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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	Pleasant Twp. - J. W. LANE, proprietor of saw-mill, Catawba.  The subject of this sketch was born Dec. 17, 1831, at Danville, N. H.; was raised mostly in the town; he worked some on a farm, then went to Rockland, Me., and worked there a short time in shipyard.  Afterward went to Lowell, Mass., and began the trade of a machinist, and worked at it until the spring of 1854.  He then came to Ohio, and located in Champaign Co., July 31, 1854.  He married Miss Princess A. Rollins; they had nine children - Sarah J., Ida E., Willie O., Charlotte M., Drucilla M., Jacob W., Princes C., Alva D. and Sylvester L.  September following his marriage they returned to Massachusetts, and remained there until 1861.  They came back to Ohio, and located in Pleasant Township, this county.  He has been engaged in the milling business in Champaign, Madison and Clark Counties since his return.  Since 1873, he has been stationary in Catawba. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 976
	Mad River Twp. - GEORGE LAYTON, clerk, Enon.  William, his father, was born in the "Northwest Territory," now Ohio, Jan. 8, 1800.  Elizabeth, his wife, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1806.  George, the subject of this sketch,  is a native of Ohio, born in Clark Co., Jan. 1, 1848; he received his primary education in the common schools; and in 1860 he entered Wittenburg College, from which he was graduated in 1867 with the highest orders;  he entered the law school of Ann Arbor in 1869, graduating form the same in 1871.  Mr. Layton is a young man of rare abilities, possessing every element of a thorough-going business man, and at present is filling the position of Chief Clerk in one of the leading warehouses of the place. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1045
	German Twp. - WILLIAM A. LAYTON, farmer; P. O. Tremont City; a native of Clark Co.; born Nov. 15, 1845; is a son of John A. and Evaline (Tulis) Layton, he a native of this county, and she of Greene Co.  The grandfather, Arthur Layton, was one of the early settlers of Ohio, locating in Bethel Township, sometime prior to the war of 1812, as he served in that war as a soldier.  John spent his life in this county except four years in Illinois, and seven years in Greene Co.  He died Mar. 25, 1877; his wife is still living.  They were parents of three children, two now living - Lucinda and William A.  Our subject remained with his father till after his majority.  He was married, to Angeline, daughter of Michael and Sarah Wolf, natives of York Co., Pennsylvania.  Issue, four children, three now survive - Claudius A., Charles M. and one infant.  Mr. Layton, after his marriage, remained on the home place till November, 1878, when he bought and located upon the farm where he now resides.  His farm consists of 145 acres, most of which is in cultivation, with good buildings and improvements.  He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1003
	Springfield Twp. & Springfield City - ED. C. LEFFEL, manufacturer, Springfield,  This young enterprising manufacturer i the son of James (the inventor of the water wheel) and Mary Leffel.  He was born in the city of Springfield, Ohio, July 4, 1857; he received his primary education in the public school of this city, then attended school in New Haven, Conn.; was also a student in the Highland Military academy, of Worcester, Mass.  He was married, Nov. 7, 1877, to Miss Lillian G. Horr, daughter of Calvin and Elizabeth (Morgan) Horr, who were one of the first families of Springfield.  One bright, promising boy, James Calvin, has blessed the home of Ed. C. and Lillian.  In July, 1880, Mr. Leffel began the manufacture of the Croft Wind Engine, an invention which has been received by the public with great favor, and under Mr. Leffel's management bids fair to be a profitable invention to the manufacturer, as well as a blessing to the public, by supplying a long felt want.  Mr. Leffel, although a young man yet, has seen much of the world, having visited all the principle cities of the East.  His handsome brick residence is located on South Limestone street. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 871
