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BIOGRAPHIES
Source:
Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio
Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company
1900
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BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX of History Publ. 1900 >
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DAVID C. MANNING
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
739 |
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DAVID MANSON
has reached the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey,
and has always been a resident of Miami county. He
has, therefore, witnessed much of its growth and
development, and has taken a just pride in its upbuilding
and progress. The farm now owned by David Manning
and situated two and a half miles from Fletcher, was his
birthplace, his natal day being June 11, 1823. His
ancestry can be traced back to the Emerald Isle. His
grandfather, David Manson, was born in Ireland, an in
colonial days crossed the Atlantic to the new world, allying
his interests with those of the colonists. The yoke of
British oppression rested heavily, and when an attempt was
made heavily, and when an attempt was made to secure liberty
he joined the army and loyally participated in the
Revolutionary war. After its close he took up his
abode in Pennsylvania, and was there married.
Subsequently he removed with is family from the Keystone
state to Ohio, making the journey by team, and during the
pioneer epoch in the history of Miami county he settled in
what is now Brown township. There he purchased eighty
acres of land and erected a log cabin, which was used as a
fort in an early day for protection against the Indians.
When the country became involved in war with England he once
more joined the army participating in its campaigns in the
northwest. He lived to be an old man, and died in the
faith of the Presbyterian church, of which he had long been
a member.
Morton Manson, the father of our subject, was
born Jan. 5, 1796, in Pennsylvania, and accompanied his
parents on their emigration to this state. He married
Catherine Smith, whose birth occurred June 25, 1796,
their wedding being celebrated Dec. 31, 1818. The
following children were born unto them: Josiah S.,
who was born June 19, 1821, and died in 1880; Mary,
who was born Apr. 25, 1825, and is the wife of Henry
Arnhart; Jane, who married John White; William,
a physician of Kansas; Melissa; John; Eliza, widow of
Lewis Covault, of Kansas; James, who is living
in the Sunflower state; and Mahlon, who is also a
resident of Kansas. Upon the farm where the
grandfather located Morton Manson made his home until
1855, and throughout almost the entire century
representatives of the family have been actively identified
with agricultural interests in this county.
Mr. Manson, of this review, was born and reared
on the old family homestead, where he remained until 1846,
when he went to Fletcher, and in addition to the operation
of his farm he there conducted a grocery store for five
years. On the expiration of that period he removed to
Spring Creek township, where he rented land for six years
and then returned to the old homestead and took charge of
the property. In March, 1858, he removed to the farm
where he now lives, and for more than forty years it has
been his home. He here owns eighty acres on section
12, Spring Creek township, and in addition to general
farming he has engaged in the purchase and sale of cattle
for a quarter of a century. All of the improvements
upon his place stand as monuments to his thrift and
enterprise, and his farm is now one of the best developed in
the locality.
On the 3rd of September, 1848, Mr. Manson was
united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Covault, who was
reared in Montgomery county. They now have nine
children: Catherine A., wife of Fred Cleland;
Clarissa B., now deceased; Isadora, wife of
Frank Webster; James L.; John; Harvey W.; Memory M. R.; May,
wife of Delos Miles; and Theodore P., who died
in infancy. Mr. Manson gives his political
support to the Democracy, and for thirteen years has served
as trustee of Spring Creek township, discharging his duties
with marked fidelity and ability. He obtained his
education in a log building where school was conducted on
the subscription plan, so that his privileges in that
direction, as along other lines, was very limited. The
enterprise and determination which have characterized his
business career have been important elements in his success,
and stand in exemplification of the fact that opportunity
lies before all who are energetic ambitious and resolute.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
878 |
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JOSEPH A. MARKLEY
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
548 |
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J. H. MARLIN
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
859 |
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JAMES S. MARR
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
562 |
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A.
C. &
W. P. MARTIN. A biographical sketch of
Abijah C. Martin and William P. Martin, of Elizabeth
township, Miami county, Ohio, is the record of two brothers,
separated in early childhood and united in early manhood. They
have since lived in the same house and, since they were of age, have
been in partnership in all their business affairs.
Their parents, Joseph and Mary (Clyne) Martin,
were born in Miami county, Ohio, and were married in February or
March, 1827, and lived their brief married life in Lost Creek
township. There were three, children born to them: Abijah
C., born on the 23rd of December. 1827; William P. Martin,
born on the 15th of February, 1830, and Hannah Martin, who
was born Mar. 20, 1833, and is now the widow of Dr.
Kellogg and resides in Nevada, Iowa. Joseph Martin
and his wife died in October, 1833, of cholera, both being attacked
by that dreadful disease the same day. They died within an
hour of each other, on the night of the day they were stricken with
the disease, leaving three small children to the care of friends and
relatives. Their uncle, Corbly Martin, was
appointed guardian of the children. A. C. Martin lived
with a relative of Corbly Martin, at Lebanon, Ohio,
where he spent the years of his early youth. He removed with
that family to St. Louis, Missouri. When he arrived at the age
of twenty-one he returned to Miami county, and was married, Mar. 2,
1859, to Elizabeth Knoop, daughter of Daniel and
Lucy Knoop. This union was blessed with four children:
Mary B., who is the wife of Dr. W. W. Ely, and resides in
Walla Walla, Washington; Charles D., who married Miss
Amanda See, and is living on the farm; John K.,
who is living at home, as is also the youngest child, Lucy D.
Martin. They gave their children good educations and they
are a source of pride and comfort to their parents.
W. P. Martin was bound out to David
Hathaway, of Miami county, who removed to Troy when William was
ten years of age. He then left Mr. Hathaway to live with his
aunt, Minerva, the wife of Levi Hart. He lived
with them until he was of age, working on the farm and, under the
instructions of his uncle, Levi Hart, he also learned
the cooper's trade. When his brother, A. C., came back
from St. Louis and married, he formed a partnership with him and has
lived with him to the present. The brothers had a little
property left from their father's estate, and, in partnership, they
purchased a farm near Alcony, in Elizabeth township, and afterwards
a farm in Lost Creek township. In 1872 they purchased the farm
on which they now reside, which was known in the early history of
the county as the Gordan Cecil farm. It contains two
hundred and seven acres. The two brothers followed farming as
their principal occupation, and have the reputation of being
up-to-date farmers in every respect. Their farm is under a
high state of cultivation; their home is a magnificent mansion and
the barn and outbuildings are first-class. On the farm they
have a new tenant house, now occupied by the eldest son of A. C.
Martin. W. P. Martin is a bachelor. His home
with his brother was satisfactory to him and he never cared to
change his life of single blessedness.
Both brothers are Democrats, but with liberal views on
public questions. W. P. Martin has been honored by his
party in being nominated for county commissioner, and received a
flattering vote. The county is so strongly Republican that it
is very seldom a Democrat is elected. He is township
treasurer, and has served in the office for nine years. He has
served many years as township trustee, and in 1899 he was elected
without opposition as land appraiser. He is a director in the
Troy National Bank. He was never an office seeker, yet his
record in life has been such that all parties trust in him and have
confidence in his judgment and integrity.
In 1881 A. C. Martin had the misfortune to
injure his arm in a clover huller, and that member was amputated
above the elbow. He is known as a quiet, unassuming man, a
thrifty farmer, blessed with a noble wife and as he has reason to
be, is very proud of his children.
This sketch would not be complete without referring to
the grandparents of A. C. and W. P. Martin. Levi
Martin and his wife, Delilah (Corbly) Martin, were among
the early settlers of Staunton, on the banks of the Miami.
They came there from Pennsylvania, but not until his wife had a sad
experience of Indian cruelty. In 1788 the family of John
Corbly lived at Girard Station, on the Monongahela river, not
far from Red Stone Fort. While on their way to church they
were attacked by the Indians, and Mrs. John Corbly and three
children were killed; two other children, who were the youngest, and
girls, were left for dead and were scalped, as was the mother and
the older children. The two youngest girls recovered, and the
youngest, Delilah Corbly, married Levi Martin
and raised a family of ten children. Levi Martin was a
soldier under General Wayne, and while scouting he saw
the beautiful country along the Miami, now within the borders of
Staunton township, and resolved, when he could, to emigrate there,
which he did, settling on a farm in Staunton township. Such is the
ancestry of the subjects of this-sketch. The pioneers of Miami
county have left their impress upon the early history of Ohio, and
their posterity have inherited their courage and love of justice.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
403 |
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MILES W. MATHERS
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
579 |
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SPAFFORD W. MAXWELL
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
391\ |
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CHARLES H. MAY
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
796 |
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EDWARD MCCONNELL
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
906 |
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GEORGE R. MCCONNELL
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
898 |
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CHARLES A. McCOOLE
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
385 |
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EDWARD B. McCURDY
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
647 |
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SAMUEL McCURDY
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
827 |
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JOHN McKEE
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
911 |
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ARTHUR L. McKINNEY
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
571 |
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SAMUEL
G. McKNIGHT, one of the leading and influential
farmers of Spring Creek township, was born near Sidney, in
Shelby county, Ohio, Sept. 29, 1848, and is a representative
of one of the pioneer families of the state. His
father, Joseph McKnight, was born near Newville,
Pennsylvania, and with his mother and her family came to
Miami county, a location being made near Piqua upon rented
land. Subsequently he removed to Shelby county and
entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the
government, there developing the farm upon which occurred
the birth of our subject. In October, 1867, the family
removed to the farm upon which Samuel McKnight now
resides, and there the father spent his remaining days, his
death occurring on the 9th of February, 1875, when he had
attained the age of seventy-three years. His wife bore
the maiden name of Mary Wiley, and of their union
seven children were born, but the eldest died in infancy.
