Biographies

SURNAMES: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

LEFFEL, MILLER biography for James P. Leffel

James P. LEFFEL, retired farmer; P. O. Springfield. "Father" Leffel is one of the few remaining pioneers who are yet left to relate the scenes and incidents of early pioneer life in this County. He was born March 29, 1799, on the banks of the Potomac River, in Berkeley Co., Va. Of John and Margaret's eleven children, James is the only surviving one. When James was but 2 years old, his father died, when the care of the eleven children devolved upon the mother; at the age of 15, James hired out at $6 per month, to work on a farm, and at the age of 18 came to Ohio and to this county, bringing with him his mother and one brother, the rest of the children having come three or four years before. On his arrival here he hired to his brother Jo work in the mill, and at the end of four years went into partnership with his brother, and built the mill now owned by Henry Snyder; and after running this mill eight years, his health failed so much that he was obliged to quit milling. He then sold his interest in the mill to his brother John and moved to Medway, where he remained two years, when he removed to his present home. He started for himself with no fortune except a good character and willing hands, and has maintained the same without a blemish. He owns 1,600 acres of land, besides a considerable amount of city property. He was married 1822 to Elizabeth Miller; she departed this life Sept 18, 1874. Of the children, six are now living, viz., Michael, Martin, Joseph, Reuben, Elizabeth and Scott. He has twenty-five grandchildren.

COSLER, CRABILL, DRAKE, KIST, LEFFEL, TURNER biography for Michael Leffel

Michael LEFFEL, farmer; P.O. Springfield. Michael Leffel of James P. and Elizabeth Leffel, was born in this county March 20, 1822 was married June 6, 1844, to Elizabeth, daughter of Henry and Mary Cosler. They have had eight children, viz., Xarisa, James H., Winfield, Antionetta, Leonidas, Mary, Adison and Elizabeth. Xarisa was married, July 5,1868, to James H. Drake; she died April 18, 1878; James was married, Jan. 1, 1874 to Rebecca L. Turner; they enjoyed their union but four short months, when death called her home; Antionetta was married, Sept.10, 1874, to Joseph Kist. Mary was married, Nov.18. 1880, to Milton Crabill. Mrs. Michael Leffel was born Dec. 5, 1822, in Montgomery Co, Ohio; her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio and to this county in 1806. Mr. Leffel followed farming all his life and has always resided in this county, except years that he lived in Miami Co., Ohio. He now lives three and a half miles south of Springfield on the Yellow Spring Pike, where he is engaged quite ex-tensively in fanning and pays special attention to the raising of Poland-China breed of hogs. James is a Patriarch of Springfield Encampment, No.16, I. O. O. F., and is at present traveling for one of Springfield's enterprising manu-facturing establishments.

LEFFEL, MCCLELLAND, MYRES biography for Reuben W. Leffel

Reuben W. LEFFEL, farmer; P.O. Springfield; son of James P. and Elizabeth Leffel was born in this county May 9, 1836; he lived with his parents until 1862, when he moved to his present borne. He was married Jan. 21, 1858, to Rachel, daughter of John and Mahala (Myres) McClelland. They have four children, viz., Adda M., Hester A., Charles R. and Stella F. Mrs. Leffel was born in Greene County July 28, 1832; her parents were natives of Kentucky, and came to Ohio in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Reuben W. have a pleasant home and a fine family of children; the girls take great delight in ornamenting the home to make it not only cheerful and pleasant, but attractive. Mr. Leffel engages largely in farming and stock raising, and makes a specialty of breeding Jersey cattle; he is a member in good standing of Springfield Lodge, No.33, I. O. O. F.; also a Patriarch of Mad River Encampment, No.16, I. O. O.F.; he and his good wife are consistent members of the Lutheran Church.

ANDERSON, GRANT, KILPATRICK, LEUTY biography for John Leuty

John LEUTY, butcher and tallow chandler, Springfield. John Leuty is a sturdy, whole-souled Englishman, hailing from Murton-Cum Grafton, Yorkshire, where he was born in 1808, coming to Springfield in 1832, previous to his departure, however, being united in marriage with Miss Mary Anderson, which occurred on April 14, 1832, at Masham, in Yorkshire; by this union there was but one child, a son, named John, whom they lost. By Mr. Leuty's second marriage to Miss Sarah Grant (Jan. 7, 1839), he has had a large family of ten sons and two daughters, one-half of which number have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Leuty's living children mentioned in order of their ages, are; George, born Jan. 8, 1843; Henry, born Feb. 1, 1845; William Houseman, born June 25, 1850; Sarah Jane, born August 14, 1856; Albert Livingston, born March 6, 1860; and James Lewis, born July 10, 1862. All the sons, save the youngest, are associated with their father in business, Henry and William being partners. Sarah Jane married Samuel Kilpatrick Oct.18, 1875, and is the mother of a son and a daughter. Three of Mr. Leuty's sons were in the army; John was a member of Capt. Spark's Company of the 45th O. V. I., and died at Urbana since the war; Henry was one of T. Kilby Smith's regiment of zouaves, of the 54th O. V. I., and George belonged to the "Squirrel Hunters," so well remembered as an organization having its origination in the alarm created by the approach of John Morgan and his threatened invasion of Ohio. Mr. Leuty learned his trade with John and William Williamson, of Masham, Eng., from the age of 14 to 21. He married in 1832, after which he emigrated to America, spent one night in Springfield on his way to Dayton, where he worked in various capacities. Returning to Springfield in March, 1833, he worked for William Middlebrook, awhile afterward forming a co-partnership with William Grant, who subsequently became his brother-in-law, and this partnership continued for a quarter of a century. After its dissolution he estab-lished business alone, taking in his sons as they got old enough, until it has be-come quite a family affair. Now at advanced age, he and Mrs. Leuty live in comfort in their pleasant home, 252 West Columbia street surrounded by a large, interesting and harmonious family; they are a cordial, whole-souled couple, and most highly respected by all who know them. He is a member of Ephraim Lodge, No.146, I.O.O.F., and of the leading temperance organiza-tion; he has no brothers or sisters but two half-brothers by the family name of Houseman.

COCHRAN, DEARINGER, LISLE, REED biography for Jacob B. Lisle

Jacob B. LISLE, foreman of Whitely, Fassler & Kelly's machine works; is a son of Lemuel Lisle, who was one or the pioneers of Ohio; he was a native of North Carolina, but went to New Orleans about the time the war of 1812 began, and there enlisted for eighteen months and came North and joined the forces under Gen. Harrison; was at the battle of Lower Sandusky identified with other operations or the army in Northwestern Ohio; after of the close of the war he went to Pennsylvania, and there married Anna Dearinger, in 1816; soon after came to Ohio by Pittsburgh and coming down the river to Portsmouth, then to the vicinity of Chillicothe, where he resided until 1829, in which year he pushed on to the frontier locating near the source of the Miami, in Logan County, then an almost unbroken wilderness. There the subject of this sketch was born, in 1830, and reared amid the scenes and incidents of pioneer life; his youth was spent in the usual way of farmers' sons; after he became of age he entered a machine shop in Urbana as an apprentice, he served the usual three years and worked in the same shop as a hand six years; subsequently worked in the Leffel works here; in 1865, he became a partner in a plow works at Urbana, but sold out the following year and returned to Springfield and took charge of F. P. Beckel's water wheel works, where he remained until the spring of 1869, when he accepted the position of foreman of Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly's shops, which be has since continued to hold, being pre-eminently fitted by his experience, skill and ability to assume the responsibilities consequent upon so extensive a charge; he has enjoyed in a marked degree the confidence of his employers and the respect of the men under his charge; he is a gentleman of good general information and respected as a citizen; his residence is No. 97 West High street, and is a neat, commodious property which, by its furnishings, indicate refinement and comfort. He married July 2, 1857, Alma J. Cochran; she is a native of Union County; her parents were James and Elizabeth (Reed) Cochran; both the Cochran and the Reed; were among the earliest of the Big Darby settlers. This union has been blessed with three sons Justice D., Lemuel B. and Howard C.; the first named is just arriving at majority, and is now attending medical lectures at Philadelphia.

LONGSTREET, PARSONS biography for A. O. Longstreet

A. O. LONGSTREET; deceased. Dr. A. O. Longstreet, the eminent physician and beloved citizen, although twelve months ago taken from among his family and friends to his eternal home, occupied so conspicuous a position in his profession, and was so highly respected in this community, that failure to make at least passing mention of his brief though enviable career here, would be little short of an injustice to his many late friends and admirers. Dr. Longstreet graduated as a homeopathic physician in Philadelphia; came here from Monroe, Butler Co., in 1868. In 1869, married Miss Marian Parsons, who came to Springfield in childhood. The circumstances of the Doctor's death remarkable and particularly sad. While attending a case of diphtheria, he in some way got a little of the diphtheria poison in one of his fingers, from which he died in three days. His death was a great shock to the community, love and confidence he enjoyed in so great a degree. The Doctor was 31 he died, in the full prime of vigorous manhood. He was an exceedingly handsome and prepossessing man, over six feet high, well proportioned, and commanding presence. Leaves a young and highly esteemed wife and four daughters, who occupy the old homestead.

