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BIOGRAPHIES
Source:
Portrait
Biographical Album
of
Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio
containing Full Page
Portraits
and Prominent and
Representative Citizens
of the County
Together with Portraits and Biographies of all the
Presidents of the United States.
Chicago:
Chapman Bros.
1890.
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ERWIN L. SMITH,
better known as “Ed,” is a gentleman of varied experience,
having led a very eventful life. He was graduated at
the Wilberham, Mass., Wesleyan Academy when seventeen years
of age, which was in 1857. His father, Stephen
Smith, who was one of the largest cotton
manufacturers in the Granite State, and who had held the
position of Councilman, which was an office similar to that
of Lieutenant Governor, had intended that his son should
take a full course at Yale. Owing to his sudden death
the fall after the son’s graduation from the academy, the
youth was allowed to have his own way, and he chose to
accept a position which was offerred him, as
assistant book-keeper in a large mercantile house in New
York. There he was rapidly working his way to the front when
the fatal shot was fired on Ft. Sumter.
Dropping his pen, young Smith took up the sword
in defense of his country, being one of the first men to
enlist. He was placed in the Seventy-first New York
Regiment, three month’s men, and sent at once to the defense
of Washington, whence he took part in the first battle of
Bull Run. At the expiration of his term of enlistment
he returned to his native village. Mason, N. H., where
his mother still lived, and recruited a company for a New
Hampshire regiment. His mother objected to his again
entering the service, and sent him on a trip to California.
For the next few years therefore, his life was spent in
mines and mong miners, his headquarters being at Virginia
City and Austin, Nev., during the wildest days of those
places.
The desire of young Smith to serve his country was
still strong, and, in 1864, he again enlisted, becoming a
member of the Eighth California Infantry and Light
Artillery, and going to San Francisco on duty, where he
stayed until the close of the war. He then returned to
his home by way of the Isthmus and New York, but three
months after his arrival in his native State he went to St.
Louis, and took passage for Ft. Benton, Mont. The trip
to that place consumed seventy-two days, and thence he went
Helena, where with others he fitted out for a trip to the
Salmon River country, in Idaho. The entire winter was
spent bjr him and two partners in the solitudes of the
mighty forest. In the spring they went to the
Sweetwater mines in Wyoming, where Mr. Smith
built the first house in the town, the structure bringing in
a rental of $100 per month. There the prospectors
“struck it rich,” which was very fortunate for them as they
were without means. Taking what rock they could crush
with a common hammer, crushing and washing it, they would
collect gold enough for all their needs. During his
sojourn in the West, Mr. Smith was present at the
ceremony of driving the gold spike on the Union & Central
Pacific Railroad.
At the beginning of the Leadville excitement, Mr.
Smith was early on the ground, where for five years
he operated in mining stock and became very wealthy.
“Fortune is a fickle jade,” and so she proved with him, for
soon her smiles gave place to frowns, and he left there
about as poor as he went. Seeking new fields to work,
with a miner’s outfit, he made an extended tour through
Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. Taking the train at
El Paso, Tex., for Shreveport, La., he there embarked on a
steamer for New Orleans, whence he came by boat to
Cincinnati. Having spent the best years of his life
chasing the will-o’-the-wisp, Dame Fortune, through the
mountain gorges of the Rockies, he made up his mind to quit
mining forever, and seek some occupation which, although
slow, would be sure. Making his way to Cedarville,
Greene County, he engaged as a laborer in a sawmill, and in
this place has resided since 1885.
In 1886, the mother of our subject, who up to that time
had resided in Mason, N. H., Norwich, Conn., Brooklyn, N.
Y., and Pawtucket, R. I, and who was quite wealthy, came to
live with her only child, rejoicing that he had settled
down, and that she could be with him in her last days.
Under his supervision she had a fine modern residence built,
but lived only a short time to enjoy it, dying Apr. 5, 1889.
The house is heated by steam, and has fine bath rooms,
laundry and pantry supplied with hot and cold water, and is
lit by gas which is generated on the place by Mr. Smith.
He now busies himself at market gardening, and also raises
chickens, using the most approved incubators, from which the
young chicks come in long files.
Mr. Smith is a Democrat, and is now a member of
the County Central Committee, from Cedarville Township. His
father was a Whig and an Abolitionist. He belongs to
the social orders of Odd Fellows and Free Masons, and is
also a member of Post No. 94, G. A. R., of which he is Past
Commander. He was married in 1886, to Miss Lillie
M. Phillips, daughter of John and Mary Phillips,
of Cedarville, and is the father of two interesting little
ones: Stephen, named for his grandfather Smith;
and Maria, the baby, named for her grandmother
Smith.
Stephen Smith, the father of our subject, was a
son of Darius and Ruth Smith, the former being a sea
captain, all of whose sons followed the sea except
Stephen, who became a cotton manufacturer. The
mother of our subject was in girlhood Miss Maria
Ellis, of Attleboro, Mass., a daughter of George and
Patty Ellis, and a granddaughter of Richard and
Mehitable (Draper) Ellis.
Source:
Portrait
Biographical Album
of Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio,
Published
Chicago: Chapman Bros. - 1890 - Page 739 |
| |
ISAAC H. SMITH.
