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OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS
A Part of Genealogy
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Welcome to
Clark County, Ohio
History & Genealogy |
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
< CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO
1881 BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX >
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LIST OF BIOGRAPHICAL INDEXES >
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Bethel Twp. -
JOHN J. SCARFF, breeder of
thoroughbred stock; P. O. New Carlisle. Although not a
native of Clark Co., Mr. Scarff occupies a very
prominent position in it, being one of the most extensive
breeders in the county, and perhaps in the State.
His being one of the most extensive breeders in the county,
and perhaps in the State. His reputation in this
respect is equaled by few, as none of his sales thus far
have failed in giving satisfaction. His motto, when
commencing life, was to have only the best of whatever he
might possess, and with this object in view, and with a will
to succeed, could it be wondered at that he occupies the
proud position that has so meritoriously been vouchsafed him
by his neighbors, and the discriminating public?
Mr. Scarff worked for his first dollar, and energy and
perseverance have been rewarded, as by his industry and
business tact he is now the owner of many broad and fertile
acres, and is accounted one of the most scientific farmers
in Bethel Township. Having a great love for stock, he
has invested largely in thoroughbred cattle. Devons,
of which he has the finest herd in the State, taking
sweepstakes at the State Fair, at Columbus, in 1880, over
all breeders of cattle. He also has a fine herd of
Jerseys; his sheep are of the celebrated Cotswold and
Southdown breeds, and his hogs, Berkshire and Polands.
Other kinds of stock, poultry, ducks, geese, swans, etc.,
are reared in large numbers, and his list of premiums is
greater, perhaps, for the length of time he has been in the
business, than that of any man in the State. Clark Co.
has reason to be proud of her sons, but especially are those
deserving of credit who have done so much, not only for the
improvement of the county, but also of those who have, by
the most careful management, brought up her stock to that
high grade that defies competition with any of the
neighboring States. Mr. Scarff's parents,
Joshua and Lydia Scarff, were natives of
Virginia, coming to Miami Co. in 1830. Their children
were named Emanuel, May, John J., James M., Diana,
Elizabeth, Bernard and William H. H. Scraff.
All the daughters are deceased, and the parents also.
The marriage of Mr. J. J. Scarff and Miss Mary
Neff was celebrated May 23, 1848. Her parents,
Daniel and Leah Neff, were natives of Pennsylvania, and
came to this county in 1838. They raised a large
family, three sons and four daughters - Benjamin, Isaac,
Barbara, Mary, Rebecca, Cyrus and Matilda. Mrs.
Neff died in 1839, and her husband married Miss Julia
Herr, in 1845 or 1846, by whom he had four children -
Charlotta, Harriet, Fanny and David. Mr.
Neff died in 1866; his widow still survives.
Mr. and Mrs. Scarff have five children - Flora,
James T., Mark T., William N., and Grace T.
The children give evidence of their careful training, and
will surely do their parents honor. Mr. Scarff
was appointed, in 1877, County Commissioner, and was elected
to that position in 1878, and is an excellent official.
He has, for a number of years, been a member of the
Agricultural Board of Clark Co., all of which are filled
with credit to himself and honor to the public. He was
a volunteer during the war of the rebellion, in Co. B, 147th
O. V. I., serving as 2d Lieutenant. His is a record in
which his children can feel a just pride, and we are glad to
have the means of perpetuating it. He has surrounded
his home with everything that makes life pleasant; books,
music and works of art show their love for their children,
in making their home the most attractive spot on earth.
Theirs is assuredly a place where the stranger, as well as
the friend, is welcomed.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ.
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1033 |
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Springfield Twp. -
JACOB SEITZ, grain and coal dealer,
Springfield. Almost a half century has passed since
the subject of this sketch came to Ohio. His parents,
Henry and Mary Seitz, emigrating from
Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1831, settling near the village of
Springfield, which at that time was only a small hamlet.
Henry purchased a farm one and a half miles from
town, and engaged in agriculture until his death, which
occurred a few years later. His children were six in
number - Andrew, Isaac, Elizabeth, Henry, Jacob and
Catharine two are deceased - Catharine and
Isaac. All were born in Pennsylvania, but have
been associated with this county since their coming, and are
still residents except Henry who emigrated to Kansas
in 1870, living previously in Coles Co., Ill. As we
wish to speak at this time particularly of Jacob,
who, by reason of his business tact, is one of our self-made
men, we may premise by saying that he worked by the month
for the money that was the nucleus around which capital
gathered through his industry and natural aptitude for
business. His education was all gained before he left
Pennsylvania, at which time he was 12 years of age, being
born in December, 1818. Notwithstanding the lack of
education, he has always been a remarkably fortunate
business man, his perceptive faculties being largely above
the average. In 1840, he commenced the milling and
distilling business in this county, and during the past
forty years, has been continually engaged at these
occupations. In 1847, his marriage to Miss Mary A.,
daughter of Daniel Stineberger, esq., was celebrated,
and, in 1851, a partnership was formed in the mill and
distillery between Jacob and Mr.
Stineberger, a firm name being Stineberger & Seitz.
This was continued until 1855, when Mr. Seitz
disposed of his interest and came to Springfield, and has
been connected with her business interests ever since.
They were parents of three children - Theodore H., Olive
E. and Laura B. Theodore was 21 years of
age at the time of his death. Olive is the wife
of Charles Anthony, a son of one of the first
settlers in the county, and whose sketch will be of great
interest. Charles Anthony is now engaged in the
grain business with his father-in-law. Mr. Seitz
was elected County Commissioner in 1869, and also served as
Alderman one term. His modesty has always been a bar
to his having official positions, he being much averse to
public life. As a man, his life has been characterized
by those traits which ennoble and give confidence to the
people - always foremost in enterprise, and liberal in every
sense of the word. He purchased the St. James Hotel in
1865, and has since made large additions to and otherwise
improved it, making it first-class in its accommodations.
He is still owner of 260 acres of highly-improved land, his
love for agriculture making this almost a necessity, his
circumstances warranting his retirement from business, but
his active spirit rebels at the idea of idleness. He
has been a friend to the needy, and is one of whom
Springfield may feel proud.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ.
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 916 |
H. SENSEMAN |
German Twp. -
HIRAM SENSEMAN, physician; Tremont
City. All communities, every town, city and every
profession and business, have their representative men, and
in the medical profession in the village of Tremont, we
mention Dr. Hiram Senseman as one medical profession
in the village of Fremont, we mention Dr. Hiram Senseman
as one of the most prominent; born in Lancaster Co., Penn.,
May 10, 1826; a son of Daniel and Mary (Fry) Senseman,
also natives of Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather
was a native of Germany; his wife of Wales. The
maternal grandparents of Pennsylvania. Daniel
studied medicine, and entered upon the practice as a
physician when a young man, and spent his short life in the
profession in Lancaster and Cumberland Cos., practicing in
the former county four years, and in the latter six years,
when his career of prosperity and usefulness was suddenly
terminated by death, from a stroke of apoplexy, being only
34 years of age. He had been quite successful; was
building up an extensive practice, and had the highest hopes
and prospects of a successful future; but which, in the
Providence of God, was so soon terminated, and he in the
strength and bloom of manhood, called to his last home.
They had six children, four now survive - Reuben, Hiram,
Jacob, and Sallie Ann; deceased, Andrew
and Daniel. The mother, being left in very
limited circumstances financially, the children were placed
among relatives to be raised. After about six years,
the mother married a Mr. Miley, by whom she had two
children - Mary Emiline and one dying in infancy.