	Springfield Twp. & Springfield City - JAMES LEFFEL, deceased, Springfield.  The career of James Leffel cuts an important figure in Springfield history, and although he passed from earthly scenes fourteen years ago, he is as fresh in the recollection of many as if he had but died a month ago.  He was one of those positive natures that makes itself felt in whatever sphere it may happen to exist.  He was born in Botetourt Co., Va., Apr. 19, 1806, hence was, at death, June 11, 1866, just turned  three score; came with his parents to Ohio when 9 months old; fought his own way in life.  On July 4, 1830, he celebrated this National holiday by his marriage with Miss Mary A. Croft, born Nov. 7, 1813, and a native of Ohio.  Of six sons and three daughters, only two sons now survive:  Warren Leffel (born Mar. 25, 1851), partner in the "Leffel water wheel" interest, and Ed C. Leffel (July 4, 1857).  Their daughter Eliza (now deceased) married Mr. John W. Bookwalter who is now the head of the extensive water water wheel interest:  Frederick Leffel was a member of the military organization known as the "Squirrel Hunters" during the war, and died July 30, 1865; their oldest son was lost at sea.  Mr. James Leffel was a natural mechanic and an inventive genius, and to him is due the credit of erecting the first foundry in the vicinity of Springfield, which was situated near Buck Creek bridge, two miles west, and completed on Jan. 1, 1840.  So great was the increase of his business he found it necessary to build another, which he located north of Springfield, and completed in the spring of 1846.  The same year, in company with one Richards, he built the Leffel & Richards extension cotton mill on Barnett's water power; 1852 found him extensively interested in several manufacturing and mechanical enterprises, among which was the manufacture of stoves on his own patent - "The Buckeye" and the generation."  The foundry, which was a separate interest, was carried on under the name of  Leffel, Cook & Blakeney; the stove interest was Leffel & Harrison.  He had already, at this early date, gone into the manufacture of horse-power threshing machines, a patent lever jack and a patent water wheel, which was the early ancestor of the present celebrated turbine water wheel, which was perfected about the year 1862, and was subsequently put into a stock company of which James Leffel, James S. Good, John Foos and John W. Bookwalter (his son-in-law), were the proprietors.  Several minor changes occurred before his death which left his family abundantly provided for.  His widow, Mrs. Mary Leffel retained, within a year or two, her interest in the manufacturing concern, but this important industry as now constituted, is conducted under the name of James Leffel & Co., and consists of John W. Bookwalter, Warren Leffel, Frank Bookwalter, and others, a fuller description of which will be found in the industrial department of the history proper.  Mr. Leffel was a man of unflagging, undeviating integrity, and a valuable element in any community.  Mrs. Leffel is an unpretentious motherly woman, charitable and generous, and is only spoken of in terms of kindness and esteem.  Such people as this worthy couple have made Springfield what it is. SOURCE:  The History of Clark County, Ohio; Publ. Chicago:  W.H. Beers & Co.,  1881 - Pg. 868
	Springfield Twp. - JAMES P. LEFFEL, retired farmer; P. O. Springfield.  "Father" Leffel is one of the few remaining pioneers who are yet left to relate the scenes and incidents of the early pioneers who are yet left to relate the scenes and incidents of early pioneer life in this county.  He was born Mar. 29, 1799, on the banks of the Potomac River, in Berkeley Co., Va.  Of John and Margaret's eleven children, James is the only surviving one.  When James was but 2 years old, his father died, when the care of the eleven children devolved upon the mother; at the age of 15, James hired out at $6 per month, to work on a farm, and at the age of 18 came to Ohio and to this county, bringing with him his mother and one brother, the rest of the children having come some three or four years before.  On his arrival here he hired to his brother John to work in the mill, and at the end of four yeas went into partnership with his brother, built the mill now owned by Henry Snyder; and after running this mill eight years, his health failed so much that he was obliged to quit milling.  He then sold his interest in the mill to his brother John and moved to Medway, where he remained two years, when he removed to his present home.  He started for himself with no fortune except a good character and willing hands, and has maintained the same without a blemish.  He owns 1,600 acres of land, besides a considerable amount of city property.  He was married in 1822 to Elizabeth Miller; she departed this life Sept. 18, 1874.  Of their ten children, six are now living, viz., Michael, Martin, Joseph, Reuben, Elizabeth and Scott.  He has twenty-five grandchildren. SOURCE:  The History of Clark County, Ohio; Publ. Chicago:  W.H. Beers & Co.,  1881 - Pg. 870
