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OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS
A Part of Genealogy
Express
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Welcome to
Hamilton County, Ohio
History & Genealogy |
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J. ANDERSON WARD,
since. He and his wife belong to the Baptist Church.
J. Anderson Ward, farmer, was born in Hamilton
county, Ohio, Oct. 5, 1840, son of John C. and Betsey N.
(Schofield) Ward, both of whom were of English
parentage, the former born in New Jersey, the latter in New
York. The father, who was a blacksmith by trade, came
to Hamilton county in 1815, and followed black-smithing for
some years, but spent the latter days of his life on a farm.
His family numbered seven children: Sarah M.,
Sylvester, Sanford, Josephine, Lillie
C., J. Anderson, and one that died in infancy, of
whom, Lillie C. and J. Anderson are still
living.
J. Anderson Ward, the only surviving son,
received his education at the Madisonville public schools,
and at Bartlett’s Commercial College, Cincinnati. He
was reared to agricultural pursuits, and since his father’s
death has taken his place on the farm. On May 9, 1864,
he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth O.
V. I., which was mustered in at Camp Dennison and proceeded
thence to Arlington Heights, Washington. He was
mustered out Sept. 1, 1864, and returned to his old home at
Madisonville, where he has since resided. In 1880 he
married Carrie, daughter of Thomas and Augusta (Wadleigh)
Richards, and one child has been born to this union,
John Raymond. Mr. Ward is
independent in politics. He served as a member of the
first council after Madisonville was incorporated, and has
been a director of Madisonville Building and Loan
Association No. 2. He is a member of the Masonic
Lodge, and the National Union at Madisonville.
Source: History of
Cincinnati and Hamilton Co., Ohio, Past & Present -
Illustrated - Publ. Cincinnati, Ohio - S. B. Nelson & Co.,
Publishers - 1894 - Page 943 |
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GEORGE WEBER,
deceased, was born Oct. 15, 1826, at Landsthul, Bavaria,
Germany, and died May 13, 1893, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
His father, Frank Weber, was a miller by
occupation, and owned the Mountain Mills near his native
place. Our subject came to the United States in 1842,
and for one year worked in a mill at Brazeville, Ind. Having
mastered the English language he came to Cincinnati and
worked at Rebstock’s wine house, was next employed at the “
Bank Exchange” and later at the “Gibson House.”
In 1852 he began as clerk at the “ Galt House.”
Later, in 1853, he purchased an interest in the mill at
Brazeville, but three months afterward it was destroyed by
water, and he returned to Cincinnati and assumed the
management of the “Galt House,” continuing ten years.
Iu 1863 he purchased the lease and fixtures of the hotel,
continuing for ten years, and actually amassing in this
business a fortune of $300,000. On Oct. 31, 1873, he
bought the Jackson Brewing Company’s plant, paying therefor
$285,000. In 1874 he was made president of the
Cincinnati Brewing Association. Mr. Weber was
appointed fire commissioner, and was re-elected five times,
serving ten years in succession. The old engine No. 7
is to-day called the “ George Weber ” in his
honor. At the time the City Hall was dedicated (May
13, 1893) the fire department turned out with the parade.
In view of the fact that Mr. Weber was then
lying dead at home, the engine “George Weber”
was driven in the parade decorated with tuberoses and black
crape.
Mr. Weber was united in marriage. Oct.
19, 1853, with Rose Hagen, a daughter of
John G. and Rosa (Buerckley) Hagen, natives of Merdigen,
Baden, Germany, who came in a sailing vessel to the United
States and settled in Cincinnati in 1831. John G.
Hagen was a gardener near Cincinnati until his death,
which occurred Nov. 29, 1868; his wife followed him to the
grave June 21, 1880. By the marriage of our subject
there were twelve children: George N. E. Weber died
aged sixteen years; Mary Adelaide married
Edward Nalter, a real-estate man of Cincinnati;
Joseph A., who married Miss Bertha Kleiner,
died aged thirty-three years, his wife following him two
years later, leaving three boys, who are attending college
near Cincinnati; William E. died aged twenty-seven
years; Charles A., one of the managers of the
“St. James Hotel,” was married to Miss Fannie Flick;
Frank X. died aged eighteen years; Anthony A.,
one of the managers of the “St. James Hotel,” was married
Nov. 12, 1890, to Leonne Eckelmnan; Clara C. is at
home; Laura B. married William P. Zeltner, an
artist and designer; Edward C. O. is steward of the
“St. James Hotel;” Louis B. is agent of the
Spencer House building; Rosa B. attends
school at Notre Dame in Cincinnati. Our subject was a
Homan Catholic, and was noted for his charity to the
Churches and the city. He was instrumental in securing the
lot for St. George’s Church in Corryville, and donated all
of the pressed brick required in building this handsome
church. He also donated the life-sized bronze statue
of St. Francis to the church of that name, located at
Liberty and Vine streets. Politically he was a
Democrat, and served as register of elections for several
years.
