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BUTLER COUNTY, OHIO
History & Genealogy

Source: 
Biographical
and
Historical Sketches

A Narrative of Hamilton and Its Residents
From 1792 to 1896
by Stephen D. Cone
Illustrated
Hamilton, Ohio
Republican Publishing Company
1896

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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  DAVID W. McCLUNG was born Dec. 18, 1831, in Seneca County, Ohio.  He was reared on a farm; attended country schools, which were very good in their day.  The residence of the family bordered on the Western Reserve.  He attended school at the Seneca county academy at Republic, then taught by Thomas W. Harvey, afterward State School Commissioner.  In this institution he prepared for college and entered Muskingum college, New Concord, as a freshman in 1850, where he remained one term; then he entered Miami university, from which he graduated in 1854.  During his preparatory course he maintained himself by teaching.  After graduation he resumed his chosen profession, as teacher, but in a higher field.  He was first elected principal of our High school, then Superintendent and Principal of the schools, serving from September 1854 until June 1857.  In December 1857 he was associated with Colonel Minor Millikin in conducting and editing the Hamilton Intelligencer, the Republican organ of Butler county.  He retired from the paper July 29, 1858, to continue the study of law, and in the winter of 1860, he was appointed by Governor Dennison, Probate Judge of Butler county, vice William R. Kinder, deceased.  At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. McClung enlisted as a private in Company F, Third Ohio Infantry, and was sworn into service on April 24.  On the 27th of the same  month he was detailed from the ranks and made quartermaster of Camp Dennison with the rank of captain.  He remained in camp until June 16, 1862, when he was ordered to Camp Chase, Columbus, to erect the rebel prison pens.  Captain McClung's money accounts with the government during the war aggregated $25,000,000; his property accounts, about $60,000,000.  He was honorably mustered out of the service at his own request, Nov. 8, 1865.  Prior to this he was brevetted major of volunteers upon the recommendation of General Ekin, for valuable services rendered to his country.  In 1866 Major McClung returned to Hamilton and was elected president of the Second National bank.  He resigned this position after serving eighteen months and embarked in the manufactory of wood-working machinery.  Afterward he was superintendent and business manager of the Woodsdale Paper Co.  In 1879, he removed to Cincinnati and was appointed Assistant Postmaster, and in 1881 became Surveyor of the Port of Cincinnati, serving continuously until 1885.  Major McClung was appointed, by President Harrison in 1889, Collector of Internal Revenue for the Third District of Ohio, serving until Dec. 1, 1893.  He has been twice appointed trustee of his Alma Mater, Miami university.  On the question of national finances he is well informed, being a ready and fluent debater on the subject.  He is an able and enthusiastic worker in the cause of Republicanism.  On Mar. 19, 1861, Major McClung was united in marriage to Miss Anna Carter Harrison, granddaughter of General William Henry Harrison.
Source:  Biographical & Historical Sketches - A Narrative of Hamilton and Its Residents from 1792 to 1896 - Publ. 1896 - Page 105
  JOHN McKEE - Was born in Kentucky, February 20, 1829.  His parents emigrated to Butler county in 1844.  He was married to Sarah J. Beckett, daughter of Mr. Robert Beckett, September 24, 1861. Three children were born from this union.
Mr. McKee was reared on a farm, but taught school for a period of six years, before entering the army. He graduated from Williams college in 1855.
     At the breaking out of the Civil War Mr. McKee was commissioned captain of Company K, Thirty-seventh Indiana volunteers.  He was severely wounded at the battle of Stone River, December 31, 1862, and was sent home on a furlough.  Afterward, being unfit for active duty, he resigned, having served his country well for two years. Capt. McKee refused to accept pay from the time he was wounded until his resignation was accepted, claiming that he was not entitled to it, having rendered no actual service during the time. 
     Capt. McKee was appointed Postmaster September 8, 1873, and served for eight years.  At the time he was commissioned,
he was drawing a pension, and immediately asked for the cancellation of his certificate and turned the money that had accrued on same into the United States treasury.  Here we have a true illustration of John McKee's character, moral excellence and conscientiousness.
     John E. Heiser was Capt. McKee's able assistant, and rendered the community valuable service.