BUSHNELL, GETMAN, LAYTON, LUDLOW, REEDER biography for John Ludlow

John LUDLOW, banker, Springfield. This gentleman is a true representative of a pioneer family, who are so well known that the name is familiar to all, and his life has been of that energetic stamp that is characteristic of the first settlers, who have contributed the best years of their lives to the development of Clark County. His father, Cooper Ludlow, was a native of New Jersey born June 11, 1783, and was married in 1803, to Miss Elizabeth Reeder, daughter of Jacob Reeder, of Reading, Ohio and, in 1804, they, accompanied by the Reeder family, came to the Mad River country, settling about three miles west of where Springfield is located, where they established a tannery close to what a now the second crossing of the D. & S. Railroad. Here were born their children - Ellen, Mary, Stephen, John and Jacob, the latter of whom died in infancy, and, in 1813, Mrs. Ludlow also passed away. In 1815, Cooper was gain married to Miss Elizabeth Layton, daughter of Joseph Layton, to whom were born the following children; Joseph, Jason, Silas, Abram, George, Cornelius, James, Catharine and William; all but three of the children being yet living; and, in 1832, Cooper Ludlow died aged 55. He was the nephew of Israel Ludlow, one of the founders of Cincinnati, and his father, John Ludlow, came from New Jersey to Hamilton Co., Ohio, in 1790, and was the first Sheriff of that county. The subject of this sketch was born in this county Dec. 8, 1810, and his education was obtained in the log schoolhouse of the primitive days, and, upon reaching maturity, he chose the business of a druggist in preference to other pursuits, and was for a number of years in the employ of Moses M. Hink-le, his pharmaceutical education being completed while in the employ of Goodwin & Ashton, of Cincinnati, and was afterward engaged with Dr. W. Needham, of Springfield. After the death of Dr. Needham, he became associated in business with Cyrus T. Ward for many years; afterward forming a partnership with Joseph Wheldon, whose interest, after a time, he purchased, and continued the business alone, his experience as a druggist extending over a period of more than thirty years. In 1851, he was elected a Director of the Springfield Bank, and, upon the death of Oliver Clark, became its President, a position which he has continued to fill up to the present time; in 1864, the name was changed to the First National Bank of Springfield, with a capital of $300,000, the stock being subsequently raised to $400,000, and today it has on hand $123,000 of surplus, and undivided profits. Mr. Ludlow was married, Aug. 31, 1835, to Miss Elmina Getman, daughter of Frederick and Mary Getman, of Herkimer Co., N.Y., of which county Mrs. Ludlow is a native, and of this union three children were born, viz., Ellen, the wife of Asa S. Bushnell; Frederick, who resides in California; and Charles, the successor of his father in the drug business, in Springfield. Politically, Mr. Ludlow was a Whig, casting his first vote Henry Clay in 1832, and, on the formation of the Republican Party, he joined its standard and still clings to its principles; he has no official aspirations, but feels proud of the distinction of having for fourteen years held the office of Treasurer of the Clark County Bible Society, devoting much time to this cause, and for forty years he has been a member of the Episcopal Church, of which denomination his wife is also a consistent adherent, and both are in the enjoy-ment of good health and vigorous old age. Mr. Ludlow was one of the pro-jectors of Fern Cliff Cemetery, was one of its first Directors, and has been Presi-dent of the Board of Trustees since its organization; he was well acquainted with all the pioneers of Clark County, John Daugherty, David Lowry, Griffith Foos, John Humphreys, Maddox Fisher and many others, whose names will appear in the history of Clark County; he furnished the Clark County Historical Society a number of his personal reminiscences of the early history of the county and city of Springfield, which papers are now on file with the Historical Society of Cleveland, and his assistance in furnishing data for the present work has been invaluable. He is noted for his liberality for charitable purposes, and has ever been foremost in using his means for the development of the business interests of the city; kind and obliging in his manners, his course in life has been such t he scarcely ever had an enemy, and his warmest friends are those who know him best. The home of Mr. Ludlow is just outside the city limits in an elegant residence of the Elizabethan style of architecture, his grounds being equal in beauty to any in the city, and here the aged couple happy in the enjoyment of each other's society, are journeying down the hillside of life hand-in-band, loving and trusting each other, while the lingering sunset of old age casts its shadows back o'er long years fruitful of good and usefulness.

BARRETT, DUNSETH, LYON biography for James C. Lyon

James C. LYON, hay dealer, Springfield; is a grandson of one of the first settlers of Ohio. His grandfather, James Lyon, was one of the Party who landed at the mouth of the Little Miami in November, 1788; he after-ward purchased different tracts of land, some being a part of the present city of Cincinnati, and a considerable part of Walnut Hills, where he lived many years, being 86 at his death. His homestead has passed down to his children and grandchildren, and James C. now owns an interest in the same homestead, and has the original deed from John Cleve Symmes to his grand-father, the purchase price being ii cents per acre, and also a copy of his dis-charge papers showing him to have been a Captain of Artificers in the Revolutionary war, and to have served during four years of that struggle. Mr. Lyon's father was the second of four sons. He was a Baptist minister, well and favorably known throughout all of Southwestern Ohio; was the first missionary appointed by the Baptist State Convention, and his name is still reverently spoken, and his memory kindly cherished by the children of his day now grown old. The subject of this sketch was the only son of a family of five children; one of his sisters is dead and the other three are residents of the vicinity of Cincinnati. James C. was born on Walnut Hills and resided on and farmed the old homestead until 1870, when he removed to a farm in the vicinity of Springfield. In 1878, he removed to the city in order to give his children the advantages of the city schools. Since coming to Springfield, he has been engaged in buying and baling hay, which he sells to the retailers. His wife was Amanda Dunseth, and is also a native of Hamilton County. They were married in 1855, and have four children-Flora (now Mrs. Edward Barrett), Minnie, Carrie and Harvey C. Their residence, No.74 Scott Street, is a neat, commodious house. Mr. and Mrs. Lyon are members of the Trinity Baptist Church, They are plain hospitable people, and have an interesting family.

MCGREW biography for Thomas McGrew

Thomas F. McGREW, cashier, Springfield. Thomas F. MrGrew was born in Steubenville, Jefferson Co., Ohio, April 15, A. D. 1817, and, in Jan. 7, A. D. 1856, removed to and settled in the city of Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio. Mr. McGrew, now is and has been the Cashier of the Mad River National Bank since its organization in the year 1865.

MCCLINTICK, MELVIN, SAVAGE biography for Melvina M. McClintick

Melvina M. MCCLINTICK, Springfield; she is the widow of John McClintick, deceased; she lives on Mill Creek farm, three miles southwest of the city of Springfield. Mr. McC. was born in Pennsylvania Feb. 28,1802; he came to Ohio in 1829, and settled in Columbus, where he followed "wagon-ing," transporting merchandise from place to place. He drove the team of horses in 1840, referred to in the history of Harmony Township. Mrs. M&. is a daughter of Joseph V. and Roxia (Savage) Melvin, and was born in Mad-ison Co., Ohio, Jan.26, 1821. Was married to Mr. McC. July 4, 1841, and in January, 1842, they removed to Clark Co., Ohio, and settled on the above-men-tioned farm. He died Aug.31, 1869, respected by all who knew him. Her father was a native of Tennessee, and came to Ohio in 1811, and settled in Madison County. Her mother was a native of Vermont, and came (with her parents) to Ohio in 1816, and settled in Champaign County, near the head-waters of the "Little Darby." Of Mr. and Mrs. McC.'s nine children - eight are still living, viz.; John O., Edwin R., Roxia E., Eliza T. and Amanda M. (who have taken unto themselves wives and husbands respectively, and have left the parental roof), Samuel J., Mollie E. and William U. are still at home with their mother. John O. was a member of the 44th O. V. I., and while in the service received two wounds. The first one at the battle of Lewisburg, and the other at the battle of Liberty, W. Va.

BLOUNT, CULBERTON, MCCREIGHT biography for Alexander McCreight

Alexander McCREIGHT, farmer; P.O. Springfield; is also connected with the Malleable Iron Works of Springfield, but devotes his attention more particularly to the farm. His parents, Alexander and Anna C. (Culbertson) McCreight, came to Ohio in 1841, located on the farm (now in the possession of the heirs,) where they lived until their death, the father departing this lift Aug. 27, 1849. and the mother Jan, 21, 1867. They were admirable characters and highly esteemed by all who knew them. In their church relations they were Presbyterians. Political, Republicans. Of their seven children, viz., James W., Anna Duncan, Jane S., Elizabeth, Robert C., John A. and Alexander but three are now living; John, at Harper's Ferry, Virginia; Alexander and his sister Anna, on the homestead farm, which is beautifully located just beyond the city limits on North Limestone street. Anna was married, March 21, 1848, to John B. Blount, with whom she lived happily but eighteen short months, when that dread destroyer - cholera - removed him from her, leaving her and their only child to mourn his loss.