Source: History of
Cincinnati and Hamilton Co., Ohio, Past & Present -
Illustrated - Publ. Cincinnati, Ohio - S. B. Nelson & Co.,
Publishers - 1894 - Page 921 |
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JOSEPH WEITZEL,
of Harrison township, was born Sept. 22, 1821, in Germany,
son of Joseph and Elizabeth Schoumous, the former
born Dec. 10, 1791, the latter in the same year, both in
Hessen, Germany. They emigrated to this country in
1832, and located in Michigan, near Detroit, where the
father was engaged in building for a number of years.
He then moved to Cincinnati, where he worked at the
carpenter trade for a time, and then went to Dearborn
county, Ind., where he engaged in farming in connection with
the trade. He also owned a saw and grist mill in that
county. He and his wife were both members of the
Catholic Church. He died in 1862, his wife in 1867.
To them were born four children: Frederick, deceased;
Joseph; Lewis, ex-sheriff of Dearborn county,
and Nancy.
Our subject remained at home until his eighteenth year,
when he went south and worked in the city of Mobile, Ala.,
for a short time, returning in January, 1846. He
engaged in the milling business at Lawrenceburgh, Ind., and
after remaining there four years engaged in farming for a
few years in Dearborn county, Ind. He then engaged in
the hotel and mercantile business at Lawrenceburgh, Ind.,
for a short time. In 1874 he moved to his present farm in
Harrison township. On Feb. 23, 1846, he married
Miss Josephine, daughter of John and Agnes (Kuhn)
Hoff, natives of Germany who came to this country in
1837, and located in Cincinnati; he was a gardener by
occupation, and they were both members of the Catholic
Church. Mr. and Mrs. Weitzel are the parents of
children as follows: Anna; Caroline;
Adaline; Lucy; Sophia; Coletia;
Tilly, deceased; Edward, deceased; Charles,
deceased; Elias and Barney. The family
are members of the Catholic Church, and politically Mr.
Weitzel is a Democrat.
Source: History of
Cincinnati and Hamilton Co., Ohio, Past & Present -
Illustrated - Publ. Cincinnati, Ohio - S. B. Nelson & Co.,
Publishers - 1894 - Page 982 |
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JOHN WENTZEL,
attorney at law, was born at Cincinnati, Jan. 18, 1851.
He is a son of the late Henry and Margaret (Littecompte)
Wentzel, both natives of Germany, who came to this
country in their early youth. Henry Wentzel
located in Cincinnati in 1848, and was here engaged in
business until a few years prior to his death which occurred
in 1883. His wife, whose father located in, 1830, on a
farm in the vicinity of the site of the C. H. & D. depot,
survives. John Wentzel was educated in
the public schools of Cincinnati, graduating from Woodward
High School in the class of 1872. He then became a
teacher in the public schools of Cincinnati, and was thus
engaged for twelve years, during the latter part of which
period he was principal of the Fourth District school.
During this term he began the study of law, and was
graduated from the Cincinnati Law School in the class of
1883, since which time he has been engaged in the practice
of his profession. Mr. Wentzel is a Democrat,
and has been actively identified with the work of his party
in Delhi township, where he resides. He was the first
mayor of Delhi, and served as justice of the peace for one
term. He is now a trustee of the township. He
was married Feb. 26, 1881, to Caroline, daughter of
the late Peter Zinn,one of the early and
leading members of the Hamilton County Bar, and for a number
of years president of the Kentucky Central railroad.
Three children were born of this marriage, namely:
Margaret, Hallie, and John. Mrs. Caroline (Zinn)
Wentzel died Nov. 17, 1893.
Source: History of
Cincinnati and Hamilton Co., Ohio, Past & Present -
Illustrated - Publ. Cincinnati, Ohio - S. B. Nelson & Co.,
Publishers - 1894 - Page 613 |
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JACOB WETZEL was one of the
earliest settlers in Cincinnati, and like any of the
pioneers of that time, was a noted hunter, on more than one
occasion narrowly escaping form the prowling savages.
