BIOGRAPHIES

Source:
The History of Clark County, Ohio:
containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers
and prominent men, history of the Northwest Territory, history of Ohio, map of Clark County, Constitution
of the United States, miscellaneous matters, etc., etc.
Publ. Chicago:  W. H. Beers & Co., 
1881

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	Springfield Twp. - Springfield City - JOHN J, FAWCETT, brass founder, Springfield; is one of the manufacturers of Springfield; he was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, in 1836; served a regular apprenticeship at his trade in England, and came to the United States in lo62, and has since followed the above business; he was engaged in the business in Chicago a number of years, and was one of the unfortunates who were made penniless by the great fire; After which he worked at his trade in different places, and came to Springfield in 1873," and started a brass foundry in connection with J. H. Kelly; subsequently purchased Mr. Kelly's interest, and has since conducted the business alone. His foundry is located on the alley between Main and High, and Market and Center streets. He is the first man to make a success of this business as a specialty in this city, and has an increasing trade. He is thoroughly acquainted with all the details of his business; is active and respected in business and social circles. He married, March 16, 1876, Miss Mary J. Barry; she is a native of Ireland; was a resident of Indianapolis at the time of her marriage, but was formerly for a number of years a resident of Dayton. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 825
	Mad River Twp. - HENRY L. FEIRSTINE, farmer; P. O. Enon.  Mr. Feirstine is the son of George and Sarah Feirstine, of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in 1863, purchasing a farm of 143 acres in Clark Co., on which the subject of this sketch now resides.  He was born Oct. 30, 1849, and received his education in the common schools.  He married Miss Mary Rockfield, of Green Co., Ohio.  They are the parents of two children - Cora and Maude.  Cora was born March 28, 1878; and Maude born July 2, 1879. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1041
	Springfield Twp. - Springfield City - JAMES FLEMING, Superintendent of Clark County Infirmary, Springfield. His paternal grandparents were both born, raised and married in Virginia, but soon after located in Westmoreland Co., Penn., where they raised one child. They both died there at a medium age. The maternal grandparents were also both born, raised and married in Virginia. Afterward located in Indiana Co., Penn., where they raised a family of five children. There the grandfather died, and the grandmother afterward in Delaware, Ohio. The father of our subject, was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., where he grew to manhood, and married Miss Margaret Walker, who was born in Indiana Co., Penn. They had born to them in Pennsylvania three children; thence the family, in 1833, located in Clark Co., Ohio, where two more were born to them; though he being a practical stock dealer never remained in Ohio but short periods, as his business was mostly in Pennsylvania and New York; his death occurred at New Orleans of yellow fever in 1853; his wife survived many years, and died in Clark County when nearly fourscore years of age. James being the eldest, was born April, 1825, in Westmoreland Co., Penn., but from the age of 8 years has mostly been in Clark Co., Ohio. Here he grew to manhood, received his education, and, in 1845, married Sarah McIntire; he continued at the plasterers’ trade until 1859; one year later was elected Sheriff of Clark County, and re-elected to the second term. In 1866, was elected to fill a vacancy in the City Mayor’s office of Springfield; re-elected to second term, but before it expired resigned his official duty, and took charge as conductor on the Hastings & Dakota Railroad, where he remained until 1870; one year later was appointed Chief of Police of Springfield, which position he filled until 1875, and, in 1878, was appointed to his present position, which he creditably fills. Mrs. Fleming was born in Clark Co., Ohio, and has had born to her three children, of which one, James, Jr., survives; he was born in 1848, and now remains at home. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 825 - Transcribed for Ohio Genealogy Express by Cathy Portz
