HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 921
GEORGE WEBER, deceased, was born October 15, 1826, at Landsthul, Bavaria, Germany, and died May 13, 1893, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His father, Frank Weber, was a miller by occupation, and owned the Mountain hills near his native place. Our subject came to the United States in 1842, and for one year worked in a mill at Brazeville, Ind. Having; mastered the English language he came to Cincinnati and worked at Rebstock's wine house, was next employed at the " Bank Exchange" and later at the Gibson House." In 1852 he began as clerk at. the " Galt House." Later, in 1853, he purchased all interest in the mill at Brazeville, but three months afterward it, was destroyed by water, and he returned to Cincinnati and assumed the management of the "Gait house," continuing ten years. In 1863 he purchased the lease and fixtures of the hotel, continuing for ten years, and actually amassing in this business a fortune of $300,000. On October 31, 1873, he bought the Jackson Brewing Company's plant, paying therefor $285,000. In 1874 he was made president of the Cincinnati Brewing Association. Mr. Weber was appointed fire commissioner, and was re-elected five tines, serving ten years in succession. The old engine No. 7 is to-day called the "George Weber" in his honor. At the time the City Hall was dedicated (May 13, 1893) the fire department turned out with the parade. In view of the fact that Mr. Weber was then lying dead at, home, the engine "George Weber" was driven in the parade decorated with tuberoses and black crape.
Mr. Weber was united in marriage, October 19, 1853, with Rose Hagen, a daughter of John G. and Rosa (Buerckley) Hagen, natives of Merdigen. Baden, Germany, who came in a sailing vessel to the United States and settled in Cincinnati in 1831. John G. Hagen was a gardener near Cincinnati until his death, which occurred November 29, 1868; his wife followed him to the grave June 21, 1880. By the marriage of our subject there were twelve children: George N. E. Weber died aged sixteen years; Mary Adelaide married Edward halter, a real-estate man of Cincinnati; Joseph A., who married Miss Bertha Kleiner, died aged thirty-three years. his wife following him two years later, leaving three boys, who are attending college near Cincinnati; William E. died aged twenty-seven years; Charles A., one of the managers of the " St. James Hotel," was married to Miss Fannie Flick; Frank X. died aged eighteen years; Anthony A., one of the managers of the "St. James Hotel," was married November 12, 1890, to Leone Eekelman; Clara C. is at home; Laura B, married William P. Zeltner, an artist and designer; Edward C. O. is steward of the "St. James Hotel:" Louis B. is agent of the Spencer House building; Rosa B. attends school at Notre Dame in Cincinnati. Our subject was a Roman Catholic, and was noted for his charity to the Churches and the city. He
922 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.
was instrumental in securing the lot for St. George's Church in Corryville, and donated all of the pressed brick required in building this handsome church. He also donated the life-sized bronze statue of St. Francis to the church of that name, located at Liberty and Vine streets. Politically he was a Democrat, and served as register of elections for several years.
EDWARD N. BOTH was born in Cincinnati August 5, 1846. He is the son of the late Balthazar and Theila Roth, both of whom were natives of Gottingen, and coming to this country located for a time in New Orleans. They then came to Cincinnati, Mr. Roth becoming associated with George Selves in the conduct of the St. Charles restaurant and Bank Exchange, on Third street near Sycamore. In 1863 Mr. Roth leased the two fine private residences at the southeast corner of Fourth and Race streets, and there established the " St. Nicholas Hotel," which front its inception has enjoyed a reputation that is to-day world-wide for quiet elegance and an unrivaled cuisine. The subject of this sketch, Edward N. Roth, graduated from Mount St, Mary's College in 1865, and in the following year became associated with his father in the management of the " St. Nicholas." In 1870 he was made a partner in the business, and in 1879, upon the retirement of his father, became its sole proprietor. He was married, in December, 1882, to Margaret, daughter of Dr. Benjamin Bruce, of Lexington, Kentucky.