	Springfield Twp. & Springfield City - JOSEPH LEFFEL, fruit and vegetable dealer, Springfield.  There are few persons in Clark County who have not heard of Col. Joe Leffel he being the smallest business man in Ohio, and, in fact, we might say, the United States, but his size has not been a bar to his success in life, as he has always been recognized as successful in everything he has undertaken.  He was born in this county Sept. 21, 1833, and is the son of James P. and Elizabeth Leffel, and when an infant he was attacked by a disease which impeded his growth, and now in his 48th year he is but three feet ten inches in height.  He was married Mar. 16, 1876, to Sarah B. Meade, daughter of Alfred and Mary (Hatcher) Meade, who was born in this county, Feb. 14, 1857, of which union two children have been the issue, viz., Joseph F. and Gilbert W.  In 1865, Mr. Leffel opened a photography gallery, in which he engaged one year, then went into the grocery business, at which he remained about the same time; was also in the bee culture for many years, and is at present engaged in the fruit and vegetable trade on West High street.  His parents were large robust people, his father being over six feet in height, and the family are among the prominent pioneer farmers of Clark County. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 869
	Springfield Twp. & Springfield City - MICHAEL LEFFEL**, farmer; P. O. Springfield.  Michael Leffel, son of James P. and Elizabeth Leffel, was born in this county Mar. 20, 1822, and was married June 6, 1844, to Elizabeth, daughter of Henry and Mary Cosler.  They have had eight children, viz., Xarisa, James H., Winfield, Antionetta*, Leonidas, Mary, Adison and Elizabeth.  Xarisa was married, July 5, 1868, to James H. Drake; she died Apr. 18, 1878; James  was married, Jan. 1, 1874, to Rebecca L. Turner; they enjoyed their union but four short months, when death called her home; Antoinetta was married, Sept. 10, 1874, to Joseph Kist; Mary was married, Nov. 18, 1880, to Milton Crabill.  Mrs. Michael Leffel was born Dec. 5, 1822, in Montgomery Co.,. Ohio; her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio and to this county in 1806.  Mr. Leffel followed farming all his life and has always resided in this county, except eight years that he lived in Miami Co., Ohio.  He now lives three and a half miles south of Springfield on the Yellow Springs Pike, where he is engaged quite extensively in farming and pays special attention to the raising of Poland-China breed of hogs.  James is a Patriarch of Springfield Encampment, No. 16, I. O. O. F., and is at present traveling for one of Springfield's enterprising manufacturing establishments. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 870 * NOTE:  Antionetta is listed as Annie, Anetta &Anna Keist.  c/b other spellings. ** Michael and Elizabeth lived with their family in Lost Creek, Miami Co., Ohio in 1850 Census before moving to Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio.
	Springfield Twp. & Springfield City - REUBEN W. LEFFEL, farmer; P. O. Springfield; son of James P. and Elizabeth Leffel; was born in this county May 9, 1836; he lived with his parents until 1862, when he moved to his present home.  He was married Jan. 21, 1858, to Rachel, daughter of John and Mahala (Myres) McClelland.  They have four children, viz., Adda M.. Hester A., Charles R. Stella E.  Mrs. Leffel was born in Greene County July 28, 1832; her parents were natives of Kentucky, and came to Ohio in an early day.  Mr. and Mrs. Reuben W. have a pleasant home and a fine family of children; the girls take great delight in ornamenting the home to make it not only cheerful and pleasant, but attractive.  Mr. Lcffel engages largely in farming and stock raising, and makes a specialty of breeding Jersey cattle; he is a member in good standing of Springfield Lodge. No. 33, I. O. O. F.; also a Patriarch of Mad River Encampment, No. 16, 1. O. O. F.; he and his good wife are consistent members of the Lutheran Church. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 871
	Mad River Twp. - B. D. LONG, teacher; P. O. Springfield.  Mr. Long was born in Pennsylvania Mar. 2, 1851.  His parents were B. H. and Elizabeth Long, both natives of Pennsylvania.  They came to Ohio in April, 1860; and located in Clark County in 1861.  Our subject received his education in the common schools, with the exception of three months spent at Wittenburg College in 1866, after which he engaged in teaching common schools, and with such success as to command the highest wages paid in Mad River Township.  Mr. Long was elected Assessor of Mad River Township for three years, also an active member of the School Board for the same period, and greatly interested in educational affairs generally.  He married Miss Susan Rathbon, of Clark County, Mar. 17, 1870.  They are the parents of seven children, viz.:  John, Aaron, Lizzie, Maudie, Alfred, Benjamin and George.  George died Apr. 19, 1878. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1045
