgetown, erected in 1843 at a cost
of $2,500. The mill is propelled by both steam and water, and has four
run of buhrs. He also owns twenty acres adjacent, the total value of
the property being $5,000. Mr. Shuster was married, in
1850, to Jacobina Kohler, a native of Germany.
They have six children—William J., John G., Frederick, Elizabeth,
Mary and Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. Shuster are both
members of the Georgetown M. E. Church, of which he has been Class Leader,
Steward and Trustee. His politics are Republican.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio -
Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 39 |
| |
Union Twp. -
WILLIAM H. SLY, attorney, Ripley, is a son of
Joseph and Eliza (Laymon) Sly, and grandson of Jacob Sly who
pioneered his way to Cincinnati in 1792, and made his residence in the old
block house until he had selected a home on the East fork of the Little
Miami, in Clermont County, where he cleared a farm, raised a family, and
lived his allotted years. On this farm, Joseph was born, who,
in 1826, moved and settled on Glady Run, Brown County, where he and his
companion lived to attained the age of seventy-four years. The subject
of this sketch was born on the homestead Feb. 12, 1824. His early
years were spent in working on the farm and securing such education as could
be gathered in the winter months from the rude cabin schoolhouses of that
day. By perseverance and close application to study, he obtained a
good common school education. In 1844, he began the study of law in
the office of Sheets & Howard, of Batavia. After three years of legal
tuition, he was admitted to the bar. Subsequently, he was engaged in
teaching school, and on May 1, 1851, began the practice of his profession at
Fayetteville, Ohio. In the summer of 1855, he removed to Georgetown,
and in the fall of the same year was elected Prosecuting Attorney.
This office he filled two years with great satisfaction to his constituents.
In April, 1869, he settled in Ripley, and has since been successfully
engaged in his professional calling. His service one year (1873) as
Grand Master of the State I. O. O. F., Mayor of Ripley two years, and his
rank in Masonic fraternity afford evidence of his esteemed citizenship and
professional abilities. Mr. Sly has always been an active
participant in political affairs, and taken a deep interest in public and
private enterprise. During the rebellion, his energies were directed
in raising the Fourth Ohio Cavalry, and was elected First Lieutenant but
resigned the position. His marriage to Miss Mary E. Gray,
daughter of John and Nancy Gray, occurred Sept. 12, 1855. To
this union five children were born, three of whom are living - Annie,
William R. and Jennie G.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W.
H. Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 85 |
| |
Lewis Twp. -
C. W. F. SMITH, cultivator of small fruits, grapes and
tobacco, P. O. Augusta, Ky., was born June 17, 1822, in Mecklenburg,
Germany, and is a son of John Jacob and Christiana Smith, who
were both natives of that country, where she died in 1879. John
was by occupation a turner, and turned many articles of great value from
ivory, horn and fine metals. His military service was under
Napoleon. He was the father of eleven children, five of whom are
now living, one being a professor in a university. John came to
the United States in 1838, and remained in Philadelphia until 1847, when he
came to Augusta, Ky., where he followed his trade until his death, in 1852.
He had almost reached the allotted time of man - threescore and ten years.
Our subject is the seventh child, and he as well as his other brothers and
sisters came to America subsequently to their father at different intervals.
He brought his sister Philipine to the United States, in 1841,
stopping in Philadelphia, where he, in 1842, enlisted in the United States
Navy as a musician, and made a trip with Caleb Cushing to China,
remaining in service three years, and making a trip around the globe.
His sailing aggregated 67,000 miles. His discharge dates 1845, at
Norfolk, Va. He then followed his profession (teaching music), until
1853, when he settled in Brown County and bought his present farm of
twenty-five acres, in Lewis Township. He then began cultivating
grapes, but finding it different to what he expected, and that it did not
justify him to devote his entire time thus, he resumed the teaching of music
a part of the time, and finally began the raising of tobacco and other small
fruits, which receives his attention at present. In 1857, he married
Johanna Cramer, a native of Germany, born in 1837, but since 1850, a
resident of the United States. The issue of this union is nine
children, eight of whom are still livng, and under the parent roof.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 116 |
F. M. Smith |
Green Twp. -
F. M. SMITH, Mt. Oreb. A little less than a
century ago, where we now live in the enjoyment of churches, schools,
railroads, telegraphs, daily mails, manufactories, National banks, and in
fact nearly everything which tends to make up civilization, and to give to
life enjoyment, lived another peculiar people, known as the red men of the
forest. Here he pitched his wigwam beside the flowing stream, and the
young Indian warrior wooed and won his dusky mate. Here the wild beast
roamed at will, and was seldom molested in his forest home among the hills
and along the valleys. Contentment reigned supreme, and the Indian was
monarch of all he surveyed. But at an unguarded hour the civilizer
crossed the beautiful Ohio, pitched his tent upon its shore, and proceeded
to take possession of the fertile spot now known as Brown County; and with
the oft repeated blows from the pioneer's ax the giant trees fell as doth
the grass before the scythe. With strong arms and brave hearts, homes
were established in the face of the savage and to the dismay of the wild
beast, and now as we look upon the broad meadows covered with green verdure
and golden fields of grain, and enjoy our pleasant homes, our hearts swell
with gratitude to our fathers who braved the storms and disappointments of a
then new and unbroken country, and established for us a free government.