ADAM KLEIN is a native of Prussia, Rhine Province, Germany, born January 19, 1846. His father, Nicolas Klein, is also a native of Germany, born in 1818. He is a farmer by occupation, and lives in Cincinnati. His first wife, Mary Klein, was born in 1817, and died in 1862, and the father subsequently remarried. There were five children, three of whom are living: John, a resident of Cincinnati; Barbara, of California, and Adam, the subject of this sketch. The latter was educated in the public schools of Germany, and afterward followed farming with his father up to the age of twenty-six years. In 1871 he emigrated to this country, and settled in Cincinnati, where he learned the trade of plastering, following same for eight years, when. he engaged in the saloon and restaurant, business, in which he has since continued. Mr. Klein married, in November, 1881, Miss Katherine, daughter of Frederick Ceppel, of Cincinnati. They have two children, Albert and Clara. Mr. Klein is a member of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Democrat. In 1875 he returned to Germany on a visit, and on his return brought his father, mother and sister to make their home in Cincinnati.
JOHN P. PFAFF, proprietor of the "Columbia Hotel," Cincinnati, This gentleman is a native of Edeingen, Prussia, where he was born November 18, 1844, the son of Conrad and Catherine (Daniels) Pfaff. Our subject's parents were also natives of Prussia, Germany. His father followed the occupation of a shoemaker, which was the main business of his life. In October, 1854, he came to America with his wife and five children, and settled in Linwood, Hamilton Co., Ohio, where he carried on the boot and shoe business, and spent the remaining portion of his life. John P. was the fourth child. He learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for a few years, when he started a saloon. In 1888 he moved to his present place of business, and since then has conducted the "Columbia Hotel." This hotel has twenty-eight sleeping rooms, with a pool room and a sample room. Mr. Pfaff gives his entire attention to his business and has made his own way in the world. He was united in marriage, September 14, 1866, with :Miss Lena Scheets, who was born in Baden, Germany, but has lived in Hamilton county since 1848. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Pfaff has been blessed with three children: William Conrad, Catherine and Howard. The family are members of the Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Pfaff has served as trustee and president of the Sabbath-school In politics he is a Republican. He served one year on the police force of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., in which he has passed all the Chairs in the Subordinate Lodge and Encampment, and is also a member of the Knights of
HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 923
Pythias. While he resided in Linwood Mr. Pfaff was a member of the village council. In 1864 he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth O. V. I., and served until the close of the war. He is an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Post No. 200, and is Past Commander. In 1890 he was elected junior vice-commander of that Post.
BIOGRAPHIES OF HAMILTON COUNTY OUTSIDE OF CINCINNATI.
STEPHEN J. SUTTON, farmer, was born in Anderson township, Hamilton Co., Ohio, June 29, 1816, the son of Stephen and Deborah (Justis) Sutton. His father was born in New Jersey in 1760, of English descent, and served three years in the American army during the war for Independence. He died in September, 1846. He was twice married, first time to Hannah Wood, who died in 1809; his second wife died September 6,1869. He was the father of fourteen children, three of whom survive: Stephen J.; Harvey W.; and Harriet A. Harvey W. was captain in a cavalry regiment during the Civil war.
Stephen J. Sutton was reared on his father's farm, and received such education as the local schools afforded. In 1846 he built the first store house at Mt. Washington, and named the place, of which he may be regarded as the founder. After conducting a general merchandise business for five years, he relinquished it, and turned his attention to farming, at which he has since been engaged. He owns a fine farm, well improved in every way, and situated within the corporate limits of the village. On December 31, 1846, he married Bridget Cordelia, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Bennett) Mitchell, of Point Pleasant, Clermont Co., Ohio. Mr. Mitchell was a justice of the peace thirty-five years. To Mr. and Mrs. Sutton ten children were born: Louis K. and George L., wholesale commission merchants, of Columbus, Ohio; Elizabeth H.; Adelaide M., wife of Edmond O. Ragland, general agent for the Elgin Creamery Company, Cincinnati, Ohio; Harry S., located at Denver, Colo. ; Alice; Stephen; Laura; Horace and Jessie, deceased. The mother of these died in November, 1879, Mr. Sutton is a member of the I. O. O. F., and a Democrat in politics. He was township clerk and township trustee for many years; also a member of the board of education, fifteen years, and is now president of the same.