Howe, in his reminiscences, relates a thrilling
incident in his life, which serves to show the dangers which
beset the first comers when they ventured into the
wilderness in search of game.
On the morning of Oct. 7, 1790, Wetzel took down
his trusty rifle, and started down the river road below what
is now the junction of Front and Fifth streets. At
that time the ground was covered with a thick growth of
maple, beech, and other trees. Only a few cabins stood
on the space fronting the river. He did not go far
until he had secured all the game he wanted, and he started
on his return for a horse. Being tired he sat down on
a log to rest, when he heard a rustling in the bushes.
Quieting his dog, he sat and watched for a few minutes, when
he was convinced that an Indian was near. He quickly
jumped behind a tree, and soon discovered an Indian half
hidden by the trunk of a large oak, with a rifle in his
hands ready to shoot. At this instant Wetzel’s
dog spied the Indian and barked. Both raised their
rifles and fired at once. The Indian’s gun fell from
his hands, as Wetzell’s ball had broken his
left elbow. Before the Indian could reload Wetzel
rushed upon him with his knife. The savage drew his
knife and prepared to defend himself. Wetzel’s
first thrust was dexterously parried, and the shock was so
great that he was thrown fully thirty feet from the Indian.
Recovering he threw himself on the Indian with all his
force, and seized him around the waist, at the same time
encircling his right arm, in the hand of which he grasped
his knife. The savage was very muscular, and the
result of the conflict seemed doubtful. The
Indian strove desperately to release his arm. and in the
struggle their feet became interlocked and both fell to the
ground, the Indian being uppermost, which loosed his arm.
He tried to use his knife but could not from the position in
which they were lying. By a desperate effort
Wetzel turned him and rendered him helpless. At
this moment the Indian gave a fearful yell, and exerting all
his strength suddenly turned Wetzel under, sat on his
body and raised his arm with the knife for the fatal plunge.
Wetzel saw death staring him in the face and gave himself up
for lost! At this fearful moment, however, his
faithful dog, instinctively comprehending the situation,
sprang forward, and seizing the Indian by the throat caused
the uplifted knife to drop from his hand. Thus
encouraged Wetzel made a desperate effort, turned the
Indian and thrust his knife up to the hilt in his breast.
The savage gave one convulsive shudder and died almost
instantly. Wetzel then took his rifle and
trappings and hurriedly started for home. He had not
gone far when the startling whoop of a number of savages was
heard, which caused him to run rapidly toward the river.
Finding a canoe he jumped in and paddled with all his might
to the cove at the foot of Sycamore street and was safe.
The Indians came to the spot where the encounter had taken
place, and finding the dead body of one of their bravest
chiefs, gave a hideous yell and then disappeared in the
gloom of the forest.
The escape of Wetzel from a terrible death was
most remarkable, and was only brought about by the sagacity
and faithfulness of his dog. It is regretted that the
early writers have failed to tell us when and where
Wetzel was born, and when he died. The grave of
such a pioneer should be marked by a tablet to record his
wonderful triumph over his savage foe.
Source: History of
Cincinnati and Hamilton Co., Ohio, Past & Present -
Illustrated - Publ. Cincinnati, Ohio - S. B. Nelson & Co.,
Publishers - 1894 - Page 492 |
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CHARLES BODMANN WILLIAMS
was born in Clermont county, Ohio, Oct. 21, 1867. He
is a son of Perry and Deborah (Dugan) Williams, both
natives of Ohio, the former of Welsh, the latter of German
descent. Charles B. Williams was educated in
the common schools of Clermont county, and then engaged for
three years in buying leaf tobacco in that county, which he
sold in the Cincinnati market. Afterward he attended
the Northern Indiana Normal School, and was graduated
therefrom in the class of 1892; then entered upon the
practice of law in Cincinnati. Mr. Williams
belongs to the Masonic Order; he is unmarried.