Among the early settlers of Brown County were Benjamin and Rachel Smith,
who were both born in Maryland of Scotch and English parentage. From
Maryland they emigrated to Kentucky, where they lived several yeas; in 1804,
they came to Brown County, Ohio, and settled where Georgetown at present is
built. They cast their lot with others who preceded them, and made a
purchase of a considerable tract of land. They had nine children whose
names were respectively James, Nancy, Benjamin, Rachel, Mary, Benton,
Rebecca, Nicholas and Elizabeth. However, the father did
not live long to enjoy his home; for, soon after the close of the war of
1812, he died, leaving his family in comfortable circumstances. The
children proceeded to add to what was left them by their father, and
gradually increased their possessions of this world's goods. But that
spirit which characterized their father was inherited by the children, and
they began to think of pitching their tents toward the setting sun; so they
continued to travel Westward until several of the families are represented
in California. However, one Nicholas, the youngest son and
father of the subject of this sketch, remained in this county. He was
born in September, 1801, and when twenty-four years old, married Mrs.
Sally Richards, a widow with two sons - John and William.
They enjoyed the blessings of wedded life for more than half a century, when
death called him away to the bright land above from whence no traveller
returneth. He was the father of ten children, of whom four are now
living - Alexander, resides in Illinois; James G., Rebecca J.
and Francis M., our subject, who still lives near the old homestead.
Richard fell, defending the flag of the Union in the late rebellion,
at the battle of Pittsburg Landing, in April, 1862. About 1830,
Nicholas Smith moved to what is now known as Green Township, and began
to establish for himself a home in the forest. He participated in the
organization of the first Methodist Episcopal Church in the township, of
which he was a member, also a member of the first Sunday school, and is said
to have been the second Whig voter in Green Township. He had served as
Justice of the Peace, and was respected and honored by all who knew him.
His wife, Sally, was born in Maryland Apr. 13, 1800, and is of
English descent. With her parents, Richard and Rebecca Spires,
she came to Ohio in 1812. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church when first organized in Brown County. She is still living and
enjoying good health at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. Their
son, Francis M., subject of this sketch, the youngest child and
seventh son of the family, was born in Brown County July 10, 1844, at the
old homestead, two miles north of Mt. Oreb. He received a good common
school education, and when twenty yeas old began teaching school, which he
followed for perhaps three years. When twenty-four years old, he went
on a Western tour, visited a brother in Illinois and returned home in March,
1868. On Feb. 16, 1870, he married Miss Sarah E. Rice, daughter
of Benjamin and Eliza Rice, now of Clermont County, Ohio. At an
early day, July 3, 1871, death entered his home, robbed him of the companion
of his youth, and his home became broken up. On Oct. 28, 1871,
he formed with Joseph Clare, Esq., of Bethel, Ohio, a
partnership in the mercantile business at Mt. Oreb, and continued
therein six years, a portion of the time they having the only store in town.
In April, 1875, our subject was again married; this time to Mrs. Mary E.
Cochran, widow of the late John G. Cochran, son of Joseph
Cochran, President of the First National Bank at Georgetown, Ohio.
She was the mother of two children - Ella and Peggie.
Soon after his marriage, Mr. Smith quite the mercantile business and
retired to his farm north of and adjoining Mt. Oreb, where he now resides.
He became identified with the Cincinnati & Eastern Railway Company, in the
infancy also one of the incorporators of the Columbus & Ohio River Railway
Company, and was elected one of its Directors at the first election held by
the company, and now holds the office of Secretary. He has been
repeated elected and re-elected to office in Green Township, notwithstanding
his being a Republican and the township largely Democratic. He has
also been connected with nearly every public enterprise which would prove
beneficial to the township in which he resides. Mr. Smith has
for nearly nineteen years been identified with the Methodist Episcopal
Church; has held nearly every office in the church, and has repeatedly been
elected lay delegate to the Annual Conference. He is now in the ninth
year of his superintendency of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday school at Mt.
Oreb, which is in a flourishing condition. He has on child living -
Sallie V., born June 14, 1876. As a leading and respected citizen
of Brown County, there are none who are more worthy of representation in
this work.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 269 |
| |
Scott Twp. -
JAMES J. SMITH. Mr. Smith is about
a year younger than Henry Young, and these two gentlemen are
the oldest persons in the township. Mr. Smith is one of
those fortunate persons who have a real history, that is to say, an eventful
life whose incidents are not all merely personal. He was born Sept. 8,
1803, in what at that time was called Tinkey Bottoms, in Hamilton County,
Ohio. His mother’s maiden name was Morris, and she was a sister of Hon.
Thomas Morris, who acquired fame in the Senate of the United
States by the fearless advocacy of certain political innovations of his day.
Her father was Isaac Morris, a native of Harrison County, Va.,
and as Mr. Smith styles it, an “old-side Baptist” preacher. Mr.
Smith’s father dying when he was only six years of age, he was left
to the care of relatives, and thus became the ward of his uncle Thomas
Morris. At the age of ten years, he was placed in the office of
the Western American, a paper published at Williamsburg, Clermont Co., Ohio,
by Mr. Morris, to learn the art of printing. Here he was
diligently employed for a year, and then was intrusted with the distribution
of the paper to the much scattered subscribers of the county, although he
was scarcely more than eleven years old at the time. He did not ride
part of the distance on stage coach, or cart, or in a buggy or wagon, but
made the entire voyage on horseback through a wilderness where roads were
not one of the conveniences of traveling. While in the family of his
uncle, Thomas L. Hamer, then a student of law, joined it to read law
in the office of Mr. Morris. The friendship and intimacy
that sprung up between the young printer’s apprentice and the young law
student and future statesman continued till the death of the latter in
Mexico after a meteoric career, crowded with brilliant achievements.
Prior to the year 1829, Mr. Smith was employed in different
printing offices, sometimes as journeyman, and others as superintendent.
He and Mr. Hamer owned and conducted the Benefactor, a weekly
published at Georgetown, Thomas L. Hamer, editor, and James J.