The others are Sarah J., Mary A., William J., Margaret
B., Maria L. and Samuel G.
Under the parental roof
Samuel G. McKnight was reared. He remained with
his father until the latter's death and then took charge of
the home farm continuing to care for his mother until she,
too, passed away, in October, 1887, at the age of
eighty-four years. He now owns eighty acre of land on
section 10, Spring Creek township, on the Piqua and
Plattsville pike, four and a half miles from the city
of Piqua. He also has another farm of one hundred and
sixty acres on section 9, and devotes his time to the
cultivation of grain and the raising of live stock.
His methods are practical and progressive, and his thorough
understanding of the scientific principles which underlie
farming has made him prosperous in his undertakings.
He became one of the organizer of the Miami Grange, and
since its establishment has served as its secretary.
He believes in investigating all ideas that are advanced
concerning farming and adopting those which are calculated
to prove of practical benefit. He exercises his right
of franchise in support of the Prohibition party, and is
ever earnest in his advocacy of that political organization.
He belongs to the United Presbyterian church and is a member
of the session. Such is the record of one who has long
been a resident of Miami county and has at all times enjoyed
the merited confidence and regard of his fellow men.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
403 |
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JOHN McMAKEN
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
665 |
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MATTHES E. McMANES
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record of Miami Co.,
Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
563 |
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WILLIAM H. McMANUS
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
336 |
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JOHN McMASTER
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
304 |
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GEORGE McMILLAN
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
275 |
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FREDERICK B. McNEAL
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
408 |
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JOSEPH W. MEANS
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record of Miami Co.,
Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
288 |
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DAVID C. MEEKS
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
383 |
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EUSEBIA B. MEEKS
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
433 |
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WILLIAM W. MEEKS
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
855 |
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AARON A. MEREDITH
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
713 |
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LOUIS H. MICHAEL
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
904 |
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A. W. MILES.
One of the oldest families of Miami county is that of which our
subject is a representative. In the opening year of the
present century his ancestors located here and since that time those
of the name have figured conspicuously in connection with the
history of the substantial development and material progress of this
section of the state. Like those who have given the best
service, Mr. Miles has attained to a prominent position in
connection with the business interests of the county, and is also
regarded as a public-spirited citizen who contributes to the general
welfare while promoting his individual success. He made a
creditable record as one of the "boys in blue" during the civil war.
and at all times he has labored for the advancement and progress of
the county of his birth, for he is a native of Miami county.
He opened his eyes to the light of day in Newton township, on the
27th of November, 1839, and in the same township his father, Wade
Miles, was born on the 7th of November, 1819.
Jonathan Miles, the grandfather, was a
native of South Carolina, and was the first of the name to locate in
Ohio. He wedded Mary Pearson and early in the
nineteenth century he came to the Buckeye state with the tide of
emigration which was rapidly causing the settlement of this favored
section of the Union. He was accompanied by his wife, and
continued his travels on horse back until he reached what is now the
township of Newton and located on section 31. Jonathan
Miles reared a large family, nine children, and lived to the
advanced age of ninety years. A great hunter and trapper, he
found ample opportunity to indulge his love for those sports, and at
the same time his trapping and hunting probably added materially to
his income. He took an active part in the work of progress of
his community, did much toward laying out roads, organizing the
public schools of the township, and in other ways labored to impress
his individuality upon the public life. He was a consistent
member and active worker in the Society of Friends, and throughout
his business career he followed the pursuit of farming.
Wade Miles, the father of our subject,
learned the carpenter's trade in early life, but after his marriage
purchased eighty acres of improved land near the old Miles
homestead and erected a log cabin on the farm. While it was
being builded his wife did the cooking over a wood fire in the yard.
The little pioneer home contained only two rooms, and the family
experienced many hardships and difficulties, but also enjoyed many
pleasures which are unknown at the present time. Mr.
Miles spent his entire life on the farm which he there
developed, dying in 1854, at the age of thirty-five years.
Both he and his wife were members of the Society of Friends.
He married Mary B. Tucker, a daughter of Nicholas
Tucker, and to them were born eight children: Jane, who
became the wife of Layton North, and died in 1857;
A. W., of this review; Naomi, who wedded Amos
Brandon; Allen, who died in infancy; Charity, wife
of Louis Aikey, of Milesburg, Pennsylvania; Jacob
T., a practicing physician of Bryant, Indiana; Sarah,
widow of D. Anson Coppock; and Vashti,
wife of Harrison Coats, of Richmond. After the
death of his first wife Mr. Miles married Malinda
W. Hayes, a daughter of Thomas Hayes. They
have one child, James S., who is now a merchant of Richmond,
Indiana.
A year after his father's death, when a lad of only
fifteen summers, A. W. Miles took charge of the home farm.
Soon afterward he began teaching school in Darke county, for twenty
dollars per month, and during his first term he worked night and
morning for his board, and in this way was enabled to save his
entire salary. In 1857 he went to Iowa, by water and stage. He
arrived at a certain town too late to catch the stage and rather
than wait for the next stage he started on foot for Leon, walking
the entire distance of one hundred and fifty miles in three days.
Iowa was then sparsely settled and one night he slept on the
prairie. He made the trip in order to view the country, but in
the spring of 1858 he returned to Newton township, Miami county,
making his home near Pattytown for a short time. Later he came
to Tippecanoe City, with John Gerhardt and his family.
Soon after his arrival he went to work for John Danidder,
spending a few months on a farm. Later he was employed as a
farm hand by A. J. Selby, and then again came to Tippecanoe
City, spending the winter as a student in the public schools.
In the spring of 1859 he began clerking in the store of
John H. Long, with whom he remained until the breaking out of
the civil war. He was visiting an aunt at the time, and while on the
return trip learned that Fort Sumter had been fired upon, and before
reaching Tippecanoe City he met C. M. Kauffman and John
Cotteral on the cross roads of the Dayton and Troy pike.
They were looking for volunteers, and there in the middle of the
road Mr. Miles put down his name, being the first to
join the army from Tippecanoe City. He enlisted at Columbus in
Company H, Eleventh Ohio Infantry, Apr. 20, 1861, and with his
regiment remained at Camp Dennison for three months, being drilled
for field service. Shortly afterward they went to West Virginia.
The first engagement in which he participated was at Hawk's Nest.
Joining the eastern army, that is, the Army of the Potomac, he
afterward participated in the battles of Bull Run, South Mountain
and Antietam. Subsequently his regiment was attached to the
Army of the Cumberland at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and took part in
the engagements at Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Ringgold and Rocky
Face Ridge. At the battle of Mission Ridge he and the
color-bearer were the first two to set foot on the enemy's
breastworks. The latter was seriously wounded there, but Mr.
Miles snatched up the colors which he carried through the
battle and until after the battle of Atlanta, when he was detailed
for service at the quartermaster's department as commissary
sergeant, in which capacity he served throughout the remainder of
the war. He was with Sherman on the memorable march to
the sea, and was discharged at Columbus, Ohio, in 1865, with a most
creditable military record, having faithfully aided in the defense
of the Union throughout the entire war.
Upon his return to Tippecanoe City Mr. Miles
engaged in clerking in the dry-goods store owned by Youart &
Jay from March, 1866, until May, 1868. He then served
as assistant postmaster under C. M. Kauffman until March,
1869, when he was appointed postmaster of Tippecanoe City, holding
that position continuously until 1884, when he became one of the
organizers and stockholders of the Tippecanoe City National Bank.
From the beginning he has filled the office of cashier and the
success of the institution has been due in a large measure to his
efforts. He is a most able financier whose conservatism is not
a bar to progressiveness, and yet whose methods are always safe and
reliable. In 1876 he became the secretary of the Monroe
Building & Loan Association, and has filled that office continuously
since. During the last twelve years he has also discharged the
duties of treasurer, and he is also the treasurer of Tippecanoe City
and of Monroe township. These facts certainly indicate how
honorable he is in all financial transactions, and well may his
fellow men repose their confidence in him, for it has never been
betrayed in a single instance. He has also been one of the
school board for a number of years, and the cause of education has
found in him a friend.
Mr. Miles has been thrice married.
On the 17th of January, 1867, he wedded Mary C. Wesler, of
Tippecanoe City, and to them were born six children: Harry J.,
who is a government photographer at Matanzas, Cuba; Holland W.,
who died at the age of thirteen months; Herbert L.,
who is connected with the Interstate Association at Cincinnati;
Jessie died in infancy; Earl is connected with the
Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad, and is located
at Xenia, Ohio; and Joseph R., who is assisting his brother,
Harry J., in Cuba. The mother of this family died Feb. 2,
1880, and Mr. Miles was again married on the 17th of
August, 1882, his second union being with Jennie Kittering,
whose death occurred Mar. 8, 1884. He married his present wife
Oct. 26, 1887. She bore the maiden name of Ada
Herman, and was the widow of Charles Dunhalter and
the daughter of Jacob and Sopha Herman,
of Cincinnati, Ohio. By this union there have been born two
children: Naomi I., who died in infancy; and Kathryn G.
Mr. Miles maintains pleasant relations
with the "boys in blue" through his connection with D. M. Rouzer
Post, G. A. R., of Tippecanoe City, in which lodge he is a past
commander. He also belongs to the Masonic lodge, of Tippecanoe
City, of Franklin Chapter, R. A. M., and of Coleman Commandery, K.
T., of Troy. In his religious belief he is a Baptist, and has taken
an active part in the church work, serving as Sunday school
superintendent for a number of years. His wife is a member of
the Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Miles is a
Republican, and has always given his earnest support to the party in
whose principles he so firmly believes, and at all times and under
all circumstances he has been loyal to truth, honor and right.