The headquarters of Mr. Smith, who is located
about four miles south of
Xenia, comprises a well-developed farm one hundred and six
acres in extent, which under his careful management is
highly productive, yielding annually a handsome income.
Like many of the successful men about him, Mr.
Smith is a native of Greene County, and was born in
Paintersville, Sept. 7, 1851. He is thus still a young
man, practically just commencing the sober duties of life,
and with bright prospects for the future. He is the
representative of an excellent family, being the son of
Elijah E. and Susan (Probasco) Smith. Elijah
Smith was born in Clinton County, this State, while his
estimable wife was a native of Virginia.
To the parents of our subject there was born a family
of seven children, viz: Hannah W., Rebecca F.; Zadie B.,
deceased; Lydia J., Isaac H., Charles A., and Anna.
The mother departed this life at the old homestead in March,
1884; Mr. Smith is still residing on his farm.
The subject of this notice spent his boyhood and youth
in the manner common to the sons of pioneer farmers,
obtaining such education as was afforded by the district
school. He was married Dec. 23, 1875, when a youth of
eighteen years, to Miss Sarah E., daughter of
Joseph and Hannah (Ketteman) Saville, of Greene County.
Of this union there have been born three children - L.
Maude, Frederick B. S., and H. Mabel. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Smith are members of the First Methodist
Episcopal Church.
The father of our subject was born in Union Township,
Clinton County, this State, Oct. 8, 1812, and came to this
county in 1850. He was a life-long farmer by
occupation, an honest, hardworking man, who enjoyed the
respect of his neighbors, and who did a kindly act as he had
opportunity. The paternal grandparents of our subject
were Joseph and Lydia (Walker) Smith, natives of
Frederick County, Va., where they were reared and married.
They emigrated to Clinton County, this State, in 1805, and
Grandfather Smith occupied himself as a miller, although in
Virginia he had engaged in farming. In Ohio he secured
two hundred and fifty acres of land upon which he settled
and spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1832.
To Grandfather Smith and his good wife,
there was born a family of twelve children, eleven of whom
lived to mature years, these being Mordecai,
Samuel, Elizabeth, Polly, Mary,
Rebecca, Edward, Lydia, Joseph,
Henry, Elijah, and our subject. Mr.
Smith retains as a valued relic the old cradle in which
his uncles and aunts were rocked to sleep in their babyhood,
and which has done good service for many other children
since their time.
Source:
Portrait
Biographical Album
of Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio,
Published
Chicago: Chapman Bros. - 1890 - Page 247 |
| |
ROBERT T. SNELL
is an old settler of Xenia and one of its highly-respected
citizens, well known as the proprietor of Snell's
Hotel. He came here in 1845 and engaged at his trade
as a plasterer, but in 1851 embarked as an hotel keeper at
the stand he now occupies. He carried on this
enterprise until 1885, when he took his son Edward in
with him, the style of the business now being R. T. Snell
& Son.
The place of nativity of Robert Snell is
Philadelphia, Pa., where his birth occurred Oct. 20, 1812.
When sixteen years old he went to New Jersey, where he
remained until 1836, when he changed his residence to
Franklin, Warren County, Ohio. There our subject
learned the trade of a plasterer and first began work for
himself, removing from that place to Xenia at the time
before noted.
The first wife of Mr. Snell was Miss Hannah
Cafferty, who died leaving two children, Tamsen
and James, both now deceased. Subsequently the
widower married Miss Jane Sherrit, who was born in
Bath County, Va., Apr. 15, 1823, and is the daughter of
John and Anna G. (Berry) Sherrit, natives of
Virginia. The maternal grandfather was a member of the
Virginia Legislature and Senate for thirty years. She
bore four children, namely: Benjamin, an
engineer on the Pennsylvania Railroad; Robert, now
deceased; Priscilla, now the wife of Benjamin
Knecht, of Dayton; and Edward, in Xenia.
Mr. Snell is a member of the Republican party, with no
political aspirations of a personal nature. He is a
member of the Masonic fraternity and the Episcopal Church.
Edward Snell, now interested with his father in
the hotel business, and also connected with the Adams
Express Company at the depot, was born in the same house in
which he now lives, May 14, 1861. After having pursued
a course of study in the common schools of the city until he
had entered the High School department, he entered the
employ of N. & G. Ohmer, who were carrying on a
restaurant at the depot, remaining with them until he took
charge of the railroad restaurant at Morrowtown, which he
ran for two years. He then returned to his native
place and became interested in the Snell House,
and for the last three years has been night clerk for the
Adams Express Company.
Although a young man, Edward Snell has
been Assessor for his Ward (the 5th), and also served in the
Council during 1889. He casts his vote with the
Democratic party. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, of the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of Honor,
and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He belongs to
the Episcopal Church, and possesses the manly and upright
character which wins for him the respect of all who know
him.
While in business at Morrow, Mr. Snell met,
wooed and married Miss Carrie Abell, of Zanesville,
Ohio, the wedding ceremony taking place in 1883. The
charming and intelligent bride is a daughter of Marcus F.
Abell, and lived in her native city until the time of
her marriage. Their happy union has been blessed by
the birth of three daughters - Lillian, Florence and
Ethel.