Smith, printer. Subsequently, he served one year in the office of
the Ohio Monitor, published in Columbus, and one year in the State Printing
Office, also in Columbus. He worked one year in the office of the
Star, printed in Cincinnati, and, finally, in 1827 or 1828, co-operated with
Samuel Medary in the management of the Ohio Sun, printed at
Bethel, Clermont Co., Ohio. Mr. Smith was married to
Rosanna Wood, of Clermont County, Sept. 16, 1835, John
Quinlan, Justice of the Peace, officiating. He has been several
times chosen Justice of the Peace, has filled nearly every office in the
township, was elected Auditor of Brown County in 1840, and re-elected in
1842, has a commission of Coroner dated 1836, and signed by Gov.
Lucas, and was appointed by John Patterson, United States
Marshal, to take the sixth census in 1840.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 255 |
| |
Clark Twp. -
S. B. SMITH, minister, Hamersville. Samuel
Bernard Smith, a son of William and Elizabeth (Hoover) Smith, was
born in Bath County, Va., Mar. 24, 1820, both natives of Virginia.
Grandfather Hoover was a native of Germany; served six years and nine
months in the Revolutionary war, and died in 1844 at the advanced age of 107
years. The subject of this sketch, while young, had the advantage of
only a meager common school education, and came to Ohio in 1841 and engaged
in the ministry two years later, and which he was engaged for thirty-six
years, serving two years as Presiding Elder of the M. P. Conference.
Mr. Smith was one of the mild, quiet, persuasive preachers, and never
inclined to be stormy, but the high estimation in which he was held is
attested by the honor conferred by being twice Presiding Elder. He was
retired to the superannuated list in 1879. Mr. Smith was
married, in 1846, to Ellen Jane, widow of Samuel Davis, and
daughter of Robert and Margaret (White) Kennedy (see Clark Township
history). They have five children - Samuel K. (married and
living at Piketon, Ohio, and Principal of Schools), Ella Bell (widow
of Elsberry Young, killed by the falling of the C., G. & P. R.
R. Bridge across the Little Miami July 24, 1877), Emma (wife of
Thomas M. Lucas), Charles Garwood, Jessie Estella.
Grandfather William Smith, of English descent, was a soldier in Gen.
Marion's army, and lived to be one hundred and four years old.
Mr. Smith is an honored member of Fayette Lodge, No. 107, F. & A. M.
Was initiated in West Union Lodge No. 43, I. O. O. F., and is now a P. G. of
De Soto Lodge, No. 374, and officiating Chaplain. Mr. Smith is
an honest, quiet citizen, who only needs to be known to be esteemed.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 192 |
| |
Jefferson Twp. -
SAMUEL A. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Russellville, was born
June 26, 1831, in Highland County, Ohio. He was the youngest child of
John J. and Ruth Smith; was reared to manhood on a farm and received
but a limited education. In February, 1854, he was united in marriage
to Mary J. Howland, born Nov. 8, 1830, daughter of Izarus and
Sarah Howland. They have had nine children, seven of whom are
still living, viz.: Izatus, William H., Hettie, Mary, Ruth A., Emma
and Edminston. In the fall of 1858, he settled on a farm in
the eastern portion of Jefferson Township, where he still lives. His
farm is in a high state of cultivation, and thereon he has erected
commodious and substantial buildings. He has been successful as an
agriculturalist, owing to his good management and having a thorough
knowledge of those principles upon which the successful agriculturist must
rely. He has served as Trustee for Jefferson Township, is a member of
the Methodist Church, a Republican, and the owner of about 230 acres of
land.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W.
H. Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 243 |
| |
Lewis Twp. -
JACOB SNIDER, farmer, P. O. Felicity, Clermont Co.,
Ohio, is a son of Christian Snider, who was born near Reading, Penn.,
and in early life learned the tailor's trade, but followed it comparatively
little after reaching Ohio early in the present century. In his native
State, he married, about 1802, Catharine, daughter of Jacob Miller,
who is mentioned in Samuel Wise's sketch of this township. The
settlement of Christian and wife dates in the same year as the Wise
settlement - 1806. They located on part of the 1,000 acres in the
forks of Bullskin Creek, having at that time two children. The 160
acres of land given him by his father-in-law was all in the woods, but in
due time they had a few acres cleared on which could be raised the most
necessary crops for a living, and with energy and industry the little
opening grew to a large open and productive farm. Thus they trod the
path of life in union until 1855, when his death occurred; she followed in
about one decade. Their connection with the Presbyterian Church dates
to an early period of their lives. They reared a family of six
children, of whom four now survive, viz.: David, John, Eliza A.,
Ruggles and our subject, Jacob. He was born in Center
County, Penn., Mar.3, 1803, but from the date of emigration above given, he
resided in what is now Brown County, Ohio. Here he has passed over
three-fourths of a century. His marriage was celebrated Jan. 1, 1833,
with Rachel Park, who was born Dec. 29, 1812. To this union
have been given seven children of whom six are now living, viz.:
Laura E., Elizabeth J., William R., Mary E., Martha P. and
Emma N., the third and fourth being twins, one of whom, William R.,
Mary E., Martha P. and Emma N., the third and fourth being twins,
one of whom, William R., the only son, was born May 12, 1842, in
Lewis Township. He received a common school education, and on Sept. 2,
1862, enlisted in Company C, Eighty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
entering his first engagement at Chickamauga, where he was captured;
afterward released, and participated in the battle of Jonesboro, and many
skirmishes. He was in Sherman's march from Atlanta to the sea,
and passed out of service at the close of the rebellion, receiving his
discharge at Columbus, Ohio. He returned home and resumed his former
occupation (farming), which he still follows. In 1867, he married
Martha P. Coswell, to whom were born five children. On Oct. 9,
1876, she was seriously injured by the horns of a cow, from which effect she
died on the second succeeding day, October 11.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 116 |
| |
Pleasant Twp. -
JACOB SNIDER, P. O. Georgetown, a successful farmer of
this townships, was born in Pennsylvania in December, 1830. His
parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Shilp) Snider, were natives of Bavaria,
Germany. They came to America in 1826, locating at Ironton, Ohio,
where they resided until 1846, when they came to Brown County. They
then settled on a farm on Straight Creek, in Jackson Township, where our
subject was reared. He early chose farming for his future life-work,
and rented some land giving a third of the grain for rent. He next
purchased a threshing machine, which he operated some time, also dealing in
stock. He subsequently purchased a farm of 223 acres in Washington
Township, where he resided many years, and sold to purchase his present farm
in Pleasant Township. Mr. Snider has been a hard worker,
but has been careful with his earnings. Politically, he is a Democrat,
and while a resident of Washington Township served as School Director.