CAVILEER, KIZER, MCCUDDY biography for William McCuddy

William McCUDDY, dealer in stoves and tinware, Springfield. This is one of the old reliable business houses of the city, the business having been established prior to 1837, by Mr. C. Cavileer, deceased. Mr. McCuddy is a native of Clark County born Oct. 20, 1828; is a son of William and Catharine (Kizer} McCuddy. William was a Kentuckian by birth, but came to this county when a young man; his wife was a native of this county, a daughter of Philip Kizer, who came from the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, at an early day and settled in German Township. He made the trip with his family and outfit with teams, cutting the road most of the way from Columbus. He entered and owned large tract of land including the site of the present town of Tremont, and built flourmill, which was the first constructed in that vicinity. He was an officer in the militia in the war of 1812, and belonged to the better and more thrifty class of pioneers. Raised a large family, most of whom are deceased or moved to other States. Mr. McCuddy's father was a tanner by trade, and had a yard and carried on the business in Springfield a number of years; subsequently sold out and purchased a farm in Harmony Township, to which he removed, and, in addition to his farming, conducted a tannery on his farm. The subject of this sketch learned the house-carpenter's trade when a boy, and subsequently carried on business here a number of years, but, on account of injuries, abandoned his trade. and was afterward engaged in the lumber trade here about ten years. Then became connected with A. Cavileer (since deceased), in his present business. Since the decease of his partner, in 1879, he has continued the business alone. His stock of stoves includes all desirable styles, and his reliability, with the well own reputation of the house, secures a large trade. He makes a specialty of tin spouting, employs experienced workmen, and is doing a large business in this line. He married, in 1855, Miss Rachel, daughter of Charles Cavileer, who was one of the most enterprising business men of early days, whose residence was at the northwest corner of East High and Spring streets, where his widow, now 85 years of age, with her three unmarried daughters, now resides. From this union Mr. McCuddy has one son- William H., who is now assisting in the store. It will be seen that both Mr. and Mrs. McCuddy are descendants of prominent pioneer families, and Mr. McCuddy is an active business man and enterprising citizen, and takes pleasure in assisting to secure a history of the events and circumstances with which his ancestors were connected.

KIRKPATRICK, MAST biography for Phineas P. Mast

Phineas P. MAST, agricultural implement manufacturer, Springfield. To do justice to P. P. Mast's position in this city and his relation to its people d interests, would require more space than we can devote to one person. The events of his life, briefly stated in their chronological order, are as follows; He was born Jan. 3, 1825, in Lancaster Co., Penn., and came to Ohio in 1830. He had four brothers and three sisters; of the brothers, Joseph K., John B. and Eph-raim M. are living near Urbana on the old family homestead; Isaac N. died Nov. 1, 1871, of an illness, the origin of which is attributable to exposure while in the army during the civil war. In 1850, on the anniversary of his birthday, Mr. Mast married Miss Anna M. Kirkpatrick, and after the death of his brother Isaac, he adopted his three daughters, Belle, Lizzie N. and Florence. Mr. Mast remained with his father on the farm until he attained his majority, except when absent at school. He taught school one winter and then entered the Ohio Wesleyan Uni-versity, graduating in 1849, having in the meantime given especial attention to the scientific and Biblical courses. The year after graduating, he married, as has been stated. The six years prior to his coming to Springfield, in 1856, were spent partly on the farm and partly trading in grain and various sorts of produce. After locating in Springfield, he formed a co-partnership with John H. Thomas in the winter of 1856 and 1857, for the manufacture of agricultural implements, which continued until the fall of 1871, when he bought Mr. Thomas' interest, and organized the joint-stock company of P. P. Mast & Co., now grown to be a power among similar institutions; a detailed description of which will be found in the historical part of this work. Five years ago, he founded another branch for the manufacture of wind engines, pumps, lawn mowers and plows, under the name of Mast, Foos & Co. On June 1, 1879, he, in connection with J. S. Crowell and T. J. Kirkpatrick (his nephew), bought out the Farm and Fireside interest, subscription list and good will from his manufacturing firm, and thus inaugurated under the name of P. P. Mast & Co. (P. P. M., capitalist; J. S. Crowell, manager; T. J. K., editor), a semi-monthly agricultural journal, that under Mr. Crowell's peculiar and energetic manage-ment, has grown to be the most extensively read and circulated agricultural journal in the United States, a detailed description of which will be found in its proper place. Two years since, he visited California, and while West made several mining investments, some in new, undeveloped mines, and others in mines that had been worked but imperfectly. In three of the latter, the "Bandarita," "Martin & Walling's," and "Bower Cave," he is putting a great deal of dead work for the purpose of much more thorough development; for example, in one he is making a tunnel of 1,550 feet. These mines are in the Colterville District, Mariposa Co., Cal., and promise rich yields. Mr. M. is and has been for years thoroughly identified and intimately associated with all of Springfield's best interests. The history, of Clark County without adequate mention of him would be like the play of "Hamlet', with "Hamlet" omitted. When we say Springfield's best interests, "best" is meant in its fullest sense - its manufacturing, banking and church interests; its Government improvement and general progress; and is a member of the City Council from his ward. He has always practiced and advocated temperance, and been the mainstay of Methodism in the city. He recently started a subscription for a new (Fourth) Methodist Church (St. Paul's) with $10,000. The edifice is nearly completed, and will far exceed any other of the twenty-five churches of Springfield in its appearance, capacity, finish, style, architectural beauty and appointments, and in this enterprise he is the father and controlling spirit. Mr. Mast is also the originator and supporter of another most laudable Christian enterprise that has doubtless accomplished more real good in a direction greatly out of the reach of the church proper, than any other similar institution in Springfield. We allude to Grace Chapel, on the West Side, established eight years ago, some-what under the auspices of the Central Church, but not at all sectarian in the distribution of its benefits. Mr. Mast's father died on the old farm, in February, 1881, at the ripe age of 87. His mother died in February, 1880; and the sub-ject of this sketch, although 55, shows few signs of advancing years, save gray hair and beard, and with a frank, open, pleasing countenance and clear eye, is a living illustration of a temperate, well-ordered life.

HAMMOND, MAY, RAYNER, SEIFERS, TERRODE biography for John T. May

John T. MAY, shoemaker and toll-gate keeper, Springfield. John T. May, son of James and Jane (Terrode) May, was ~ in Springfield, this county, Oct. 13,1827; he lived at home attending school until 14 years of age, when he began the trade of boot and shoe making, and has worked at said trade ever since; and during all that time there has never been a week that he was out of work. In 1862, be moved to his present residence to take charge of the toll-gate on the Springfield and Urbana Pike, and has faithfully and honorably discharged said duty to all concerned, and will no doubt continue to do so. He was married, Nov. 7, 1852, to Margaret Hammond, daughter of William and Nancy (Rayner) Hammond. They have had seven children, three of whom are living, viz., Charles O., Effie A. and Irene. Charles was married, Dec. 2, 1880, to Ada Seifers. Mr. May's parents were both born and raised and were mar-ried on the Guernsey Island, which is located in the English Channel. They came to America in 1816, and to Clark Co., Ohio, in 1817, where they lived the remainder of their natural lives. The mother departed this life in 1864, and the father in 1866. Mrs. May (John T.'s wife), was born in England Sept.20, 1828; came to America with her parents in 1830, and to Clark Co., Ohio, in 1832. Mr. May was Director of the Clark County Infirmary four successive years. He has lived a good, congenial life, always looking at the bright side of everything. His father was a cooper by trade, and carried on business in Springfield.

BARR, BUTLER, MEENACH, MILLER, WOLFE biography for James Meenach

James MEENACH, farmer; P.O. Springfield. He is the son of William and Sarah (Barr) Meenach, and was born in this county in 1809. His father lived to the advanced age of 89 years, and his mother to 84 years. The Meenachs were originally from Scotland, and the Barrs from Irelani James lived with his parents until 21 years old, when he was married to Harriet, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Wolfe. She is a sister of Samuel Wolfe. Immediately after his marriage, he rented a farm and began for himself. They had born unto them four children - William H., Joseph J., James Milton and Sarah E. William was a member of the 176th O. V. I., and died in 1866, of disease contracted in the army. James died quite young. Joseph, at the age of 18 years, enlisted in the 94th O.V. I., and was taken prisoner in Kentucky; after about one month's imprisonment, he was paroled and afterward discharged on account of his health; and when the 100-days men were called out, re-enlisted and served with them. He was married, on Christmas Day, 1877, to Louisa Butler, daughter of William G. and Elizabeth (Miller) Butler. They have two children both girls. Sarah E. was married, on Christmas Day, 1878, to William H. Butler, brother of Joseph's wife. William Meenach, the father of James, located in this county in the spring of 1807. He served in the war of 1812, and received one-quarter section of land for his services.