MICHAEL LECLERE was born in Lorraine, France (now in Germany), June 29, 1816, son of Peter and Elizabeth (Lemon) Leclere. His father held the rank of lieutenant in a company of coast guards; he died in 1827, his widow in 1892. They were the parents of four children: Michael, Barbara, Christina (who resides in France), and Susanna (deceased). Our subject received his education in France and Germany, and learned the trade of stone mason. In 1841 he immigrated to America., locating first in Cincinnati, whence he removed to Wineburg, and in 1847 to Mt. Washington. In 1856 he embarked in mercantile business, which he continued until 1891, when he retired in favor of his son. In 1846 he married Anna Woolf, daughter of John G. Woolf, and to this union four children were born: John and Louis, merchants, Mt. Washington; Josephine and Leoni. The mother of these died June 23, 1892. Mr. Leclere is a member of the Catholic Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and has held the office of village treasurer for eight years.
VINCENT SHINN (deceased) was born in Burlington, N. J., March 23, 1784, son of Vincent and Elizabeth (Budd) Shinn, both of whom were members of old English Quaker families. In 1804, at the age of twenty, our subject moved to Hamilton county, locating near the mouth of the Miami river, but when in the prime of life he purchased a farm on Clough creek. He was a carpenter by trade, but in later life gave his exclusive attention to farming and stock raising. Although reared a Quaker, he united with the Methodist Church in early youth, and was a consistent member until the close of his life, giving liberally of his time and means for the support of religion. He was one of the founders of Bethesda Methodist Protestant Church, for which he gave the site, and a considerable subscription in money. In
924 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.
politics he was a Republican, and was one of three men who first voted that ticket in Anderson township. The others were the Rev. Mr. Denham and T. Hanford, and the candidate for whom they voted was James C. Birney. Mr. Shinn manifested a considerable interest in public improvements, and gave liberally of his means. He was twice married, first, when about the age of twenty-one, to the widow of Col. Brown, an intelligent and pious lady, who died twenty-seven years later. On May 21, 1838, Mr. Shinn married Mary Hyle, and to this union five children were born: John A., Vincent (who died December 12, 1892), Mary E., Julia M., and Susan B. Mr. Shinn died July 13, 1857, his widow surviving him until March 29, 1892.
ANDREW JACKSON AVEY, general express agent and agent for the Cincinnati, Georgetown & Portsmouth railroad, Mt. Washington, was born in Cincinnati September 19, 1830. His father, Jonas Avey, whose parents immigrated to America from Germany, was born in 1799, and settled in Cincinnati in 1800, dying on his farm in Clermont county April 5, 1884. His mother, whose maiden name was Julia A. Tumy, was born in the State of Delaware May 12, 1809, and now lives at Moscow, Ohio. Both her grandparents were from the North of Ireland, and served in the American army during the Revolutionary war. She married Mr. Avey at Cincinnati June 6, 1824, and their children are as follows: Oliver; H. P., of Indianapolis, a painter by occupation; Mrs. Eliza J. Boles, of Fort Scott, Kans. ; Andrew J.; Mrs. Mary E. Gallager, of Moscow. Ohio; Mrs. Emily J. Cartwright, of Boston, Mass., and William M., of Cincinnati.