Source:  Biographical & Historical Sketches - A Narrative of Hamilton and Its Residents from 1792 to 1896 - Publ. 1896 - Page 125

J. J. McMaken
 

M. C. McMaken
 
  M. N. MAGINNIS  was born near Frederick City Maryland.  He received a liberal education in Eastern colleges, and came West. He studied law with Governor John W. Stevenson, of Kentucky, and Judge James Clark, of Hamilton.  He was admitted to the Butler county bar in 1861, and was actively engaged in the profession for ten years.
     He was a disciple of John C. Calhoun, and ably defended nullification. He was noted for the courage and ability with which he expressed his convictions.
     On August 3, 1861, the Democratic party held a convention in the court house. The Civil War had many opponents in Butler county.  Mr. Maginnis was the leader of this convention. He introduced the following resolutions, which we take from the Telegraph, of August 8, 1861: 
     WHEREAS, the "Bill of Rights" of Ohio affirms that "all political power" (or sovereignty) "is inherent in the people" of each state respectively; and that they have the right to alter, reform or abolish their government whenever they may deem it necessary"; and
     WHEREAS, "Governments are instituted among men deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed;" and Whereas, the coercion of a state to endure a form of government obnoxious to its people unsettles the whole theory of the independence of the "United States of America;" and Whereas, the people of eleven States have refused to acknowledge the authority of the Constitution, or permit the execution of laws made in pursuance thereof within their boundaries, having deliberately revoked the delegated powers heretofore exercised by their trustee, the United States Government; and
     WHEREAS, an immense army has been raised for the avowed purpose of compelling the people of several States to recognize the Constitution of the United States as their supreme law and irrevocable act; and
     WHEREAS, by the act of the president of the United States, instigated thereto by the irrepressible fanatics, a furious internecine war exists, which has aroused every latent animosity, and which promises to increase and intensify every prejudice in the minds of the people of the contending states;
and
     WHEREAS, the Democracy of the state of Ohio are called upon to make preparation to resume the reins of government which the bastard "Phaetons" of Abolitionism have so unskillfully handled, and to endeavor to restore peace to their distracted country, therefore:
     Resolved, 1. That the Democracy of Butler County in Convention assembled, declared as the result of their deliberate judgment, that a war for forcing upon the sovereign people of a State, even the best form of government, is neither wise, just, Constitutional, nor practicable; that we solemnly protest against its further continuance for so fatuous a purpose, demand a Peaceable adjustment of all controversy existing between the United and Confederate States, and insist upon the immediate appointment of Commissioners
by our own Government to hear and report such proposals on amity as the Commissioners of the Confederated States may be instructed to offer.
     Resolved, 2. That the president of the United States in exercising the executive, legislative, and judicial powers of the government, by declaring war, raising armies, providing navies, establishing blockades, expending money without appropriation by law, suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus; proclaiming martial law, increasing the regular army and navy, and by authorizing subaltern military officers to prescribe special regulations for the military service, imprison citizens at their discretion, and disregard the mandate of a co-ordinate branch of the government, has seriously jeopardized the rights of these states; has flagitiously violated the constitution; has made his will and not that instrument, the measure of power, has invoked the condemnation of every patriot, and deserves impeachment, for his high crimes and misdemeanors.
     Resolved, 3. That the incapacity of the party which has clambered to power over the fragments of a nation is made glaringly apparent, when the Republican Congress has no rebuke to offer for its violated privilages, when it fails to perform its Constitutional duty, in calling the culpable Executive to a rigid account, when with eager sycophancy it votes one-fourth more men and money than the President demanded, or the emergency required, and when with unequalled folly it attempts to patch a broken Constitution with such worthless rags as retroactive laws.
* * * * *
     Resolved, 4. That treason against the United States consists only of overt acts of levying war against the same, or in adhering to the enemies, giving them aid and comfort, that "every citizen may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects;" and that no one can be justly stigmatized as a traitor for the honest exercise of that privilege.
     A minority report was submitted by Judge James Clark.  It was moved to adopt the majority report.  The motion was vigorously assailed by the leaders of the minority, Thomas Millikin and Robert Christy, and ably defended by M. N. Maginnis, author of the preamble and resolutions, and Hon. Christopher Hughes.  The motion to adopt the majority report prevailed.
     The convention adjourned with three cheers for "Vallandingham and Maginnis.''
     Dr. John P. P. Peck, one of the editors of the Telegraph, refused to publish the Maginnis "Bastard Phaeton" resolutions and the True Telegraph was established, which name was afterward changed to the Butler County Democrat.
     At the October election in 1861, the larger portion of the Democratic county ticket was defeated, owing to the adoption of the Maginnis resolutions.
     In 1876 he examined the commissioners detailed statement, and severely criticised the board for careless, extravagant and unlawful expenditures.
     In 1871 he was elected Mayor.  Hamilton had been for a long time terrorized by the criminal classes and the people of the city without distinction of party, elevated him to the Mayorality.  He was re-elected in 1875, and during his second term, procured the passage of an act by the legislature, establishing a police force in Hamilton.  He thorough^ suppressed crime and lawlessness during his administrations.  He is now located in San Francisco, California.