Source: History of
Cincinnati and Hamilton Co., Ohio, Past & Present -
Illustrated - Publ. Cincinnati, Ohio - S. B. Nelson & Co.,
Publishers - 1894 - Page 627 |
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ROBERT E. WILLIAMS,
house and sign painter, office No. 732 Gilbert avenue,
Walnut Hills, residence Fairview avenue, was born Feb. 22,
1862, in Pensarn, Abergele, Wales, son of Edward and
Frances (Foulkes) Williams, both also natives of
Abergele, North Wales, and of Welsh descent. Edward
Williams is a contracting painter, and resides in
Pensarn, Abergele, Wales. He is the father of
fourteen, children, ten of whom are living.
Robert E. Williams was educated at Fowyn, North
Abergele, National School. At the age of thirteen he
ran away to be a sailor, but after being absent some months
was captured and brought home, and learned the painter’s
trade, which he has since followed. In 1879 he left
his home in Wales for Runcorn, England, to become better
informed in his trade. He left Runcorn in 1880 for
Liverpool, England, and there remained until July, 1881,
when he returned to Wales to take charge of painting
Bryngwenallt Hall, the residence of the late John
Roberts, Esq., M. P. for Flintshire. In April,
1884, he left Roberts’ employ and came to Chicago,
Ill., six months later coming to Cincinnati, where he
entered the employ of L. H. Bolee & Company, as a
painter. After working for them two years he was made
foreman, and held that position until April, 1893, when he
withdrew to form his present partnership with Mr.
Leaman, at No. 732 Gilbert avenue, the tirm being known
as Williams & Leaman. He was a member of
the Flintshire, England, Infantry Volunteers, and in May,
1884, joined the Chicago Volunteer Artillery, Battery D.
Mr. Williams was married, Feb. 3, 1886, to
Elizabeth Davies, daughter of John and
Charlotte (Roberts) Davies, natives of Flintshire,
Wales, and of Welsh descent and they are the parents of two
children: Charlotte Frances, who attends the
Mornington school; and Helen Lois, at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Wesleyan
Methodist Church. Mr. Williams is a member of
the Ancient Order of Foresters.
Source: History of
Cincinnati and Hamilton Co., Ohio, Past & Present -
Illustrated - Publ. Cincinnati, Ohio - S. B. Nelson & Co.,
Publishers - 1894 - Page 916 |
W. G. Williams |
W. G. WILLIAMS Source: History of
Cincinnati and Hamilton Co., Ohio, Past & Present -
Illustrated - Publ. Cincinnati, Ohio - S. B. Nelson & Co.,
Publishers - 1894 - Page 952a (Portrait only) |
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WELSER L. WILLIAMS,
homeopathic physician and surgeon, office and residence
corner Woodburn and Gilbert avenues, Walnut Hills,
Cincinnati, was born in Cincinnati, Oct. 11, 1852, a son of
Milton L. and Caroline C. (Welser) Williams.
The former was born Sept. 18, 1814, in Cincinnati, the
latter Mar. 21, 1818, in Philadelphia. The father, who
was a farmer by occupation, died Dec. 18, 1870, and the
mother May 7, 1885. Milton L. Williams was a
son of Peter Williams, a farmer by occupation, and a
Virginian by birth, who came to Cincinnati in 1804.
Caroline C. Welser, mother of our subject, was a
daughter of Godfrey Welser, a practicing physician of
Philadelphia, of German descent. Our subject received his
early education in Delaware, Ohio, studied medicine under
Dr. George Mendenhall, and afterward with Dr. W. G.
Pendery, and graduated, Feb. 11, 1875, from the Pulte
Medical College of Cincinnati, immediately beginning the
practice of his profession, making a specialty of the
diseases of women and children. The Doctor is a member
of the Homeopathic State Medical Society of Ohio, the
Cincinnati Homeopathic Lyceum, and the National Union.
He was married Feb. 7, 1888, to Clara B., daughter of
John and Ellen Espey Roberts. The family are
Episcopalians.
Source: History of
Cincinnati and Hamilton Co., Ohio, Past & Present -
Illustrated - Publ. Cincinnati, Ohio - S. B. Nelson & Co.,
Publishers - 1894 - Page 673 |
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WILLIAM GRANVILLE WILLIAMS,
attorney at law, was born in Cincinnati, June 26, 1838.