He was married, in 1852, to Mary, daughter of Anthony Shaw,
of Franklin Township, in this county. They have six children—William
A., Daniel, Michael, Adam, Sarah E. and Emma. Mr.
Snider and wife are members of the Christian Church.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 40 |
| |
Huntington Twp. -
O. B. SPEARS, tobacconist, Aberdeen. In the year
1879, Mr. Spears located in Aberdeen and engaged in the tobacco
trade, and has since dealt largely in the article. During the tree
years he has been engaged, he has purchased on an average about 125,000
pounds per annum. For five years previous to his coming to Aberdeen,
he was engaged in the same business, handling in the meantime large
quantities. He was born in Brown County, Ohio, in 1849, and is a son
of Spencer Spears, whose sketch appears in the history of Union
Township. The boyhood of our subject was spent on the farm till he
attained his majority, at which time he began handling tobacco. He is
a member of the Gretna Green Lodge, No. 99, K. P., to which he has become
connected some years, and is an honored and worthy member.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 176 |
| |
Clark Twp. -
LAFAYETTE SPIRES, farmer, P. O. Hamersville, youngest
son of John and Rebecca (Hill) Spires, was born in Clark Township
Nov. 24, 1844. His father, John Spires, was born in
Westmoreland Co., Penn., Mar. 27, 1803. He was a son of Richard and
Rebecca (Gentle) Spires. Richard Spires, a native of
Maryland, was of English descent and a soldier under Gen. Washington
for three years, during which time he was severely wounded. He came to
Ohio in 1810, and lived to be over ninety years old. Mrs. Spires'
mother, Rebecca, was a daughter of John Hill, a native of
Ireland. Her mother, Pitzer, a native of Kentucky, came to Ohio
among the first settlers of Eagle Creek. The subject of this sketch
was married, Sept. 11, 1866, to Anna Mary, daughter of Isaac and
Elizabeth (Laycock) Liming. Isaac Liming, a son of Abram and Phœbe
(Still) Liming, was a native of Clermont Co., Ohio, of Irish and Scotch
descent. Elizabeth Laycock, a daughter of Levi and Mary
(Washburn) Laycock, was a native of Brown Co., Ohio. Levi
Laycock was a soldier during the war of 1812. Abram and Phœbe
Liming were married in Philadelphia, and a few years later, when they
emigrated to Clermont Co., Ohio, Mrs. Liming rode the entire distance
on horseback and carried her babe in her lap. Mrs. Spires was
born in Clermont Co., Ohio, Nov. 15, 1848. Their children are James
Franklin Spires, born Mar. 10, 1868, and Ada May Spires, born May
19, 1870. Mrs. Spires is a member of the Christian Church.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 192 |
| |
Eagle Twp. -
CHARLES STAMM,
farmer, P. O. South Fincastle, was born in March, 1837, in
Germany. When five years old, with his parents, Philip
and Elizabeth Stamm, he emigrated to America; came to Ohio,
and settled in Washington Township, Brown County, where his
parents remained until their decease, his father having died in
May, 1862, and his mother probably in March, 1864. On Apr.
23, 1863, he married Mary Klein, by whom he had six
children, five of whom are still living, viz., Mary L.,
Margaret C., Henry C., William A. and Albert.
In the spring of 1872, Mr. Stamm moved to where he at
present is located, in the southern portion of this township.
He is a Republican, politically, and the owner of 100½
acres of land.
Source: The History of Brown County
Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 229 |
| |
Jefferson
Twp. -
JACOB W. STAYTON, farmer, P. O. Higginsport.
Prior to the Continental war, three Stayton brothers (whose names are
not now to be had) emigrated from Wales to America. On the way, one of
them stopped on an island, afterward named in honor of him, and still bears
the same name. The other two pressed on to their intended destination.
One of these two was the grandfather of our subject. He settled on the
eastern shore of Maryland, where he married Hannah Bonwell.
After a companionship of several years, he died, leaving a widow and nine
children.. In 1796, the widow and family emigrated to Kentucky,
locating at Augusta, where, it is thought Hannah married a Mr.
Stinson, and both died in Kentucky. When the emigration from
Maryland took place, Jacob was almost matured, and came through by
land with the wagons and stock. He remained in Kentucky until 1805,
when he came to Lewis Township, Brown (then Clermont) County, Ohio. In
the same year he married Mary, daughter of Solomon Wise; she
was a relative of the late Gov. Wise, of Virginia, the State in which
she was born and there she lived until the year of her marriage.
Jacob Stayton and wife first settled on the farm now owned by F. M.