HEDGES, HOGLEN, MILLER, OGDEN biography for John C. Miller

John C. MILLER, Probate Judge, Springfield. Judge Miller comes of a pioneer family; is a son of Reuben Miller, who came to Clark County in 1812, he then being a boy of 15 years of age, with his father, Rev. Robert Miller, who was a pioneer local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal denomina-tion, and known over a large region of country, his residence being in Moorefield Township, where he owned a section of land, and where Reuben grew to manhood, and married Mary, daughter of Samuel Hedges, of Berkeley Co., Va.; she left her parents in Virginia and came to Champaign County with her brother, Jonas Hedges, who settled just over the line in Champaign County and adjoined Mr. Miller's land in this county; after their marriage, Mr. Miller farmed and taught school for a time, and subsequently became a county offic and removed to Springfield, where he continued to fill important offices for several years, as will be seen by reference to the body of this work, and continued to reside in Springfield until 1875, when, his wife having deceased Jan. 2, he went to Keokuk, Iowa, and resided with his only surviving daughter, Mrs. R. B. Ogden, until hi decease, which occurred Oct. 3, 1879; his remains were brought to Springfield and interred in Fern Cliff Cemetery. He had a family of five sons and two daughters, of whom four sons and one daughter survive - D. B. Miller, M. D., of Covington, Ky.; John C.; Commander J. N. Miller, the United States Navy; and Henry R. and Mrs. R. B. Ogden, of Keokuk, Iowa. The subject of this sketch was born in Springfield April 13, 1834; he received rudimentary training in the district school, and finished his school days at the Ohio Conference High School; learned the printer's art, and, at 18 began the study of law, under the direction of the Hon. Samuel Shellabarger; was admitted to practice in April, 1855, and, in the fall of the same year, having spent the spring and summer in the West looking up a location, commenced the practice of his profession in Springfield. In 1861, he was elected Mayor of the city, and in the fall of the same year was elected Prosecutor for Clark County and held the latter office five years; was City Solicitor from 1869 to 1876, when he resigned to enter upon the duties of Probate Judge, to which he had been elected the previous October, and which he continues to discharge with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. He married, Oct. 4, 1860, Miss Marianna T., daughter of James R. Hoglen, of Dayton; from this union have been born two children - Robert J. and Ella C.

MILLER biography for Joseph N. Miller

Joseph N. MILLER, United States Navy; 501£ of Reuben Mill and grandson of Rev. Robert Miller, pioneers of Clark County; was born Springfield, Ohio, Nov.22, 1836; after passing the required examination, appointed an Acting Midshipman at the Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., Oct. 1, 1851; in February, 1852, was advanced one year, and was graduated No. 3 his class in June, 1854, having made two summer cruises in the practice ship Preble, in 1852 and 1853; from Sept. 1, 1854, to Sept. 20, 1856, served board the United States flag-ship Independence, in the Pacific Squadron; Nov. 22, 1856, passed his final examination, and was warranted as a Passed Midshipman in the navy; from Feb. 20, 1857, to Oct. 26, 1858, was an assistant in t department of Ethics and English Studies at the Naval Academy; was w ranted as Master in the navy Jan.22, 1858; from Nov. 2, 1858, to Sept. 1860, served on board the United States ship Preble in the Paraguay expedition and in the Home Squadron; assisted in the capture of the steamers Gen. Miramon and Marquis de la Habana, off Vera Cruz, Mexico, on March 6, 1860; was commissioned as Lieutenant in the navy Feb.19, 1860; was assistant in the department of Ethics and English Studies at the Naval Academy from October, 1860, until the breaking-out of the rebellion in April, 1861, when he was detached and ordered to the brig Perry, fitting out in New York; the vessel was employed on the blockade, and captured the privateer Savannah, off Charleston, June 3, 1861; the Savannah was the first privateer captured in the war; November, 1861, was transferred to the United States steamer Cambridge as Executive Officer, and was in the action when the Cumberland and Congress were destroyed by the Merrimac, on March 12, 1862; in May, 1862, was transferred to the practice ship John Adams, and in August was detached, on application, for active service; was commissioned as a Lieutenant Commander in the navy July 16, 1862; from September, 1862, to June, 1863, served on board the ironclad Passaic as Executive Officer, and was present at the naval attack on Ft. McAllister March 3, 1863, and the attack on Ft. Sumter April 7, 1863; in June, 1863, was assigned to duty with Admiral Gregory in New York, superintending the construction of ironclads; in September, 1863, was ordered as Exec-utive Officer of the United States steamer Sacramento, and in November was transferred to the ironclad Sangamon, on the blockade off Charleston; in April, 1864, was transferred to the command of the ironclad Nahant, and in May, 1864, was engaged in an attack on Ft. Sumter; in July, 1864, was detached from the Nahant and granted sick leave; in August, 1864, was ordered to the ironclad steamer Monadnock, and was present in both attacks on Ft. Fisher, Dea 24 and 25, 1864, and Jan.13, 14 and 15,1865; in February, 1865, was detached from the Monadnock and ordered to the Naval Academy as head of the department of Seamanship; commanded the practice ship Marion during the summer cruise of 1865; was detached from the Marion on Sept.30, 1865, and was assigned to duty at the Naval Academy as head of the department of Ethics' and English Studies; in September, 1867, was detached from the Naval Academy and ordered to the United States steamer Powhatan, South Pacific Squadron; serveti in that vessel in the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico until Jan. 0, 1870, when he was detached and placed on leave; was commissioned as a Com-mander in the United States Navy Jan.25, 1870; was ordered on duty at the New York Navy Yard in February, 1870, and in April, 1870, was detached and ordered to the South Pacific Squadron as Chief of Staff; in February, 1871, was assigned to the command of the United States steamer Ossifer, in addition to the duties as Chief of Staff; in December, 1872, was detached from the Ossifer, and placed on waiting orders; in January, 1873, was ordered as Executive Officer of the naval station at New London, and in February, 1873, was transferred to the Hydrographic Office at Washington as Assistant Hydrographer; in November, 1873, was ordered to command the ironclad Ajax, which joined the fleet at Key West assembled in anticipation of difficulty with Spain; in June, 1874, was detached from the Ajax and again assigned to duty as Assistant Hydrographer; in August. 1875, was detached from the Hydrographic Office and ordered to command the United States steamer Tuscarora; ran a line of deep sea soundings with that vessel from the Sandwich Islands to Fiji Islands and Australia; in September, 1876, was detached from the Tuscarora and placed on leave; in December, 1876, was ordered as Assistant to the Chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks; in March, 1877, was detached from the Bureau of Yards and Docks and ordered as Inspector of the Eleventh Lighthouse District, which embraces Lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior; on Oct. 1, 1880, was detached from light-house duty and ordered on special duty at the Naval Department, Washington. D. C., and is at present on that duty. Commander Miller was promoted to a Captaincy in May, 1881.

GOWDY, MILLER, MITCHELL, WIRT biography for Ross Mitchell

Ross MITCHELL, retired manufacturer, Springfield. The subject of this sketch is one of the most remarkable instances of self-made men; he has, by his own talents and his personal industry, become one of the most wealthy and influential of our citizens; has, by mere integrity of character and skillfulness in labor, risen from poverty to wealth-from obscurity to prominence. He is the son of James B. and Cynthia (Gowdy) Mitchell; born Nov, 14, 1824, in Landisburg, Perry Co., Penn.; he came with his parents to Dayton, Ohio, in May, 1836; in 1838, he came to what is now called Woodbury, in this county; in February, 1840, to Medway; in February, 1849, to Hertzler's; in 1852, to Springfield; in September, 1854, to Lagonda, where he became assistant book-keeper, and, two years after, bookkeeper in the Lagonda Works; he then be-came a special partner, and, after two years, a regular partner. After twenty-six years' connection with the establishment he retired, in November, 1880, in order to devote himself more especially and personally to his large personal estate and works of benevolence. Mr. Mitchell was blessed with what Milton so justly pronounces "heaven's last, best gift to man "-a good wife. He was married, 1852, to Catherine Ann Miller, daughter of Casper and Susan (Wirt) Mrs. Mitchell was born Feb. 20, 1827, in Dauphin Co., Penn., and died Sept. 12, 1878; they - had five children, all girls, of whom the eldest and youngest are deceased. Mrs. Mitchell had gained a high place in the estimation community; her good sense and modesty, her clear understanding and generous temper, were manifest alike in all the vicissitudes of her life; poverty could not repress nor wealth corrupt her noble disposition; actively engaged in good work, it was remarked by all that the only change observable in her was an increase of benevolent action in proportion to the increase of her means for doing good. Ross was the oldest of eight children, and, at the age of 12 years, the support of mother and four children dependent upon his efforts; his first $78, worked for and saved, were lost by the breaking of a bank; but he and his brother James would save a little from year to year and put it on interest until they could put $1,500 in a farm in Indiana. Thus has he risen from small beginnings to the possession of ample means, by honest skill and faithful labor - by the use of a keen intellect and the power of a fixed habit of industry. But the best of all is that as he did not, like the multitude of men, abandon himself in the midst of want and opposing forces, so he does not, now that he possesses power, concentrate all upon himself-does not apply his accumulated means to self-gratification, but to the benefit of others, to the welfare of mankind; he is one of those who connect with the most vivid self-consciousness the complete sense of the existence of others, the most thorough conviction of us of the claims of God and his fellow-men; he has devoted himself to the most de-cided efforts for the amelioration of the condition and the improvement of the moral and spiritual character of man, for the benefit of society in church and state; he not only appropriates liberally of his means, but he gives also his personal attention to works of beneficence, laboring with mind and heart, with tongue and hand, to be helpful to man; deprived of an education, yet, by extensive- careful reading and by the diligent use of a fine library, he has ac-quired much knowledge and become an effective practical teacher and speaker; who are associated with him in beneficent enterprises will admire the in which he devotes the skill and experience acquired in secular business formation and execution of wise plans, as well as the clearness of riding and the integrity of purpose which characterize his actions. May he find many to sympathize with him in his noble purposes, and may the community long enjoy the blessing of so useful a life!