Source:  Biographical & Historical Sketches - A Narrative of Hamilton and Its Residents from 1792 to 1896 - Publ. 1896 - Page 135

Charles Mason
CHARLES MASON

Source:  Biographical & Historical Sketches - A Narrative of Hamilton and Its Residents from 1792 to 1896 - Publ. 1896 - Page _____
Portrait between pps. 168 & 169

  JACOB MATTHIAS was born October 21, 1802, at Winchester, Virginia.  While young he learned the trade of a coppersmith and in the fall of 1827 emigrated to Cincinnati, remaining there a year.  He was married March 27, 1820, to Emily W. Grooms.  Eight children resulted from this union.  When he first came to Ohio he made a journey to Rossville on foot, returning in the same manner.
     He and his brother Isaac came to Rossville in 1828 and organized the firm of I. and J. Matthias, engaging in the coppersmith business, later adding the stove and tinware trade.
     Jacob Matthias was a member of the firm of Matthias, Kline & Resor, conducting a general store in Rossville.
     Mrs. Matthias died in 1845, and on April 23, he married Ann M. James, daughter of Barton James, one of the pioneers of Hanover township, where he settled in 1817.  Jacob Matthias was in the state legislature in 1837- 1838; was a member of City Council, School Board and also an Infirmary Director.  He was an influential citizen and a consistent member of the Universalist church.  He died August 21, 1877, at New Paris, Preble county.

Source:  Biographical & Historical Sketches - A Narrative of Hamilton and Its Residents from 1792 to 1896 - Publ. 1896 - Page 130
  CHARLES C. MILLER was born in Baltimore, Fairfield county, Ohio, November 26, 1856. He attended the schools of his native village, and in 1872 received his first common school certificate and began teaching. In 1876 he was graduated from the Fairfield Union Academy. Subsequently he was elected superintendent of these schools.  In the spring of 1877, he entered the Ohio State University, of Columbus, Ohio, and graduated in 1883, with the degree of B. A.  While a student in this university he taught Latin and Greek.  He was Superintendent of the public schools at Eaton, in 1884-85; was Superintendent of the Ottawa schools in 1886, and of Sandusky city in 1890. In 1889 he was a candidate for State School Commissioner, and in June, 1891, on the death of Hon. John Hancock, the incumbent, he was appointed by Gov. Campbell to serve out the unexpired term, ending July 1892.  In March, 1892, he was unanimously elected Superintendent of the Hamilton public schools, at a salary of $2,700.
     Mr. Miller is a man of pleasing address and very popular among teachers.  He makes friends readily and retains them.  In point of scholarship and as an instructor, educator and enthusiastic worker in the cause of higher education, he perhaps has no peer in the state.  Because of his eminent success he is popular with the teachers in every county in the state and the demand on his time is so great from different counties to attend Teachers' Institutes that he finds it impossible to spend more than a half day or so at each.
Source:  Biographical & Historical Sketches - A Narrative of Hamilton and Its Residents from 1792 to 1896 - Publ. 1896 - Page 116