Bartlow, where he had previously taken a lease. Subsequently, he
took a lease on the farm now owned by Joseph Heizer and on this they
remained until about 1812 or 1813, when he purchased ninety acres in the
James Herron Survey. To this he added, through life, until he
became a man of large estate, which he liberally divided with his children.
He was heavy set, medium size, and possessed a remarkable constitution.
He was a man of few pretensions; lived unostentatious and was best satisfied
at home on his farm. He buried his wife in the fall of 1851, and died
in 1863. He embraced the religion of the Christian Church, at
Higginsport, in his old age, in which faith he died. He and wife had
the following family of children: Mary, Solomon, Nancy, Hannah,
Martha, Margaret, Jacob W., Priscilla and Joseph. Of
this number, eight married and became heads of families; three are now
deceased. J. W., our subject, was born Aug. 24, 1819, in Lewis
Township, where he was educated in the common schools, and taught the
rudiments of farming. To the latter, he has given his lifelong
attention. He was married, in 1844, to Elizabeth, daughter of
Peter Barr. She was born in Brown County, Ohio, Mar. 8, 1822.
To this union have been given seven children, three now living. J.
W. and wife first settled on the farm they now own. Their land
consists of 245 acres, well improved and under good cultivation. He
and wife are both members of the Christian Church at Feesburg.
Source: The History of Brown County
Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 117 |
| |
Pleasant Twp. -
TIMOTHY STEELE,
blacksmith, Georgetown, was born in Canada May 24, 1846.
His father was Timothy Steele, a native of Ireland, who
came to America many years ago. He was a carpenter by
trade, and died when our subject was but a few months old.
Mr. Steele's mother was Mary Woods, also a native
of Ireland. She now resides in Wentworth County, Upper
Ontario. Mr. Steele was reared in Canada, and there
learned the blacksmith trade. In 1863, he went to
Rochester, N. Y., where he remained till the spring of
1865. He then went to the Oil regions of Pennsylvania,
locating at Titusville, and subsequently to Cincinnati.
After some time, he went to Memphis, Tenn., where he remained
three years; thence to Selma, Ala., one year; Mobile, one year;
New Orleans, six months; Meridan, Miss., four months; thence to
Memphis, where he remained till the yellow fever scourge of
1877. He then located at West Union, Adams Co., Ohio,
where he married Elizabeth Shuster, a native of that
county. After living another six months at Memphis, Tenn.,
he came to Georgetown, where he has met with very good success.
Mr. Steele is a member of the Carriage Maker's Union of
Cincinnati, and of the Catholic Church. Mrs. Steele
is a member of the M. E. Church. They have two children -
Mary E., aged six, and Timothy G., aged two years.
Source: The History of Brown County
Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 40 |
| |
Franklin Twp. -
PHILIP STEPHAN, P. O. Ash Ridge, a prominent farmer of
Franklin Township, was born in France Oct. 12, 1836. His father,
John J. Stephan, was also a native of France, and a farmer by
occupation. He came to America about 1837, locating on the farm now
occupied by our subject, where he resided till his death, in March, 1880.
He married Sarah Bohl, a native of France, who ore him three
children. Mrs. Stephan is still living, enjoying good health,
and resides at Cailisle, in her eighty-second year. Philip is
the only child living of the three born to his parents. He grew to
manhood on the farm, receiving a fair common school education. When
twenty-four years of age, he rented Peter Devore's farm in Pleasant
Township, where he resided five years. He then purchased 113 acres of
his father's farm, where he has since resided. He subsequently bought
eighty-four acres in Jackson Township0, and sixty-four acres of woodland in
Franklin Township, both farms adjoining his first purchase. Mr.
Stephan is a prominent Democrat of the township; in 1876, was elected
Trustee, and has since occupied that position. He is connected by
membership with the Protestant Evangelical Lutheran Church of Arnheim, in
which body he has acceptably filled many positions. He was married in
November, 1857, to Catherine Arn, a native of this county. They
have had three children - Jacob J., Philip F. and Catherine M.
Mrs. Stephan and the children are also members of the Lutheran Church.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 211 |
| |
Pleasant Twp. -
ADAM STEPHEN, Georgetown, one of the most prominent
grocers of the village, was born in the kingdom of Bavaria June 12, 1829.
His father died when our subject was quite young. His mother was
Mary (Baker) Stephen. She was the mother of two children - our
subject, and a sister Sarah (now the wife of Jacob Kancher, of
Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Stephen accompanied his mother and sister
to America in 1830. The three located on a farm in Franklin Township,
near Arnheim, this county, where Mrs. Stephen died in 1850.
Mr. Stephen was reared on a farm and when fifteen years of age went to
Dover, Ky., where he remained some time. In 1847, he worked on a farm
in Mason County, Ky., for $6 per month, and soon after volunteered to go to
the Mexican war, but the company was full and his services were not needed.
In 1849, he removed to Georgetown, where he resided till 1853. He had
learned the cooper's trade, and in the latter year went to Quincy, Ill.,
where he worked at his trade six months. He then went to Aurora and
Peoria, in the same State, and thence to Georgetown, where he has since
resided. He worked at his trade for eighteen years altogether, and
then engaged in the saloon and boarding house business, which he followed
for five years. In 1872, he engaged in the grocery business, and has
succeeded in building up a large and profitable trade. Mr. Stephen
owns a very nice two story brick residence on North Main street, the "old
George Shields farm," of 187 acres; the "Old Thomas L. Hamer and
Devore property," the "old Hamer homestead" of eight
acres, and many village lots. Mr. Stephen has been a
member of the Masonic fraternity since 1856, and is a charter member of
Confidence Lodge No. 307, I. O. O. F., of Georgetown. Mr. Stephen
was united in marriage, in 1865, to Elizabeth Reohn, a native of
Wurtemberg. She died in 1863. Mr. Stephen was again
married, in 1865, to Sarah Clump, a native of Wurtemberg also.