DUSHANE, MOLER biography for J. Douglass Moler

J. Douglass MOLER, City Civil Engineer, Springfield. John D. Moler has been City Engineer of Springfield for fifteen years-a period covering its best growth and most rapid expansion - which is of itself a sufficient commentary upon his thorough efficiency and capability in his profession. Mr. Moler is 45 year old, having been born July 8, 1836, six miles from Springfield, on the National road. On the very day after attaining his majority, he commenced life in the right way by marrying Miss Ella A. Dushane, of Logan County, but originally from Pennsylvania, who, after bearing him two sons and journeying through twenty-three years of life with him, was taken from him by the hand of Providence in March of last year. Their first son, William, is teaching in the State Reform School at Lancaster, Ohio, and the second, Harry, is a farmer in Logan Co., Ohio. Mr. Moler was ten years in the United States military serv-ice in the Provost Marshal's office at Columbus, Ohio, then raised Co. E, of the 184th O.V. I., their principal service being the guarding of the railroad between Nashville and Chattanooga, Tenn. Mr. Moler is now busily engaged drafting plans for projected city water works, which are urgently needed by rea-son of the rapid growth of the city, and, as proposed, they will not only be great acquisition to the city, but are to be of sufficient extent and capacity to meet the demand that a greatly augmented population will make on its re-sources. Mr. Moler is tall in stature, intelligent-looking, deliberate, humorous, genial and a man you would naturally trust without other guaranty than his appearance and manners.

MOORE biography for W. S. Moore

W. S. MOORE, general life insurance agent, Springfield. Col. William S. Moore, although a newcomer to Springfield, is to a certain extent representative because of his energy and enterprise, and his varied career entitles him to unstinted personal mention. He was born in Richmond, VA, May 17, 1846, where his mother still resides; his father has been dead two years; he has an older brother, Josiah L., who is a wholesale grocery merchant in Richmond, Va., and a twin brother, J. C. Moore, doing a dry goods business in Baltimore. -The Colonel took a full course at the University of Virginia, and, going to New York Oct. 11, 1865, he entered the establishment of A. T. Stewart as salesman, remaining seven months; was then for one year Inspector of the Dry Dock & East Broadway Railroad, after which he spent considerable time traveling, and on his return went to Kansas City, Mo., there representing the old Atlas Life Insurance Company of St. Louis about five years; he then went to Pittsburgh, where he represented the United States Life, continuing in this interest about five years; from there to Cleveland one year as special agent for the company, then returned to New York, after which he made a visit home to Virginia. On the 9th of September, l879, he went to Cincinnati in the interest of the Mutual Life Insurance Company, of New York, under L. C. Hopkins, General Agent. He came to Dayton, Ohio, in March, 1880, where, meeting Mr. D. F. Harbaugh, Special Agent of the Equitable Life Insurance Society, he took a contract to represent this company as General Agent for Clark, Champaign, -Darke, Logan, Miami and Shelby Counties, with headquarters at Springfield, since which time he has done a remarkably fine business, aggregating in the twelve months over $400,000 of insurance, and among his larger policy-holders are Ross Mitchell, $40,000; John H. Thomas, $25,000; W. S. Thomas, 25,000; Joseph W. Thomas, $25,000; Charles E. Thomas, $25,000; Edward Wren $10,000; Clifton M. Nichols, $l0,000 - all of Springfield, and George A. Weaver and Lemuel Weaver of Urbana, the former for $20,000 and the latter for 10,000; besides his $400,000 in the Equitable, he has placed in other companies about $20,000, which the Equitable could not conveniently take. In harmony with the excellent taste that is characteristic of the Equitable in all its branches and departments, Col. Moore has one of the most complete and city--like offices in Springfield, located in the northeast corner of the new Bookwalter Block has been doing the bulk of the life insurance in this section. The is well adapted for his business, and his wonderful success since coming to Springfield demonstrates that he is a man of push and energy, who is determined to be second to none in his line.

LOVE, MOORE, ROLFE, VANCE biography for George W. Moore

George W. MOORE, physician and surgeon, Springfield. Dr. Moore deserves a more extended biography, as he has a splendid war record, as well as a history of professional life. He was born in Ohio in 1831, and his parents, John and Mercy (Rolfe) Moore, who were among the first settlers in Huron County, in 1822; Indians were numerous in that day; in fact, more Indians than white men. They reared a family of eight children, all of whom lived to adult age. Dr. Moore was reared on a farm, and was educated in the public schools until he was 18 years of age, when he commenced the study of medicine under the tutelage of Dr. John Osborne, of Bowling Green; in 1859, he attended medical lectures in Cleveland, Ohio; in 1862, he volunteered in the Federal army, in Co. G, 111th O.V.I.; he recruited part of this company, and went into service as Lieutenant; he did duty the first year in Kentucky, engaging -in many active skirmishes; he was detailed as Regimental Quartermaster in 1863, and received a Captain's commission in 1864, serving in that position until the close of the war. He finished his medical course at Cleveland in 1866 and 1867, practicing his profession afterward near Toledo, and afterward at Ashtabula, from which point he removed to Springfield in 1873; he is now one of the leading physicians of Springfield, and recently has associated in partnership Dr. Allen H. Vance, who is a graduate of the classical course of 1876 in the Western Reserve College and is also a graduate of the Western Reserve Medical College, class of 1879, and of Pulte Medical College of 1880; he is also a graduate of the Opthalmological College of Cincinnati, Ohio; he will make a specialty of diseases of the eye and ear. Dr. Moore was wedded to Miss Mary E. Love in 1855; two children were the results of the union-Clara and Della. The elder daughter, Clara, was united in marriage to Dr. Allen H. Vance Sept.22, 1880, carrying with them the best wishes of the entire circle of their acquaintances. The daughters are both graduates of the Springfield Female Seminary. The Doctor enjoys an excellent business among the first families of Springfield, and is certainly worthy of the confidence of the commu-nity.

MORROW, RESH, WHITEHEAD biography for Steward A. Morrow

Steward A. MORROW, ice and coal dealer, Springfield; is one of the active young businessmen of Springfield. He was born in Champaign County in 1849; is a son of Daniel and Matilda (Whitehead) Morrow, who were early residents of that county; the family removed to Springfield in 1852, and have resided here since. The subject of this sketch began a business life when quite young; has been an ice dealer here, for the past twelve years, and, three years since, opened a coal-yard, which he has since operated in connection with the ice trade; his office and yard are located on South Limestone street, near the C., S. & C. R. R. crossing; his general acquaintance and business energy have already secured a large trade, which is increasing. He married, in 1872, Miss Lizzie Resh, of Dayton, by whom he has three children.

MCCONNELL, MURPHY biography for James Murphy

James MURPHY, merchant, Springfield. Mr. Murphy, one of the oldest dry goods merchants of Springfield, is a son of Daniel and Margaret Murphy, and was born in Adams Co., Penn., March 1, 1803; when about 14 years old, he began as clerk in a hardware store, and when 18 years old entered a dry-goods establishment in Pennsylvania, continuing as clerk there until 1844, when he came to Springfield, Ohio, and established the dry goods trade, which he has maintained with increasing success from the beginning; in 1855, he took as partner his brother, William R. (who has lived for a number of years and is now living in Pittsburgh, Penn.), and since then the firm has been known as Murphy Bros., and lately his son, James W., has been added to the firm; therefore, the members who comprise the firm now are James, William R. and James W. The store, since its first start has been located in different parts of the city; in December, 1880, they took possession of their large and commodious room on the corner of High and Limestone streets. James was married, July 4, 1844, to Nancy McConnell, who was born in Franklin Co., Penn., April 1, 1818; of their four children-James W., George, Jennie and Annie - but two are now living, viz., James W. and Jennie. Mrs. Murphy's brother, George McConnell, who was at one time a clerk in Mr. Murphy's store (he also carried on harness and saddle making in Enon, this county), went to Australia in 1853, and has never been heard from since. Among the many businessmen of Springfield, none have borne a higher reputation of honor than Mr. James Murphy.