His business career has been crowned with success, which has been
worthily won; but he holds as infinitely preferable to wealth the
well-deserved esteem of his fellow men. He is a worthy
representative of the honorable pioneer families of Miami county,
and in the history of this part of the state well deserves mention.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record of Miami Co.,
Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
786 |
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SAMUEL P. MILES
Engaged in general farming and tobacco growing on section 35, Newton
township, Mr. Miles claims this township as the place
of his nativity. He was born on the old farm homestead within
its borders Oct. 5, 1838. His father, William Miles,
was born Nov. 7, 1807, on the farm now owned and occupied by
Joseph Street, his birth occurring at a very early epoch
in the pioneer development of this section of the state. He
was reared during that period when the homes were log cabins, when
the land was being reclaimed for purposes of civilization and when
the Indians still shared with the white men the ownership of the
forests. He married Sarah Coate, a daughter of
Samuel Coate, who was born Dec. 18, 1804, and they
became the parents of twelve children, namely: James, who re-
sided in Kansas, but is now deceased; Mary J., the widow of
W. R. Sloan, of Denver; Elwood, who is living at
Ludlow Falls; Abijah, a practicing physician of Cincinnati;
Samuel P., John, Benton and Wade,
deceased; Henry; Maggie, who is the wife of Reuben
Asher, of Hillsboro, Ohio; Phoebe, who died in
infancy; and an infant, who died unnamed. The father of
this family is still, living, at the age of ninety-four years, and
makes his home with our subject. He has long been a member of
the Christian church and is a man of upright character. His
wife passed away Apr. 28, 1878.
Samuel P. Miles was reared in Newton township
and at the time of the civil war, prompted by a spirit of
patriotism, responded to the country's call for troops. He
enlisted in the fall of 1861, as a private in Company F, Fifth Ohio
Cavalry, and was mustered in at Cincinnati. The regiment was
then sent to Camp Dennison and in the spring of 1862 took boat for
Pittsburg Landing. There were ninety-six transports and two
gunboats in the expedition. The first engagement in which our
subject participated was near Shiloh church. He afterward took
part in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Hatcher's Run, Memphis,
Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, Burnt Hickory, Big Shanty, Peach Orchard
and Atlanta, and was with Sherman in all the engagements of the
Atlanta campaign until its close at Jonesboro. After that
engagement Mr. Miles returned with his regiment to the
pursuit of Hood, and at Chattanooga, Tennessee, on the expiration of
his three years' term of service, received an honorable discharge,
in 1864. He was taken prisoner near Grand Junction, Tennessee,
being captured by Jackson's men, but after twenty-four hours
was paroled.
On receiving an honorable discharge Mr. Miles
returned to his home and in the spring of 1865 took up his abode
upon the farm where he now lives. He has cleared the land,
made excellent improvements and is now engaged in general farming
and in the raising of tobacco. His fields are clean and well
kept and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates his
careful supervision and his progressive business methods.
In 1860 occurred the marriage of Mr. Miles and Miss
Sarah R. Gearhardt, a daughter of John Gearhardt, of New
Carlisle, Ohio. Seven children have been born of their union,
namely: Flora, wife of Henry Davis; Davis; Roger; Sarah;
Olive P., wife of George Pleasant; Clark C., and Clara.
The family is widely and favorably known in this locality, the
members occupying enviable positions in social circles. In
politics Mr. Miles is a Republican and socially is
connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
777 |
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ALBERT MILLER,
who is the foreman of the Tippecanoe Building and
Manufacturing Company, was born in the city which is still
his home on the 11th of May, 1860. His father,
Joseph Miller, was a native of Baden, Germany, and in
1848 left that country, sailing for America. After a
voyage of forty-eight days the vessel in which he took
passage dropped anchor in the harbor of New York, and almost
immediately afterward he made his way to Dayton, Ohio, where
he worked at the cooper's trade for eight years. On
the expiration of that period he came to Tippecanoe City,
where he engaged in the hotel business, conducting the Hotel
Henn until his death, which occurred on the 13th of July,
1870, when he was forty-four years of age. He married
Miss Annie Zimmerman, who also was born in Germany
and spent ninety-nine days on the voyage to the new world.
Their marriage occurred in Dayton, Ohio, in 1853, and was
blessed with seven children, but three died in infancy.
Those still living are Josephine, the widow of
Conrad Bolte, of Tippecanoe City; Joseph, who is
employed by the Davis Whip Company, of Tippecanoe
City; Mary, the wife of John Henn, the
proprietor of the Hotel Henn; and Albert,
whose name introduces this review.
In the public schools of Tippecanoe City Albert
Miller acquired is literary education and prepared for
his business career by a course in the Queen City Commercial
College, of Cincinnati. At the age of eighteen years
he began work for the Trupp-Weekley Manufacturing Company,
with which he was connected for two years as an employe, and
he then became a partner in the business and was made
foreman. In 1895 the company was reorganized under the
name of the Tippecanoe Building & Manufacturing Company,
with which he has since remained as a stockholder and
foreman. This is one of the leading industries of the
city and Mr. Miller
has contributed in no small degree to its success by his
capable management. He is a man of excellent business
and executive ability, of unflagging industry and resolute
purpose, and these qualities have enabled him to promote his
individual success and to insure prosperity to the interests
under his charge.
In 1886 Mr. Miller was united in marriage with
Miss Josephine Fortner, who died two years later.
On the 28th of January, 1889, he married Miss Emily Huber,
daughter of Fred Huber, and they now have four
interesting children: Mary, Fredia, Leo and
Bernard. In his political views, Mr. Miller
is a Democrat, and is a member of the Catholic church.
He is recognized as one of the enterprising business men of
Tippecanoe City, a position to which he has attained by his
own efforts. He began life in the humble capacity of
an employe and has steadily worked has way upward, winning
advancement through close application and painstaking care
in the discharge of duties imposed upon him.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
657 |
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ANTHONY MILLER
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
893 |
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GEORGE F. MILLER
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
702 |
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DAVID MINNICH
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
873 |
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IRA C. MINNICH
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
791 |
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JOHN F.
MITCHELL, one of the most enterprising and
progressive farmers of Washington township, Miami County,
Ohio, was born in Piqua, May 1, 1852, and on the paternal
side is of Scotch descent, his great-great-grandfather being
a native of Scotland and the founder of the family in
America. The grandfather, William Mitchell, was
born in Pennsylvania in 1754, and married a Miss
Patterson, also a native of that state. At an
early day he brought his family to Ohio, and located at
Columbia, now a part of Cincinnati. They floated down
the Ohio river on flat-boats, in company with several other
families, including the Espys, Robinsons and
Pattersons. Mr. Mitchell lived for a time
in Sycamore township, Hamilton county, and in 1817 moved to
Piqua, where he died in 1842, at the age of eighty-eight
years. His wife died in the same place. He was a
soldier of the Revolutionary war, and his son James,
the grandfather of our subject, served under General
Harrison in the war of 812. The latter was only
eighteen years old when he enlisted, and was living at that
time with his brother-in-law, Thomas Morton, in
Cincinnati, at the corner of Sixth and Main streets.
He was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1794, and on
reaching manhood was married, in Hamilton county, Ohio, to
Sarah McChesney, a daughter of John McChesney,
and by that union had one son, John. She died
on the McChesney homestead, and from her Mr.
Mitchell inherited a part of that farm. He was
again married in Sycamore township, Hamilton county, his
second wife being Sabina Lucas, by whom he had five
children, namely: Eliza, a resident of Covington,
Ohio, who married, first, John Stiffler, of
Pennsylvania; and second, Gilbert Adams, now
deceased; David A., father of our subject; Mary,
who married Aaron Tyler and died in Piqua; William,
who died in the same city; and Martha, wife of
James Clark, of Dayton, Ohio.
David A. Mitchell, our subject's father, was
born in Montgomery, Sycamore township, Hamilton county, Aug.
11, 1823, and his boyhood was passed at Lockland, whither
his parents had removed, their farm adjoining that of Mr.
Van Zandt, a very noted man (known as Van Trump
in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin).
Mr. Mitchell saw the first canal boat built, it being
built by Jonathan Haleman, and called the Plow Boy.
The town of Lockland was built after the canal was opened
up. In the fall of 1837, at the age of fifteen years,
Mr. Mitchell attended school in the basement of the
Methodist Episcopal church at Piqua, taught by John and
Jonathan Vale, and finished his education in the old
Baptist church, on Vine street, under the instruction of
James H. Brostow. In 1838 his father moved to
Piqua and David A. learned the saddler's trade with
his uncle, Thomas Mitchell. He worked by the
month as a journeyman for Jonathan Dungan, who was an
expert and from whom he received valuable instruction.
On leaving him he moved to Fletcher and opened a shop of his
own although he had only thirty-seven cents with which to
begin business. He formed a partnership with a tanner
who furnished the material; 'Squire Landis gave him a
stove; and he traded an old watch for a "buck." At
Piqua he was married, Mar. 25, 1845, by Rev. John E.