Andrew J. Avey received his education at the public schools of Cincinnati, Woodward College, and Gundry's Mercantile College, graduating at the last named institution in 1849. In 1850 he was bookkeeper for William B. Wilson & Company; in 1852 he was elected city weigher; in 1854 he was bookkeeper at. Raccoon Furnace, Greenup, Ky.; in 1857 he was overseer of the poor in Cincinnati; in 1844 he was connected with the Ohio militia: in 1846-47 he served seven months in the Mexican war as a musician in the Fifteenth United States Infantry. At the outbreak of the Rebellion Mr. Avery enlisted in the Twelfth O. V. I. for three months, and June 1, 1861, was promoted to drum-major. On September 19, 1861. he re-enlisted in the Sixty first O. V. I., served through Pope's Virginia campaign, was wounded at Minor's Hill September 12, 1862, and afterward served on the staff of Governors Tod and Brough as brevet-major. In January, 1864, he left the army, having been in fourteen battles and rendered conspicuous service. He was elected magistrate of Fayette county, Ind., at the close of the war, serving in this office four years. He also served as all official at the Soldiers' Home, Dayton, Ohio, and has been connected with municipal affairs in the village of Mt. Washington as councilman. Since 1851 Mr. Avey has been identified with the press, and is still employed by the Cincinnati Post as a correspondent. In 1860, as he was leaving the "Burnet House." Cincinnati, Stephen A.. Douglas turned to James J. Farren, of the Cincinnati Enquirer, and said: "Major Avey has introduced me to more press officials throughout the West than any other individual." In politics Mr. Avey is a Democrat. In 1857 large placards were posted all over Cincinnati, calling for a public meeting at the east end of the old Fifth Street Market House to adopt measures for the suppression of a scurrilous sheet called "Town Talk." A thousand people collected, and Major Avey. who happened to pass through the crowd, was elevated to a butcher's block and called upon to preside. He at once divined the purpose of the assembly, which was to mob the office. This object he determined to frustrate, and, having appointed a committee on resolutions, he made a humorous address. The committee's report was adopted, and, the passions of the crowd having subsided, the major adjourned the meeting. But one copy, of the paper was subsequently issued, and thus the object was accomplished without recourse to violence.
On October 14, 1871, Maj. Avey married Nancy B., daughter of William Worley and Miranda (Jorden) Williams. Her father, a relative of the Williams who
HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 925
was one of the captors of Maj. Andre in the Revolution, was born in 1813, and died May 15, 1875. Her mother was born at Claysville, Ky., in 1812, and died in November, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Avey have four children: Mrs. Emily J. Baily, Edwin W., John William Blair and Cynthia. The Major has been a trustee of Mt. Washington M. E. Church six tears. He is past commander of Joseph F. Trotter Post No. 268, G. A. R., and a member of the old Woodward Club of Cincinnati. Mrs. Avey us a worker in the Woman's Relief Corps and Ladies' Aid Society.
JOSEPH R. PURSELL was born in Cincinnati December 15, 1829, the son of Joseph and Mart (Ross) Pursell, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the former of German and the latter of Scotch descent. His father came to Cincinnati in 1804. He was the first wharf master of the city, and was also employed as pilot between Cincinnati, Nashville and New Orleans. He died in 1829, his wife in 1867. They were parents of five children: Benson and Mary, deceased; Sarah, wife of Capt. John N. Brown, of Indianapolis, the oldest living pilot of the West; Harriet. B., wife of A. P. Johnson, of Pittsburgh, and Joseph R. The last named, who was the youngest of the family, received a public-school education. In 1845 he obtained employment on the river and soon became pilot, which occupation he followed successfully. There was never a life lost on a boat while he was pilot. In 1891 he retired from business, and now lives at his beautiful home at California, Hamilton Co., Ohio. In December, 1852, he married Mary E., daughter of John and Ann (Griffin) Miller, both natives of Kentucky and of English descent. Her grandmother was a Lewis and a niece of Thomas Jefferson. Mr. and Mrs. Purcell are the parents of four children: Anna, wife of Henry M. Sublet, a farmer of Warren county, Ohio; Charles R., real-estate agent, Cincinnati; Hattie B., who became blind after an illness of scarlet fever, and Jessie M. Mr. and Mrs. Pursell are members of the Christian Church. He is connected with the I. O. O. F., and is a Republican in politics.
W. S. TURPIN was born August 17, 1840, in Clermont county, Ohio, the son of Erastus and Evaline (Phillips) Turpun. His father was born in 1815 in Pennsylvania, and when a young man came to Clermont county, where he engaged in farming and resided until his death in 1881. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Church, and in politics he was a Republican. They were the parents of the following children; Lafayette, W. S., William (deceased), Leonidas, Harriett (deceased), Eugene, Scott and Lizzie.