BAKER, MILLER, MYERS biography for Eliab Myers

Eliab MYERS, physician and surgeon, Springfield. Dr. Myers was born and reared in the county, and is worthy of representation among her sons, whose biographical sketches do honor to her history; his parents, Jacob N. and Mary C. (Miller) Myers, were natives of Pennsylvania - Mrs. Myers of York and Jacob of Lancaster County; they emigrated to Clark County in 1837, and settled in the small village of Springfield; his occupations were various, being mostly engaged in the milling interests, but, since 1856, has carried on the manufacture of spoke and felloes on a large scale, until his death, which occurred in 1866; Mrs. Myers is living on a farm near the village of Dialton. Their children living are named respectively Sarah J., Rebecca, John, Jacob, Annie C., our subject and Alice Ida. Dr. Myers began his medical education in 1869, under the tutelage of Dr. Raper Rector, of Northampton, and gradu-ated March 1, 1873, at the Ohio Medical College, the oldest college in Ohio. In 1873, he was wedded to Miss Annetta, daughter of Dr. A. A. and Maggie Baker, of Northampton; they have one son living- John Elwood, born Oct. 7, 1877. Drs. Baker and Myers formed a partnership in 1880, and are now doing a nice business in Springfield. He practiced first in Northampton, afterward at Fairfield, Greene Co. He was Master of Osborne Lodge, No.416, A. F. & A. M. and is a bright and prominent Mason, and a gentleman in every sense of the word he is also a member of Mad River Lodge, 246, I.O.O.F., and has passed all the chairs, and is now Past Grand in the Order.

HARRIS, NEILL biography for James Neill

James NEILL, of the firm of Neill & Co., manufacturers of and dealers in hoots and shoes, Springfield. Mr. Neill is a native of Chester Co., Penn., born May 9,1829; his early youth was spent on a farm. At 16 years of age, he began to learn the shoemaker's trade in Rockville, in his native county, and, after completing his apprenticeship, worked there as a journeyman some two years, then went to Philadelphia, where he was employed eight years as fore-man in the cutting department of a large wholesale boot and shoe manufactur-ing firm. In 1854, he came West and located at Springfield, and has since been identified with the boot and shoe trade of this city, with the exception of a short interval, when he was employed as a traveling salesman in the same line. During the ten years previous to the formation of the firm of which he is now a member, he was foreman of the manufacturing department of Reifsnider & Brother of this city. It will thus be seen that the greater part of Mr. Neill's life thus far has been spent in connection with his trade, and he has thus had unusual experience and opportunity to learn all the intricacies of manufacturing, and the special wants of the people of this vicinity, which accounts in part for the marked success of his present firm. He married, in 1856, Mary B., daughter of Jeremiah and Catharine Harris, who were residents of this city. Her father is now deceased, but her mother still resides here, being quite advanced in years. This union has been blessed with seven children, five of whom are living, two sons and three daughters, viz., Frank, George, Mattie, Nettie and Annie, all of whom are members of the family household.

MOWATT, NELSON biography for James W. Nelson

James W. NELSON, M. D., physician, Springfield. Dr. Nelson was born in the city of Springfield August, 1850. When about 5 years old, he moved to Lagonda with his parents; he received his primary education in the school of said village, and remembers well the old woolen factory, grist and saw mills which have several years since passed away, and given place to the large manufacturing establishments of Warder & Co. At the age of 12 years, he began to work in said shops, where he worked four years; when, on the removal of his parents into Springfield, he entered the employ of Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly, and worked in what is now known as the "old Champion shop," where he worked three years, when he returned to Lagonda, and began working for Warder, Mitchell & Co., with whom he worked one year. Then after a short sojourn in Hamilton Co., Ohio, returned to Springfield. About this time his mother was very anxious he should go to school. He was reluctant to start, thinking, like a great many other young men, "that he was too old to go to school." But, after considerable persuasion1 attended a private school taught by Mr. Morton. After attending this school one term, went to Wittenberg College taking a select course; and then read medicine with Dr. Buckingham, of Springfield. During the winter of 1874-75, he took the first course of lectures in the Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio. He was married, in April, 1875, to Mary Mowatt, and during that year removed to Illinois, where he began the practice of medicine. In January, 1876, at the request of his wife and mother, returned to Springfield, Ohio, and, in the spring of that year, moved to Clifton and opened an office, where he remained about one year, when returned to Lagonda, the place of his boyhood days, where he is at present practicing his profession in connection with his drug store. During the winter 77-78, he attended the Medical College of Columbus, where he received diploma. He is a member in good standing; also P. G. of Ephraim Lodge, No. 146, I.O.O.F. Mr. Nelson so far has been successful in his practice, and young man of honor and good moral habits.

FLETCHER, NELSON, THACKRAY biography for R. T. Nelson

C. T. NELSON, editor, Springfield. Mr. Nelson was born in Springfield graduated in the high school here in 1873, and entered Wittenberg College year, in which he graduated in 1876; he then began working in the Daily Gazette office of this city, and, at the end of one year, entered upon the duties of editor, which position he has filled very creditably. His father, James H. Nelson, was born in Virginia, near Harper's Ferry, March 11, 1827, and. in moved to this county with his parents. They located on a farm six miles if Springfield, and, in 1842, moved to this city. James worked on the farm until 20 years of age, when he began the carpenter trade, at which he d some three years, when he entered the Pitts machine shops of this city; here he remained one year. After some changing around, working awhile in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1853, engaged with Warder, Mitchell & Co. After working with them one year as bench hand, he was promoted to the position of foreman of the wood shop, where he is still engaged. He was married, Nov. 26, 1849, Mary Ann Thackray, daughter of Robert and Maria Thackray. She was born in Bramley, England, Jan.22, 1832, and emigrated to America with her mother August 1842, coming direct to Springfield to join the father, who had come the year before to secure a home for his family. William Nelson, the father of James, served in the war of 1812. He died in this city in 1872, his wife, Margaret Fletcher, having died two years before. James started in life and by his industry and integrity has not only provided well for his family, giving to each one excellent opportunities to secure an education, but has accumulated considerable property.

CASS, NICHOLS, SACKETT biography for C. M. Nichols

C. M. NICHOLS, editor of Springfield Republic. This gentleman has been for a quarter of a century prominently identified with every movement having object the moral and material welfare of the community, and such has been his zeal and activity in behalf of every good cause and in the promotion of the interests and growth of Springfield, that it has justly been said that to her men is the city more largely indebted for its rapid progress and wide reputation. As editor of the Springfield Republic he has used the columns of that paper, with the skill of an accomplished writer, to spread the fame of Springfield and its great industrial enterprises, with a degree of success which the marked prosperity of the city clearly attests. Every project which aims at the advancement of the public interest in any way, if not originated by him, as many such projects have been, is sure to seek and readily obtain his efficient cooperation. C. M. Nichols was born in Westfield, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., 14, 1830, and was the eldest son of Wiseman Clagget and Firilla (Cass) Nichols, he being a native of Thetford, Vt., and his wife of Stratford, N. H.; and the grandson of Jonathan and Triphemia (Sackett) Nichols, the former of a, Mass., and the latter of Kent, Litchfield Co., Conn. Mr. Nichols was a resident of Mayville, N. Y., from 1837 to 1840; of Portland, N.Y., from 1840 to 1848; of Oberlin, Ohio, from 1848 to 1852, in which year he went to Cincinnati, coming to Springfield in April, 1854, where he has ever since resided. Though wholly free from sectarian bitterness, Mr. Nichols has throughout his whole life taken an active and leading part in religious movements, in the advocacy of temperance principles, and in behalf of popular education. As a Sunday school worker, he is widely known, being called to the Presidency of the Ohio Sunday School Union, as a result of his untiring labors and recognized usefulness in that field, and, in June. 1880, he represented the Union and the Congregational Association of Ohio, at the Raikes Centennial meeting held at London, England. To a cultivated mind, rare talent, a familiar knowledge and keenly appreciative taste in literature, he adds such qualities, as a worthy citizen, good neighbor and personal friend, as have secured for him the warm esteem of the commu-nity in which he lives.

CHRISTIE, GROVE, LONG, MILLHOLLIN, MORRIS, NICHOLSON, SMITH biography for William Nicholson

William NICHOLSON, is one of the few old residents now resid-ing here. He was born in England in 1802; came to the United States in 1831, and located in Springfield, and has been a resident of this vicinity ever since. He worked at his trade until the past few years, since which, having laid by a. competency, he has lived a retired life, residing at his residence corner of Jefferson and Mechanic streets. He married, Jan. 12, 1834, Jane Morris, daughter of Benjamin and Margaret (Millhollin) Morris, both of whom were natives of Bath Co., Va. and pioneer residents of German Township. Mr. Morris perhaps resided longer in this county than any other citizen, having come here when a young man, and resided on the farm, in Section 25, until his death, which occurred Dec. 9, 1877, his age being 92 years and 5 days. He raised a family of six children, four of whom are living- Rev. Thomas, now a resident of North Carolina; Rev. Richard, of Bethel Township; and Mrs. Nich-ols and a maiden sister, Sarah M.; the latter resides at the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson have journeyed together, sharing life's burdens for upward of forty years. They have raised a family of six children-Margaret A. (now deceased); Mrs. Henry B. Grove; Sarah J., wife of Rev. William Long; Mary Ellen, now Mrs. Charles Smith; William F., now a resident of the vicinity of Huntsville, Ala.; Isabel Frances, now Mrs. David B. Christie; and Laura M. One died in infancy.