The mother is still residing in Cumberland Co., Penn.
Our subject, after the death of his father, labored on a
farm till 14 years of age, and in that toilsome, but
healthful vocation, laid the foundation of physical strength
so essential to carry out the work of his future calling.
He now commenced to learn the tanner's trade, at which he
served one year; but not being pleased with that business,
he proceeded to learn the cabinet trade, and served not
being pleased with that business, he proceeded to learn the
cabinet trade, and served three years under a very
proficient German, from whom he became a thorough and
skilled workman. At this period - now 18 years of age
- he made a tour East to Connecticut; while on this visit he
gained some information by which his aspirations were
raised, and ideas formed, which culminated in a
determination to study medicine, and enter upon the
profession of his father. Although lacking in finances
to carry out his plans as the world desire, yet he was
decided that "where there was a will there was a way," and
he commenced action accordingly. By a special offer
from, and arrangement with, Dr. P. N. Long, a
practicing physician of Mechanicsburg, Penn., he commenced
his studies under him, with whom he continued four years;
during which time he attended two courses of lectures in
Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, where he
finished his course and graduated in March, 1849.
Dr. Senseman commenced the practice of his profession at
Plainfield, Cumberland Co., Penn., where he continued two
and a half years; thence located at Hagerstown, in the same
county; thence in 1853, he sold out and started for "the
West." He located at Tremont, Clark Co., where he has
continued in practice till the present, with the exception
of four years, during which he practiced in Springfield,
Clark Co., and West Charleston, Miami Co., Ohio. At
the breaking-out of the civil war, in 1861, he offered his
services as a surgeon (a thorough examination having been
passed), and received an appointment; but on account of his
close professional engagements at home, he never entered the
service. He was married in November, 1854, to Mrs.
Mary A. Richardson, daughter of John G. and Sarah
Fry. Her father was a soldier in the war of 1812.
He died in 1875, aged 85 years. Mrs. Senseman
was born Jan. 30, 1831, in Shamokin, Northumberland Co.,
Penn. She early learned the duties of housewifery, so
essential to real home efficiency, and which she was so ably
practiced to this day. They began their married life
as it has been continued, with mutual affection, and have
known but one heavy blow - Leander Boyd - a
son of Mrs. Senseman by her former marriage, sickened
and died. Fond hopes had been entered on his child,
and tender care lavished upon him; but a mysterious
Providence took him to Himself ere 4 summers had been added
to his young life. Dr. Senseman's life has been
one of success; and has been accomplished under difficulties
most embarrassing; but by rightly conceived plans, and an
indomitable will in carrying them out, he has accomplished
his ends, and risen to a high standing in his profession.
Respected as a physician and a man in the community, Dr.
Senseman endeavors to lead an honorable and useful life
in trying to lessen the tide of human suffering, and thus
realizes the solid comforts of a mind at ease, a pleasant
home, and cordial sympathy with all around him.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio: Publ.
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1010 |
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Springfield Twp. -
J. H. SERFF, Springfield: was born in
Pennsylvania Dec. 20, 1838, and is the son of Abraham and
Elizabeth (Hoke) Serff, natives of that State, he having
been a soldier in the war of 1812, and his father, Philip,
having served in the Revolution. Mr. Serff
grew up and was educated in the “Keystone State,” and in
1862, enlisted in Capt. Sano’s Independent Cavalry
Company, re-enlisting in 1803 in the 0th Pennsylvania
Cavalry, serving under Sherman until the war closed, and
being one of the escort which received Johnston’s surrender.
In 1 800, he came to Springfield, where he carried on the
hardware store for about eleven years, and, in 1871, opened
a millinery establishment, in which he is at present
engaged. He was married, in 1869. to Louia M. Worthington,
a native of Springfield, to whom have been born two
children, both now deceased. Mr. Serff
and wife are members of the English Lutheran Church.
He is District Secretary of the State Sabbath School Union,
and a member of the Executive Committee. Politically,
a Republican. He is considered one of the progressive,
enterprising business men of Springfield, and has many warm
friends.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio: Publ.
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 917 |
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Bethel Twp. -
JAMES FINDLEY SHARTLE, farmer; P. O.
Medway. The grandfather of this gentleman, with a
brother, came from Germany in 1775, to the American
Colonies, and both joined the patriot army and fought
throughout that struggle for liberty. "Findey's"
grandfather settled in Virginia, where he married and raised
a family, Jacob, the father of J. F., being
one of the sons. He was a soldier in 1812, and was
married to Elsie Burns, native of Virginia, and in
1816 they settled in Montgomery Co., Ohio, where the subject
of this sketch was born, Feb. 21, 1821, he being the fourth
in a family of eight children, as follows: Jacob,
William, John, James F., Elizabeth, Lena J.,
Elsie and Isaac, five of whom are yet
living. In March, 1831, they came to Bethel Township,
and soon afterward Jacob began the erection of the
"Woodbury Mills," on Mad River, where there is yet a
mill in operation. Jacob and wife died in this
township, and here the subject of this sketch grew to
manhood, and married Mary J. Croft, daughter of
George and Susan (Lowry) Croft, natives of this
township. This marriage occurred Apr. 20, 1847, and
has been blessed by the following children: Susan E.,
Elizabeth, John D., Lena J., William H., James B., Charles
H., and Edward C., all living but John and
William. Mr. Shartle had a nice home, and is one
of the liberal, enterprising men of his township.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ.
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1034 |
REUBEN
SHALLABARGER |
Mad River
Twp. -
REUBEN SHELLABARGER, farmer; P. O. Enon. Among
the old and prominent families of Clark Co., the one to
which this gentleman belongs is well worthy of proper
recognition in this work. Reuben Shelleabarger
was born in Mad River Township Nov. 8, 1815, and is a son of
Ephraim and Rebecca (Winget) Shellabarger, he a
native of Northumberland Co., Penn., and she of Cincinnati,
Ohio; her parents Reuben and Elizabeth Winget,
natives of Virginia, coming to this Township in 1805.
Ephraim Shellabarger came to this town in 1811, was
preceded by his brother Jacob and accompanied by his
brothers Samuel, John and Martin. He was
married in 1814 to Rebecca Winget, to whom were born
six children - Reuben, Margaret, Martin, Elizabeth, David
and Ann, all of whom are now living. He and
wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, and died in
this township. The subject of this sketch grew to
maturity in his native township, receiving such an education
as those early days afforded, and was here married Nov. 17,
1836, to Elizabeth Baker, daughter of Melyn and
Mary (Layton) Baker, pioneers of Mad River Township.
Mrs. Shellabarger was born in the above township Aug.
6, 1818, and had born to her Ephraim, Mary Ann
(deceased,) Melyn, Minerva, Derastus (deceased),
Sarah Jane, Agnus, Rebecca, Maria E., Penie B. and
Susan E. (deceased. Mr. Shellabarger was
again married June 24, 1876, to Jane Rynearson,
daughter of Barnett and Martha (Winget) Rynearson, he
a native of Pennsylvania, and she of Mad River Township,
where both are now residing. Mrs. Shellabargar
was born in this township Jan. 20, 1831, and is a member of
the Christian Church, to which denomination her husband has
belonged for forty years. Mr. Shellabarger has
been a hardworking, honest farmer all his life and has
accumulated a property of 317 acres of fine land which he
has well improved. Politically he has always been a
stanch Democrat, and in 1854 was elected Township Trustee
and reelected several times, serving continuously until
1877, when he retired, but in 1879 the people again chose
him a Trustee, and he is now filling that office. In
1870, and 1880, he was Township Land Appraiser, and ahs been
a member of the Board of Education since its establishment
in the township. He is a man who, by integrity and
straightforward dealing through life, has merited the
confidence and esteem of all good citizens, and is now
enjoying the fruits of an industrious, upright life.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1046 |
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Springfield
Twp. -
HENRY M. SHEPHERD, clothier,
Springfield; is a native of this part of Ohio; born in
Champaign County in 1826. When about 14 years of age, Mr.