Thomas, to Sarah Dungan, and the following day
took his bride to Fletcher, but having little to go to
housekeeping with she returned to Piqua and got together a
few household goods. They had been married only a
short time when she was taken ill at Piqua, and being unable
to return to Fletcher Mr. Mitchell removed to Piqua,
where his wife died, Jan. 22, 1846. Disposing of all
his property he paid his debts and with the remainder
purchased a tombstone for his wife's grave. He then
began life anew, his possessions consisting only of his
clothes and tools. Hearing that work was to be had in
Beamsville, Darke county, he walked to that place, a
distance of twenty-five miles, and began life there with a
capital of fifty cents, but at the end of twenty years he
was worth twenty thousand dollars, a part of which he made
by speculating in farms and property in Piqua, and since
then that amount has been more than doubled. On the
19th of April, 1849, in Washington township, this county, he
was married, by Rev. M. J. Meeks, to Ann
Elizabeth McAndliss, who was born in Shippensburg,
Pennsylvania, Apr. 4, 1829, and when a small child moved to
Clark county, Ohio, with her parents, James and Jane
(Highlands) McAndliss. The children born of this
union were Oscar D., who married Laura Tate
and is a traveling salesman living in Muncie, Indiana;
John F., our subject; Mary Jane, wife of
William Grosvenor, of Piqua; and Lillie B., wife
of Lewis A. Ziegenfolder, of Troy, Ohio. After
his second marriage Mr. Mitchell moved to Piqua,
where he has made his home ever since, and is now the oldest
resident ever since, and is now the oldest resident voter of
the place. He owns much real estate in that city and
several good farms. He has taken an active part in
public affairs; has several as township trustee, six terms,
water works trustee and superintendent of the works for two
years; and also served on the boom committee.
Politically he was first a Whig and is now a stanch
Republican. In 1843 he united with the Baptist church,
under the preaching of Rev. John E. Thomas, and has
continued one of its active and faithful members. His
wife has also been a member of the church since 1855.
Reared to manhood in Piqua,
John F. Mitchell continued his education in the high
school of that city to the age of sixteen years, and then
commenced work in his father's saddlery shop. When his
father disposed of that business and formed a partnership
with Amos McAndliss in the lumber business and the
manufacture of sash and doors, our subject learned the
carpenter's trade, which he followed for a time, but after
his marriage, in 1885, he located upon the present farm of
seventy acres in Washington township, and has since devoted
his energies to agricultural pursuits, meeting with good
success in this undertaking. He has erected all the
buildings upon his place and made other extensive
improvements, so that it is now one of the most desirable
farms of its size in the community. In connection with
his farming operations he also buys and sells horses, and
through the winters boards horses for people living in
Piqua. He was reared in the Baptist faith and
affiliates with the Republican party. In Piqua Mr.
Mitchell was married in 1885, to Miss Fannie
Simons, and to them were born three children, namely:
Lizzie B., now the wife of Frank Adams, of Piqua;
Nellie, at home; and Marion, who
died at the age of eight years.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
784 |
| |
JAMES C. MOORE.
For the second time James C. Moore is occupying the
position of county recorder of Miami county, his record
being characterized by marked fidelity to duty and superior
ability in the discharge of the tasks that devolve upon him.
A native of Adams County, Ohio, he was born on the 12th of
March, 1859, his parents being Elihu and Elizabeth
(Wright) Moore. The former, a native of the
Buckeye state, was born in 1812, and died near Troy, Ohio,
in 1889. The mother died in Darke county, Ohio, at the
age of fifty-six years. James C. Moore, the
youngest of their nine children, five of whom are yet
living, attended the common schools, and after acquiring a
good preliminary education matriculated in the National
Normal University, in Lebanon, Ohio in 1883. He spent
two years in that institution, and then began teaching, a
profession which he had followed for four years before he
entered upon his normal course. He spent thirteen
years in the school room as an educator, and in the years
1894-95 was superintendent of schools for the townships of
Concord and Staunton, in Miami county. He had the
ability to impart clearly and readily to others the
knowledge he had acquired, and his efficient work won him
prestige among the educators of this locality.
In politics Mr. Moore is an active Republican.
He keeps well informed on the issues of the day, and takes
great interest in supporting the principles of his party and
securing their adoption through the power of his ballot.
In the fall of 1895 he was elected recorder of Miami county
and so capably filled the office that he was re-elected for
a second term in the fall of 1898, receiving the largest
vote of any candidate on the ticket who had an opponent, his
majority being fourteen hundred and seventy-two.
In August, 1885, occurred the marriage of Mr. Moore
and Miss Alice C. Foster, of Miami county. They
now have four children, - Emma B., Eugene, Harry and
Ethel May. Mrs. Moore is a daughter of John
and Ruth (Thomas) Foster, natives of Pennsylvania,
whence they removed to Miami county, Ohio. The father
lived to be sixty-four years of age, and the mother is still
living, her home being in Troy. Mr. Moore is a
Universalist in religious belief, while his wife is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Socially he
is connected with Troy Lodge, No. 43, I. O. O. F., and with
Concord Encampment. He is true to the best interests
of citizenship, is most loyal to the trusts reposed in him
and commands the respect of his fellow men by his fidelity
and worth. His standing, both in political and social
circles, is high, and he is very popular as the county
official.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 |
| |
JAMES M. MOORE
was born in Miami county, in 1840, and was a son of
William B. and Sidney Moore now deceased. They
emigrated from the state of New Jersey and were among the
early settlers of Miami county, where the father followed
farming. J. M. Moore was reared on the farm,
received a fair education and followed school teaching for a
number of years. In 1872 he was united in marriage to
Frances D. Sayres, and moved to Illinois, residing there
ten years. At the expiration of that period they
returned to Miami county, Ohio, and for the last ten years
have resided in the city of Piqua. To this union was
born one son, who died in infancy.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
383 |
| |
JOHN H. MOORE.
In the history of Miami county John H. Moore well
deserves representation, for he is numbered among her native
sons and has ever been a loyal and valued citizen, true to
every trust reposed in him. He was born in Brown
township, Mar. 23, 1849, and is a son of William Moore,
whose birth occurred in New Jersey. Reared to manhood
in his native state, the father was there joined in wedlock
to Miss Orr, and on emigrating to Ohio in the early
'30s, he took up his abode near Addision, whence he removed
to Brown township, Miami county. There he purchased a
small farm, upon which he lived until his death, passing
away in August, 1881, at the ripe old age of eighty-four
years. He was twice married and by the first union had
two children, who are now deceased. For his second
wife he chose Sidney Brooks and they became the
parents of nine children. The mother of this family
died, and he afterward married Mrs. Rebecca (Wiley)
Belford, and has one child, Joseph, now living in
Indianapolis, Indiana. His children by his second wife
were William R., who enlisted, in 1861, in
Company E, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry,
with the rank of captain, and died of typhoid fever at
Brandywine Station, in 1864; Susan, deceased;
Thomas B., who has also passed away; Catherine,
wife of Miles Mathers, of Brown township; James,
who is engaged in the real estate business in Piqua;
Sidney, deceased; Priscilla, wife of
Elias Snodgrass, of Brown township; Elizabeth,
and John H.
Mr. Moore, of this review, was reared in Brown
township until sixteen years of age, at which time he
entered the Piqua high school, wherein he pursued his
studies for two years. He then began clerking in a
store in Fletcher, where he remained for five years.
He next embarked in the produce business on his own account
in that town. He was for two years a representative of
its commercial interests and on the expiration of that
period took up his abode on the farm, which has since been
his home. He owns seventy-two acres of land on section
2, Spring Creek township, where he carries on general
farming, and the neat and thrifty appearance of the place
indicates the careful supervision and progressive
methods of the owner. The place is improved with good
buildings and well kept fences and bountiful harvests add
materially to his income.
In 1871 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Moore and
Miss Mary Sanders, and they now have five children:
Violet J., wife of Charles Cox; Forest E., at
home; Clinton, deceased; Judson J., and
Keifer S., who was named in honor of General Keifer.
Mr. Moore has been a school director in Spring
Creek township for eleven years and the cause of education
finds in him a warm friend, who is active in the advocacy of
every movement that will promote the advancement of the
community. He is master of the Miami Grange, which
indicates his standing in agricultural circles. He
belongs to the Spring Creek Christian church, of which he
has been deacon since 1886, and in politics he is a
Democrat.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
553 |
| |
JOHN WATKINS MOORE.
Among the practical and enterprising farmers of Brown
township, Miami county, none is more worthy of high regard
than Mr. Moore, and it is therefore with pleasure
that we present the record of his life to our readers as
that of a representative citizen of the community. He
was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, ten miles north of the
Ohio river, on the 18th of February, 1830, his parents being
Isaac and Mary (Watkins) Moore. Their marriage
was celebrated ten miles south of Dayton, Ohio, and later
they removed to the Hoosier state. The father was a
native of Maryland and when a young man came with his
parents to the west, driving a team from Maryland to
Dearborn county, Indiana. Taking up his abode in this state,
he was employed on the locks at Franklin, and there he met
his wife while boarding with the Watkins family in
Centerville. The lady was a daughter of William
Watkins, who came to Ohio from Kentucky, and her birth
occurred in the Buckeye state in 1811. After their
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Moore returned to Indiana, and
when their son, John was three months old they took
up their abode at Centerville, Ohio, and the father operated
the Watkins farm until the fall of 1831, when he came
to Miami county, establishing a home in the northeastern
corner of Brown township, adjoining the boundary line
between Miami and Champaign counties and a mile south of the
Shelby county line. About fifteen acres of the land
had been cleared and a two-room log house had been built.
Several families from Centerville came to the county about
the same time, and the Moore family made a permanent
location here. The father developed a good farm of one
hundred and sixteen acres and thus aided in reclaiming the
wild land for the purpose of civilization. He died in
1879, at the age of seventy-five years, his birth having
occurred in 1804. His wife had passed away some yeas
previous, being about sixty years old at the time of her
death. In the family were nine children, five of whom
were living at the time of the father's death, while three
yet survive. These were: J. W., of this
review; Thomas S., who is living in Brown township;
Martha Jane, wife of Thompson Counts, also of
Brown township; Joseph M., who died at the age
of forty-five, leaving a widow, who is living in Conover;
and Alexander, who died at the age of sixty-years,
leaving a widow, who resides in Lena. These were the
only members of the family who reached years of maturity.