Our subject lived with his parents until he reached the age of fourteen, when, his mother having died, he went to live with a Mr. David Meeks, with whom he remained until he attained his majority. He then came to Hamilton county and attended school at Mt. Washington one year. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, Eighty-ninth O. V. I., at Camp Dennison. His first service was at Covington and Newport. Ky. ; the regiment was then stationed at Point Pleasant, W. Va.. being employed in driving the Rebels from the Kanawha Valley. Preparations were made to spend the winter there, but they had scarcely been completed before orders were received to proceed to Nashville, Tenn. Fort Donelson was reached just in time to save it from the enemy. The regiment now became part of the army of the Tennessee, with which it participated in the battles of Hoover Gap, Resaca, Tullahoma, Bridgeport, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold, Kenesaw Mountain, Marietta, Kingston, Atlanta, Jonesborough, and the famous march to the sea. Thence they proceeded to Raleigh, Richmond and Washington, where Mr. Turpin was discharged. After the war he was engaged in farming until 1880, when he opened a store at Asbury, Anderson township, which he still conducts, and' in connection therewith is postmaster of the village. On August 12, 1862, he married Mary Belville, who us a native of Anderson township, born December 8, 1844, daughter of John and Catherine Belville. Her father, who was of French descent, was born in 1819, and died in 1867; her mother was born in 1818, of German ancestry, and
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died in 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Turpin are the parents of the following children: John Wesley, who married Sarah Haaff; George Allen, deceased; Fannie; William Nelson, who married Annie Haaff; Kate Belle, wife of William Jones; Alfred, deceased; Eva and Maud. Mr. and Mrs. Turtin are members of the Methodist Church.
ANTHONY WOLFER was born in Cincinnati, December 19, 1849, son of Michael and Barbara Wolfer. His father was born in Germany, October 12, 1820, and his mother in Cincinnati, December 12, 1828. The former emigrated to America at the age of twenty. His ship was wrecked, and he landed at New Orleans almost penniless, and with no clothes but those on his person. He remained at New Orleans a month, engaged in doing odd jobs, and then came to Cincinnati, where he found employment as a butcher, having learned that trade in his native land. In 1860 he removed to Delhi township, and was there engaged in farming until his death. He was quite successful, having acquired, as the result of his labor and business management, forty-four acres in Delhi township, and two hundred in Anderson. He also gave to each of his children an ample start in life. He was a kind husband, and an indulgent father, a liberal benefactor of the poor, and a consistent member of the Catholic Church. His widow resides on a farm in Delhi township.
Anthony Wolfer, the subject of this sketch, spent the first eleven years of his life in Cincinnati, and then removed with his parents to Delhi township. His active business life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, and at the present time he owns a well-improved farm of sixty-three acres. He married Philomenia J. Leuser, who was born February 5, 1855, in Anderson township, the daughter of Adam and Julia Leuser, farming people, who were members of the Catholic Church. The following named children have been born to this marriage: Michael W., who was born May 18, 1875, and died May 22, 1890; Clara, born September 15, 1877; John B., born December 8, 1879, died in 1882; Rosalia, born January 4, 1882; Joseph, born March 3, 1884; Alfred M., born May 27, 1886; Ludwin, born November 29, 1888; Bertha, born May 23, 1891; and Zitta P. A., born September 27, 1893. Politically, Mr. Wolfer is a Democrat.
F. J. WOLFER was born July 14, 1853, in Hamilton county, Ohio, son of Michael and Barbara Wolfer, a sketch of whom appears in connection with that of Anthony Wolfer. He resided with his parents until April 14, 1874, when he was united in marriage with Clara Lipps, who was born January 25, 1855, daughter of Andrew and Catherine (Grebbner) Lipps, natives of Germany. His father was a farmer and gardener in this country. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wolfer: Tillie, Minnie, Michael, Katie, Georgiana, Carrie, Emmerence (deceased), Rosa and Henry. For three years our subject and his brother Anthony farmed the home place in Anderson township; he then removed to his present farm of seventy-four acres, near Cluff post office, where he has since resided. The family adhere to the Catholic Church, and in politics Mr. Wolfer is a Democrat.