W. C. Miller
DR. WILLIAM C. MILLER was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1854.  When he arrived at the age of seven years, his parents came to America and located in Hamilton.  Dr. Miller was educated in the public schools of this city.  In 1863, he began clerking in a drug store.  He was a close student and advanced rapidy.  From a clerkship he became a proprietor, and with business success his aspiration to the higher field of medicine grew aspace.  In 1874, he entered Miami Medical college, at Cincinnati, where he continued until his graduation three years later.  Dr. Miller followed his profession for some time in Dayton, Ohio, and that city offered him many advantages, but the fact of his family's home being in this city determined his lot in favor of Hamilton, as a permanent location.  He returned to his old home in 1879, and at once purchased the Barton S. James drug store at the corner of Main and B streets.  His business has grown as well as his professional work, until it is at present one of the best established institutions in Hamilton.  He is a man of rare professional skill and his management is as popular as it is careful and reliable.  Dr. Miller is an accomplished, intelligent, and trustworthy pharmaceutist.  He has built up a rare and choice library, which is a great comfort to him.  Dr. Miller has been twice married.  First, in 1880, to Erin A. Corwin, daughter of Jesse Corwin, a prominent member of the Butler county bar in early days and a brother to the famous Tom Corwin.  Three children resulted from this union, namely, William, Jesse Blaine and Warren Martin.  The second time he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Hunter, Sept. 1, 1896.  Socially, Dr. Miller is a member of the Masonic fraternity; in religion, a United Presbyterian and in politics, a Republican.
Source:  Biographical & Historical Sketches - A Narrative of Hamilton and Its Residents from 1792 to 1896 - Publ. 1896 -
Pages 381-382
  DR. ROBERT B. MILLIKIN, was born, on December 9, 1793.  At the time of the exodus of his three brothers from their home in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1807, he was only in his fourteenth year. He remained with his parents till the spring of 1813, when the spirit of emigration got the mastery, and constrained him to follow the examples of his brothers.  Upon his arrival in Hamilton he became a member of his brother's family, where he resided until his marriage.
     A short time after his arrival in Rossville, he began to study such branches of education as would fit him for the practice of medicine.  The facilities for acquiring a good education were very few.  He availed himself of such as existed and, after a year's time, began the study of medicine.  The year of 1817 was full of interesting events for Robert B. Millikin.  He was licensed to practice his profession, likewise he had taken unto himself a wife, commenced housekeeping and opened an office.
     Dr. Millikin was married December 16, 1816, to Sarah Gray, who was related to many pioneer families.  They had three children. Samuel Millikin, the first son, was born in 1817.  Thomas Millikin, a noted lawyer of this city, was born September 28, 1819.  He married Mary VanHook. Elizabeth Millikin married William A. Elliott, son of Arthur W. Elliott, who died in 1881.
     After Dr. Robert B. Millikin began the practice of medicine he devoted himself earnestly to his work.  After many years practice, strict attention to all his interests and the acquisition of property gave him a comparatively independent position.  He conducted a drug store in Rossville, now the
First ward of Hamilton.  He was general of militia, a trustee of Miami university and a member of the legislature of Ohio.
     He was appointed Treasurer of the county to fill the vacancy in that office caused by the defalcation of an ex-treasurer.  Dr. Millikin died June 28, 1860.
Source:  Biographical & Historical Sketches - A Narrative of Hamilton and Its Residents from 1792 to 1896 - Publ. 1896 - Page 129
  SAMUEL MILLIKIN was born in 1817.  He received his education in the private schools of Hamilton and Rossville.  At the age of 25 years he married Miss Mary Halsted.  Three children resulted from this union; Miss Helen married Charles M. Miller and Miss Lizzie married a man by the name of Raynor.  Both of his daughters, with their husbands, reside in Chicago.  William H. Millikin, his only son, resides on South Eighth street in this city.  For years Samuel Millikin, from his quarry at the south end of C street, furnished all the building stone used in Hamilton and Rossville.  He was appointed Postmaster in 1839.  At the breaking out of the late Civil War, he enlisted in Company A, 26th O. V. I. and served until the close of the war.  He had a good record as a soldier.  After his return from the scenes of carnage, he immigrated to Missouri, and settled on a farm about seventy miles west of St. Joseph.  He was Postmaster from May 1, 1844, until May 29, 1849.  He died in 1895.
Source:  Biographical & Historical Sketches - A Narrative of Hamilton and Its Residents from 1792 to 1896 - Publ. 1896 - Page 131

Thomas Moore
 
NOTES:

 

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