Seven children have been given them, living - Frank, Elizabeth, Albert
G., King William, Charlie and Hattie. Mr. Stephen and
wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. S. is also
connected with the K. of P. Lodge.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 41 |
| |
Green Twp. -
JOSEPH STEPHENS, farmer, P. O. Five Mile.
John B. Stephens, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in
Belgium, where he married Theresa Fasty, by whom he had two children
- Joseph and Rosalie. In March, 1847, he emigrated to America,
came to Brown County, Ohio, and settled in the northern portion of Green
Township, where our subject now resides. He settled in the woods, but
with undaunted courage and the energy which characterized the pioneer of his
day, he began to clear off his land, and to-day it is in a high state of
cultivation. He died Sept. 2, 1864; his wife survived him until 1878.
Joseph Stephens, subject of this sketch, was born Jan. 23, 1835, in
Belgium, and, when about twelve years old, with his parents, he came to
America. In January, 1857, he married Jennie C. Baune, daughter
of Jacob J. and Catherine Baune, and by her has had eight children -
Mary, Frank, Philip, Mary J., John, Rosa, Jennie and Theresa.
Mr. Stephens has served as Justice of the Peace for Green Township nine
years, and on all occasions gave his decision in favor of justice with
unswerving firmness. HE is the owner of ninety-five acres of land, and
is recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of Green Township.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 270 |
| |
Huntington Twp. -
F. M. STEPHENSON, farmer, P. O. Ripley, was born in
Union Township in the year 1843, and is a son of Mills and Eleanor (Flaugher)
Stephenson, old settlers, whose sketches appear in this book. She
is a daughter of David Flaugher, of whom mention is made in this
work. The early life of our subject was passed in this and Union
Townships, and he received a common school education. He was married,
Dec. 16, 1875, to Sarah E., the daughter of Hon. E. M. Fitch,
an old settler, of whom mention is made in this work. After his
marriage, he lived two years at Logan's Gap, where he was engaged in
handling and pressing tobacco, after which he removed to his farm, but still
continued to handle tobacco. He owns 165 acres of well improved land,
which has been accumulated by him since living on the farm. He still
continues in the tobacco business, began to 1873. He has been Trustee
of this Township two terms, and is a member of Ripley Lodge, No. 71, F. and
A. M., and Chapter No. 82. He has the following children:
Portia, Clay, Black, Marian, Oliver, and Eleanor West.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 176 |
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Union Twp. -
LEMUEL STEPHENSON, farmer, P. O. Ripley, fourth son of
Robert P. and Mary Stephenson, was born on his father's farm, near
Ripley, Mar. 18, 1832. He was reared on a farm and educated in the
schools of Delaware, Ohio. He taught school one term, then engaged in
the grocery business in Ripley with Ephraim Stephenson, and pursued
it one year, then returned to his farm and followed agriculture and
horticulture up to 1874, when he turned his attention to the dairy business,
his present avocation. He was married, Feb. 21, 1856, to Miss Sarah
E. Devore, daughter of Nicholas and Hestoria Devore.
Mrs. S. was born in the county and died Feb. 23, 1858, leaving one child
- George W., now deceased. Mr. S. again married Dec. 22,
1860. This time to Miss Emily Wilson, daughter of Jacob T.
Wilson a native of Huntington Township, where she was born Feb. 9, 1838.
Four children were the fruits of this union, of these three are living -
Mary M. born Nov. 13, 1861, wife of W. T. Vance; Amasa,
born Oct. 12, 1865; and Anna L., born Aug. 21, 1869; Wady
(deceased), born Aug. 27, 1863, and died Aug. 1, 1864. Mr.
Stephenson and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Politically, he is an advocate of Democracy. During the late war, he
was Captain of Company B, of the Brown County Militia.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 87 |
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Union Twp. -
ROBERT P. STEPHENSON, Ripley, was born in Union
Township, June 21, 1801. His father, Col. Mills Stephenson, was
born in Delaware, and came to Mason County, Ky., in 1792, and in 1794
crossed to the Ohio side and located near Ripley. He bought a farm of
100 acres and settled on it. He served in the Indian war, and through
the war of 1812 as Colonel. He built Fort Stephenson in Ohio, and by
the order of the Governor it was given his name. As a man, Col.
Stephenson was prominent in his day, and as a citizen he labored in the
good of the people and in the interest of the county. His death
occurred June 16, 1822. Mrs. Stephenson, his wife formerly
Miss Jane Kilpatrick, was a daughter of Frank Kilpatrick, who was
a native of Ireland. He came to America, and in 1791 came down the
Ohio River in a flat boat with his two daughters - Isabell and
Jane, aged ten and twelve years respectively. When just above
Maysville, then known as Limestone, Ky., the Indians endeavored to decoy
them ashore, but failing in the attempt they fired two balls into him, one
entering his head and the other his heart, killing him instantly. His
daughters came on to Limestone, where they saw their father buried.
They were taken by a Richard Applegate of Mason County, and reared to
womanhood. Isabell married James Stephenson and Jane
married Col. Mills Stephenson. The latter died June 30, 1815.
Robert P., the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood on his
father's farm, and received his educational training in the common schools.
He aided his father in clearing up a farm and in effecting many
improvements. Sept. 23, 1819, he was married to Mary Wallace, a
daughter of Thomas and Catherine Wallace, who were natives of Ireland
and Pennsylvania. They came to Mason County, Ky., in 1791, and lived
on the "Old Washington trace" till 1815, when they came to Brown County.