	German Twp. - JOHN E. LORTON, farmer; P. O. Lawrenceville; born in this township and county Nov. 10, 1827; is a son of John and Rachel (Donavan) Lorton, natives of Kentucky, and became residents of Clark Co. in 1816, locating in German Township, among the early settlers, and lived here till their death.  He died Sept. 16, 1847; she died in August, 1879.  Of an issue of ten children, five now survive - Mary Jane, Sarah Ann, John E., William and Jonathan.  Our subject was married, Sept. 13, 1849, to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Nancy Wagner, natives of Pennsylvania.  Issue, seven children, five now survive - J. William, Amanda M., Emma C., Lewis N. and Claretta.  His wife died Feb. 19, 1868; was married the second time, Feb. 24, 1873, to Rebecca, daughter of Henry W. and Lydia (Klinfelter) Swartzbaugh, natives of Pennsylvania.  Issue, four children - Cora Bell, Lydia M., Anna Matilda and Luther Ely.  Mr. Lorton, after his marriage, located upon the farm where he now lives, and has since resided, having made a continued residence of thirty-one years.  He has 81 acres of land in good cultivation, with good buildings and improvements, constituting a pleasant home and residence; has been Township Trustee for five years. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1004
	Bethel Twp. - DAVID LOWRY, deceased.  At the mere mention of the name of Lowry, the memory goes back at once to the first settlement of the Mad River country, and sees, in imagination, the old pioneer whose name heads this sketch, accompanied by his friend, Jonathan Donnels, viewing with exultant delight the beautiful forests and valleys bordering upon Mad River, as they wandered along its banks in the summer of 1795, at which time each selected the site of his future home.  David Lowry, natives of Scotland, born respectively in 1724 and 1732, and who came to this country with their son, where Lettice died in 1797, and her husband in 1800, and whose tombstones are yet visible in the Minnich graveyard.  To David and Lettice Lowry were born the following children: John, Archibald, David, Thomas, Robert, Lettice, Nellie J., and one whose name is now forgotten.  In the spring of 1795, David, Jr., came down the Ohio with flat-boat filled with black locust trunnels, which were for use in boat building, and which he sold at Cincinnati.  For about three months he was connected with the provision train of Gen. Wayne's army, afterward settling on Section 3, Bethel Township, where he lived several years, then sold the land and bought the whole of Section 14, which he soon disposed of at a large profit, and entered land in Section 9, where his son, R. M. Lowry, now resides, and there he passed the remainder of his life.  It is claimed by his children, that he and Jonathan Donnels raised a crop of corn at the mouth of Honey Creek, in Miami County, the same year that they settled in Clark, having often heard their father speak of this event.  David Lowry was married in Miami County, in November, 1801, to Sarah Hammer, to whom were born Sarah, Nancy, Susan and Elizabeth, all dead but Susan, the wife of John Leffel.  Mrs. Lowry died in August, 1810, and Feb. 14, 1811, he was married to Mrs. Jane Hodge, the widow of Andrew Hodge, to whom she was married Mar. 26, 1803, of which union two children, Paulina H. and Andrew, were born, both dying in early life.  Mrs. Jane Lowry born in Virginia Sept. 26, 1778, and was the daughter of James and Martha Wright, natives of the Old Dominion, who settled close to Paris, Ky., where the family were prominent farmers.  To David and Jane Lowry were born four children, viz.:  Martha S., David W., Robert M. and Sarah R., all of whom are living.  Mr. Lowry died Sept. 9, 1859, and his widow, Aug. 15, 1867, she being a member of the Presbyterian Church, and her husband of the Christian denomination, both dying with a strong faith in a happy future.  Of the character of David Lowry we could not give too much praise; a man of rigid industry and economy, he left a handsome estate; imbued with a spirit of progress, he built mills and conducted enterprises that were a great benefit to the community and early settlers; his invincible and determined courage fitted him for a pioneer; and his spotless honesty in all things stamped him as a rare specimen of true manhood whom  every one respected.  Even the red savage admired him because he was kind, yet knew not fear, and his muscular frame seldom grew weary under the toil and hardships of pioneer life.  Such is an imperfect outline of David Lowry, but in so short a sketch it is impossible to tell of his many noble traits of character; of the obliging neighbor, fond father, kind husband and loving protector; we might say much, and his descendants may well be proud of their pioneer sire, whom none knew but to respect. SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1030