He is a son of William and Euphemia (Phillips) Williams,
the former a native of Leamington, England, where he was
born in 1801, the latter a native of the city of New York,
where she was born in 1803. They were married in 1837
in Cincinnati, where he conducted a general store until
1853, in which year he retired from business. He died
at his home in Newport, Ky., in 1868; his widow passed away
Dec. 22, 1889.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the public
schools of Cincinnati, including Hughes High School, and
began the study of law immediately thereafter in the office
of Salmon P. Chase, afterward Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court of the United States, and Flamen
Ball, afterward and for many years register in
bankruptcy for the First District of Ohio. He
discontinued his law studies for a time to engage in other
pursuits, but soon resumed them in the law office of
Tilden, Rairden & Curwen, completed the
usual course of study in the Cincinnati Law School and was
admitted to the Bar in 1862. From February, 1864, to
February, 1867, he was chief clerk of the probate court of
Hamilton county by appointment of Edward Woodruff,
then judge of that court. He then formed a law
partnership with John J. McGrath, the firm (Williams
& McGrath) pursuing the practice in Evansville, Ind.,
whence they soon returned to Cincinnati. This
partnership was dissolved in 1868, Mr. McGrath
becoming associated with the law firm of Moulton &
Johnson, and Mr. Williams with that of
Jordan & Jordan. In June of the same year
Mr. Williams became a partner, and the firm
thereafter, and until its dissolution in 1885, consisted of
Isaac M. Jordan, Nathan E. Jordan and
William G. Williams, and was known as Jordan,
Jordan & Williams. During the whole of this
period of seventeen years this firm was recognized as one of
the strongest in the
West, and was retained in many of the most important cases.
During this period the senior member, Isaac M. Jordan,
served one term as Congressional Representative from the
Second Ohio District.
William G. Williams was married Sept. 23, 1868,
to Josephine, daughter of Joseph Peckover,
for many years a leadiug manufacturer of Cincinnati, a
biographical sketch of whom is contained herein. Six
children—three sons and three daughters—were born of this
marriage, four of whom survive, viz.: Agnes, Eva,
Lawrence and Lucy. The family residence
is on Carthage avenue, Norwood.
Source: History of
Cincinnati and Hamilton Co., Ohio, Past & Present -
Illustrated - Publ. Cincinnati, Ohio - S. B. Nelson & Co.,
Publishers - 1894 - Page 572 |
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ALBERT WILLIAMSON,
real-estate dealer and insurance agent, residence No. 518
Chase avenue, North Side, Cincinnati, was born in Colerain
township, Hamilton Co., Ohio, Nov. 2, 1843, one of the
family of four children born to David and Elizabeth
(Huston) Williamson. He was educated at Farmer’s’
College, College Hill, and in boyhood worked on the farm.
During the years of the Civil war, he was in the employ of
the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad Company; during
1874-75-76 he was deputy recorder of Hamilton county; from
1880 to 1885 he was a member of the board of aldermen of
Cincinnati, and ever since that time has been engaged in the
real-estate and insurance business. Mr.
Williamson was married Feb. 26, 1867, to Sarah D.,
daughter of Nathaniel and Margaret (Nelson) Harris,
natives of Cincinnati and Pennsylvania, respectively, and to
this union were born live children, two of whom are
deceased; the living are: George H., who was educated
in the public schools of Cincinnati, and is now a dealer in
carriage and wagon materials; Albert W., educated in
the Cincinnati schools, now a bookkeeper (was married Feb.
17, 1892, to Miss Retta I. Stoughton), and Horace
G., residing at home and attending school. Mr.
Williamson and his family attend the Presbyterian
Church; he is past master of Hoffner Lodge No. 253, F. & A.
M. , Cincinnati; politically he is a Democrat.
The father of our subject was born June 6, 1808, in
Hunterdon county, N. J., and came with his parents to
Colerain township at the age of six years. He was an
edge tool manufacturer for a number of years, but afterward
retired to farm life in Colerain township, where he died
Jan. 8, 1878. The mother of our subject was born in
Colerain township, Hamilton Co., Ohio, Apr. 24, 1814, aud
died Oct. 1, 1876. They reared a family of four children—two
sons and two daughters—as follows: Hannah Jane, now
Mrs. Thomas Cooper, residing at Newton, Jasper Co.,
Ill.; Mary E., now Mrs. Berger, residing in
Cincinnati; Paul H., now in San Francisco, Cal., and
Albert, our subject. Both paternal and maternal
ancestors experienced the trials of the American Revolution,
many Williamsons being soldiers in the ranks, while
the great-grandfather, Capt. John Huston, fell at the
battle of Brandywine.