Shepherd began his commercial career as clerk, and
was engaged at intervals in different towns in this part of
the State. In March, 1817, he came to Springfield and
became connected with the Foos’ as a clerk, and has
since resided here.v In 1852, he became a member of the firm
of Foos, Norton & Shepherd, and
continued to be connected with some of the Foos
brothers in business here until 1872, after which he
conducted a merchant tailor’s and clothier's establishment
until 1876; was then out of mercantile business until 1879,
when he formed the present partnership of Shepherd A.
Hart, and they have since conducted the clothing trade
at No. 23 East Main street,
both having practical experience. Messrs.
Shepherd & Hart are prepared to and do conduct a
first-class business. They carry a complete stock of
clothing and gents' furnishing goods, and by special
arrangements are agents for one of the most extensive
manufacturing firms of the East, where they send orders for
special custom work. Mr. Shepherd has
not only been actively connected with the business of the
city, but has also been identified with public enterprises;
was one of the constituent members of the company whoso
enterprise secured Fern Cliff’ Cemetery; and he has been the
trusted and efficient clerk of the company since 1876.
He married, in 1852, Miss Margaret J., daughter of
Levi Rinehart, deceased, a prominent citizen of
his day. Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd have a family of
three children. Their residence is No. 181 East
High street.
SOURCE: The History of Clark
County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page
918 |
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Springfield
Twp. -
JOHN S. SHEWALTER, City Clerk,
Springfield; is a native of Ohio. His parents,
Jacob and Arabella (Aby) Shewalter, were natives of
Virginia, but removed to Ohio about 1837; subsequently
returned to Virginia; then removed to Tennessee, where they
resided until the rebellion caused a breaking up of the
family to some extent. The father died at the home of
his sister in Clinton Co., Ohio, Jan. 16, 1864. The
mother still survives, and now resides in this city with her
son, who is the subject of this sketch. He was born in
Clermont County April 14, 1838, and accompanied his parents
to Virginia and Tennessee, where he was “conscripted” for
service in the Confederate army in the fall of 1862, but
before he was secured, he left with a company for Kentucky,
who made their way over the mountains into the Union line,
which they reached at Richmond, Ky., in December, where most
of their number enlisted in the United States service; but
John S., knowing the extreme risk if he should be
taken prisoner, kept on North until he arrived in
Springfield, where he has since resided with the exception
of about eight months’ service in the 58th O. V. I. He
is father was a miller, and he learned milling with him, and
also learned the trade of molder. After his return
from the army, he returned to Tennessee, but found
everything in such chaotic condition that after eleven
months’ stay, he returned to Springfield, and was employed
here as molder. In January, 1870, at an especial
election, he was elected City Clerk, and re-elected at each
successive contest since. He is a member of the
Central Methodist Episcopal Church, and also of the I. O. O.
F.; of the latter, he has been a representative to the State
Grand Lodge, and was a visitor to the Grand Lodge of the
United States held at Indianapolis in 1875. He
married, in 1868, Miss Margaret E. Garey; her
decease occurred in 1877. Two children survive her—a
daughter and a son. Mr. Shewalter
married again in 1878; his second wife being Miss Ann W.
Chenowaith, of Pickaway County; from this marriage has
been horn one child—a daughter.
SOURCE: The History of Clark
County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page
918 |
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Springfield
Twp. -
JOHN A. SHIPMAN, Postmaster,
Springfield; is a native of Clark County; a son of Clark
and Ruth (Ambler) Shipman. Mr. Shipman, Sr., was a
native of Elizabeth, N. J., and removed when a boy with his
father’s family to Kentucky. Having an elder brother
residing in Springfield, he came here in 1815, and resided
here until Ins decease in 1828. Ruth is the
daughter of John and Annie Ambler. Mr. Ambler
was a native of New Jersey; came to Springfield in 1808, and
was a prominent citizen during his lifetime. He was
Treasurer and Auditor of Clark County in early days, and his
daughter, Ruth Shipman, now in her 8lst year,
relates how her father used the kitchen for his office and
the upper part of the cupboard for a safe. The subject
of this sketch was born in Springfield in 1829. "When
15 years of age, he engaged as an apprentice in a furniture
factory. After serving the usual three years, he
purchased an establishment and conducted that business until
the spring of 1861. Then sold out, but remained with
the firm as Superintendent until 1875. In 1876, he
received the appointment of Postmaster at Springfield, which
position he still holds to the evident satisfaction of a
majority of the community. He was a member of the City
Council several terms, and Chairman of the Finance Committee
a number of years, and is thoroughly identified with the
growth of Springfield. He married Fanny,
daughter of William Grant, Sr., whose biography also
appears in this work. From this union there are
three children—Anna, Warren and Earl.
Mr. Shipman is entirely a self-made man,
having commenced the battle of life at 15, with a widowed
mother to support; learned his trade, and by energy,
industry and careful management, succeeded in securing a
competence. He has now a number of residences and
other valuable property besides. His home is
No. 150 West Main street,
where he has erected a fine brick dwelling of modern design
on the same lot, and adjoining the little brick built by his
grandfather Ambler, more than threescore years ago.
SOURCE: The History of Clark
County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page
919 |
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Springfield
Twp. -
MISS SUSAN SINTZ, Springfield; she is
the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Creitz) Sintz.
She lives three miles northwest of Springfield, on the farm
which her father entered. In 1858, the year he died,
he was preparing material for a new house. Susan,
being an energetic lady, pushed the work to completion,
erecting a beautiful brick mansion, in which she resides.
Peter was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Clark
(then Champaign) Co., Ohio, in 1802. Elizabeth,
a native of Virginia, came here (with her sister, Mrs.
George Croft) about the same time. In 1803, the
same year that Mr. Sintz entered his farm, he built a
log cabin (which is still standing), in which he lived until
his death. The first preaching that was had in that
part of the county by the Methodists was held in this cabin,
and the first person converted and to profess religion in
that neighborhood was also in that cabin. His name was
Jeremiah Sims. When Mr. S. first settled
in this county, the Indians were very numerous, and
sometimes quarrelsome. On several occasions, Mr.
and Mrs. S. were compelled to sleep in the woods.
Mrs. S. would sit in the saddle, on the horse, all
night, with her babe in her arms. They shared the
"ups" and "downs" of pioneer life. Peter worked
for Robert Rennick in the mill, and, in 1826, built
the first flour-mill. He afterward erected two other
flour-mills and three saw-mills. Of Peter and
Elizabeth's seven children, but four are now living,
viz., Mrs. Margaret Leffel, Mrs. Martin Snyder, Peter
and Susan.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 916 |
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EBEN
SKILLINGS, farmer; P. O.