Mrs. Stephenson was born n Mason County, Ky., June 9, 1801.
Eleven children were the fruits of this marriage, seven of whom are
living - Thomas, Lemuel, Young, Mary A. (wife of Abner Howard),
Robert A., Catherine J. (wife of Edward Martin), and William
R.; Mills, Elizabeth, Ephraim and Jane are deceased. In
1835, Mr. Stephenson located on his present farm, which he cleared up
and improved himself with the aid of his children. He assisted in many
of the prominent public improvements of the township and county. He
now owns a farm of 128 acres of well-improved land. He was one of the
earliest and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In
politics, he is a supporter of the doctrines and principles of Democracy.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 86 |
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Union Twp. -
THOMAS STEPHENSON, farmer, P. O. Ripley, son of
Robert P. and Mary Stephenson, was born on the old Stephenson
homestead, near Ripley, July 2, 1826. He was reared on his
father's farm and received his training in the common schools of his native
place. His marriage occurred Sept. 12, 1850, with Miss Elmira J.
Wiles, born in Union Township Aug. 29, 1829, and a daughter of Joseph
B. and Harriet Wiles. Eleven children were the issue of this
union, of these all but one are living - Harriet A., a school
teacher; Mary E., a teacher, Julietta, wife of George
Miller, of Springfield; Edwin E., Florence G., Edith W., Lucy C.,
Newton J., Daisy A. and Myrta M. Jocasta A. is deceased.
In 1850, Mr. Stephenson located on the farm he now occupies and has
since resided on it, except five years he lived on the old homestead.
Mr. Stephenson's occupation has always been that of an agriculturist,
giving his principal attention to cultivating tobacco, which he has raised
successfully for thirty-five years. He owns a farm of eighty-three
acres of good land. Mrs. S. is united with the Christian
Church. His political views are Democratic.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 87 |
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Union Twp. -
WILLIAM R. STEPHENSON, farmer, P. O. Ripley, son of
Robert P. and Mary Stephenson, was born near Ripley May 12, 1843.
He was brought up to farming and was educated in the common schools of the
neighborhood. He took a commercial course in Grundy's College and
graduated in March, 1864. He began reading law, in 1872, with W. H.
Sly, of Ripley, and was admitted to practice in the Circuit Court in
September 1874. He practiced his profession there one year, then
engaged in buying and shipping tobacco at Logan's Gap till 1880. He
resumed his law practice in Ripley, and, in the early part of 1881, took
charge of his father's farm. Nov. 7, 1879, he was married to Miss
Sarah B. Myers,, daughter of James and Salina Myers. Two
children were born to this marriage, viz.: Myrtie L. and James R.
Mr. Stephenson is identified with the Masonic body and Knights of
Pythias. Politically, he is a Democrat.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 87 |
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Pleasant Twp. -
Y. STEPHENSON, Georgetown, a prominent physician of
Georgetown and Brown County, was born in Union Township, Brown County, Ohio,
April 19, 1834. He is a son of R. P.... Stephenson, who was
also born in Union Township in 1801. His father was Mill Stephenson
probably a native of Delaware, and from whom Fort Stephenson was named.
He located in what is now Union Township, Brown County, Ohio, about the
latter part of the eighteenth century, and there lived till his death.
His son, R. P. Stephenson, the father of our subject, was a
boat-builder; also ran a saw-mill in early life, but has mainly been engaged
in farming. He married Elizabeth Wallace, a native of this
county. Nine children have been given them, seven living. Both
parents are living, and each in their eighty-first year. Dr.
Stephenson was the fifth child and fourth son of these parents, and was
reared on the homestead farm. He received a liberal education at the
Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, remaining there four years. At the
commencement of the civil war, he returned to Brown County, and soon after
obtained a situation as teacher in a district school. He followed the
profession of teaching probably sixteen years altogether. He read
medicine at Dr. Beasley, of Ripley, remaining with him two years.
He attended a course of medical lectures at the Ohio Medical College of
Cincinnati, and subsequently at the Starling Medical College of Columbus,
Ohio, graduating from the latter institution in the spring of 1865. He
first located at Bentonville, Adams County, Ohio, and a year later at
Georgetown, where he has since resided. Dr. Stephenson has met
with very good success in his practice. He has always evinced
considerable interest in educational matters throughout the entire county.
He was Principal of the Georgetown Public Schools for three years, and the
Higginsport Schools two years. He was President of the Brown County
Teacher's Institute for four years; has been a member of the Georgetown
Board of Education ten years, and is its oldest member in point of service.
He is also connected with the Brown County Academy of Medicine; of the
Knights of Pythias, and the Lodge of Encampment of Odd Fellows.
Politically, he is a strong and earnest Democrat. Dr. Stephenson
was married, in the fall of 1856, to Susan Vananda, a native of Ohio.
Both are members of the M. E. Church.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 41 |
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Sterling Twp. -
WILLIAMS N. STEWARD, merchant and farmer,
P. O. Crosstown, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (McIntosh)
Steward, was born in Sterling Township Oct. 14, 1834.
His father and mother were natives of New York, and came to Ohio
in 1820. He was raised on a farm until sixteen years old,
when he commenced the carpenter trade, at which he has worked at
intervals ever since. He was married, February, 1855, to
Malissa, daughter of Peter Malott, and a
native of Clermont County, of German descent, by whom he had
three children—Annie, wife of James McKewer,
of Clermont County; Posy E., single and is running a
blacksmith shop in this township; and William Sherman,
single and works on the farm. Mr. Steward
keeps a general assortment of goods, and is doing a thriving
business; he also owns a well-cultivated farm. Thomas
Steward, father of William, made the first brick
made in Georgetown.