Benjamin Snell, father of the gentleman with
whose name we introduce this sketch, was born in England,
and when thirteen years old went to sea, following a
sailor’s life until seventy three years old. He
married Miss Ann Guy, of Philadelphia, where he made
his home after retiring from a seafaring life. While
pursuing his calling he once took sixteen Swedish noblemen
off a wreck and carried them safely to Philadelphia; for
this exploit the King of Sweden bestowed upon him a gold
medal, which he left to his granddaughter, Mrs. Knecht,
of Dayton, Ohio.
Source:
Portrait
Biographical Album
of Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio,
Published
Chicago: Chapman Bros. - 1890 - Page 830 |
| |
JOHN D. STEELE, A. B., A. M.,
Secretary of the Hooven & Allison Cordage Company at
Xenia, is a son of David Steele, of this county, and
the grandson of John Steele, one of the early
pioneers of Southern Ohio. He was born in Beaver Creek
Township, this county, Nov. 4, 1855. Here he grew to
mature years and acquired a good education, completing the
course at the Union School in Xenia, from which he was
graduated in the class of '72. Subsequently he was
graduated from the University of Wooster, Ohio, with the
degree of A. B.
The business career of Mr. Steele
commenced in the office of his uncle, J. H. Harbine,
a grain dealer of Xenia, and with whom he remained until
1881. That year he became a member of the firm of
Eavey & Co., wholesale grocers, disposing of his
interests in the business in July 1889, when he became
connected with the
Hooven &
Allison Cordage Company, further details of which
will be found on another page of this work. He attends
strictly to business during business hours, and evidently
has before him a successful career. He votes the
straight Republican ticket, is a Royal Arch Mason, and a
member in good standing of the Reformed Church.
In connection with the interests already mentioned,
Mr. Steele holds the office of Vice-President of the
Xenia National Bank, is a member of the pork packing firm of
Millen, Harbine & Co., and is also a member of the wholesale
grocery firm of Steele, Hopkins & Meradith,
at Springfield, who succeeded to the business of B. F.
Funk & Co., in May, 1889. He is also a stockholder
of the Xenia Gas Company. His business integrity is
unquestioned, and he holds a good position in the social
circles of Xenia and vicinity.
David Steele, the father of our subject,
during the Civil War enlisted, about 1861, in the Third Iowa
Infantry, but on account of ill-health was soon afterward
obliged to accept his honorable discharge. He then
returned to Xenia, and having somewhat recovered was not
content to rest at home while his country needed the
assistance of every patriotic son. He accordingly
re-enlisted, and raised Company E, Ninety-fourth Ohio
Infantry. He was presented with a Captain’s
commission, and going to the front with his command, fell
mortally wounded at the battle of Stone River in January,
1863. He lingered for a time after being wounded, and
his remains were laid to rest at Beaver Creek Cemetery,
Alpha, Ohio. The mother of our subject bore the maiden
name of Mary Harbine, daughter of John
Harbine, who was the first representative of that
name in this county.
John Harbine was born in Washington
County, Md., Jan. 17, 1804, and lived there until coming to
this county in 1828. He was married in Lancaster
County, Pa., Aug. 21, 1827, to Miss Hester Herr,
and not long afterward started with his young wife for their
new home. They drove through in a carriage, and
Grandfather Harbine bought the court-house in
Beaver Creek Township, together with a tract of land.
They moved into the dwelling thus obtained, and the husband
occupied himself as a miller, having likewise purchased the
mill which stood on the property, and which was the first
structure of the kind in this county. The first flour
which he manufactured was called the Alpha Brand, from the
first letter of the Greek alphabet. From this the post
office was also named when first established.
Mr. Harbine continued milling for some
years, and finally built extensive oil, flour and woolen
mills, together with a store, and became largely interested
in the grain trade at Xenia. He also had two mills on
the Miami River, where was erected the first cotton factory
in this part of the country. Mr. Harbine
became one of the leading men of this section, and was
largely interested in the development of the turnpike
system, besides being instrumental in securing the building
of the Little Miami road. He was warmly interested in
the establishment and maintenance of schools, and labored to
bring about the teaching of Greek, Latin and mathematics in
the common schools. Politically, he was in the early
days a stanch Whig, and later gave his support to the
Republican party. Religiously, he was a prominent
member of the Reformed Church.
To Grandfather Harbine and his estimable
wife there was born a family of eight children, all of whom
grew to mature years - Daniel R.; Jacob H. is
a resident of Beaver Creek Township; Mary E., mother
of our subject, was the third child; Hattie M. is the
wife of the Hon. John Miller, and they occupy the old
homestead; Sarah J. married Dr. William Hagenbaugh;
Anna C. is the wife of George Smith; J.
Thomas; and B. F. is deceased.
Grandfather John Harbine departed this
life at the homestead in Xenia Township, June 8, 1873.
He was fond of travel and a polished gentleman.
The Harbine family were of old Huguenot
stock, and the early ancestors were driven from their native
France to lands where they might worship according to the
dictates of their own conscience. In this manner three
families of that name left their native land about the year
1700. One family settled in Algiers, where a small
town now bears their name. The other two came to
America, one settling in West Virginia and the other in
Berks County, Pa. Grandfather Harbine’s
great-great grandfather, Peter Harbine, took
his family, and with numerous other Huguenots fled to
Switzerland first, but they too finally left for America.