	Springfield Twp. - Springfield City - JAMES FOLEY, Sheriff, Springfield; is a native of Clark County, and descendant of a pioneer family; his paternal grandfather, James Foley, came from Virginia a single man in 1806, and located in Moorefield Township, where he entered a large tract of land and subsequently married Mary Marsh, daughter of John Marsh, also a pioneer of that township. Mr. Foley was a Captain in the war of 1812, and a member of the first Board of Commissioners of Clark County; afterward was a member of the Legislature from this county, and a prominent, useful and worthy citizen; his decease occurred about 1866 in the 87th year of his age; he had a family of four children, two sons and two daughters, of whom Mrs. Catharine Ward is now the only survivor. John Foley was the oldest son, and was born in Moorefield Township and grew to manhood in the pioneer days, and married Emily Dunlap, daughter of the Rev. James Dunlap, a pioneer Baptist minister of Champaign County. They had two children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only survivor; he was born in Moorefield Township Aug. 31, 1838. His father died when he was quite young, and his home was afterward with his grandfather Foley. He received a rudimentary education in the district school under the charge of John W. Weakly; afterward was a dry goods clerk. In 1862, he married Mary, daughter of John Marsh. After his marriage, he located on a farm in Moorefield Township, and continued farming until 1875, when he removed to Springfield, having received the appointment of Deputy Sheriff, which position he held till elected Sheriff.   He has a family of five children, four daughters and a son. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 826
	Springfield Twp. - Springfield City - JOHN FOOS, manufacturer and capitalist, Springfield; was born in Madison Co., Ohio, in 1826; came to Springfield in 1848 and became connected with the mercantile interest of the place; in 1861, he purchased the Barnett oil-mill, and, soon after, the Steel, Lehman & Co. Mill, and has since been a large dealer in seed and oil. During the war period, he was engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods, being then connected with the woolen mill, since discontinued. In 1870, he became connected with P. P. Mast, the firm now being Mast, Foos & Co.; in 1876, he took hold of the St. John Sewing-Machine Factory, which, up to that time, had had a rather doubtful existence of about one year. Under his control and management, the business has grown to large proportions; further notice of this manufactory will be found elsewhere in this work. It will be seen Mr. Foos has been an important factor in the successful development of several important interests of the city, and is now one of its leading business men. He married, in 1856, Samantha Marks; from this union they have five children. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 827 - Transcribed for Ohio Genealogy Express by Cathy Portz
	Springfield Twp. - Springfield City - WILLIAM FOOS, banker and farmer, Springfield; is one of the residents of Springfield, and prominently identified with its business and growth He is a son of Gen. Joseph and Margaret (Phifer) Foos, who were early residents of Franklin, the then county seat of Franklin Co., Ohio; he was a man of great energy, and took an active part in public affairs, and received the appointment of Brigadier General of Militia; he was the first man to suggest the feasibility of a ship canal across the Isthmus of Darien, it being known and spoken of in those days as "Foos' folly." The subject of this sketch was born in Franklin County in 1814; he received a fair education in his youth, but was required to labor for the support of the family after he became 14 years of age, and commenced at that age farming as a renter; his first business experience was as a clerk in a dry goods store, and, at 23 years of age, he embarked in that business in Springfield, but, finding he had an unsafe partner, he sold out and afterward engaged in the same business in Logan County. After two or three years, he removed to London, Madison Co., where he continued in the same trade. During his stay in Madison County, he purchased and improved a farm near London; In 1846, he returned to Springfield and again engaged in merchandising, which he continued until 1854, during which he was also engaged in a number of outside business enterprises; buying wool, operating a cotton-mill, and, in connection with his brother, laid out a tract of 90 acres, and made additions to the city, which now contains some of the handsomest residence property in the city. In 1859, he in connection with his brother Grustavus, established a private banking house, which, in 1863, became the present Second National Bank, of which he is President, and his son, Fergus W., Cashier, the two owning the large majority of the stock. The stock of said bank is now worth double the capital stock, notwithstanding, they have generally made an annual