The father was one of the original class of Methodists in
Lena and contributed to the building of a log house of
worship known as the Mt. Vernon church. In politics he
was a Democrat, but never took an active part in political
affairs. His wife was a lady of domestic tastes, her
interests centering in her family, and for many years prior
to her death she was an invalid.
John Watkins Moore spent the first eighteen
years of his life upon the old homestead, and then learned
the wagonmaker's a three years apprenticeship, during which
time he received thirty dollars per year and his board.
On the expiration of that period he bought the business of
his employer, in connection with the latter's son,
William Roberts, his wages being applied as part of the
purchase price. The shop was located on the stage
route between Columbus and Piqua, and as that was then a
greatly traveled road he did a good business, their
partnership continuing for eleven years. They had
learned the trade together and the most pleasant
relationship existed between them. On the expiration
of that period Mr. Moore old his
interests to Mr. Roberts, who still conducts the
shop.
Turning his attention to agricultural pursuits, our
subject operated a rented farm for six years, and in 1861 he
purchased his present farm of eighty acres for which he paid
forty-three dollars per acre. The greater part of it
was covered with heavy timber and but few improvements had
been made, but through his enterprising efforts Mr. Moore
has nearly the entire tract under cultivation. He
realized a fair income from his timber, which was used both
for wood and conversion into lumber in a sawmill in the
neighborhood. Since coming to the farm he has devoted
his attention exclusively to its development and
improvement, has increased its boundaries by the purchase of
an additional forty acres, and has made a specialty of the
raising of grain. The place is well drained, for he
has placed about four hundred rods of tiling upon it, thus
reclaiming a swampy tract and making it very profitable.
His improvements include a comfortable residence and
first-class outbuildings, together with all the accessories
and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century.
Mr. Moore was married Oct. 26, 1854, to
Hannah Howland, a daughter of Albert and Caroline
(Throckmorton) Howland. Several families came from
New Jersey, by wagon, to Warren county, Ohio, and with the
party were Albert Howland and Caroline
Throckmorton, the former then eighteen and the latter
fourteen years of age. Not long after this they were
married and two children were born to them in Warren county.
In 1825 they came to Brown township, establishing a home in
the southern part of that section of the county. It
was here that Mrs. Moore was born, Aug. 4, 1833, and
upon the old family homestead the parents spent their
remaining days, the father dying at the age of seventy-five,
the mother when fifty-three years of age. They had a
family of ten children, seven of whom reached years of
maturity; Deborah, wife of Edmond Lewis, of
Casstown; Lydia, wife of Michael Duncan, of
Fletcher; Jane, wife of John Weatherhead, of
Troy; George, a resident of Girard, Illinois; John,
who was engaged in the livery business in Troy at the time
of his death; Albert, who resided near Decatur,
Illinois, at the time of his death; and Hannah.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Moore have been born two sons -
Albert Howland and Faren Isaac. The former
married Sarah J. Flowers and operates one of the
father's farms. By his union he has three children, -
Hattie, wife of Jason Bair; Horace and
Clifford. Faren I. Moore married Dema
Moon, a daughter of James and Harriet (Dorsey) Moon,
whose farm lies both in Shelby and Champaign counties.
Charity chapel stands upon a portion of the tract.
Mr. Moon is a son of Mahlon Moon, of Bucks
county, Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio when four years old,
at which time his parents located in Greene county. At
the age of eighteen he came to the farm upon which his son
James resided and there died at the age of
eighty-four years. James Moon became the owner
of the old homestead
and operated that farm throughout his remaining days,
extending its boundaries by additional purchases. He
died May 3, 1897, at the age of seventy-five years, and his
widow still occupies the old farm. At his death he
left six children, three of whom are in Miami county,
namely: William, who is a trustee of Brown township;
Mrs. Moore; and Sarah Ellen, wife of Alex
Mahan of Lost Creek township. Mrs. Moore
was born on the old family homestead, June 11, 1871, and was
married Jan. 29, 1891, to Faren I. Moore. They
have had two children. - Irena Dale, who died at the
age of two and a half years; and Clara Marie. Faren
I. Moore operates his father's farm. Both sons
were at home until their marriage and were provided with
good educational privileges. Mr. Moore and his
wife, his sons and their wives are members of Charity Chapel
Christian church, of which he is a deacon and trustee.
In politics he is a Democrat, but has never sought or
desired political preferment, his time and attention being
closely given to his business affairs, in which he has met
with creditable success.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
596 |
| |
PRESTON P.
MOORE. Actively and prominently identified with
agricultural interests in Miami county, Preston P. Moore
is now numbered among the most successful farmers of
Elizabeth township. A man's prominence is not
determined by the height to which he has climbed, but by the
depths from which he started. In the valley of limited
circumstances Mr. Moore began life, and has steadily
and persistently worked his way upward to the plane of
affluence. Untiring industry may well be termed the
keynote of his character, and as it forms the foundation of
all success it is but reasonable to suppose that he has
gained a comfortable competence. This belief would be
confirmed by a glance at his attractive home, his
well-tilled fields indicating to the passer-by the careful
supervision of the owner, and giving evidence of abundant
harvests.
Mr. Moore was born in Montgomery county,
Virginia, Apr. 1, 1814, and when a lad of two years was
brought to Ohio by his parents, with whom he remained until
twelve years of age, when he began to earn his own living by
working on the river. On attaining his majority he
came to Miami county with his parents, Randolph and Mary
(Porter) Moore, the family residing upon the farm now
occupied by Isaac Mumford. The father resided
in this township until his death, which occurred at the age
of seventy-five years, and the mother passed away when
ninety years of age.
Preston Moore in his youth engaged in cutting
and cording wood at thirty-three cents per cord and in
splitting rails, for which work he received from twenty-five
to thirty cents per hundred. Out of this meagre salary
he boarded himself. Throughout the winter months he
engaged in rail splitting, and frequently would make a
dollar per day, although some days he could not make more
than fifty cents. He and his brother made five hundred
rails per day, cutting the timber themselves. At the
age of twenty-seven he took unto himself a helpmate, the
lady of his choice being Miss Elizabeth Mumford,
whose family history is given in connection with the sketch
of George Mumford on another page of this work.
In 1865 they removed to their present farm, Mr. Moore
securing seventy-five acres, covered with mixed timber.
He has cleared the tract, transforming it into highly
cultivated fields, upon which he has laced many rods of
tiling. All the accessories and improvements of a
model farm are here found, including a comfortable
residence, substantial barns and outbuildings, the latest
improved machinery and well kept fences. In 1891 he
erected a neat and attractive residence, and in 1899 built a
substantial barn, 40x60 feet. These stand as monuments
to his thrift and enterprise, for all that he possesses has
been acquired through his own well-directed efforts.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Moore were born two children, who
died in infancy - Hannah and one unnamed.
Randolph, the eldest surviving son, was engaged in
farming in Clark county from 1876 until 1888, when he went
to Emporia, Kansas, being connected with the street railway
of that city for three years. He also spent three
years in Muncie, Indiana, where he was employed as a
mechanic, and since that time he has lived with his father
on the old homestead. For several years he operated a
threshing machine. Mary, the surviving
daughter, is the wife of John R. Snider, who is
engaged in the operation of the old home place. The
mother died Sept. 14, 1876, her loss being deeply mourned by
many friends, who esteemed her highly for her many
excellence of character.
Mr. Moore is a member of the Universalist
church, and in his political affiliations he is a Democrat,
always exercising his right of franchise in support of the
men and measures of that party. He has not however,
sought office for himself, but has given his attention in an
undivided manner to his business affairs, which he has
conducted with such energy that he has won rank among the
substantial citizens of the community.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
717 |
| |
REUBEN MOORE
was born in Miami county, on the old family homestead, July
8, 1852, a son of Rufus and Lydia (Bennett) Moore.
Gresham Moore was born in Wales in 1752, and his
wife, Anna, was born in 1758. They had eight
children: Lewis, born in 1778; Reuben, born in
1791; Elias, born in 1792; Phebe, born in
1793; Philip, born in 1794; Catherineb, born in
1795; Rachel, born in 1797; and Nancy,
born in 1800. Lewis Moore, the grandfather of
our subject, was born Aug. 16, 1778, in New Jersey, and his
wife, Susan Moore, was born in that state July 5,
1786. They were the parents of twelve children:
Anna, who was born June 6, 1805, and died June 8, 1845;
Rufus, the father of our subject; Eliza, born
Dec. 17, 1809; Sarah, born Oct. 15, 1811; Elias,
born Oct. 5, 1813; Amy, born Nov. 2, 1815; Anthony
B., born Nov. 5, 1817, and died Feb. 14, 1839; Reuben,
born Oct. 14, 1819, and died Oct. 9, 1849; Samuel,
born Jan. 13, 1822, and died July 27, 1823; Lydia,
born Nov. 29, 1823; Stephen G., born Nov. 12, 1825;
and Alpheus E., born Apr. 5, 1828, and died Aug. 17,
1858. The father of this family died May 8, 1859, and
his wife passed away on the 19th of December, 1872.
The father was born in Butler county, Ohio, Mar. 13,
1807, and the mother's birth occurred in that county Nov.