During the voyage a son was born, Peter, Jr., who was
the great-grandfather of John. His grandfather
was Adam and his father was Daniel, the latter
of whom was born in Berks County, Pa.
In 1749 Peter Harbine purchased a tract
of land from Thomas and Richard Penn,
in the then Province of Pennsylvania. This land still
remains in the family, who have in their possession the old
deed given by the Penns; and the old stone house and
barn built over a century ago still, in point of solidity
and strength, rival many modern farm houses and barns in the
Keystone State. Grandfather John Harbine
prosecuted his education at Clear Springs, Md., to which
place his father had removed, and completed it at an academy
in Pennsylvania.
Source:
Portrait
Biographical Album
of Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio,
Published
Chicago: Chapman Bros. - 1890 - Page 629 |
| |
JAMES C. STEWART.
The farming community of Xenia Township, recognizesin Mr.
Stewart one of its leading representatives in point of
honesty, reliability, and good citizenship. At present
he occupies forty acres, where he has a snug home and is
surrounded by all the comforts of life. He is of
Southern antecedents a native of York county, S. C., and
born July 29, 1814. He is thus approaching the
seventy-sixth year of his age, and has had a large
experience of life, and without making any great stir in the
world, has fulfilled his duty as an honest man and a good
citizen, and earned the confidence and esteem of those
around him.
The immediate progenitors of Mr. Stewart were
Robert M. and Elizabeth (McElroy) Stewart, likewise
natives of South Carolina, and the father was a soldier in
the War of 1812. After laying aside his musket, he
resumed his farming pursuits, to which he had been reared
from boyhood, remaining in his native State until 1818.
He then came to this county and settled four miles east of
the present site of Xenia, where he spent the remainder of
his days, dying Mar. 6, 1867, at the age of seventy-nine
years. The wife and mother had passed away prior to
this time, at the age of sixty-five. Their six
children were named respectively: Violet, Jennie,
James C., William B., Samuel M.,
and Margaret. Three of these are living.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was William
Stewart, a Revolutionary soldier, who was born in the
city of Glasgow, Scotland, and who came to America during
the Colonial days, when a young man of twenty years.
He settled first in Pennsylvania, and later removed to South
Carolina. He was married to a sister of Patrick
Calhoun, who was the father of John C. Calhoun,
and there were born to them two sons and seven daughters.
Up to the election of Van Buren, he supported the Democratic
party, but at that time he became a Whig, and later a
Republican. He was in the early days a slaveholder.
He died in 1830, at the advanced age of ninety-one years.
He traced his ancestry to the royal Stuarts of
Scotland. The family was first represented in this
country by three brothers, the younger of whom was named
William, and from whom it is supposed the forefathers of
our subject descended.
The subject of this sketch obtained his education in
the common schools of this county, to which he was brought
when a lad of four years. After leaving school, he
occupied himself as a teacher for twelve years, beginning at
the age of nineteen. Aside from this he followed
farming pursuits all his life. In 1863 he settled on
his present place, and has become one of the old landmarks
whose name will be held in kindly remembrance long after he
has departed hence. He was first married in November,
1836, to Rebecca, daughter of David and Elizabeth
Hopping, of Ohio, and there was born to them one child,
a son, James, who was graduated from Miami
University, and during the Civil War enlisted in the Union
service as a member of the Ninety-fourth Ohio Infantry; he
died in the army a year later. Mrs. Rebecca Stewart
died at her home in Xenia Township, in May, 1838.
Mr. Stewart was then married to Miss Lavina
J. Brewster, who traced her ancestry to
the Plymouth Colony; her parents were Samuel and Mary
(Dinwiddie) Brewster, who spent their last years in
Sugar Creek and Xenia Townships. Mr.
Brewster occupied himself as a farmer, and was one of
the earliest pioneers of this county. Of the second
marriage of Mr. Stewart there were born four
children: Mary E., the wife of M. W. Sears, of
Dayton; Joanna, Mrs. Ira Townsley, of Iowa;
Henrietta G., wife of the Rev. R. E. Lackey, of
Pennsylvania; and Mattie R., who is at home.
Mr. Stewart has for many years been a member of the
United Presbyterian Church. In addition to the
homestead where he resides, he owns one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Ringgold County, Iowa. His
great-grandfather was banished from Scotland on account of
his religious views.
Source:
Portrait
Biographical Album
of Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio,
Published
Chicago: Chapman Bros. - 1890 - Page 263 |
| |
JAMES F. STEWART,
who is now living in Yellow Springs, Greene County, having
retired from the more arduous labors of life, was born in
Clark County, where he lived for many years. His
labors there were crowned with success in the accumulation
of a goodly share of this world's goods, and were not
without their influence over his fellow-men as an example of
strict morality, true religion and usefulness in various
departments of life. In 1886 he became a resident of
Yellow Springs, occupying a cozy residence which he had
erected, and where he and his estimable wife enjoy pleasant
intercourse with their many friends.