CHRISTOPHER WHITMAN VAN GUNDY was born September 2, 1830, in Withamsville, Clermont Co., Ohio, son of Henry Van Gundy, a sketch of whom appears in this work. He resided with his parents until the age of twenty-one, receiving a fair common-school education. After his marriage he rented his father's farm for three years, but was obliged to go in debt for his farming implements, stock, and even household furniture, and he left the faun in debt $400. He then removed to Cherry Grove, and engaged in teaming; he also bought a peach orchard for $62, and at the expiration of seven years had the great satisfaction of paying all his debts and purchasing his present farm of thirty-two acres. At, that time it was a wild uncultivated tract, but careful tillage has made it one of the most productive farms in the township. Mr. Van Gundy is also a public auctioneer, in which capacity he is well-known throughout the county. His wife, whose maiden name was Anne Matthews, was born June 18, 18-, daughter of James and Julia (Kerlin) Matthews. Her father was born February 28, 1827, and died July 19, 1891; her mother was born Novem-
HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 927
ber 23, 1832, and died October 19, 1873. He was a successful farmer and an influential citizen, having served as township trustee three years. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious belief a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. and Mrs. Van Gundy are the parents of two daughters: Clara and Henrietta. The family is connected with the United Brethren Church.
GEORGE MICHAEL WOLFER was born September 24, 1855, at Lick Run, Hamilton Co., Ohio, son of Michael and Barbara Wolfer, a sketch of whom appears in this work. Our Subject resided with his parents until 1880, and then farmed in Delhi township three years, after which he removed to Anderson township. Here be has a farm of fifty-one acres near Cluff post office, in an excellent state of cultivation.
In 1880 he married Mary, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Betz) Becltly, natives of Germany, where the former was born in June, 1833, the latter December 24, 1835. They came to Cincinnati when young, but shortly afterward moved to Anderson township, where they have since resided. They are the parents of the following named children: Mary; Lizzie; Anna; Carrie; Maggie; Charles; John, and Edward. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfer's children are: Mary M. B.; Barbary O.; Frank G. ; Jacob L. ; Carry; Anthnetz, and Lisebeth. Mr. Wolfer is a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife belong to the Catholic Church.
JACOB S. KUHN, deceased, who was one of Anderson township's best men, was born there December 19, 1843. His parents died when he was young, after which he lived with a sister, Mrs. James Matthews, until he was about fifteen years of age, when he concluded to learn the blacksmith's trade with a Mr. Lemon Cox. He was serving his apprenticeship when the Civil war broke out, and he laid aside his tools, and took his musket to defend his country, enlisting in Company D, Seventieth O. V. I., for three years, or during the war. and served all of that time as a private. He was made a prisoner at Jackson, Miss., with thirteen others, and was held as such for eleven months, being the only one of the fourteen that came from the prison alive.
After the war Mr. Kuhn followed his trade for twelve years, and by good workmanship and fair honest dealing soon built up a good trade. He then entered mercantile trade at the same point, keeping a general stock, and was engaged thus up to the time of his death. The venture was successful. and he left his widow and two sons in hood circumstances. He was a member of the Methodist Church, and a Republican in politics. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and the I. O. O. F., being a member of Mt. Washington Lodge, in which he filled the Chair and presided over the assembly. He was enterprising, devoted to religious work, and a great help to the church of which he was a member. A kind and indulgent husband, his death was mourned by all who knew him.
Mr. Kuhn was married, November 6, 1854, to Miss Jemima Bogart, born July 14, 1837, in this county, daughter of Abraham and Patsey (Bridges) Bogart, whose sketch appears in connection with that of James Bogart, in this work. This marriage was blessed by two sons: Henry S., married to Mary Bridges, and Edward T., unmarried. The sons are engaged in the mercantile trade at Cluff post office, Hamilton Co., Ohio.