Springfield. He lives in a fine, large house in the
southeastern corner of Springfield Township. He is engaged
quite extensively in farming, and pays some attention to the
raising of fine stock. He is the son of Lewis and
Anna (Craig) Skillings, and was born
June 16, 1833, on the farm where he now lives. He was
married on New Year's Day, 1857, to Susan Runyan,
daughter of Isaac and Rebecca Runyan. They had
one child-Laura A., who was joined in wedlock, Jan.
14, 1875, to Rev. J. H. Hollingsworth. Susan departed this
life in April, 1860 Mr. Skillings was again
married, April 30, 1863, this time to Phoebe A., daughter of
David and Susan (Smith) Paullin. Of this union five
children have been born - Otis G., Susan L., Wesley, Sara
E. and Frank. Mr. and Mrs.
Skillings are members of the Free Will Baptist Church,
which is located near where they live. Mr. S has been
one of the Trustees of said church over twenty years, and is
still serving in said office. Mr. Skillings' father
came to Ohio in 1810, and settled in Cincinnati, and moved
from there to this county the same year, where he remained
until death.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ.
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 920 - Transcribed for
Ohio Genealogy Express by Cathy Portz |
Lewis Skillings
(Deceased)
Springfield Tp.
Lewis Skillings |
LEWIS
SKILLINGS, deceased. The
father of this deceased pioneer was born near Berlin,
Prussia, in the year 1750, and was a soldier in the Hessian
army, which the English Government purchased of the German
States to aid in crushing American liberty, but, in 1776,
he, with three others, deserted, rather than fight against a
people struggling for freedom, narrowly escaping detection.
Mr. Skillings moved farther away from the
scene of conflict, settling in Maine, where he was married
to Mary Blagdon, to whom were born the
following children: Louis, John, Charles,
Hannah, Mary and two whose names are unknown.
While working in the forest of his adopted state, he was
killed by a limb of a tree falling upon his head, leaving a
family of small children to the care of his widow and his
eldest son Lewis, who was then but a small lad, yet
faithfully did he discharged the trust; and by constant toil
he cared and provided for the family until his 22d year,
when he started for the Far West in search of his fortune,
his mother surviving for many years, dying in 1857, aged 94.
Lewis Skillings was born in Maine and in 1789,
and, in 1810, we find him at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was
engaged in carrying produce, on flat-boats, down the Ohio
and Mississippi Rivers. Then afterward, he came to Clark
County, and settled in the northeastern part of Green
Township, moving thence across the line to Springfield
Township, where his son Eben now resides. He was
married to Ann Craig, daughter of John
Craig, who was born near Onion River, Conn., March
29, 1792; came with her parents to Ohio in 1807, and the
following spring settled in Harmony Township. Of this union
seven children were born, viz., Mary, the deceased
wife of James Laybourn, deceased; Hannah,
the wife of Jonathan Mason, of Green Township;
Sarah, the wife of Abel Laybourn, of
Harmony Township; John, deceased; Lewis; Eben;
and Wesley, deceased. It is unnecessary to speak of
the privations and hardships undergone by Mr.
Skillings and wife in their early married life; suffice
to say, that theirs was the lot of every pioneer of the Mad
River country, and nothing but the patience, pluck and
energy, which it was their good fortune to possess, could
have converted the country from a dense forest into one of
the finest improved counties in the State. He and his wife
were life-long members of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and he was the Class leader in Fletcher Chapel for twenty
years; his wife died June 15, 1866, and, in December, 1869,
he also died, leaving to their children a handsome property,
the result of industrious, economical habits, owing at the
time of his death 300 acres of first-class land. In his will
he left $20 per year for twenty years to Fletcher Chapel,
and there in that same graveyard this honest, upright old
couple, found their last resting-place on earth, leaving to
their posterity a name and character above reproach.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ.
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 919 - Transcribed for
Ohio Genealogy Express by Cathy Portz |
| |
Green Twp. -
LEWIS SKILLINGS,
farmer, stock-grower and feeder; P.O. Springfield; was born
in Springfield Township, July 24, 1831. He is of Prussian
descent; his grand-father, Lewis Skillings,
having been a native of that country, born in 1850. This
grandfather, rather than serve as a hireling soldier against
the American Colonies then struggling for liberty, deserted
and settled in Maine, where he married Mary Blagam.
They left seven children, of whom Lewis, the father of our
sketch, was the oldest. At the age of 22, he came West,
landing at Cincinnati in 1810. He boated on the Ohio and
Mississippi for a time, and then settled in Springfield
Township, this county, where he died in 1869. Our subject
has always followed farming. At the age of 20, though living
in his father's family, he commenced business for himself,
by dealing in live-stock on a small scale. When 25 years
old, he left the parental household and engaged in business
for himself, and, with his brother John, purchased
105 acres of land, where he now resides. Before the purchase
money was fully paid, this brother died, and he completed
the purchase and became the sole owner of the property to
which he has since added 311 acres in the neighborhood. On
Dec. 13, 1855, he married Miss Martha A., daughter of
Calvin Hammond, of Harmony Township. To this
marriage there have been given five children - Fremont,
Laura, Rolley, Autice and Carrie,
all living at home with their parents. Mr. S. has
erected a fine brick residence, and a fine frame barn with
stone base; all constructed, finished and furnished in the
most elegant taste, and of the most improved designs.
SOURCE: The History of Clark
County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W.H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page
1053 - Transcribed for Ohio Genealogy Express by Cathy Portz |
| |
Mad River Twp. -
A. H. SMITH, stock-dealer; P. O. Enon;
a son of A. H. and S. E. Smith, of Cincinnati, Ohio.
They moved to Clark Co., Ohio, in 1866; bought 1,470 acres
of land, all in one body, adjoining the village of Enon.
Our subject was born in Cincinnati Oct. 1, 1850; there
obtained his early education, and enjoyed city life until 16
years of age. After his parents moved to Clark Co. he
attended select school at Springfield, Ohio, starting in
life at the age of 18 years. After which he married
Miss S. J. Shellabarger, of Clark Co., Oct. 17, 1871,
and to this union six children have been born - Amelia,
Sallie, Maria, Mary, Justin and Arelia.
Mr. Smith now oversees his father's farm, and devotes
his time principally to stock, and at present is one of the
Trustees of his Township, to which he was elected by the
Democratic party.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1046 |
| |
Springfield Township &
Springfield City -
ANDREW SMITH, farmer and bee-keeper;
P. O. Springfield. Mr. Smith lives one
mile south of Springfield, on the Selma pike, where he
devotes his attention to farming and the bee culture; he has
at present an apiary of some seventy colonies: he has paid
special attention to the culture of bees for the past twelve
years, and is thoroughly conversant with all the minutiae
pertaining to the care of bees; he also makes a specialty of
rearing Italian Queen bees, which he keeps both for his own
use and for sale, and any one wishing to purchase either
colonies of bees or Italian Queens will do well to call on
Mr. Smith. You will not only find him a
perfect gentleman, but honorable in his dealings. He was
born in Fayette Co., Ohio, April 8, 1833, moved to Greene
Co., Ohio, in 1837, with his parents, William H. and
Maria A. (Vaughn) Smith. Andrew remained in said
county until his removal to this county, in 1875; he was
married Apr. 12, 1855, to Rachael Baker, by whom four
children were born—William E., Jacob M.,
John A. (deceased), and Mary J.
Rachael was the daughter of Nayl and Huldah
(Mills) Baker; she departed this life in 1865.