The parents of our subject were James and Jane
(Elder) Stewart, natives of Pennsylvania, whence they
removed to the Buckeye State in 1811. They located in
Hamilton County, but after a residence of three years sold
out and changed their location to Clark County, where they
spent the remainder of their lives. Both were members
of the United Presbyterian Church, and possessed noble
characteristics which their offspring love to remember, and
to which their children owe much of their own uprightness
and usefulness. Mr. Stewart was Treasurer of
the church to which he belonged for many years, held a
similar office in the township for fifteen years, and was an
earnest advocate of good schools. He held a prominent
place among the farmers of the vicinity, his landed estate
at one time amounting to five hundred acres. He
breathed his last in 1857, his wife surviving until 1863.
Their family comprised ten children, he of whom we write
being the fourth in order of birth. The others were:
Elijah, now deceased; Robert, who died in
infancy; Ann, the widow of Samuel Barnett;
Mary, the widow of David Millen;
Eliza, the wife of Harvey Jobe; John,
whose home is in Nebraska; Susannah, deceased; David
who occupies the homestead; and Adeline, the widow of
William Caruthers.
The gentleman with whose name this sketch is introduced
was born on the old homestead in Green Township, Clark
County, Dec. 6, 1818. He attended the subscription
schools and acquired an excellent common-school education,
to which, having a desire for information, he has added a
knowledge of general topics and current events throughout
his life. He remained with his father until
twenty-five years of age, his parent having given him one
hundred and twenty-five acres of land, with the
understanding that while he remained at home he should have
half the proceeds, but that he should pay $50 the first year
and $100 the following five years, in order to secure the
deed of the property. He did so, and believes the
lesson of prudence and self-help which he learned was the
best to fit him for his after life and its duties.
Among the schoolmates and childish friends of James
F, Stewart, was one for whom his regard deepened as they
grew to manhood and womanhood, and whom ho desired as a
companion in a closer relation than that of friends.
After a successful wooing they were united in marriage Dec.
12, 1843, and at once took up their abode on their own land,
having only the farm and the energy of their natures as
their capital in life. Mrs. Stewart bore the
maiden name of Sarah Jane Bogle, and was born Nov.
25, 1824, receiving an excellent education in the common
schools. Her parents, James and Sarah (Stewart)
Bogle, were natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland,
respectively, and came to Ohio at an early day. They
were the parents of seven children who grew to maturity.
Mr. Bogle was a farmer of considerable prominence.
On the farm where they began their wedded life, Mr.
and Mrs. Stewart remained forty-one years, leaving it
only for the home which they now occupy. The homestead
was placed under excellent improvement and cultivation, and
added to until the acreage amounted to one hundred and
fifty. Mr. Stewart also owns a well-tilled farm
of two hundred and twelve acres in Jennings County, Ind.,
and two hundred and fifty well-improved acres in Wilson
County, Kan.; his realty also includes some fine residence
property in Springfield and in Yellow Springs. The
income from these various pieces of property is
considerable, and insures the couple all the comforts of
life, together with an opportunity to exercise their
hospitality and benevolence upon many worthy objects.
They have never been blessed with children, and expend the
affection of their natures upon their fellow-men, especially
manifesting their loving kindness to those in need.
In 1861 Mr. Stewart began keeping a diary and
has kept up the practice ever since, it being a source of
practical benefit as well as of pleasure. He and his
wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church, his
connection with that body dating from 1844. He has
been an Elder for over forty years, and is now Treasurer of
the congretion congregation, having held
that office for some years. Both are active in the
Sunday-school department, having been teachers for years,
and he has held the office of Superintendent for sixteen
years. In educational affairs also, Mr. Stewart
has been actively interested, as he has been in matters
political. He affiliated with the Republican party
until Cleveland’s election to the Presidency, since which
time he has been a Prohibitionist. He was Clerk of
Green Township, Clark County, for several years, and Trustee
of the same at the time of the Civil War and for years
thereafter. During the war he belonged to the militia,
which was ordered out, but on reaching Springfield he hired
a substitute and returned to his home. Although
somewhat advanced in years, both Mr. and Mrs. Stewart
are in good health, and it is hoped that their useful and
honored lives will yet be spared many years.
A lithographic portrait of Mr. Stewart may be
found elsewhere in the ALBUM.
Source:
Portrait
Biographical Album
of Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio,
Published
Chicago: Chapman Bros. - 1890 - Page 341 |
| |
JOSEPH C. STEWART.
No finer farm is to be found in Cedarville Township, Greene
County, then that owned and occupied by the subject of this
sketch, and which is located on the Columbus Pike, five
miles northwest of Xenia. In fact, it is justly
considered one of the finest places in the county, as it is
under the most thorough tillage, while the buildings upon it
are of the best class in construction and design. The
dwelling is a commodious brick structure which was built
fifty-five years ago by Squire Joseph Kyle and
was for a number of years the home of Samuel Charlton
and family. The estate comprises two hundred and
fifty-seven acres.
The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch is
descended in the direct line from Samuel Stewart,
who with his brother William came from Ireland to
America and served in the Colonial Army during the
Revolution. Their settlement was made in Chester
District, S. C., whence both came to this county about the
year 1818. The family of Samuel Stewart
consisted of two sons, Robert and Samuel, Jr.,
the latter of whom was the father of Dr. Robert Stewart
of Xenia, the father of our subject. Dr.