Mr. Nicholson died in June, 1881, since the foregoing was written. -Ed.

LONGWORTHS, MORRIS, OLDHAM, TAFT biography for J. C. Oldham

J. C. OLDHAM, dentist, Springfield. The name of Oldham has teen associated with the dental profession of Springfield for more than a quarter of a century. Mr. Oldham's father, M. M. Oldham, whose wife was Calista Taft, removed to Springfield from Cambridge, this State, in 1853, and successfully practiced here until within the past few years, his health failing, he has spent the most of his time in the South, leaving the business almost entirely to his son J. C., who has been a partner with him since 1874. The subject of this sketch was born in Cambridge in 1846, and came with his parents to Springfield in 1853. Having a natural taste for the profession, he improved the opportu-nities afforded by his father's office and practice, and, when but 15 years of age, was able to make artificial sets. In 1864, although but 17 years of age, he enlisted in the 153d O. N. G., and experienced the hardships of army life in the field. After which, in addition to the instructions received from his father, he took a regular course and graduated at the Ohio Dental College, at Cincin-nati, and subsequently practiced for a time in the office of his cousin William raft, a well-known and successful dentist of the Queen City. Since 1874, he has been a partner with his father. Having the advantage of a thorough knowledge of his profession, and the latest and best improvements in tools and material, and having a natural taste for and pride in his work, he has now a valuable reputation for first class work, and, being well and favorably known clerk, and enjoys a liberal patronage. He is a member of the State Dental Association, and also of the Mississippi Valley Dental Society. He married, in 1877, Miss Josephine, daughter of Joseph L. Morris, who is closely related to the Longworths, of Cincinnati, and formerly resided there, but is now a resident of Springfield.

BUNYAN, DUSHANE, OTSTOT, RANDALL biography for Daniel Otstot

Daniel OTSTOT, retired farmer; P.O. Springfield. Mr. Daniel Otstot is one of the oldest of Clark's old citizens, hailing from the last century born Aug.27. 1795, in York Co., Penn.; four years after which, his parents moved to Lancaster, Penn., where he was raised. From 1811 to 1835, he worked at the trade of wagon-making; then farmed eighteen mouths, coming to Ohio in the fall of 1836; to Columbus, where he visited his brother, and. in the spring of 1837, came to Clark County. In 1818, he married Hannah Dushane, who died in 1861. Of their ten children (five of either sex), five sons and two daughters are living, two having died in infancy, and one, Mrs. William Bunyan, Sept. 23, 1877. Of the two surviving daughters, Mrs. J. W. Randall was so unfortunate as to lose all five of her children, and Miss Sallie C. Otstot resides with Springfield with her father. Of his five sons, the first, John Dushane is a pattern-maker here; Adam Hunter, a carpenter; Alfred Walraven, a packer and shipper in Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly's shops; Thomas Miller, a farmer in Butler County; and William Torbert, a farmer on the home place, in this county, which Mr. O. cleared up and established in 1837, working it until 1866, when he moved to Springfield, having since then lived in retirement at his quiet home, No. 81 South Center street, with his daughter, Miss Sallie C. Otstot, who is the loved companion of his declining years. Notwithstanding his advanced years, Mr. Otstot is in full possession of his faculties, and some physical feebleness is the only indication of his accumulated years, and no observer or acquaintance would think of taking him for over 65 or 70 at the farthest. His family is a Methodist one, and Mr. O. and daughter are earnest and devoted members of the Central and High Street Methodist Churches respectively. Having done his full part in life and full of honorable years, Mr. Otstot is now ready for the call of the Master, with those cheering words, "well done, good and faithful servant," etc., etc. William Torbert Otstot was three years a member of Co. I, 44th O.V.I., and returning home, re-enlisted in the 8th Cavalry, remaining in this service until the close of the war.

DUSHANE, OTSTOT, SHANKS, WILLIS biography for William T. Otstot

William T. OTSTOT, farmer; P.O. Springfield. Mr. O. is the son of Daniel and Hannah (Dushane) Otstot, and was born Dec.16, 1837, on the farm where he now lives, in the old house which stood near his present residence. He has always lived on the farm excepting while in the army. He enlisted, in, in the 44th O. V. I., and served in said regiment until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. He was in every battle in which said regiment was engaged, and never received a wound. He was married, Jan. 2, 1838, to Mary A. Willis, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Shanks) Willis. They had born unto them three children- Nellie Willis, born Feb. 9, 1870; Walter W., Dec.16, 1873; Harry M., Dec.15, 1877; Walter, died Jan 20,1878. Mr. and Mrs. Otstot are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and live consistent lives in accordance with the teachings of said church. Mr. O. is a man of true gentlemanly principles, and Mrs. O. is a noble-hearted lady, who knows well how to make home cheerful and pleasant. Mr. O.'s parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1837 and located in this county. Mrs. O.'s father was born in England, and emigrated to America in 1837. Her mother was born in Pennsylvania.

ANDERSON, PAIGE, SWARTZ biography for Algernon I. Paige

Algernon I. PAIGE, farmer; P.O. Springfield. Mr. P. was born in Springfield May 18, 1817. At the age of 16, he entered his father's store as a clerk, and followed clerking until 24 years old, when he began his present occu-pation - farming. He was married, in 1842, to Jane, daughter of Levi and Isabella (Swartz) Anderson. They have had seven children- Laura E. (deceased), Isabella, Sarah J., Mary A., Ira A., John B. and William H. Mr. Paige's father was a native of Massachusetts, and came to this county and set-tled in Springfield in 1812. Mr.'s Paige was born June 19,1819, in Chillicothe, Ohio. Her father was born in Virginia in 1790, and came with his parents to Ohio and settled in Chillicothe about the year 1800.

ENOCH, PARSONS biography for John W. Parsons

John W. PARSONS, Treasurer, Springfield. Mr. Parsons is a native of Springfield His father, Israel Parsons, removed from Harper's Ferry, Va., in 1831, and settled in Springfield. He still resides here, being now in the 81st year of his age; his wife, who was Ann C. Cox, having died Dec.26, 1879, at 70 years of age. The subject of this sketch was born July 25, 1838, and has been a resident of this city all his life. When 14 years of age, he engaged as "message boy," and subsequently learned telegraphy, and continued as operator until 1864, when he became manager of the Western Union office in Springfield, which position he still holds. He served in the United States Telegraph Corps from May, 1861, to the spring of 1863; was a member of the City Council in 1868. In October, 1876, he was elected Treasurer of Clark County, and was re-elected in 1878. He is a member of Clark Lodge, No.101, Spring-field Chapter, No.48, and Springfield Council, No.17; also of the Palestine Commandery, No.33; in each of which he has been the presiding officer and is now presiding in the Commandery. He was married, in 1869, to Miss Lida, daughter of William Enoch. His residence is No.106 Yellow Spring Street. They have two children.

PEEL, SHANNON biography for William C. Peel

William C. PEEL, of the firm of Peel & Elster, manufacturers of dash moldings, neck yokes, clothes wringers, etc., Springfield. Mr. Peel is a native of Germany, born Feb. 21,1843. His parents came to the United States in 1846, and located in Dayton, where they still reside. The subject of this sketch learned the trade of carriage trimmer, and followed that as a business some sixteen years. He came to Springfield in the fall of 1864, and has resided here, with the exception of the years 1870 and 1871, when he was engaged with Mr. Elster, his present partner, at Hillsboro, Highland Co. The present firm was formed in l873, and has since continued, now being located at 78 South Limestone street. Mr. Peel is the inventor of the form of moldings, which they manufacture, and which has a very large and general sale, not being confined even to this continent. This firm also has a half interest in the Springfield Novelty Works, whose work is done in the same building with Peel & Elster. They manufacture "Way's eccentric mill pick," and the "Universal tap wrench." It will thus be seen that Mr. Peel is the head of a kind of novelty machine shop where a variety of small but important articles of universal use are manufactured. The success of this firm but confirms what any observing visitor will see at once, that Mr. Peel possesses the peculiar qualifications so necessary to secure success in such an establishment With quick perception, rapidity of thought and action, and a natural mechanical mind, he gives the same attention to the perfection of details in the construction of a "wringer" or "wrench" that a master mechanic would in constructing a locomotive. Mr. Peel's residence is at the southwest corner of Factory and Pleasant streets. He married, in 1866, Miss Viola L., daughter of John A. Shannon, deceased, who was formerly a carriage manufacturer of this city. They have one child living-a daughter - Ida May.