dividend of 12 per cent. From 1866 to 1877, Mr. Foos was a member of the firm of James Leffel & Co., manufacturers of the celebrated Leffel turbine water-wheel and other mill machinery. It is but just to say that the success attained was largely due to the energy and ability of Mr. Foos and his son Lamar, who was in charge of the branch house in New York City. It is a well known fact that all concerned became rich. The establishment has since passed into the hands of John W. Bookwalter. When Mr. Foos sold out his mercantile interests in 1854, he purchased 4,000 acres of wild land in Champaign Co., Ill.; built himself a good house on High street, and concluded to take it easy the remainder of his life ; but a short trial at that sort of life convinced him that loafing was not his forte, and so the banking house of Foos Brothers was established Soon after he commenced the development of a plan for the improvement and remunerative culture of the land in Illinois, which was his intention when he purchased it In this enterprise he spent thousands of dollars, and although the distance from his home precludes his personal visit oftener than three a year, when a complete invoice is taken and balance sheets made, which show a good annual dividend on the capital invested and expenses incurred. It will be interesting for cattle men to know that Mr. Foos sold, in the spring of 1880, 200 head of fat cattle at 5 cents in his yard. The average weight was 1,747 pounds. He has a system of monthly reports, and the ground is so laid out and numbered that the farm virtually receives his weekly personal supervision. It now has thirty-two miles of fence, twenty-five of which is fine Osage orange hedge, fifteen miles of open ditch, and, in addition to this, $3,000 worth of tile drains, while Lone-Tree Creek and the Sangamon River pass through it, affording excellent natural drainage and abundance of water. He has from $30,000 to $40,000 worth of stock, constantly cared for by his steward and assistants, and, in 1880, cultivated 1,500 acres besides his meadows and pastures, some seasons cutting and putting up over five hundred tons of hay. His tract of 4,000 acres is known in that vicinity as the model farm. This achievement stamps Mr. Foos as a remarkable man, for the successful improvement and remunerative cultivation of such a tract of land, is beyond question a work of which but few men are capable even when giving their personal attention and entire time. Mr. Foos began life's battle when but 14 years of age as the manager of a farm, which he rented of his grandfather Phifer, and which his two younger brothers assisted him to cultivate. During the years that have passed, he has not only proved himself a superior farmer, but also a business man of care, discretion and ability, and has contributed much toward the prosperity of his adopted home. The grand farm in Illinois which is cut through the center by the Wabash Railroad, and upon which is located the station and village of Foosland, laid out and built mostly by Mr. Foos' means and enterprise, will remain to remind future generations of the wisdom and liberal enterprise of the founder. He married, in 1837, Sarah, daughter of James and Nancy (Van Kirk) Mark, of Madison Co., Ohio. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 826
	Bethel Twp. - JOHN L. FORRER, carpenter.  This gentleman was born in Lebanon Co., Pen., Sept. 23, 1833, to Christian and Elizabeth Forrer, who were both natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., the former born Sept. 5, 1793, and dying Oct. 20, 1854; the latter born Nov. 5, 1800, and dying May 25, 1841.  John L. was educated in the common schools of Pennsylvania.  He is a carpenter, and is still following that trade.  During the rebellion he enlisted in the 44th O. V. I., Sept. 12, 1861; was veteranized and re-enlisted in the 8th O. V. C., January, 1864.  He participated in several severe engagements, was wounded at the battle of West Liberty, Va., for which he draws a half-pension.  On Nov. 23, 1865, he was married in Dayton, Montgomery Co., Ohio, to Miss Catharine Strausburg, a native of Wayne Township, Montgomery Co., born Oct. 27, 1843.  Their children consist of: Eva May, born Sept. 17, 1866; John, born Sept. 12, 1868, died Oct. 30, 1868; Edgar Earl, born Sept. 28, 1869; Christian L., born Oct. 10, 1872; Etta Irene, born Jan. 31, 1875, and Minnie, born Aug. 24, 1880. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1028