Stewart married Elizabeth Mary White, a daughter
of Joseph and Diana (Miller) White, the Miller
family being from New Jersey and the Whites from
Kentucky. Joseph White and his father, for whom he
was named, came from the Blue Grass State to this county
with a colony from the Seceder Church about the year 1804,
and settled on Sugar Creek.
The birth of Joseph Stewart took place
Dec. 11, 1843, in Oxford, Butler County, where his parents
lived for a short time, but his education was received in
Xenia, to which they removed during his childhood.
Although not yet of age when the Civil War broke out, the
young man was fired with enthusiasm in his country’s cause,
and on July25, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Thirty-fourth
Ohio Infantry. The regiment was attached to the Eighth
Corps and served in Virginia for three years, taking part in
all the campaigns in West Virginia and the Shenendoah
Valley, being under the leadership of Gens. Hunter,
Averill, Crook and Sheridan. The most
notable battles in which they participated were Winchester,
Opequan and Cedar Creek. At the first mentioned the
rebels made a descent on the regimental camp and our subject
left his tent in such haste that he was arrayed only in his
night clothes, and snatching as he went his Springfield
rifle. During the engagement he received shots through
his clothing but no bodily injury. At both the other
engagements the regiment lost heavily and they bore a
gallant part in numerous skirmishes, suffering in common
with their comrades the hardships attending marches and camp
life. Mr. Stewart received his discharge
in September, 1864, after a creditable service of three
years and three months.
Returning to his home when his army life was over,
Mr. Stewart engaged with D. R. Harbine &
Co., grain dealers of Xenia, by whom he was employed three
years. At the expiration of that period he received
the appointment of Government store keeper at the distillery
at Harbine Station, which position he held as long as
the business lasted. In 1869 he went to Kansas City,
Mo., afterward going to Junction City Kan., where he helped
in the organization of an expedition to Prescott, Arizona.
The organization was known as the Arizona Mining Association
and started from Ft. Riley with ox-teams for a trip of
fourteen hundred miles. Subsequently he went to
California, spending the winter of 1873-74 at the different
cities in that State. At that time there was but one
railroad in Los Angeles, which ran twelve miles to the
coast.
Returning home by rail in 1874, Mr. Stewart
remained until the following year, when he went again to
Junction City and fitted out another expedition for the same
route, this time going with four mules to a wagon and there
being twenty-five wagons in the train, which was afterward
joined by some others. They carried large tents, cook
stoves, and other conveniences, together with a piano and
organ which were brought into use when they would stop,
which at times they did for several days. There were a
number of young ladies in the party and a pleasant summer
was passed among the mountains, in the enjoyment of the
beautiful in nature, the bracing air, and in fishing and
other amusements. During the western tours Mr.
Stewart was in Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico,
Arizona, California, Nevada, Idaho and Wyoming; and he also
made a trip to the Sandwich Islands and South America.
After disposing of this outfit at the conclusion of the
second tour, Mr. Stewart returned to Kansas
and took up a piece of land in Cloud County, having charge
of an outfitting store at a small place called Glasco.
There he remained until 1881, when he returned to Xenia,
Ohio, and taking to himself a companion made a permanent
settlement in this county. For a time he kept books
for his brother, subsequently being appointed Deputy Auditor
of the county, and after the death of his father-in-law
taking charge of the fine estate which he purchased upon the
death of the widow of its former owner.
The cultured woman whose Christian character and
womanly accomplishments add a charm to the home of Mr.
Stewart, bore the maiden name of Anna C. Charlton.
Her parents, Samuel and Sarah (Snyder) Charlton, came
to this county from Maryland about 1830, and became well and
favorably known in this vicinity. Mr. Charlton
had high standing in the community where he was honored for
his integrity in all dealings with his neighbors and
fellow-men. Both himself and wife were born in the
State whence they came to this county, the wife having
opened her eyes to the light at Clear Springs.
Mr. Stewart is a member of the Grand Army
of the Republic. In politics he is a Republican, his
views having been welded firmly in the fires of the Civil
War. He has been reared in the United Presbyterian
Church to which his wife also belongs, although her early
training was that of Methodism. Both have standing
among the best class of citizens in the county, and are
esteemed worthy members of the society and exponents of the
Christian faith which they profess.
Source:
Portrait
Biographical Album
of Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio,
Published
Chicago: Chapman Bros. - 1890 - Page 547 |
| |
CAPT. PERRY STEWART.
There is not within the limits of Green Township a citizen
whom the people are more delighted to honor than Capt.
Stewart. Intelligent, energetic and enterprising,
he has not only been a prominent man in the affairs of Clark
County, but has accumulated a fine property and has held
many positions of trust and responsibility. He was in
former years a County Commissioner, served in the State
Legislature and commanded a company during the late Civil
War. All the enterprises tending to advance the
interests of the people, morally, intellectually and
financially, have received his unqualified endorsement and
substantial aid. He keeps himself thoroughly posted
upon the leading events of the day, and is possessed of
those qualities of character most desired in one who
manifestly was born to be a leader and who exercises a
marked influence upon those around him.