Source: History of
Cincinnati and Hamilton Co., Ohio, Past & Present -
Illustrated - Publ. Cincinnati, Ohio - S. B. Nelson & Co.,
Publishers - 1894 - Page 875 |
| |
HON. MOSES F. WILSON,
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, of Hamilton county, was
born in Franklin, Warren Co., Ohio, Sept. 10, 1839, and is a
son of William S. and Martha (Bigger) Wilson, natives
of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively, and of Scotch-Irish
descent. His father’s ancestors immigrated in 1735,
and his mother’s in 1787, locating first in Pennsylvania,
and then in Kentucky and Ohio. William and
Martha Wilson were the parents of four
children, of whom two are living, viz.: Moses F., and
Mary, the wife of Rev. J. L. Russell, a
Presbyterian clergyman of Princeton, N. J.
The family moved to Cincinnati in 1848, and here our
subject attended the public schools, graduating from Hughes
High School in 1857. After teaching school several
years, he studied law with Taft & Perry, and
was admitted to the Bar in May, 1864. In
October, 1866, he was appointed assistant prosecuting
attorney of Hamilton county, which position he held until
January, 1869, and in April of that year, he was elected
prosecuting attorney of the police court, for a term of two
years. He was twice elected judge of the police court,
filling the position from April, 1877, to April, 1881.
He has been a member of the board of education; of the city
council; of the board of managers of the public library; of
the union board of city high schools; of the board of
examiners of public-school teachers, and is now a member of
the board of trustees of the University of Cincinnati.
The judge has edited the criminal code of Ohio, with forms
of indictments and notes of decisions. In 1891 he was
elected judge of the court of common pleas for the term of
five years on the Democratic, People’s party and Lawyers’
tickets, and this high position he now fills with eminent
ability. The judge was married Oct. 1, 1867, to Lucy
Thorpe, of Dry Ridge, Ivy., and they are the parents
of three children: Daniel Fallis, Alethia
and Russell D. The family are connected with
the Presbyterian Church. In politics the Judge is a
Democrat, and he is a member of the A. O. U. W.
Source: History of
Cincinnati and Hamilton Co., Ohio, Past & Present -
Illustrated - Publ. Cincinnati, Ohio - S. B. Nelson & Co.,
Publishers - 1894 - Page 576 |
O. J. Wilson |
O. J. WILSON
Source: History of
Cincinnati and Hamilton Co., Ohio, Past & Present -
Illustrated - Publ. Cincinnati, Ohio - S. B. Nelson & Co.,
Publishers - 1894 - Page 719 (Portrait) |
|
|
OBED J. WILSON, descended
from good old Puritan ancestry, was born in Bingham, Maine,
August 30, 1826. His father, Rev. Obed Wilson,
was a leading and influential citizen of that State during
its early history, and intimately associated for many years
with its civil and religious affairs. He was a member
of the Territorial Convention of 1820 and 1821 that framed
the constitution of the State, and a representative to the
first session of the Legislature that convened after its
adoption. Subsequently he was repeatedly a member of
both House and Senate, always discharging the duties of his
position with ability, fidelity and satisfaction to all.
Consecrated to the ministry in his youth, he became a
zealous and successful preacher of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, laboring early and late for nearly forty years,
never sparing himself, but promptly responsive to every call
of human need and Christian charity. He was a ready,
effective, and eloquent speaker, a wise and judicious
counselor, and an active and earnest worker in various
fields of usefulness —a good man and a devout Christian.
He gave his sons as favorable opportunities for securing a
liberal education as his circumstances, and the character of
the educational institutions of the State at that time,
would allow. One son died in Waterville College; three
were educated at the Maine Wesleyan Seminary; Obed,
the youngest of seven sons, received his education at home,
in the public schools, and at Bloomfield Academy.
In 1846, at the age of twenty, he came to Cincinnati,
secured a situation in the public schools, in which he
taught five years, meanwhile studying law. In 1851,
his eyesight becoming seriously impaired from over-use, he
found himself obliged to abandon his studies, give up
teaching, and seek such occupation as would allow complete
rest to his overtaxed sight. The position of traveling
agent for their schoolbook publications was offered him by
Winthrop B. Smith & Co., and promptly embraced.