The Millses were among the first settlers of Greene
Co., Ohio. Mr. Smith was again married
in 1866; this time to Mrs. Maria J. Baker, daughter
of Lewis R. and Elizabeth Pardue, also the widow of
Anthony Baker (deceased). Mr.
Smith's father was born in Ross Co., Ohio, and his
mother in Virginia. Andrew served during the
100 days’ service in the late rebellion, in the 154th O. V.
I., and at the close of said service re-enlisted in the
110th O. V. I., and served to the end of the war: he was in
Gen. Grant's army at the surrender of Gen.
Lee.
SOURCE: The History of
Clark County, Ohio: Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 -
Page 921 |
| |
Springfield Twp. & Springfield
City -
CHARLES SMITH, carpenter, Springfield.
Among the young men of Springfield, mention may be made of
Charles Smith, son of Peter and Jane Smith;
he was born in Pike Township, Clark Co., Aug. 4, 1852; his
attention was devoted to his studies and the duties of the
farm until he arrived at the age of 21 years, at which time
he commenced an apprenticeship at the carpenter trade, and
has given it his attention until the present. On Nov.
23, 1876, he married Miss Florence Ream, daughter of
Jesse and Adline Ream, by whom he had born to him two
children, viz.: Gertrude, born Oct. 4, 1877, and
Dearwood, born Feb. 16, 1879. He resided in Pike
Township until Sept. 15, 1880, when he moved to Springfield;
he and his wife are both members in good standing of the
German Reformed Church.
SOURCE: The History of
Clark County, Ohio: Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 -
Page 922 |
| |
Harmony
Twp. -
DR. EDWARD H. SMITH, physician, Vienna
Cross Roads. The subject of this sketch was born n
Franklin Co., Ohio, Feb. 15, 1855. In 1875-78, he
attended Starling Medical College, of Columbus, Ohio, one of
the leading medical colleges of the State. In 1878, he
graduated, and, after practicing a short time with his
preceptor, Dr. Gardner, of Harrisburg, Ohio, he came
to Vienna, Clark County, Ohio, and commenced the practice of
medicine. June 4, 1879, he was united in marriage to
Miss Ida M. Ellinger, grand-daughter of the late
Col. Foreman, one of the early settlers of the county,
and a man of considerable prominence, having served as a
Colonel in the war of 1812. Their marriage has
been blessed by the birth of one child (a daughter).
Dr. Smith, although practicing in the county a short
time, has built up quite a practice. He is a man of
skill, and is very industrious. As a gentleman, he is
quite pleasant and affable.
SOURCE: The History of Clark
County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page
967 |
| |
Bethel Twp. -
JOHN SMITH, farmer; P. O. Osborn,
Greene Co. (no other information here)
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio
: Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 ~ Page 1034 |
| |
Springfield Twp. & Springfield
City -
JOHN D. SMITH, book-binding and
stationery, Springfield. John D. Smith was born
seven miles from Chillicothe, Dec. 6, 1821, hence is nearly
three score years old, and does not look half a hundred; he
had six brothers and five sisters, of whom only four
brothers and two sisters survive; his parents moved to
Millgrove, Warren Co., when he was only 2 years old; soon
afterward, they came to Springfield, and Jan. 31, 1837,
returned to Millgrove, coming back to Springfield in
September, 1842. On Dec. 18, 1844, he married Rebecca
Chrest, by whom he had five children, one son and four
daughters, of whom they lost the son and one daughter.
Of their daughters, Emma S. married E. T. Thomas,
Mr. Smith's present partner in business; Alice
B. married John Davidson in 1869, whom she lost
Mar. 1, 1877, and Carrie Lytle married Rodney F.
Ludlow, in June, 1877. Having lost his wife in the
fall of 1860, Mr. Smith, on Nov. 2, 1861, married his
present wife, Miss Mary E. Woodrow by whom he has no
children. Mr. Smith has had little schooling,
none after he was 11 years old. In about 1832 and
1833, he worked with Kills & Brichal, then
with Morgan & Anthony; afterward worked on a farm,
going to Lockport on rainy days to rule for John M. Seely.
On coming to Springfield the second time, he worked with
Mr. Baker about eighteen months, taking instructions in
book-binding and blank-book making, after which, in
September, 1844, he started on his own account, his business
changes being many form that time to the present. He
opened in what is known as "Trapper's Corner," there
continuing sixteen years, having, part of the time his
brother for partner; in 1850, he also conducted a
boarding-house, merging it into a hotel, upon selling out
his book-binding business in the fall of 1860; in 1862, he
sold his hotel business to H. F. Willis; worked from
March to September, 1862, for E. L. Barrett, then
rented from Hastings, and again, with Barrett,
on one-half division of profits, to July, 1865. Then
he again worked with Hastings on the basis of an
interest, until Jan. 20, 1879, since which time he has been
doing business as at present, under the name of J. D.
Smith & Co., the company being his son-in-law, E. T.
Thomas. He did Hastings' work, a of old,
until the 15th of October. Mr. Smith now does
the leading business in this line, and has all he and a full
force of hands can do in new and enlarged quarters, corner
of Main and Limestone streets. He is a member in good
standing of Springfield Lodge, I. O. O. F., and member of
the Royal Arcanum of Springfield, and one of Springfield's
energetic and reliable citizens.
SOURCE: The History of
Clark County, Ohio: Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 -
Page 921 |
| |
Springfield Twp. & Springfield
City -
JOHN J. SMITH, Justice of the Peace,
Springfield. Mr. Smith was born Apr. 25, 1837,
in Wurtemberg, Germany; emigrated, with his parents to
America, in 1852; after stopping while in Erie, Penn, came
to Ohio, and located in Salem, and while living there took a
trip through his part of Ohio, and in passing through this
city the general appearance of the place attracted his
attention so much that he concluded to make Springfield his
future home, and consequently moved here in 1858; in 1869,
was elected to the City Council from the Second Ward, and
was re-elected in 1871 and 1873; he was elected Justice of
the Peace for Springfield Township in 1873, and has been
twice re-elected since to the same office. He has been
twice married, first, in 1860, to Mary E. Hax,
daughter of Theodore and Catharine Hax. With
this union three children were born. Mary died
in 1874. His second wife was Mrs. Mary Stubbe,
widow of William Stubbe (deceased), to whom he was
married in 1876. Mr. Smith carried on a grocery
and feed store in this city some thirteen years; he attended
school from his fifth year of age until he sailed to
America.
SOURCE: The History of
Clark County, Ohio: Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 -
Page 920 |
| |
Pike
Twp. -
PETER SMITH, farmer; P. O. New
Carlisle. This gentleman was born in the county of
Botetourt, Va., Dec. 14, 1811. At the age of 2 years he came
to Ohio with his parents, Christian and Christianna Smith,
and settled near Chillicothe. They remained one year
in their new home, and came to this (Pike) township, and
located near New Carlisle. In the year 1821, Christian
purchased the farm where he resided until his death, which
occurred in Nov. 27, 1855. His educational advantages
were limited; he was early trained to farm labor. In
his 25th year, he rented the farm now owned by Samuel
Harshberger for one year and then purchased 80 acres
of timber land, which he cleared and put under cultivation.
He soon added 80 acres to his original purchase, making in
all 160. In the spring of 1873, he disposed of the
place and purchased the farm he now occupies. Dec. 5,
1836, he was united in marriage with Jane, daughter
of Jesse and Sarah Mixon. She was born Dec. 26,
1813. They were the parents of eleven children, viz.:
Christian M., born Sept 14, 1837; Perlena and
Elsina (twins), Sept. 12, 1839; Christianna,
May 22, 1842; Sarah, Feb. 8, 1844; Lydia, Feb.