11, 1815. Her marriage was celebrated Feb. 17, 1833,
and was blessed with seven children: Nancy Jane, born
Aug. 23, 1836, became the wife of George McMillan and
died July 1, 1866, leaving three children, Alva E., Harry
W. and Elroy C. Mary Ann, who was born July
12, 1839; Lewis, who was born Apr. 7, 1843, and died
on the 16th of April of that year; Elias, born July
17, 1845, Theodore, born Oct. 1, 1847, and Eliza,
born Aug. 6, 1850, and Reuben were the younger
members of the family. Eliza is now the wife of
A. Berryman, of Troy.
William Bennett, the maternal great-grandfather
of our subject, was born in England, and came to this
country shortly after the time William Penn arrived.
He settled on an island in the Susquehanna river, and
afterward opened copper mines in Pennsylvania. He was
the father of nine children. His son, Thomas
Bennett, was the father of George Bennett, the
maternal grandfather of our subject. George Bennett
was born in Virginia Mar. 3, 1783, and his wife, Nancy,
was born June 10, 1783. They were the parents of ten
children: Henry, born Aug. 25, 184; Lydia, the
mother of out subject; Thomas, born Jan. 7, 1817;
John, born Apr. 7, 1818, and died on the 29th of
September of the same year; Susanna, born July 21,
1819; Amelia, born Jan. 27, 1821, and died July 17,
1825; Mary Ann born June 10, 1823, and died July 5,
1825; George, born Sept. 28, 1824, and died Aug. 7,
1825; George, the second of the name, born July 14,
1826; and Elizabeth Ann, born Apr. 23, 1831, and died
in 1874. George Bennett, the father, died Mar.
15, 1844, and his wife passed away in June, 1836.
Rufus Moore, the father of our subject, made his
home in Butler county, Ohio, for a short time after his
marriage, and then removed to Loramie, Shelby county, Ohio,
where he continued to make his abode until 1840. In
that year he located on section 4, Staunton township, Miami
county, and cleared the greater part of that farm, making
excellent improvements thereon, transforming the wild land
into a very valuable property. He died Mar. 9, 1876,
and his wife passed away Apr. 14, 1885.
Mr. Moore remained on the farm with his father
until the latter's death, when he took charge of the old
homestead and cultivated the land until 1879, when he
removed to his present place of residence, constituting a
part of the old homestead. He has here eighty acres of
rich and arable land. All of the improvements upon the
place stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise.
He has eight acres planted in an orchard, mostly of apple
trees; his buildings and fences are kept in good repair and
everything about the place is neat and thrifty in
appearance.,
Mr. Moore was united in marriage, Mar. 23, 1876,
to Miss Florence E. Brandenburg, a daughter of
Cornelius and Elizabeth Brandenburg, both of whom were
natives of Maryland and came to Miami county in 1852.
Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Moore:
Nettie and Mamie, who died in infancy;
Cornelius Allen, born Aug. 6, 180; Lewis E., Aug.
5, 1882; Frank B., Sept. 4, 1884; and Charlie H.,
Sept. 1, 1886. Mr. Moore is a member of the
Miami Grange and the Knights of Pythias fraternity.
His wife is a member of the Pythian sisterhood and both are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Bethel.
For many years he has been connected with the agricultural
societies of the county and during the entire time he has so
conducted his affairs as to merit the confidence and esteem
of the entire community. His wife also takes an active
interest in all things pertaining to agriculture and
horticulture. She is the efficient secretary of the
Spring Creek and Staunton Township Farmers Club, and has
been for over eight years.
She has also served for several years as secretary of
the Miami Horticultural Society. Mr. Moore is
an up-to-date farmer, and he and his wife believe that
honest, intelligent farmers are among the best class of
citizens in this nation of free men.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
557 |
| |
ISAAC S. MORRIS
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record of Miami Co.,
Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
278 |
| |
JOHN W. MORRIS
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
266 |
| |
ANDREW M. MORROW
resides upon one of the good farms of Washington township,
Miami county, and is successfully carrying on agricultural
pursuits. He owns one hundred and thirty-seven acres
of rich land, forty of which he has himself cleared.
He comes from a family of Scotch-Irish lineage. His
ancestors fled from Scotland to Ireland on account of
religious persecution and changed the name from Murray
to Morrow, and came to America and settled in Perry
county, Pennsylvania, in 1766. The grandfather of our
subject lived and died in Sherman's valley, in Perry county,
Pennsylvania. Major Richard Morrow the father
of our subject, was born at the old family homestead in
Sherman's valley, in 1788. He was left an orphan
during early childhood and was bound out to a millwright
with whom he learned the trade. In his native valley
he was marred on the 5th of July, 1814, to Miss Frances
Clark, whose birth occurred Dec. 26, 1787, her parents
being Robert and Mary (Alexander) Clark. In the
fall of 1814, Mr. Morrow and his wife joined a party
of colonists from that section and started for Ohio.
The Morrows located in Highland county, where they
remained until the following spring, when they came to Miami
county, locating on a quarter-section of land, three miles
south of Piqua, in Washington township. The region was
almost an unbroken forest at that time, and the tract which
Mr. Morrow entered on the 20th of December, 1815, was
covered with a heavy growth of timber so that he had to cut
away the trees in order to plant crops. He erected a
double log house with a two story frost, one of the most
pretentious homes in the township, and there he and his wife
spent their remaining days, with the exception of about five
years, during which time they resided in Piqua, returning to
their farm in the summer of 1861. As before indicated,
Mr. Morrow was a millwright in his youth, but after
taking up his abode in the Buckeye state, he devoted his
attention to farming. The married life of this worthy
couple covered a period of more than half a century, and
they were separated only a short time by death, as Mr.
Morrow passed awy on the 28th of May, 1864, while
his wife was called to her final resting place on the 12th
of August, of the same year. They were people of the
highest respectability, active and consistent members of the
Presbyterian church and were also leading members of the
Bible society. His fellow townsmen, realizing his
worth and ability, frequently called Mr. Morrow to
positions of public trust and responsibility, and he was
almost continuously in office. For many years he
served as township trustee, was also county commissioner,
and at one time was major of a regiment of the Ohio state
militia. He took an active and commendable
interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the
county, did all in his power to promote its growth and
substantial improvement, and left the impress of his strong
individuality upon its development.
Mr. and Mrs. Morrow became the parents of the
following children: Joseph Marshall, born Mar. 11,
1815, was accidentally killed on the farm of Judge Adams,
south of Piqua. Robert Alexander, born Apr. 11,
1818, was married Dec. 8, 1842 to Mary Whittaker and
died Nov. 19, 1846. Hugh Clark, born Oct. 9,
1820, was married May 7, 1851, to Susan F. Morrison,
and died near the old homestead Sept. 5, 1874.
James, whose sketch is given in this history, is the net
of the family. Milton, born Feb. 14, 1825,
married Clarissa Prugh, and died on his farm in
Washington township, Jan. 26, 1889. William,
born July 31, 1828, died in Dayton, Ohio, Jan. 5, 1893.
Andrew M. completes the family.
Andrew Mitchell Morrow has spent his entire life
in Miami county, his birth having occurred on the 17th
of November, 1833, on the old family homestead upon which he
now resides. At the usual age he began his education
in the country schools, pursuing his studies for two months
each year, except his studies for two months each year,
except when the citizens would raise money to prolong the
session to three months. He was a studious boy and
improved his opportunities in the school room, thus laying a
good foundation for a practical English education.
Possession an observing eye and retentive memory, he has
become a well-informed man, and reading keeps him in touch
with the general interests of the day. In his youth,
after school hours and during vacations, he employed his
time diligently at home with the farm duties. At his
father's death he inherited a portion of the old homestead
and afterward purchased the interest of the other heirs,
become the owner of the present valuable farm of one hundred
and thirty-seven acres, the greater part of which is under a
high state of cultivation. His present residence was
built by his father, in 1840, but he has erected other
buildings and made other substantial improvements which
stand as monuments to the thrift and enterprise of the
owner. On the 8th of April, 1858, Mr. Morrow
was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Ellen Drake,
who was born in Washington township, Nov. 22, 1833, a
daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Curry) Drake.
The Drakes were from New Jersey, and in 1833 took up
their abode in Washington township, Miami county.
Their ancestry can be traced back for many generations to
Sir Francis Drake. Mr. and Mrs. Morrow
became the parents of three children: Ellen Frances,
born May 16, 1860; Margaret Caroline, who was born
May 14, 1862, and died in October, 1880; and Harland D.,
born Sept. 5, 1866. The mother died Oct. 28, 1873,
and, on the 26th of December, 1876, Mr. Morrow was
again married, his second union being with Olive L.
Dennis, born Aug. 6, 1844, in Clermont county, Ohio, a
daughter of James and Sarah Ann (Parker) Dennis.
Her paternal grandfather, Francis Dennis, was a
native of Ireland, and when three years of age was brought
to America by his parents, who died soon after reaching the
United States. Having arrived at years of maturity, he
married Miss Mary Murray, and from Kentucky they
removed to Clermont county, Ohio. Mr. Dennis
died near New Boston, this state, in 1832, and his wife near
Williamsburg, Ohio, in 1860.
Their son, James Dennis, was born in Clermont
county, Ohio, Aug. 10, 1809, and for many years operated a
grist and saw-mill and also a chair factory. He died
in his native county, in December, 1889, when about eight
years of age. He was twice married, his first union
being with Sarah Ann Parker, daughter of Isaac
Parker, of New Jersey, whose wife was a Miss
Culberson before her marriage. Mrs. Dennis
died in October, 1874, and Mr. Dennis afterward
married Mrs. Susan Morrow, the widow of Hugh
Morrow, the brother of our subject. She died in
Leavenworth, Kansas. Mr. Dennis was the father
of nine children, namely: Caroline, wife of Samuel
Scott Lynn, of Altaloma, Texas; Charles P., a
practicing dentist of Portsmouth, Ohio, who wedded Miss
Sarah M. Lane; Mary Ann, widow of Thomas Page, of
Fayette county, Ohio; Martha J., widow of the Rev.