	Springfield Twp. - Springfield City - JOSEPH W. FOSTER, farmer; P. O. Springfield. He lives on the old homestead, now owned by himself, where he was born Jan. 15, 1845. His father, John Foster, was born in Yorkshire, England, June 20, 1805, where he lived until 25 years of age, when he sailed for America and came direct to Springfield, and went into partnership with his brother-in-law in the blacksmith and wagon trade; he also had an interest in the stage line; he continued this business until 1844, when he bought the above-named farm, removing to the same, where he followed his trade and carried on farming until his death, July 10, 1876. His mother, Sarah (Gedlin) Foster, was also born in England Aug. 5, 1812, and emigrated with her parents to America in 1831, locating in Springfield, this county, where she became acquainted with Mr. Foster; they were married Sept 5, 1835; they lived happily together to a good old age, she departing this life June 11, 1872. By this union they had four children—Catherine A., Sarah J., Joseph W. and Mary E. Joseph lived with his parents until their death. He was married, Oct. 10, 1871, to Josie M., daughter of Lewis C. and Anna Smith. William L. and Clarence J., their only children, are still the joy of the household. John, the father, was an upright citizen, enjoying the good will and confidence of his neighbors; he held the office of Trustee for quite a number of years. Joseph, like his father, has tried to live a consistent, honorable life. In politics, he is a stanch Republican. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 828 - Transcribed for Ohio Genealogy Express by Cathy Portz
	Springfield Twp. - Springfield City - GEORGE H. FREY, Ex-President of Board of County Commissioners, Springfield. Mr. Frey is a native of New York, being born in Philadelphia, Jefferson Co., Dec. 19, 1825, his parents, Samuel C. and Susan C. (Calhoun) Frey, coming to Stark County, Ohio, in 1838; they were the parents of Mary A., George H. and Andrew C.; Mary and George were born in New York, and Andrew in Canada; when the rebellion in Canada was at its height, in 1830, Samuel Frey was living in Brockville, engaged in the wholesale and retail jewelry business; being an influential man, and in sympathy with the cause of the Reformers, he was very obnoxious to the British crown, and, upon the destruction of a ship used in transporting Her Majesties soldiers, the British Government, attempted his arrest; he escaped to Ohio, where he was afterward joined by his family. George, the subject of this sketch, came to Clark County in 1847, having previously studied law with Hiram Griswold, of Canton, Ohio; he was admitted to the bar at Xenia, Ohio, in June of the same year, and associated in business with Gen. Charles Anthony, of Springfield; he afterward formed a partnership with R. R. McNemar; during this time, he became connected with the Cincinnati & Sandusky Telegraph Company, first as operator, then Superintendent, and finally President of the company, while its organization was maintained. In 1854, he purchased an interest in the Springfield Republic, and had for eight years almost exclusive management of its business interests, and also of the editorial department; the steady work of from twelve to sixteen hours daily, together with the close confinement, told upon his health until he was compelled to relinquish the business, and he disposed of his interest, as did also W. C. Frye (another member of the firm), to W. T. Cogehall, late Minister to Ecuador; since that time, Mr. Frey has devoted his time in the management of his extensive limestone quarry, and has adopted the latest improved methods for the manufacture of lime, thus largely increasing the production and decreasing the expenses of its manufacture, until the business has become moderately remunerative. He has been, at different times, a Director of the S., J. & P. R. R., of which corporation he was President during the last year of its existence; he was the originator of that enterprise, and was certainly in at the death. Since coming to Springfield, he has held official positions, and greatest pride is taken in helping forward the business enterprises for which Springfield is noted. For two years, he has been President of the Board of Commissioners, having been connected with that body during the past five years; they have built the Children’s Home, made valuable improvements to the County Infirmary, and built the best jail and court house in the State, at a cost only $100,000; the jail is unexceptionably good, all sanitary conditions, as well as security for prisoners, being taken into consideration, and to Mr. Frey belongs the credit of perfecting the plans, which he has so successfully carried out. This board have so managed that Clark County has 1 per cent less taxation than the general average of taxation in other counties in the State. The marriage of George H. Frey and Miss Jane Q. Ward was solemnized July 8, 1851; their union has been blessed with twelve children, eight of whom are now living; Isaac W., the oldest son, is the husband of Miss Annie M. Wilson; George H., Jr., is a student at law; Frederick H., Albert C., Robert R., and Andrew B. (twins), Susie (a survivor of a pair of twins), and Rachel J. (also a survivor of a pair of twins). The children have all been highly favored in an educational way, and are an honor to their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Frey are both members of the Second Presbyterian Church, and enjoy the highest esteem of a large circle of acquaintances. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 828 - Transcribed for Ohio Genealogy Express by Cathy Portz