28, 1846; Ruth, Aug. 3, 1848; Jesse M.,
April 8, 1850; Charles, Aug. 4, 1852 ; Peter M.,
Sept. 25, 1854; Mark, June 3, 1858. Perlina
died Jan. 25, 1855; Ruth, died Jan. 21, 1849.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith, with four children, are members
of the German Baptist Church, and one daughter a member of
the Baptist Church.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio
: Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 ~ Page 1023 |
| |
Bethel Twp. -
JOHN SPIDEL, contractor and builder.
John Spidel is the son of Uriah and Rosanna Spidel,
both natives of Lancaster Co., Penn. He was born in
Lehigh Co., Penn., May 11, 1830; he came to Bethel Township,
Clark Co., Ohio, in 1854; his occupation is that of a
contractor and builder, and he has been extensively engaged
in the adjoining counties of Green, Montgomery and Miami.
On the 25th of February, 1858, he married Miss Lydia
Forrer who was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., July 21,
1829. As a result of this union, they have had the
following children born to them: Iantha, born Dec.
12, 1858; Ella, Sept. 8, 1860; Ida May, Dec.
12, 1862; Anna, July 20, 1865; Carrie, Sept.
6, 1867; Harry E., Mar. 11, 1869, died June 14, 1869;
Mary, born Aug. 6, 1870. During the rebellion,
Mr. Spidel enlisted in the 153d O. V. I., and was
wounded in the engagement at the South Branch Bridge,
Virginia.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio
: Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 ~ Page 1034 |
| |
Pike
Twp. -
JOHN J. STAFFORD, farmer; P. O. New
Carlisle; is the son of Thomas and Catharine (Williams)
Stafford. Thomas was a native of Ireland,
and his wife a native of Virginia. They came to Clark Co.,
Ohio, and purchased 160 acres of land in Pike Township.
John J., the subject of this biography, was born Jan. 8,
1821, and lived with his father during his (John J.’s)
minority, and at the age of 21 years, he commenced life for
himself by renting land of his father, which he cultivated
until his marriage was celebrated with Catharine,
daughter of John and Elizabeth Stafford, Oct. 3,
1854. They were the parents of three sons and three
daughters, viz. : William F.; born July 3, 1855;
Clara, born March 19, 1858; Theodore E., born
Mar. 28, 1861; Edith F., born Dec. 19, 1869;
Marcellus E., born Nov. 22, 1859, died Dec. 8, 1859;
Ida E., born Oct. 19, 1865, died Oct. 30, 1865.
Mr. and Mrs. Stafford are consistant members of
the M. E. Church.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio
: Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 ~ Page 1025 |
| |
German
Twp. -
HUGH STALEY, farmer; P. O. Tremont
City; born June 6, 1831; a native of Clark Co. and German
Township; is a son of Mathias and Sarah (Gentis) Staley,
he a native of Maryland and she of Virginia; became a
resident of Ohio about 1814. Was a millwright by
trade, and with three of his brothers, David, Samuel
and Elias, followed their trade in Greene, Miami and
Clark Cos., locating in the latter county about 1820.
Mathias was married in 1818; issue, one child -
Hugh. The father followed his trade till about
1833, thence gave his attention principally to farming,
first on the farm on Chapman Creek, for several years; about
1834, he bought and located upon the farm where our subject
now resides; here he remained until his death, which
occurred Nov. 5, 1848; his wife is still living on the home
place with our subject, now 81 years of age. Hugh
was raised to farm labor, and being an only child always
remained with his father till his death, and his entire life
since 3 years of age has been spent upon the home farm.
This farm consists of 80 acres of fine land, and mostly
under cultivation, and has now been owned by the Staley
family for forty-six years. Mr. Staley was
married Nov. 22, 1859, to Miss Susan, daughter of
Henry and Mary Venis, natives of Virginia; issue, four
children, all now deceased. Mr. Staley has
served two years as Township Trustee. Is ranked among
the old residents of the township, and has clung to the old
homestead place. Has an excellent farm, and
anticipates passing the remainder of his days where he has
already been during so many years.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio: Publ.
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1011 |
| |
Springfield Twp. -
CLAUDIUS J. STEUART,
clerk Springfield. He was born Springfield Dec. 20,
1863. Attended school until 11 years old, when he
entered his father's store as clerk. He is a son of
James D. and Alice Steuart. James D. is a son of
Joseph C. and Nancy T. Steuart. He was born in
Butler Co., Ohio, July 25,
1828; came to
Clark County with his parents in 1834. They located
three miles north of Springfield. In 1840, Joseph
came and moved into town and opened a grocery on Main
street, and continued the same until 1855. He was the
first dealer that offered fresh oysters for sale in
Springfield. His stock would consist of about two cans
per week, and part of them would spoil before he could find
sale for them, as the people then were not used to eating
oysters. Joseph was a native of Pennsylvania;
he died in 1876. His widow still survives him; she is
now in her 73d year. Of their nine children, all are
living. James D. clerked in his father's store
from 1840 to 1850, when he went to California. He was
with the troops in the engagement of Col. Ormsby
against the Black Snake and Flat-Head Indians. In
1860, he returned to Springfield and started a grocery,
which he continued ever since. He was married, Apr. 8,
1858, to Alice Baker, daughter of George and
Elizabeth Baker. They have four boys and two girls
living, having lost two by death. Mrs. Steuart
was born in England in 1840; she came to America in 1847.
James D. was a member of the City Council twelve
years, and Infirmary Director seventeen years. His
beautiful brick house on North Limestone street stands on
the lot where Humphrey Nichols, the noted
counterfeiter, had his shop, in which he made his
counterfeit money. Mr. S. has in his possession
one of the dollars (made by Nichols) dated 1801,
which he (Steuart) found when he was preparing to
build.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio: Publ.
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 924 |
| |
Springfield Twp. -
CHARLES STEWART,
farmer; P. O. Springfield. Mr. Stewart
is one of the large land owners of Springfield Township, and
engages largely in raising and feeding stock. He is
the fifth child and fourth son of John T. and Anna
(Elder) Stewart, and was born in Green Township, this
county, July 17, 1825. The most of the Stewart
children are living at present in Green Township.
Charles has always lived in this county, and moved to
the farm where he now lives in 1865, and built the fine
large house in which he now resides in 1871 He was married,
Feb. 16, 1854, to Isabell Jane Nichelson, daughter of
Andrew and Rachel (Hammond) Nichelson. They had
two children - John A. and Inez A. Inez
died when quite young. Isabell. his wile died Mar.
29, 1859. He was again married, Mar. 23, 1865, this
time to Jessie, daughter of John and Catharine
(Blair) Mathewson. Catharine was born in
Earl, Scotland, Oct. 27, 1844, and emigrated with her
parents to America in 1852, and settled in Logan County,
this State. With this union six children have been
born - Annette, Apr. 21, 1866; Catharine
Ann, Apr. 16, 1868; William M., July 20, 1870;
Mabel, Sept. 17, 1872; James B., Sept. 3, 1875,
and died May 3, 1880; Jessie Belle, Nov. 13, 1878.