BURULEY, PEARSON biography for John Pearson

John PEARSON, farmer, P.O. Springfield. Mr. P. was born in York-shire, England, July 23, 1827, and is the son of John and Mary Pearson. He emigrated to America in 1850; landed in New York, and came direct to Springfield. Mr. Pearson not belonging to the aristocracy of England, his opportuni-ties for attending school were very much limited. Therefore he appreciates very highly the "free school system" of the United States. He lived with his parents until 14 years old, when he hired out to work on a farm at 50 shillings (about $12 in United States money) per year. He continued to work on the farm until he came to America. About one year after his arrival here, he kept a boarding house for the men who were making the Columbus & Springfield Railroad, now a branch of the C., S. & C. After running the boarding house about one year, he rented a farm for a term of four year's. When his lease expired, he moved to Illinois and purchased a farm, but, not liking the climate there, sold out and came back to Clark Co., Ohio, and bought a farm of 82 acres. He added to it until now he owns some 1,400 acres of splendid land. He was married, in England, Dec. 15, 1849, to Sarah, daughter of John and Anna Buruley. Of their eight children, five are still living, viz., Martha Ann, Mary Ellen, Eliza Ann, George E. and James B. Mr.'s. Pearson's mother and one sister died on the ocean while coming to America. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson started in life with no fortune except good characters and good health, and have accu-mulated a part of their present fortune by their own labor, and a part they have inherited, Mr. Pearson and daughter Mollie visited his native home this last Summer. They enjoyed their trip very much, and was well entertained, but Mr. P. prefers America to England. Two of the daughters are at present attending school at the "Springfield Female Seminary." Mr. and Mrs. Pearson in their younger days worked very hard, but now they take the world easier. They have a beautiful home where they live, situated one mile east of Springfield, on the Charleston Pike.

INGRAM, PERRIN, STURGEON biography for William Perrin

William PERRIN, farmer; P.O., Springfield. This well-known and respected farmer was born in a log cabin in Springfield Township, Jan.22, 1815, and is the son of John and Amelia (Ingram) Perrin, natives of Washing-ton Co., Md., both of whom were born in the year 1778, and were the parents of six children, as follows; Edward (deceased), Joseph I. (deceased), John, William, Minerva E., and Emery (deceased). In 1800, he and family came to Springfield, and he bought the whole of Sec. 3, upon which was a log cabin and a small clearing, but by constant industry he added much to his first pur-chase, and at his death owned over 1,200 acres of land; he died Dec.16, 1848, his wife having passed away June 8, 1847. William grew up under the paren-tal roof, receiving but a limited education and making farming his life voca-tion; he was married March 25, 1849, to Dorothy Sturgeon, daughter of Jere-miah and Phoebe Sturgeon, natives of Ireland, where Mrs. Perrin was also born, coming to America when she was about 20 years of age. Of this union was born one son, John B., Oct. 4, 1850, who graduated in 1868 at Gundry & Hol-lingsworth's Commercial College of Springfield, and who now resides at the homestead. Mrs. Perrin was a member of the United Presbyterian Church all her life, and died firm in that faith Oct. 27, 1878, dying as she had lived, an humble and devoted follower of Christ. Mr. Perrin lived in the cabin of his birth until about 1849, at which time he moved to the place where he now re-sides, and, having remodeled the house, has now one of the handsomest houses of Springfield Township; he has always been industrious and saving, and is the owner of 550 acres of first-class land; to public benefits and improvements he has ever been friendly, and in the affairs of his native county has always taken a deep interest; politically a Republican, he was a stanch upholder of the Union in the rebellion, and has ever been known as an obliging neighbor, an honest man, and a useful, enterprising citizen.

PERRIN, ROUSH biography for John Perrin

John PERRIN, farmer; P.O. Springfield. John Perrin is the son of John Perrin, and was born on April 15, 1812, on the site of his present pretty home, which was then occupied by much ruder and plainer quarters; he had four brothers and two sisters, of whom only one brother and sister survive. Of his brothers, Ed and Joseph are no more, and William is a farmer in this neighborhood. In March, 1853, he married Miss Mary D. Roush, a native of Virginia. John Perrin, Sr., died in December, 1848, only surviving his wife eighteen months. Mr. Perrin has no uncles living; his family consists of five daughters and one son, all yet single and living at the paternal home; he has always been a farmer, and is one of those frank, open, plain, upright men, the best samples of which are found among the tillers of the soil; he supported the war freely financially, and in this, as in other matters, never shirked what he supposed to be his duty; he built his present handsome two-story brick residence in 1870, and is in very comfortable circumstances in life, and hale and hearty at 69 years.

PETRE, PRINTZ, SUMMERS biography for Lewis Petre

Lewis PETRE, farmer; P.O. Springfield; he is the son of Ludwick and Elizabeth (Summers) Petre, and was born in Boonsboro, August 2t1 1808, at the foot of South Mountain, Md.; his father and mother died when he (Lewis) was but 4 years old, when he was placed under the care of a guardian; said guardian, in accordance with the law of Maryland at that time sent him to learn a trade; his boss being a tyrannical man, and not liking the trade (that of cabinet-making), at the end of six months, with the aid of his uncle and sisters, he ran off and went to Virginia) but soon returned and began the trade of boot making, at which he worked until he came to Ohio, and to Springfield traveling all the way on foot, arriving here Nov. 6, 1830; he worked at his trade here until 1842, when he moved to his present home, hav-ing bought the farm some years previous. Mr. Petre started for himself with-out a cent of money, and has, by his own exertions, risen to his present condi-tion; he was married April 17, 1851, to Angeline Printz; six children have been born to them, viz.: Andrew J., Frances B. (deceased), Mollie E., Lewis D., Laird V. and Charles H. Mr. Petre's father was born Jan.13, 1765, and died April 15,1811; his mother was born Nov. 22, 1775, and died Dec.16, 1812. Mrs. Petre is the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Printz, and was born Sept. 22, 1820; her parents were among the early settlers of this county; her mother died Jan.19, 1862, and her father May 18, 1864. We should have stated before that Lewis, in 1832, sold out here and went back to Maryland with the intention of remaining but not liking his native home as well as this county, he returned here the same year.

GRANT, HOWE, PETTS biography for Quincy A. Petts

Quincy A. PETTS, County Auditor, Springfield; is a son of Dr. John and Phoebe (Howe) Petts; he was a native of Massachusetts and she of New Hampshire; they came from Kansas to Clark County in 1860, and he has since resided in Springfield, being retired, and now in the 86th year of his age, his wife having died here in 1877. The subject of this sketch was born in 4 Nichols, Tioga Co., N. Y., April 25, 1841; located in Springfield in the spring of 1860; served three months in the 2d O. V. I., during which he partook in the famous first Bull Run battle; he was a member of the Champion Hotel Company which built the Lagonda House, of which company he was for several years President, and is now a director; he was also connected with the Agricul-tural Society as director; was associate editor of the Daily Republic from 1864 to 1871; was editor of Leffel's Mechanical News from 1871 to November, 1875; was elected Auditor of Clark County in October, 1875, re-elected in 1877, and is a candidate on the Republican ticket for the same office in the approaching election; is a member of Springfield Lodge I. O. O. F., and also of the Royal Arcanum order. He was married in 1863 to Miss Lavinia, daughter of Will-iam Grant, an old resident of Springfield From this union have been born three daughters, two of whom are living.

BENEDICT, CANFIELD, FLETCHER, PIERCE, SPRAGUE biography for S. L. Pierce

S. L. PIERCE, retired woolen manufacturer, Springfield; one of the oldest living residents of Clark County; his father, Gilbert Pierce, was one of the pioneers of this county, having removed here from New Hampshire about 1810, settled in the vicinity of South Charleston, and subsequently became a large land owner, and continued to reside in this county until his decease. The subject of this sketch remained on the farm with his parents during his youth, and in early manhood learned the trade of tanner, but followed it only a short time; then became connected with his brother Rufus in a fulling and carding mill, which gradually developed into a manufactory of woolens; his brother died a few years after their partnership was formed, and S. L. purchased the widow's interest and continued the business, until failing health compelled him to withdraw from active business. Mr. Pierce has been a resident of Clark County seventy years, forty of which he was actively identified with the business of Springfield; his residence property, at the southeast corner of High and East streets, he purchased about forty years ago. It then contained about 30 acres and included the woolen mill; it now contains about 6 acres. About ten years since, he built his present handsome residence on the site of the previous dwelling, so he has resided on the same site for nearly forty years, and is now in feeble health, spending the remnant of his days amid the scenes and surroundings which remind him of the memories of a half-century gone by. He has been twice married; his first wife was Margaret, daughter of Robison Fletcher, who was also one of the early residents of Madison Township; she died in 1862, having borne him nine children, six of whom are now living. Two sons, Jefferson and Madison, are residents of Indiana; another son, Frank-lin M., and Mrs. N. T. Sprague are residents of Vermont; another daughter, Mrs. George Canfield, resides in London, Madison Co., this State, and Sallie C. is a grown daughter at home. Mr. Pierce's present wife, nee Emaline Benedict, of Cincinnati, is a native of Maine, a cheerful, kind-hearted lady, and remarkably active for her age.

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