After traveling a few years, finding his sight greatly
improved, he accepted a flattering offer from Mr. Smith,
and took a settled position in the publishing-house, first
as correspondent and literary referee, and later as
editor-in-chief of its publications. Upon Mr. Smith’s
retiring from business, Mr. Wilson became a member of
the firm of Sargent, Wilson & Hinkle,
and, a few years later, senior member of the firm of
Wilson, Hinkle & Co. Business rapidly
extended, and under the energetic and able management of
himself and Mr. Hinkle, the house became,
without question, the largest schoolbook publishing concern
in America—perhaps in the world. Too close application
to an extensive and exacting business seriously impaired
Mr. Wilson’s health, and he was advised to seek
rest and restoration in a trip abroad. Accompanied by
his wife and her niece, Miss Fannie M. Stone, he
spent the summer and autumn of 1869 traveling in Europe.
While in Rome, he received a dispatch informing him of the
sudden death of one of his partners, and immediately
returned in midwinter to America. Re-engaging in
business with increased energy and devotion, the next seven
years were given to unremitted, unsparing, downright hard
work.
Having obtained satisfactory pecuniary success, Mr.
Wilson resolved upon gratifying a life-long desire.
He withdrew from active business in 1877, and entered upon a
course of extended travel. During the ensuing live
years, accompanied by his estimable wife, as enthusiastic
and energetic a traveler as himself, he visited every
country, capital, and considerable city of Europe, spent
some time in Northern and Eastern Africa, and several months
in Palestine, Syria, and Asia Minor. In 1882 he
returned to America, and settled down among his books,
resolved upon an extended and systematic course of study;
and to close and varied study the next four years were
given. In the autumn of 1886, Mr. and
Mrs. Wilson again left home upon a more extended
journey than hitherto. Accompanied by two of their
nieces, Miss Cora Stone and Miss
Florence M. Wilson, they proceeded to the Sandwich
Islands in the mid-Pacific, where they spent the winter.
In the spring they sailed for Japan, spent some time in
interesting and instructive travel in the kingdom of the
Mikado, crossed to China, visiting several of its important
cities, and returned to Europe by way of Farther India,
India, and Egypt. Reaching familiar ground, several
months were devoted to revisiting well-remembered places,
affording their nieces an opportunity of seeing many of the
most famous cities of the Old World. Late in the
autumn of 1887 the party returned to America, having
completed a delightful and highly gratifying trip around the
globe. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson again visited Europe
during the summer and autumn of 1892, spending their time
wholly in England, Scotland, and Ireland, mainly seeking
less noted places unfrequented by the general tourist.
Mr. Wilson has a beautiful home in
Clifton, Cincinnati’s oldest and most attractive suburb; and
here, surrounded by works of art, souvenirs of many lands
visited in his varied travels, and with a large and
well-selected library, he lives a retired life, shunning
rather than seeking society, and still a hard student.
Mr. Wilson is a Republican, but not a
partisan; a member of no Church, but a sincere believer in
the positively good of all religions. In 1853 he
married Amanda M. Landrum, of Augusta, Ky. , daughter
of Rev. Francis Landrum, well known, admired, and
loved throughout Kentucky and southern Ohio, during the
early half of the century, as an eminent, zealous, and
successful minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
They have no children.
Source: History of
Cincinnati and Hamilton Co., Ohio, Past & Present -
Illustrated - Publ. Cincinnati, Ohio - S. B. Nelson & Co.,
Publishers - 1894 - Page 497 |
| |
WILLIAM A. WILSON
was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, May 24, 1848, son of
John and Susan (Gorman) Wilson, the former of French,
the latter of English descent, and both natives of Ohio.
The father was a carpenter by trade, following this calling
until 1852, when he went to California, where he died.
The mother died in 1891. The subject of our sketch was
reared in Lockland, and received his education in the public
schools of that place. When a young man he learned the
trade of carpentering. In 1867 he began building and
contracting, in which he has since been engaged. He
married, Oct. 14, 1869, Miss Ida, the daughter
of Elonza and Laura Abbott, the
former of whom resides in Washington; the latter is
deceased. Mr. Wilson is a member of the
Knights of Pythias, and of the National Fraternal Union, and
politically he is a Democrat.
Source: History of
Cincinnati and Hamilton Co., Ohio, Past & Present -
Illustrated - Publ. Cincinnati, Ohio - S. B. Nelson & Co.,
Publishers - 1894 - Page 1018 |
| |
JOHN WILLIAM WOLFE was
born near New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, Mar. 19,
1852. He is a son of Wesley and Margaret (McLain)
Wolfe, the former a native of Ohio, of English descent,
the latter a native of the County Down, Ireland; both are
yet residing in Tuscarawas county. John W. Wolfe
completed his education at the Ohio Wesleyan University,
Delaware, Ohio, from which institution he was graduated in
1877. He then began the study of law under the
preceptorship of Judge Mcllvaine, late chief
justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio, and continued
it under Judge Frees, of Canton, Ohio.