John T. (the father of Charles) and his
brother, Samuel Stewart, came from Pennsylvania in
1806, and entered the land now owned by the Stewart
family. Samuel was Captain of a company
in the war of 1812, and was among the prisoners who
surrendered under Gen. Hull. The account
of said surrender can be found in the history of Ohio, which
appeals in this book. Mr. Charles S.,
familiarly known, as Charley Stewart, is a
gentleman in every sense of the word. He is of a
generous and noble spirit, and his good wife is a lady of
inestimable character.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio: Publ.
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 924 |
| |
Green Twp. -
DAVID STEWART, farmer; P. O. Clifton;
was born on his present farm in 1833, and is a son of James
and Jane (Elder) Stewart. He was reared to farm
life, his youth having been given to the cultivation of the
homestead farm, under the instruction of his father until in
1859, when he married Miss Laura McKehan, a native of
Maryland, born in 1837, who came West with her parents at
the age of 13. Here she matured into womanhood,
married as above, and in October, 1873, died. After
the marriage of David, he engaged in farming for
himself upon his father’s farm of 130 acres, of which he is
now the owner, and to which he has added until it embraces
216 acres of well-improved land in an excellent state of
cultivation. He, for six years has been, and now is
Township Trustee; has three daughters and two sons, all of
whom are yet with him in single life. The residence of
his birth he yet lives in, and has enlarged, repaired and
improved in the most modern style of architecture until it,
in size, finish and appearance, compares favorably with any
in the neighborhood.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ.
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1055 |
| |
Green Twp. -
E. R. STEWART, miller; P. O. Clifton;
was born Jan. 20, 1821, in this township. Reared in
farm life, he continued it with his parents, John T. and
Ann, until in 1846, when he commenced farming for
himself two miles from the homestead. In 1848, he
formed a copartnership in the milling business with John
H. Jacoby, a brother-in-law. In 1852, this was
dissolved, and he went into merchandising with his brother
Samuel, and continued until 1860, when he returned to
farming. In 1864, he and Mr. Jacoby bought the
Clifton Mills which, in 1865, were destroyed by fire.
They rebuilt, and continued the business until 1872, when
the co-partnership was dissolved by Mr. Stewart
purchasing Mr. Jacoby’s interest. He has since
continued the business himself. The mill is a four run
of 100-barrel daily capacity, and is kept running night and
day. On Oct. 8, 1846, he was united in marriage to
Rachel E., daughter of Henry and Rebecca Curry Jacoby,
who still is on the journey of life with him. The
issue of this marriage has been four girls and two boys, all
of whom are living except one boy. Mr.
Stewart is one of those enterprising and fair-dealing
business men in whom the people of his neighborhood have the
utmost confidence, and for whom all have a profound respect.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ.
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1056 |
| |
Harmony
Twp. -
JOHN A. STEWART, farmer; P. O.
Plattsburg. John A. Stewart was born in Green
Township, Clark Co., Ohio, in Apr. 11, 1855, and is the son
of Charles and Isabel (Nichelson) Stewart. His
mother died when he was quite small, but his father is one
of the leading farmers of Springfield Township.. His
education was obtained principally in the schools of
Springfield, and Lebanon, Ohio. When about 13 years
old, he was accidentally shot, which misfortune he lost his
right arm. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, and
resides on a farm of 150 acres close to Plattsburg, where he
is just beginning the battle of life, with everything in his
favor toward future success.
SOURCE: The History of Clark
County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page
967 |
| |
Green Twp. -
JOHN T. STEWART
(Deceased), There is perhaps no family in Clark Co. who are
more widely known than the descendants of John T. Stewart,
and most of his sons are leading business men of the
community in which they reside, and a credit to their
deceased father. The family are of Scotch origin, and
went to Ireland about 1661, changing their name from
Stuart to Stewart, to avoid persecution. In
1735, the grandparents of John T., viz., Samuel T.
Stewart and wife, came to the American Colonies, and
with them came the father of John T., viz., Samuel
Stewart, a native of Belfast, Ireland, the family
settling in Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch
was the fifth son of Samuel Stewart, and was born in
Dauphin Co., Perm., Mar. 3, 1781, and there grew to
maturity, his father dying in that county Sept. 19, 1803.
In the autumn of 1806 he, with his brother, Samuel,
came to Ohio, and purchased 500 acres of land in Sec. 15,
Town 5, Range 8, which was then a part of Greene Co., but
now lays in Green Township, Clark Co., Ohio. About
1815, they divided the land, John T. receiving the
southern portion in the division then made. He was
married near his home, Mar. 2, 1815, to Miss Ann Elder,
third daughter of Robert and Ann Elder, natives of
Dauphin Co., Penn., who settled on Sec. 10 of the same
township in the spring of 1813. Mrs. Stewart
was born in her parents’ native county. May 19, 1798,
and had the following children by this union: Juliana,
Perry, Elder R., Samuel, Charles, James M., Thomas E.;
Oscar N., William C. and Harriet, all of whom
are living but the last mentioned, who died in infancy. John
T. and wife resided with his brother, Samuel,
until he built a house on his own place, whither they
removed in the fall of 1816. In 1813, he was elected
Justice of the Peace, which office he held until 1836; he
was the first Clerk of the Clifton Presbyterian Church,
which was organized in 1811; was the first Clerk of his
Township, and served as Associate Judge one term. He
continued to reside on the old homestead until his death,
Apr. 16, 1850, his widow surviving him thirty years, dying
Sept. 24, 1880. Both were life-long members of the
Presbyterian Church, and went down to the grave with a
strong faith in a blissful immortality. John T.
Stewart was a man of ability and intellectual worth; of
the strictest temperance views, and can be truly called one
of the pioneer temperance men of Clark Co. He was a
rank Abolitionist, and early took strong grounds against
slavery, and believed that nothing but a war would be able
to strike the shackles from the slave, which demonstrates
that he possessed a discerning, far-seeing mind, much in
advance of his time. He was one of the most energetic,
successful farmers of Clark Co., and accumulated an estate
worth, at the time of his death, $40,000, which was
considered wealthy in those days. He was a man honored
and respected by all classes of society, and has left a name
that his descendants can point to with just pride. His
portrait appears in the pages of this work, having been
inserted by his children, who yet love and honor his memory,
and who believed that it was their duty to represent him in
this history, where he justly deserved a place.
SOURCE: The History of Clark
County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page
1054 |
| |
Green Twp. -
OSCAR
F. STEWART, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O.
Springfield; one of a numerous and prominent family of that
name in this locality; was born in this township, Feb. 5,
1833. He was the son of John T. Stewart; was
brought up upon the farm, and received a common-school
education. At the age of 23 he commenced farming for
himself upon a part of his father's farm, where he now
resides, and where he has surrounded and provided himself
with all the comforts and conveniences of farm life.
In January, 1862, he married Miss Rachel Nichelson,
daughter of Andrew Nichelson, now deceased, an early
settler and much esteemed citizen of Harmony Township.
Of this marriage, three children survive - Herbert
P., Ralph N. and Frank C., all living with their
parents, by whom neither pains or means are spared to
educate and fit them for the duties of life. To the
140 acres originally owned by Mr. Stewart, he has
added from time to time, until his acreage in the vicinity
reaches 513, besides 150 acres in another locality, all
valuable lands in an excellent state of cultivation.
He combines stock-growing with farming, and thus turns the
products of the farm to great account, and thereby enhances
his profits.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ.