Isaac J. Cushman, of Oxford, Ohio; Eliza V., who
become the wife of Newton D. Spence, and after his
death married Simms Tate, of Adair county, Iowa;
John F., a dentist, who wedded Miss Lida Gilfillen,
and lives at Washington Court House, Ohio; Mrs. Morrow;
Theodore G., who married Miss Lida Kennedy, and
is a dental practitioner of Jamestown, Ohio; and Arabelle
who died in this state. By the marriage of Andrew
M. Morrow and Olive L. Dennis four children have
been born, namely: Clifton Parker, born Oct. 28,
1877; Elizabeth Dennis, born Oct. 14, 1879;
Raymond Clark, born Sept. 22, 1881; and Forrest Ely,
born Sept. 25, 1883.
Mr. Morrow was reared in the Whig party, but on
the organization of the Republican party became one of its
stanch supporters, and has since fought under its banners.
Of the Presbyterian church of Piqua he is a devout and
faithful member, and has served as one of its elders since
1880. He is a well-informed man, an extensive reader
and an entering conversationalist, and his pleasant home is
noted for its generous hospitality. His amiable
disposition and devotion to the welfare of the family
renders him an ideal husband and father, and to him
friendship is inviolable. He possesses those sterling
traits of character which in every land and in every clime
command respect.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
424 |
| |
JAMES MORROW
is a retired farmer of Washington township and one of the
most highly respected citizens of the community. He
was born Dec. 20, 1822, in the township so long his home,
his parents being Richard and Frances (Clark) Morrow.
the father was born upon the banks of the blue Juniata, in
Perry county, Pennsylvania, and, with his brother, he
emigrated to Ohio in 1814, thus becoming one of the pioneer
settlers of the state. He entered land in Washington
township, Miami county, and for fifty years was connected
with its agricultural pursuits, spending the entire half
century upon that farm, where his death occurred in May
1864. Their children were Robert Alexander and
Hugh C., both deceased; James, of this review;
Milton and William, who have passed away; and
Andrew Mitchell, of Washington township. In the
common schools he obtained a good education and in youth he
learned the blacksmith's trade, but never followed it.
He made farming his life work, and by his careful management
and untiring industry he secured a comfortable competence
that now enables him to rest in the enjoyment of the fruits
of his former toil.
Mr. Morrow was married, Mar. 16, 1847, to
Miss Nancy Van Emon, and for almost a century they
traveled life's journey together, but in 1895 were separated
by death, his wife being called to the home beyond. In
their family were five children: John William; Charles
Anderson; Richard Edwin; Frances Jane, wife of
Charles Munger; and Mary Belle, wife of
Emanuel Dagenhart. The father of this family is a
devout member of the Presbyterian church, of Piqua, with
which he has long been connected, taking an active part in
its work. In years past he served as choir leader.
In politics he has long been a stanch Republican, giving his
inflexible support to the measures of the party. His
life has been quietly and honorably passed, and he is highly
esteemed by all who known him for his sterling worth.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
564 |
| |
GEORGE
MUMFORD. Prominently identified with the
agricultural interests of Miami county, George Mumford
is a representative of one of the pioneer families of this
section of the state. His father, George Mumford,
was born in Maryland, Feb. 16, 1812, and died on the old
homestead farm in Elizabeth township, this county, Sept. 25,
1882, having reached the Psalmist's span of three score
years and ten. His parents were John and Hannah
Mumford, the former a native of England and the latter
of Maryland. John Mumford died in Maryland, but
his wife spent her last days in Ohio, attaining the very
advanced age of one hundred and five years. In their
family were fourteen children, those who came to Miami
county being: Richard, who died in Shelby county,
Ohio; John, the father of William R. Mumford,
of Alcony; William, who spent his last days in Miami
county, leaving a son, John, who yet resides in this
section of the state; George, of this review;
Elizabeth, wife of Preston Moore, who resides in
Elizabeth township; Miranda, wife of Michael
Cramer, who resides near Alcony; and Hannah, who
married Jacob Dick and died at Miami City. All
of that generation have now passed away, George Mumford,
the father of our subject, having been the last survivor of
the family.
From Maryland the family came to the Buckeye state, and
after one year spent in Muskingum county, George Mumford,
Sr., returned to Maryland, where he was married, Aug. 6,
1835, to Ruth Ann Martin, daughter of Isaac and
Ruth Ann Martin. They began their domestic life in
Muskingum county, and about 1845 located in Pike township,
Clark county, where they remained until 1854. In that
year settled on the farm where their son, George, is
now living. The land was covered with a heavy growth
of timber and the father cleared the greater part of it
himself, thus becoming the owner of one hundred and forty
acres, constituting one of the valuable farming properties
of the neighborhood. He also purchased two adjoining
farms, his landed possessions thereby aggregating four
hundred and sixteen acres. He operated the entire
amount himself and did an extensive business being one of
the practical and progressive agriculturists of the
community. He managed the property until his demise,
although two years before his death he had a leg broken and
was therefore obliged to ride over his farm in a buggy.
The immediate cause of his death, however, was typhoid
fever. He left a valuable property to be disposed of
through his will. His wife died June 8, 1888.
She was a member of the Lutheran church, and like her
husband enjoyed the warm regard of many friends. In
politics Mr. Mumford was a Whig until the dissolution
of the party. He took an active interest in the
substantial improvements of the county, and was largely
instrumental in building free pikes in this section of the
state. For eighteen years, or up to the time he was
disabled by the accident, he served as a school trustee, and
the cause of education found in him a warm friend.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mumford were born ten
children, two of whom died in early life. Those who
survive are: Martha Josephine, wife of John
Huggins, of Indiana; Elizabeth, wife of John
Harod, who is living near Troy, Ohio; Wilbur
Harrison; Isaac; Maria M., wife of J. T. Hermann,
of Elizabeth township; George, Melissa, wife of
George Jackson, of Tippecanoe City; and Clara Belle,
wife of John Rockey, of Lost Creek township.
The three sons remained at home until their marriage, after
which Harrison and Isaac located on farms
owned by their father. George, however,
remained with his father until his death and is now
operating the old homestead.
In the schools of the neighborhood George Mumford,
Jr., received his education and early learned lessons of
industry and enterprise under the direction of his father.
He assisted in the work of the field and meadow throughout
his minority and continued on the old homestead, which he
inherited at the time of his father's death. He is now
accounted one of the leading agriculturists of the
community, his methods being systematic and commendable.
The well tilled fields yield to him a golden tribute in
return for his labors and the improvements upon the place
indicate his care and supervision. For ten years he
has served as school director and has labored most earnestly
and effectively in securing good teachers and upholding the
high standard of education in the township.
On the 23d of December, 1883, Mr. Mumford was
united in marriage to Miss Mary Ellen Boswell,
daughter of George and Luvina (Taylor) Boswell.
Her father was a native of Maryland and her mother of Logan
county, Ohio, her parents moving to Indiana, whence she
returned to Ohio at the age of fourteen years, living with
an aunt, Luvina Goodwin, in Elizabeth township.
Mr. and Mrs. Boswell were married in
Miami county and are now residing near Alcony. Mrs.
Mumford, the eldest of their seven children, was born in
Elizabeth township, Apr. 21, 1855, and by her marriage she
has become the mother of four children: Blanche, Nora,
Vernon Dale and Ruth. Mrs. Mumford is a
member of the Methodist church. Mr. Mumford is
a stalwart Republican in his political views and often
attends the local conventions of his party. His life
has been quietly passed, in the faithful performance of each
day's duty, and he possesses those sterling traits of
character which ever command respect and are at all times
worthy of emulation.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
761 |
| |
ISAAC MUMFORD.
One of the native sons of Ohio, Isaac Mumford was
born in Pike township, Clark county, on the 28th of
February, 1847, his parents being George and Ruth Ann
(Martin) Mumford, whose history appears elsewhere in
this volume. The first twelve years of his life were
spent in the county of his nativity, and he then came to
Elizabeth township, Miami county, remaining with his father
until twenty-five years of age. His boyhood days were
passed in the usual manner of farmer lads, the duties of the
schoolroom occupying his attention during the winter months,
while in the summer season he assisted in the work of the
farm. When twenty-five years of age he was married,
the lady of his choice being Miss Almira Tower,
daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Graham) Tower, of
Anderson Indiana. They began their domestic life on
their present farm, which was given Mr. Mumford by
his father. It was the old Arthur Vandevere
place, and had been in the possession of the Vandevere
family from the earliest period of development in
this section of Ohio. It comprises one hundred and
forty-seven acres of rich land, the greater part of which is
now under the plow, the well tilled fields yielding to him a
golden return for his efforts. Mr. Mumford
follows advanced methods of farming, understands the
necessity of rotating crops and cultivates his land and
garners his harvests with the aid of the latest improved
machinery. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Mumford has
been blessed with three children, all of whom are now
married: Walter, who wedded Hattie Buchanan,
operates the home farm, and has one child, John Isaac,
born Feb. 1, 1900; Clara Belle is the wife of H.