Source: The
History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 301 |
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Clark Twp. -
DR. JOSEPH C. STIERS, Postmaster, Hamersville, was
formerly a well-known practicing physician of Hamersville and Brown County.
He was born in Clermont County, Ohio, Oct. 21, 1820. His parents were
Ralph and Elizabeth (Aldrich) Stiers, natives of Pennsylvania, of
German and English descent. The former was a soldier in the war of
1812. His grandfather Aldrich enlisted under Gen. Washington
in the Revolutionary army, when but seventeen years of age. Dr.
Stiers' paternal grandfather, Jacob Stiers, was an early settler
in Pennsylvania and twice married. His first wife and children were
captured by the Indians, and the mother and children all killed except two
daughters. These were carried into captivity and one finally suffered
the same fate as the preceding ones. The remaining daughter grew to
womanhood among the savages, and was subsequently discovered by her
relations. They endeavored to induce her to return to her old home,
but it had been so many years since she had been abducted, that she did not
recognize her father. She asked to see a step-brother, and when
brought before her, she lifted his hat and discovered a knife wound on his
head which she had inflicted in her childhood days. Thus she knew it
was her brother, but still refused to go back to her friends. She
believed she could never again accustom herself to the habits and customs of
the white people, and remained with the Indians until her death.
Dr. Stiers came to Brown County in 1848, and located at Hamersville.
His early education was obtained in the common schools, and subsequently he
attended the Ohio College of Medicine, at Cincinnati. He commenced the
practice of his profession at Hamersville, the year of his location in this
county. He is a member of the Allopathic School of Medicine. For
fourteen years he practiced his profession, and administered to rich and
poor alike, never holding back on account of a person's financial standing,
but, full of sympathy and kindness, he treated all alike. During the
last seven years of his practice, he rode night and day, only being at home
one whole night in this period of time. In 1860, premonitory symptoms
of that dreaded disease, amanrosis appeared in his eyes, and within
two years his eyesight totally left him. This terrible affliction
called forth and sympathy and kindness of his many friends and neighbors,
and although the Doctor was forced to give up his practice, yet his
subsequent life, with this one exception, has been peaceful and quiet.
He and his wife are well known in Hamersville and the surrounding country
and beloved for their kind hearts and cheerful dispositions. He owns
the property where he now resides, also the small store on the premises.
In 1880, he was appointed Postmaster, and the duties of that office are
faithfully attended to by his son, Robert, a young man of good morals
and industrious habits. The Doctor was united in marriage, in 1851, to
Emily J. Moore, born at Hamersville Mar. 16, 1832, and daughter of
Eliakim and Jane (Francis) Moore, of German and Scotch descent.
They have two children - Robert M., born Mar. 2, 1864, and Anna M.,
born Dec. 12, 1871. These children were born after the Doctor's
eyesight disappeared, and he has never enjoyed the privilege of seeing their
forms and features. Since this affliction, the Doctor has been a
faithful and earnest expounder of the Gospel, and is a man of more than
ordinary intelligence.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 192 |
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Eagle
Twp. -
B. J. STIVERS,
banker, Ripley, is a son of Robert and Jane (Meharry) Stivers.
His maternal relatives were among the respected families of
Virginia, who subsequently settled in Pennsylvania, where
Robert was born. He moved to the West at an early day,
and located in Adams County, where he was married. He was
among those of the early pioneers of that county, and resided
there until his death, which occurred in 1855. The subject
of this sketch was born on the homestead in 1818. His
early educational advantages were limited, and, when he had
attained his majority, moved to Ripley and began the labor of
life with nothing but his energies and ambition for capital.
He secured a position with A. Leggett, a prominent
merchant of that day, as a clerk, which proved to be the
foundation stone of his success. After a service of some
years, he was admitted a partner, and the firm of Leggett
& Stivers did a large business in pork and general stock.
In the fall of 1847, he was called to fill the position as
Teller of the Farmers’ Branch of the State Bank of Ohio, in
which institution he has since been an officer. His
election to the position of Cashier, in 1877, he respectfully
declined, feeling its duties too great. Mr. S. has
for years been largely engaged in the trade of leaf tobacco,
flour and pork, and his success is due to his tireless industry
and unquailing purpose, making every opportunity useful.
He was united in marriage to Miss Harriet N. daughter of
John McLain, in 1845. She died in 1851.
His present wife, Mrs. Kate Stivers, was a daughter of
John T. Maddox, an early pioneer of Adams County. To
this union two children have been born - John R. and
Frank A., both residing at home. Mr. Stivers is
a strong advocate of temperance, and has filled offices of
trust. Politically, he is an adherent of Republican
principles, and a descendant of the Old-Line Whigs.
Source: The History of Brown County
Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. - 1883 - Page 230 |
| |
Huntington Twp. -
JOHN W. SWISHER, P. O. Hiett, was born in this
township in 1834, and is a son of J. and Mary (Haines) Swisher old
settlers. Jacob Swisher, father of Jeremiah, also
settled in this county in an early day. Our subject was reared on the
farm, on which he worked till 1862, when he enlisted in Company E,
Eighty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; he saw active service throughout the
war, and participated in a number of hard-fought battles. He
accompanied Sherman's army to the sea, and received two slight
wounds. He was discharged at Washington, D. C., in 1865.
Upon his return to civil life, he settled in the township where he has since
resided, and been engaged in the agency business.
Source: The History of Brown County Ohio - Chicago - W. H. Beers & Co. -
1883 - Page 175 |
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