Capt. Stewart is the offspring of excellent
ancestry and the son of John T. Stewart, who was born
in Dauphin County, Pa., in March, 1781. The latter,
while not a surveyor by profession, platted the city of
South Charleston, in Clark County. During the War of
1812 he furnished cattle in large numbers to the United
States Government and looked after the wants of the family
of his brother, Samuel, who was serving as a Captain
in the army of Gen. Hull, when the latter
surrendered at Detroit. Capt. Samuel
Stewart had raised a military company from Clark and
Champaign Counties.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was likewise
Samuel Stewart, a native of Ireland, who
emigrated to America about 1735, and settled in
Pennsylvania. He was born in 1733 and died in Dauphin
County. Pa., Sept. 19, 1803. The great-grandfather who
also bore the name of Samuel, was born in Scotland or
Ireland and was the son of Robert Stewart, who
removed from the vicinity of the city of Glasgow, Scotland,
to Ireland, in 1661, to escape persecution on account of his
religion, he being a stanch Presbyterian.
John T. Stewart emigrated to Ohio with his
father’s brother, Samuel, in the fall of 1806.
They settled in the wilderness on a tract of heavily
timbered land, which they entered from the Government, put
up a log house and began felling the trees around them.
They kept bachelor’s hall and cured their own meat for use
during the winter. The second fall their smokehouse
was burned, together with its contents and they were thus
left with a very small stock of provisions. They had,
however, a good neighbor in the person of Benjamin
Whiteman, who came over and told them that he had plenty
of meat in his smokehouse and they were as welcome to it as
his wife; that if they did not help themselves he would be
offended.
The father of our subject after due time decided that
it was not good for man to live alone and accordingly on the
2d of March, 1815, took to himself a wife and helpmate -
Miss Ann, daughter of Robert and Ann (Ingram) Elder.
Robert Elder came to Ohio in 1813, and like his
estimable wife was of Scotch-Irish descent. He died
Oct. 3, 1825, and the mother passed away Sept. 20, 1827.
The latter was born May 19, 1798, in Dauphin County, Pa.
After his marriage, John Stewart put up a log house on his own farm, brought
the land to a state of cultivation and there spent the
remainder of his days. He lived to be nearly seventy
years old, and departed hence in April, 1850. The
mother survived her husband more than thirty years,
remaining a widow, and passed away Sept. 25, 1880, at
the advanced age of eighty-two years. She was laid by
the side of her husband in the Presbyterian Cemetery at
Clifton.
Ten children were born to John Stewart
and his estimable wife, eight of whom are living, namely:
Juliana, Mrs. Anderson; Perry,
our subject; Elder R.; Samuel, deceased;
Charles, James M., Thomas E.; Oscar N.,
and William C. Harriet, died aged about two years.
Perry, the second child, was born June 6, 1818, and
spent his early days after the manner of the sons of pioneer
farmers, obtaining a limited education in the subscription
school and assisting in the various pursuits of farm life.
He grew up healthy in mind and body and at an early age
could do a man’s work. He remained at home assisting
his father until over twenty-six years old and then having
resolved upon establishing a fireside of his own, was joined
in wedlock Oct. 15, 1844, with Miss Rhoda A. Wheeler.
Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stewart
settled upon a tract of timber land which the Captain
transformed into his present well-developed farm. He
first put up a one story house of brick, to which, in 1860,
he added another story and two more rooms on the ground
floor. He felled the trees around him and brought the
land to a good state of cultivation, adding the various
improvements, one after another, which became essential to
the comfort and success of the progressive agriculturist.
As time progressed Capt. Stewart invested his
accumulated capital in additional land, and after selling
off a part has still left three hundred and and fifty-five
acres, which yield him annually handsome returns. The
home farm comprises two hundred and fifteen acres, and the
Captain owns three lots in the city of Springfield. To
him and his excellent wife there have been born ten
children, of whom the record is as follows: Harriet
Joanna Stewart became the wife of James
Hatfield; they have three children and live two miles
north of Clifton. Julia Ann is the wife
of R. N. Elder, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in
this work; David Wilmot married Miss Amanda
McClintock; they have five children and live at Enon
Crossing. John T. married Miss Anna M.
Keifer; they have three children and live in
Greencastle, Ind. Mary E. is the wife of
Samuel Kerr; they have two children and live near Troy,
Ohio. Jane E. is the wife of George
Nicholson; they are the parents of one child and live
near New Moorefield, Clark County. Jessie
Isabel died when four years old; Charles Fremont
married Miss Clara Garlough; they have three children
and live on the farm adjoining that of Captain; Perry
Morton and E. Wheeler, remain at home with their
parents. The Captain and Mrs. Stewart are
prominently connected with the Christain Church at
Springfield.
During the second year of the Civil War our subject in
July, 1862, received permission from the Clark County
Military Commission to raise a company of volunteers with
whom he repaired to Piqua and they were mustered into the
service by Capt. Drake, named Company A, and
formed a part of the Ninety fourth Ohio Infantry. On
the 24th of August the company was sworn into service and on
the 28th, the company left Camp Piqua and arrived at
Lexington, Ky., on the 30th and were just in time to take
part in the skirmish at Tate’s Creek Ferry. On the 1st
of September Capt. Stewart was captured by the
troops of Gen. Kirby Smith but paroled the
same day. He then returned home and waited until the
following Christmas when he was exchanged and joined his
regiment Jan. 17, 1863, at Murfreesboro, Tenn. This
was shortly after the battle of Stone River and he then took
part in the Tullahoma campaign under Gen.
