BIOGRAPHIES

HISTORY OF CLERMONT & BROWN COUNTIES, OHIO
By Byron Williams
1913
 

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MRS. IDA DRAGOO WILSON, widow of the late Mr. W. K. Wilson, is a representative of a prominent family of Virginia, her parents being Jonah and Sophia (McCoppin) Cadwallader.  Her birth occurred at Lynchburg, Highland county, Ohio, in 1864.      Jonah Cadwallader was born at Lynchburg, Va., in 1816, and when two years of age was brought by his parents to Highland county, Ohio, where he was reared and educated.  He became a teacher, which profession he followed for thirty-five years.  He was a thoroughly self-made man and was a great student and reader.  He filled the position of principal of the Lynchburg schools for several years.  He died at the age of fifty-nine years, in 1875, and his wife, who was born in 1831, departed this life in 1874.  They were members of the Methodist church and were active in all worthy enterprises.      Mr. W. K. Wilson was born Dec. 30, 1865, and was a son of Cornelius and Josephine (Games) Wilson, the former of whom is deceased and the latter is now the widow of the late Thomas Bick.  She resides at the home of Mr. Homer Wilson, in Huntington township.      W. K. Wilson was an extensive stockman and gave especial attention to the raising of fine draft horses.  He resided at Cornelius Wilson homestead until about eleven years prior to his demise.  He was a Democrat and took a citizen's interest in political affairs.  He favored the Christian church and gave liberally to the support of that denomination.      Mrs. Wilson's first marriage occurred on Nov. 3, 1889, to Mr. John H. Dragoo, son of John M. and Amanda J. (Hiett) Dragoo, both of old families mentioned elsewhere.  To this union were born two children, one of whom died in infancy, and Frank C. is at home.  Mr. Dragoo was a successful farmer and owned a large part of the old Hiett farm in Huntington township, and it is still owned by Mrs. Wilson and her son, Frank C. Dragoo.  Mr. Dragoo was a member of the Odd Fellows and belonged to the Hiett Chapel Church.  He was a grandson of Samuel Dragoo.      The union of Mr. W. K. and Ida Wilson was blessed with one son, Edwin Glenn, who is still at home.      Mrs. Wilson is well known in Huntington township and enjoys the respect and esteem of a large host of friends who admire her for her sterling qualities. Source:  History of Clermont & Brown Counties, Ohio - Volume II  - By Byron Williams - 1913

WILLIAM NIMON WEST.  Mr. William Nimon West, one of the prominent farmers and stockmen of Union township, Brown county, Ohio, owning a well cultivated and valuable farm of ninety-six acres on the Arnheim pike, was born May 17, 18663, in Byrd township, and is the son of Rev. Joseph S. and Susanna (Dixon) West.      Rev. Joseph S. West was born in Byrd township, Dec. 7, 1825, and passed to his eternal reward in 1892.  He was a minister of the Christian church for many years and filled the pulpit of Liberty Chapel from 1855 to 1890.  His father, John West, was born in Pennsylvania, Jan. 1, 1797, and came with his parents, John and Eleanor West, in 1798, to Kenton Station, Ky., where they spent a short time, coming on to Brown county and settling in Byrd township.  The great-grandparents of our subject, William Nimon West, secured land and became successful farmers of the county.  they passed away at the old West homestead, between Decatur and Russellville, which is now owned by Mr. Rufus West.      Susanna (Dixon) West, the mother of Mr. W. N., of this mention, was a daughter of William and Mary (Carr) Dixon, of Union township, and her birth occurred Apr. 28, 1833, and her death in 1897.  She was an active member of the Christian church and was an able assistant to her husband in his ministerial work.      William Dixon was a native of Kentucky and accompanied his father to Brown county in 1703.  He was a general farmer and was prominent in politics, serving as justice of the peace for many years.      William Nimon West is the fifth of twelve children, all of whom are living:  Louie, Sadie, Susie and James H. reside in Norwood, Ohio; Dr. John W., of Philadelphia, Pa.; Mary Lovina married William Smith and lives near Mt. Hope, Kan.; Thomas A., a mnister of the Christian church, of near Wichita, Kan.; Joseph S., a banker, of Russellville, Ohio; Oscar A. resides on the home farm in Byrd township; Marha E., who married G. H. Buchanan, lives in Jefferson township; Elizabeth married Archibald N. Leggett, a farmer of Jefferson township.      Mr. William Nimon West was reared on the farm and grew to be an intelligent and practical agriculturist, but his beginning was in a small way and his success is the result of his own industry and enterprise.      In 1890, Mr. W. N. West was united in marriage to Miss Lou Esther Kearns, who was born in Union township, Brown county, in 1866, a daughter of Samuel and Elmira (Martin) Kearns.  Her death occurred Apr. 19, 1900, leaving five children, all of whom are at home: Florence, William Earl, Joseph N., Archie S. and Alonzo K.      Mr. West is an advocate of the men and measures of the Democratic party, and although not an office seeker, he takes an active interest in all questions of the day.      Fraternally, Mr. West has membership with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Ripley. Religiously, he and his family are devoted members of the Christian church, of Ripley, and is most liberal supporter of all worthy enterprises. Source:  History of Clermont & Brown Counties, Ohio - Volume II  - By Byron Williams - 1913 - 495