He then entered the Cincinnati Law School, from which he was
graduated and admitted to practice in 1880. On Feb. 4,
1886, Mr. Wolfe was married to Sarah H.,
daughter of Oliver Hazzard Cox, a contractor and
builder of Cincinnati, and one child, Marguerite, is
the fruit of this marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe
reside in Avondale; and they are members of the Episcopal
Church.
Source: History of
Cincinnati and Hamilton Co., Ohio, Past & Present -
Illustrated - Publ. Cincinnati, Ohio - S. B. Nelson & Co.,
Publishers - 1894 - Page 605 |
| |
F. J.
WOLFER was born July 14, 1853, in Hamilton county,
Ohio, son of Michael and Barbara Wolfer, a sketch of
whom appears in connection with that of Anthony Wolfer.
He resided with his parents until Apr. 14, 1874, when he was
united in marriage with Clara Lipps, who was born
Jan. 25, 1855, daughter of Andrew and Catherine (Grebbner)
Lipps, natives of Germany. His father was a farmer
and gardener in this country. The following children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wolfer: Tillie,
Minnie, Michael, Katie, Georgiana, Carrie, Emmerence
(deceased), Rosa and Henry. For three
years our subject and his brother Anthony farmed the
home place in Anderson township; he then removed to his
present farm of seventy-four acres, near Cluff post office,
where he has since resided. The family adhere to the
Catholic Church, and in politics Mr. Wolfer is a
Democrat
Source: History of Cincinnati
and Hamilton Co., Ohio, Past & Present - Illustrated - Publ.
Cincinnati, Ohio - S. B. Nelson & Co., Publishers - 1894 -
Page 926 |
Geo. Wood |
GEORGE WOOD.
One of the best remembered of the former long and prominent
residents of Cincinnati is George Wood, who
was born in Orange county, N. Y., Nov. 18, 1791. He
received the limited education obtainable in his native town
at that time, and was early thrown upon his own resources.
He followed farming in his native State until 1811, when he
migrated to the wilds of the West, settling in Maysville,
Ky. It was always very interesting to hear him relate
the hardships incident to pioneer life in those days, and
recount the perils of the white man in the frontiers.
He entered the services of his country during the war of
1812, and participated in the battles along the Thames river
in Canada. He always spoke with feelings of pride in
after years about his military career, and related with
thrilling interest of the narrow escapes he had made from
the whizzing bullets of the British. Although in that
period he was constantly suffering from cold exposures, his
constitution became strengthened thereby to exertion and
hardship. At the close of the war he returned to
Maysville, where he settled down to commercial business,
transporting pork and flour by flatboat to New Orleans.
On one occasion he was compelled to return from New Orleans
to Maysville on foot.
Mr. Wood was married, in 1810. to Mary
A. Hutchinson. In 1822 they removed to Cincinnati,
where he was ever after, until his death, identified with
all its subsequent growth and development. Soon after
coming to Cincinnati, Mr. Wood purchased a
frame building and a large lot on the corner of Fifth and
Race street. There was a stock of groceries in the
building, which was also included in the purchase, and a
Mr. Weaver was employed to manage the grocery, while
Mr. Wood gave his attention to buying and selling stock.
He erected a large brick building and conducted
a livery in connection with stock dealing, and for many
years his sale and livery stable was one of the live
enterprises of Cincinnati. In time he became possessed
of a considerable fortune, which was largely invested in
real estate. In 1865 he retired from active business,
and spent the remainder of his life in the enjoyment of his
well earned competency, dying Oct. 5, 1880. He was a
public-spirited man, a Democrat in politics, and, during the
latter portion of his life, a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. A man of strong character and much
individuality, he was quick to decide upon any question
presented to him, and outspoken in the announcement of his
position concerning it. He was the father of five
children, one of whom is Mrs. Rebecca R. Gordon, of
Cincinnati.
Source: History of
Cincinnati and Hamilton Co., Ohio, Past & Present -
Illustrated - Publ. Cincinnati, Ohio - S. B. Nelson & Co.,
Publishers - 1894 - Page 534 |
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