Rosecrans, who was marching against Gen. Bragg
and on to Chattanooga.
Capt. Stewart met the enemy in several
battles and skirmishes, but finally on account of ill-health
was obliged to resign his commission. He received an
honorable discharge Nov. 9, 1863, and then returning home
gave much of his time thereafter to the recruiting of
soldiers as long as they were needed by the Government.
On the battlefield of Chickamauga he received a wound in the
leg from a spent ball. The Captain has always taken an
active interest in politics and during the early days was a
member of the old Whig party; in 1842 he identified himself
with the Liberty or Abolition party. Later he joined
the Republicans. He has frequently been sent as a
delegate to the County, State and Congressional Conventions
and was in the National Convention at Philadelphia when
Gen. Grant was nominated for his second term.
He also assisted in the nomination of Rutherford B. Hayes,
at Cincinnati, although not then a delegate. He was
one of the charter members of Mitchell Post, G. A. R., at
Springfield. In 1866, he was elected a County
Commissioner and the following year was made the nominee of
the Republican party in Clark County for the State
Legislature, serving in the Fifty-eighth General Assembly.
He was a Justice of the Peace at the time of entering the
army. The cause of education finds in him a steadfast
friend and he has served as a School Director in his
district for several years. In his religious views
Capt. Stewart conforms to the doctrines of the Christian
Church, attending services at Springfield and officiating as
a Trustee.
Mrs. Stewart was born Dec. 30, 1824, in
Clark County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Ebenezer and
Joanna (Miller) Wheeler, who were natives of New Jersey.
They removed to Ohio about 1800, prior to their marriage.
The paternal grandfather upon coming to this State, settled
on what is now the most populous part of Cincinnati,
securing land at a mere trifle. Her maternal
grandfather, Moses Miller, settled upon the present
site of Brighton, a suburb of Cincinnati, and for many years
was the owner of a large farm. After their marriage in
September, 1803, Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler settled near
Cincinnati, and in 1806 removed to what subsequently became
the homestead in Clark County. There was born to them
a large family of children of whom there is living only
Mrs. Stewart and her brother, Samuel M., who is a
resident of Lyon County, Kan.
Source:
Portrait
Biographical Album
of Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio,
Published
Chicago: Chapman Bros. - 1890 - Page 306 |
| |
THOMAS E. STEWART,
Mayor of Yellow Springs, Greene County, had previously
filled other offices of public responsibility and is well
known as an official, an enterprising farmer, and a man of
Christian character. His parents were John K
and Ann (Elder) Stewart, both natives of Dauphin
County, Pa. The father came to Ohio in 1806, settling
in the midst of a heavily timbered country on the Little
Miami River, three miles east of Clifton. Indians were
still numerous in the section through which no roads were
yet laid out, the few settlers finding their way form point
to point by following Indian trails or a route marked by
blazed trees. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Stewart settled on the homestead where they spent the
remainder of their lives, the former passing away in 1850,
and the widow surviving him thirty years. He was a man
of promise whose name will long be remembered in this
section of Ohio as that of a capable and honorable public
servant. He was a Justice of the Peace for twenty-one
years, and also served on the bench as County Judge.
Both he and his wife belonged to the Presbyterian Church.
They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are now
living.
The seventh member of the family was Thomas E.
who was born in September, 1830, received a good
common-school education, and had instilled into his youthful
mind the principles of right living. He began his
personal career in life at the age of twenty years and has
followed farming the most of the time. He spent one
year in the livery business at Charleston, Clark County, but
returned to his farm which is located one and a quarter
miles north of Clifton. It comprises one hundred and
thirteen acres of well-improved land which is now rented.
Mr. Stewart embarked in the lively business in
Yellow Springs a year ago and has the largest patronage in
that line in the place. On May 2, 1864, he became
First Lieutenant of Company D, One Hundred and Forty-sixth
Ohio Infantry, with which he served in West Virginia until
his discharge Sept. 7, 1864.
The wife of Mayor Stewart bore the maiden
name of Delilah Ann Marshall. She is a daughter
of Robert and Sarah (Huffman) Marshall, who removed
from the Old Dominion to Clinton County, Ohio, a number of
years ago. Her father was a farmer and a prominent
business man. He died at the age of forty-two years;
his widow is still living and is now eighty-two years of
age. Of the eight children born to them, six are now
living. Mrs. Stewart was born in 1838,
and received an excellent education and the training which
fitted her for useful womanhood. She has borne her
husband five children - Sarah Ethel, Anna
May, Lucy M., Edward Earle and
Bertha. The oldest daughter is the wife of R.
F. Corry, of Springfield, and the mother of two
children.
Mr. Stewart has always taken an active part in
politics and given his vote at all times to the Republican
party. He has been Clerk and Trustee of Green
Township, Clark County, and Justice of the Peace in the
same. He has also been a member of the School Board of
Clifton for several years, and has been a Trustee in the
church to which he belongs. He is a member of the
Grand Army of the Republic, and both he and his wife are
members in high standing in the United Presbyterian Church.
Source:
Portrait
Biographical Album
of Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio,
Published
Chicago: Chapman Bros. - 1890 - Page 885 |
NOTES:
|