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1056 |
| |
Green Twp. -
PERRY STEWART,
farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Springfield; was born in this
township June 6, 1818, and was the eldest son of John T.
and Ann Stewart; raised to farm life, he has always
pursued it. His early education was such as the common
schools of the country afforded during his boyhood; but a
close observation of and a large experience with the ways of
mankind and the business world, have given his mind a
cultivation and finish that fit him for the duties and
stations in life far above the humble though honorable one
of his choice. Of Scottish descent, his ancestry
having first removed from Scotland to the northern part of
Ireland, thence to Pennsylvania and thence to Ohio. To
perseverance, pluck, industry and economy, he adds
liberality, generosity and hospitality. Oct. 15, 1844,
he married Miss RhodaWheeler, daughter who was born
Dec. 31, 1824, in this township also. Of this marriage
ten children, five sons and five daughters, were born, all
of whom survive except one daughter, and many of them grown
to manhood and womanhood, fill honorable stations in life,
while the remainder are yet in the family household.
Upon his marriage, he commenced farming for himself on a
farm of 130 acres, where he now lives, and to which he has
added until this farm embraces 340 acres, and his entire
landed possessions embrace over 600 acres in the vicinity.
That he is an enterprising and successful farmer not only
the width of his acres, but their state of cultivation and
the improvements upon them, leave no room for doubt.
In 1862, when rebellion left his family of wife and eight
children, his farm and stock, aided in recruiting Co. A,
94th O. V. I., was commissioned Captain of it, and led it
into the field. After eighteen months' service, the
privations of camp life and the exposure and hardships of it
brought disease and disability, and compelled his
resignation and a return to civil life. In 1865, he
was chosen County Commissioner of his county, and in 1867 a
Representative of his district in the General Assembly of
his state, both of which offices he discharged the duties of
to the satisfaction of his constituents.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ.
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1055 |
| |
Green Twp. -
ROBERT E. STEWART, farmer and
stock-grower; P. O. Springfield; son of Samuel
Stewart, who immigrated to this township from
Pennsylvania, and settled here in 1806; was born in this
township in 1811, and has since resided therein. His
early years were spent upon the farm, and his early
education that of the country subscription schools of that
time. In 1845, he was married to Miss Mary Jane
McClung, daughter of Mathew and Elizabeth McClung,
of Preble Co., Ohio. After a united journey in life of
but four years, she was called away from him in death,
leaving two helpless infants to his care. Of these,
Mathew S. Stewart manages his father’s farm; and Mary
F., wife of Solon Stratton, resides in
Bloomington, Ill. Mr. S. purchased his present
farm of 120 acres, in 1865; has lately built an elegant
residence, and otherwise greatly improved it.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ.
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1055 |
| |
Green Twp. -
WILLIAM C. STEWART, farmer and
stock-grower; P. O. Springfield; youngest son of John T.
Stewart, and one of a numerous family always found at
the front in every good work; was born in this township Oct.
27, 1835. Like that of nearly all young men of his
youth, his early training was upon the farm, and his early
education was that of the public schools of his youth.
His father dying when he was 14 years old, the management of
the Stewart homestead fell upon him at an
early age - a responsibility which he did not evade,
but well discharged. This farm was one of the earliest
settled in the township, and is now occupied and owned by
the subject of this sketch, who has added to it until his
lauds embrace 486 acres of the best quality of farms and
lands in the locality. His mother, surviving the death
of his father, continued in control of the homestead
household until June, 1880, when advancing age and
ill-health compelled her to quit her home of long years, of
much joy and some sorrow, for the kind care and attention of
a daughter. The subject of this sketch, mindful of
filial duty, remained single so long as this dear mother
remained in the old homestead. On Sept. 9, 1880, he
was joined in marriage to Miss Lizzie T., an
accomplished lady, daughter of Albert and Harriet Sellers,
of Greene Co., this State. May their united years be as
joyous as the writer’s wish.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ.
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1056 |
| |
Mad River Twp. -
CHARLES STINE, hotel, Enon.
Charles Stine, the subject of this sketch, was born in
Union Co., Penn., May 6, 1838. His parents were
John and Sarah Stine, both natives of Pennsylvania.
They emigrated to Ohio in the fall of 1838, stopping about
one year in Medway, Clark Co., when they removed to
Fairfield, Greene Co., where they have since resided.
His wife died Nov. 18, 1880. The family consisted of
fourteen children - eight sons and six daughters, all of
whom are living, our subject being the tenth of the family.
Charles started for himself Nov. 15, 1858, by going
to California, by water, from New York, by the way of the
Isthmus of Panama, landing at San Francisco Dec. 16, having
had a favorable passage, and only one incident of note
during a trip. This steamer Moses Taylor of
which he was a passenger, caught fire on the Atlantic Ocean,
when five days out of New York, and gave the passengers
quite a fright, but no serious damage was done. He
went from San Francisco to Yreka, where he learned the
blacksmith's trade, remaining there till the fall of 1861,
when he made a trip to Oregon, Washington Territory and
Idaho, returning to Yreka the following spring, where he
remained until the fall of 1864, when he returned to Ohio,
after an absence of six years. He lived on the farm
with his father for ten years, making a business of breeding
fine hogs, in which he was quite successful. In June
11, 1874, he married Hannah Palmer, of Fairfield.
He went into the employ of the Springfield Turnpike Co. as
keeper of the toll-gate on the Springfield Pike, near
Dayton, where he continued for nearly seven years, when he
removed to Enon, purchasing the hotel, at that place, where
he intends making his future home. His family of two
sons, John, the eldest, was born Dec. 16, 1875, and
Frank, who was born Nov. 2, 1877.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ.
Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page
1067 |
| |
Mad River Twp. -
N.
SUMMERBELL, D. D., minister, Enon, long known as the
Pastor of Bible Chapel, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and at present
the oldest pastor in Cincinnati, was born in New York Mar.
8, 1816, and is the son of Rev. J. Summerbell, a
minister in behalf of the M. E. Church. Our subject
early began to develop great reverence for the Scriptures,
and a corresponding minister of Isaac N. Walter, a
Christian minister, was ordained at Little Compton, Rhode
Island, in 1839, by Baptist and Christian ministers.
His early ministry was in New York City, New Jersey and New
England. From the beginning, he became an unwearied
Bible student, attending school during the day, and studying
the Word of God at night; so well was this known that his
brother, a house-carpenter, requested to be awakened when he
retired for his two or three hours' rest. The first
winter after his conversion, he studied the Bible carefully,
word after word, and adopted its leading principles and
doctrine, which have since governed his life. In 1849,
he removed from Milford, New Jersey, to Cincinnati, Ohio.
After building the Bible Chapel, on Longworth street, in
1855, he then removed, as a missionary, to Des Moines, Iowa,
in 1859, where, after being the leading instrument in
erecting a church, he was called to the Presidency of the
Union Christian College, in Indiana, where he faithfully
labored six years. By this time the college became
well established, and finding that his established cause had
declined in Cincinnati, he returned to his old field of
labor. He married, in 1843, Miss Euphemia J. Sulton,
of Hope, Warren Co., N. J., and accomplished lady and a
great worker in the cause of Christ. They are the
parents of Rev. J. J. Summerbell, a graduate of Union
Christian College, and at present Pastor of the Christian
Church at Milford, N. J. His daughter, who was an
accomplished lady and teacher of vocal and instrumental
music in the above-named college, was called hence in 1877.
SOURCE: The History of Clark County, Ohio : Publ. Chicago:
W. H. Beers & Co., 1881 - Page 1047 |
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