V. Shroyer, of Bethel township, and has two children.
Marie and Hazel; Addie May is his first
wife, of Mack Snider, of Alcony, and has one child, Myra
Alice, born Feb. 16, 1900. Mr. Mumford and his
family attend the Universalist church at Alcony, and in
social circles they occupy an enviable position. In
politics he is a Republican, having always cast his ballot
for the men and measures of that party. He is
frequently seen in its conventions and takes a deep interest
in its growth and success. For nine years he has
served as constable, discharging his duties in a very
creditable manner, and in the spring of 1900 was re-elected
for a term of three years.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
690 |
 |
JOSEPH
E. MUMFORD, deceased, was for many years actively
connected with the mercantile interest of Miami city, and
belonged to that class of representative American citizens
who, while promoting their individual prosperity, also
advance the general welfare. He was born July 8 1844,
on the old homestead in Elizabeth township, his parents
being John and Mary M. (Crawmer) Mumford. No
event of special importance occurred to vary the monotony of
farm life through his early years, but at the age of
nineteen he left the plow and began learning the carpenter's
trade under the direction of Peter Smith, a neighbor.
He followed that pursuit until the spring of 1880, and for a
number of years was actively identified with the building
interests of the county. He was well known as a
contractor for schoolhouses, and erected a few of these
institutions of learning in the immediate neighborhood.
In the spring of 1880 he entered upon a mercantile career,
in partnership with Jesse M. Smith, now of Dayton,
and was connected with commercial pursuits until the failure
of his health caused his retirement form business in the
winter of 1893. For thirteen years he had given his
attention exclusively to the store and had succeeded in
building up an excellent trade. In 1883 his partner,
Mr. Smith, retired and was succeeded by Mr.
Mumford's wife, who was associated with him in business
for some time. She was also appointed postmistress
during President Arthur's administration, as a
successor to Mr. Smith, and continued to serve in
that capacity until the store was sold, with the exception
of a brief period during the Cleveland administration, when
Mr. Smith again was postmaster, having in the
meantime returned and opened a separate store. That
mercantile establishment was purchased by Mr. Mumford
and his wife, who carried on the business successfully until
disposing of their entire stock. They carried a fine
line of well selected goods, Mrs. Mumford making most
of the purchases. She possessed excellent business and
executive ability, and her careful management contributed
not a little to the success of the enterprise. Mr.
Mumford enjoyed an unassailable reputation in business
circles. His weakest point as a merchant was his
liability to sell goods on credit, was a much better
salesman than collector, for his accommodating spirit led
him to give his customers all the time they wished in which
to pay for their purchases. In this way he frequently
lost money, but altogether his mercantile career was a
prosperous one.
Mr. Mumford was twice married. In 1869, at
the age of twenty-five years, he wedded Miss Mary Ellen
Norton, who died about seven years later, leaving two
children: William Firman, who was educated in Buchtel
College at Akron, Ohio, and died of consumption June 24,
1896, at the age of twenty-six years, and Lulu Fair,
who was born June 10, 1873, and is now the wife of Frank
Fosdick, of Carthage Missouri. The son was a
successful teacher in Miami and Huron counties, and in the
latter county he married Sarah Jeanette Culler, who
died of consumption eight months later. William
then returned to Miami county, where he engaged in teaching
until failing health caused him to put aside all
professional cares. He died in Huron county, and was
laid to rest by the side of his wife. The children,
who died previous to the death of his first wife, were:
Emory B., who was a twin brother to William Firman,
born July 17, 1870, and died May 26, 1871;and an infant boy,
who was born and died Jan. 21, 1875. Mr. Mumford
was again married Nov. 20, 1879, in Troy, his second union
being with Miss Nancy E. Eddy, a daughter of
William and Caroline (Head) Eddy, both of whom are now
deceased. The old Eddy homestead is
situated on the Springfield pike, two miles west of Miami
city, and there her only brother, William A., now
resides. Mrs. Mumford was born in Perry county,
Ohio, and when a maiden of fifteen summers came to Miami
county with her parents, the family locating in Elizabeth
township, where the father died on the 20th of June, 1879,
the mother on the 15th of July, 1887. Mrs. Mumford
pursued her education in the country schools, and
remained at home until her marriage, which has been blessed
with one daughter, Mary Grace, born June 12, 1890.
Mr. Mumford continued merchandising until 1893,
when impaired health forced him to put aside business cares.
About a year later he was stricken with paralysis and
continued an invalid until his death, which occurred Nov.
25, 1898. His last remaining hours was the sweetest to
him, for in the assurance of his bright hope he looked upon
death as the door to a life more glorious than he could know
here, and arranged for his own funeral as calmly as one
prepared for a pleasant journey. His standing in
business circles was indeed enviable, and as a citizen he
held a leading place in his community, owing to the active
support and encouragement which he gave to all measures for
the public good. He was a wide-awake and progressive
man, who attempted to secure material improvement. He
advocated the introduction of telephones and railroads and
the establishment of township high schools, although many of
the measures which he advocated were not successful, owning
to the opposition of many heavy tax payers, but nevertheless
he was instrumental in securing the adoption of many
measures which have contributed to the general prosperity
and marked advancement of his community. His
ambition on behalf of his business interests and his county
was too great for his strength. In politics he was a
Democrat and labored earnestly for his party's success.
He served as township assessor for nine years and frequently
attended the county conventions as a delegate. The
Masonic fraternity of New Carlisle numbered him among its
valued members and he was also a representative of the Odd
Fellows society. Of the Universalist church he was
long a faithful follower and served as deacon for sixteen
years. He possessed those sterling qualities, which in
every land and in every clime command respect. He was
a man of strong convictions, yet never unpleasantly
aggressive; was true to principle and had an abiding charity
that won him the esteem and good will of all classes of
people. His wife is also a member of the Universalist
church, and with her daughter she occupies the pleasant home
in Alcony, which was erected by her husband band. She
is a lady of culture and refinement, possessed of natural
ability, and the circle of her friends in the community is
extensive.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 |
| |
WILLIAM R. MUMFORD.
Among the families long identified with the agricultural
interests of Miami county is the one to which our subject
belongs. He was born June 7, 1841, on the farm which
he now occupies in Elizabeth township, his parents being
John and Mary (Crawmer) Mumford. The father was a
native of Frederick county, Maryland, born Sept. 16, 1805,
and was there married. His wife, Mary Mumford,
was also a native of Frederick county, Maryland born Sept.
4, 1809. Subsequently he came with his wife to Ohio,
and for about eight years lived upon rented farms. His
industry and economy during that period brought to him some
capital which he then invested in land, constituting the
farm upon which his son William now resides.
There he spent his remaining days, his death occurring Sept.
16, 1868. His wife, surviving him for some years,
passed away July 3, 1894. He was the owner of a
valuable tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres in the
old homestead, and had property elsewhere, carrying on
agricultural pursuits on an extensive scale. He became
one of the original members of the Universalist church at
Miami city, and was a recognized leader in the congregation.
His political support was given the Democracy, but he never
sought or desired preferment along that line. His wife
was also active in church work, and was connected with the
Lutheran denomination. IN their family were eight
children: Matilda, who died at the age of nineteen
years; James, who resided in Elizabeth township, and
died at the age of thirty years; John Peter, a
resident farmer of Elizabeth township; William R., of
this review; Joseph, who was a merchant of Miami city
and died at the age of fifty-four years, leaving a widow and
daughter, Mary Grace, who now resides at Alcony; and
Mary Jane and Amanda, who are living with
their brother William. The former is a member
of the Christian church at Honey Creek. The latter is
an invalid, being able to go about only in a wheeled chair.
She is a woman of bright intellect and has many friends in
the community.
William R. Mumford remained upon the home farm
throughout the days of his boyhood and youth, and on
attaining his majority he took charge of the property.
Since his mother's death he has purchased the old homestead
and has recently erected a new residence and barn upon
another part of the farm. He here owns one hundred and
sixty acres, and has a tract of twenty-one acres elsewhere.
His time is given to general farming and to sheep raising,
making a specialty of the Shropshire sheep. Idleness
and indolence are utterly foreign to his nature, and his
unfailing industry has enabled him to work his way upward to
a position of affluence, overcoming all difficulties and
obstacles in his path.
On the 7th of November, 1867, occurred the marriage of
Mr. Mumford and Miss Olivia Schindler, a
daughter of John Schindler, a native Maryland.
Mrs. Mumford was also born in Maryland, and during
her girlhood came to Ohio, where she died Sep. 7, 1876,
leaving four children, two sons and two daughters. One
daughter died in early life, and Viola at the age of
fifteen years. The living children are Irving
and Eben. Irving married Susie Drake
and resides on the old homestead, which he is operating in
connection with his father. Eben, who engaged
in teaching for two years and was a student in the Ada
Normal School, was graduated in the Buchtel College at
Akron, Ohio, and is now a student in the Chicago University,
where he is pursuing a post-graduate course with the class
of 1900, and also studying theology. He is an ordained
preacher in the Universalist church, and has occupied the
pulpit of that denomination in Alcony.
Mr. Mumford gives his political support to the
Democracy, and is able to uphold his position by intelligent
argument, yet has never sought or desired office. He
is a member and trustee of the Universalist church, and the
cause of education finds in him a warm friend. For
twenty-seven consecutive years he has served on the township
school board, and has labored earnestly and effectively to
promote the interests of the schools in this locality.
His is a record of a well spent life, and although it is not
filled with events of exciting interest, it has been
characterized by fidelity to his duty to himself, to his
neighbors and to his country.
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
412 |
| |
JOSEPH MURPHY
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
291 |
| |
DAVID MYERS
Source: Genealogical & Biographical Record
of Miami Co., Ohio - Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company - 1900 - Page
812 |
NOTES:
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