	Springfield Twp. - Springfield City - C. C. FRIED, jeweler, Springfield. Charles Christian Fried is essentially a Springfield product, and a creditable one. He was born May 13, 1842, in this city he lost his father when 10 years of age, and his mother seven years ago; he has two sisters—Mrs. Schertzer and Mrs. Weaver, both residents of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Fried has been twice married—first, to Miss Sarah J. McBeth, on Aug. 6, 1863, who bore him a daughter on July 23, 1867, whom they named Jessie Lavinia; he lost his wife Nov. 13, 1873; on Feb. 25, 1875, he married Miss Anna Knott, by which union he had one daughter, born Feb. 24, 1877, whom they were so unfortunate as to lose on the 7th of July following; their last visitor is a little son, dating from Sept. 15, 1879. Mr. Fried commenced at the very bottom round of the ladder, being apprenticed in 1858 to Mr. W. Grossman, a jeweler, with whom he worked four years; before the end of his apprenticeship, the war had commenced, and young Fried responded to the President’s call for 75,000 volunteers for three months, enlisting in Capt. Ed Mason’s company, Springfield Zouaves, of the 2d O.V.I.; served three months, and then worked at his trade in Cincinnati, Ohio; returning to Springfield, he worked successively for B. Allen one and a half years, John P. Allen, his successor, eight years; then formed a copartnership with B. Allen, which continued two year’s, and in 1872 he opened his own store in a little frame house, and with less than $500 worth of goods; his prosperity has been marked and rapid; he bought the site of his present place of business and built the store in 1878, and is now doing about the leading jewelry business of the city, besides having acquired his home, No. 20 West Columbia street, and several other properties. Mr. Fried is a member of Ephraim Lodge, I. O. O. F., of which he was Treasurer eleven years, and is also a member of the Encampment, being Junior Captain; he is a member of Clark Lodge of F. & A. M.; the order of United American Mechanics; Improved Order of Red Men, and the Murphy Club; he is, last, but not least, a member of good standing of the First Presbyterian Church, and one of its Trustees, and a member of the City Council for the Second Ward. Mr. Fried is wide-awake, progressive, public-spirited, and right abreast of the times, thoroughly a self-made man, and one whom all like. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 829 - Transcribed for Ohio Genealogy Express by Cathy Portz
	Springfield Twp. - Springfield City - WILLIAM C. FRYE, accountant in Second National Bank, Springfield. William C. Frye was born Dec. 5, 1815, at Winchester, Va.; emigrated to Ohio in 1833; located first in Hillsboro, and subsequently in Greenfield, Highland County, where he married Mary K. Bell, daughter of Charles Bell, of that village. In the year 1848, he removed to Springfield, where, from 1849 to 1856, was the book-keeper in the Mad River Valley Branch of the State Bank. At the election of 1855, he was elected County Treasurer; was re-elected in 1857, and served two full terms, which expired September, 1860, when he became joint owner and publisher, with George H. Frey, of the Springfield Republic. In March, 1864, he was appointed Cashier of the Second National Bank, which position he held until July, 1869, when be retired, and associated himself, in 1870, with the Commercial Bank, and afterward with the Lagonda National Bank, from which he retired to the office of County Treasurer by appointment of the Commissioners, and was, at the October election of 1874, elected Treasurer, and continued to discharge the ditties of that office until September, 1877. In January, 1880, he became an officer in the Second National Bank. Mr. William C. Frye is, in all the relations of life, one of the most excellent and thoroughly respected men of Springfield, enjoying the unquestioning confidence of all who know him. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 829 - Transcribed for Ohio Genealogy Express by Cathy Portz