JOHN WITTMYER was born in Dry Ridge. Hamilton Co., Ohio, May 22, 1853, son of Gottlieb and Mary (Windall) Wittmyer. His parents were born in Wittenberg, Germany, and immigrated to America in 1852. They located for some time on a farm in Hamilton county, Ohio, and then removed to Indiana, where they remained for eighteen years, thence removing to Missouri. They were the parents of the following named children: John, Gottlieb, Frederick. Henry, William, George, Jacob, Benjamin, Carrie and Albert.
Our subject rented a farm for fifteen years after his return to his native county, and then purchased his present farm, where he has since followed rural pursuits. He was married, December 17, 1875. to Lizzie Woodman, the daughter of Henry
928 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.
and Mary (Koonker) Woodman, who came to the United States in an early day; they settled in Hamilton county, where the father died about 1891; the mother is living at the age of sixty years. Their children are named as follows: Louis, Anna, Albert, Mary, Rosa, Minnie and Lizzie, Mr. Wittmyer was the father of three children by his first marriage: Henry, Albert and Ada. The mother of these died October 2, 1882, and on July 5, 1883, Mr. Wittwyer was married to her sister Mary. By this union there have been born four children. Mr. Wittmyer is a Democrat in politics.
JAMES HENRY BOGART was born May 6, 1842, in Clermont county, Ohio, son of Abraham Bogart, a native of New Jersey, born December 25, 1812. Our subject lived with his parents until eighteen years of age. On September 10, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Seventieth O. V. I., and took part in the engagements at Pittsburgh Landing. Corinth, Memphis, Vicksburg, Jackson, again to Memphis, thence to Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Knoxville, again to Chattanooga, thence to Scottsborough, Ala., where he joined the veterans. He was with Sherman from Atlanta to the sea, and was in the charge of McAllister, where he was wounded in the shoulder by a piece of shell; was in the Grand Review at Washington, and then took a steamer on the Ohio to the mouth of the White river, and then to Duvall's Bluff, thence to Little Rock, Ark., and then started homeward, and was on a steamboat that exploded, and was severely scalded. He was mustered out of service in August, 1865, at Camp Dennison.
Mr. Bogart was married, October 23, 1867, to Allie, daughter of Houghton and Susan (Brannaugh) Smith. of North Vernon, Ind., the former a native Of Pennsylvania, born April 2, 1816, died May 6, 1857; the latter, born May 20, 1815, died March 11, 1868. They were married February 28, 1834. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Bogart and wife are the parents of five children, four of whom are living: Walter, born December 4, 1868, a painter at Williamsburg, Ohio; Myrtle, deceased; Fannie, born September 23, 1874; Henry Clide, born December 28, 1879, and Roy, born July 2, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Bogart are members of the Methodist Protestant Church.
VALENTINE DAHLHEIMER was born March 9, 1822, in Hesse, Germany, son of Christopher and Ablomer Dahlheimer, the youngest of ten children, and the only one who immigrated to this country. He came here May 5, 1847, and located in Cincinnati, where he began stone masonry, having learned the trade with his father. After remaining in Cincinnati for fifteen years he bought, his present home in Anderson township; although seventy-one years of age he still continues to work at his trade, to some extent in connection with his gardening. He was married, in 1851, to Catherine Schmolenbarger, who was born in Bergen. Germany, in 1831, and came to this country in 1849. Although our subject came to this country with very little means, he has accumulated a nice property, and by his uprightness commands the respect of all who know him. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church. Their marriage has been blessed with seven children, all living: George, John, Catherine, Leona, Martha, Christopher and Valentine.
ANDREW MOTZ was born November 30, 1835, in Henderson, Ky. He resided with his parents On a farm until the age of twenty-four, and then made two trips on a steamer from Cincinnati to St. Louis, Mo., afterward locating at Glendale, Ohio. Here he was employed at farm labor for a short period, removing thence to Cincinnati to accept the position of clerk in a store. In 1861 he left this occupation to serve his country, enlisting in Company H, Ninth O. V. I., and was mustered in May 27 at Camp Dennison, by Maj. Robert Anderson; after a service of three months, he re-enlisted, for three years longer, served the term, and was mustered out in 1864. He was twice wounded at the battle Of Chickamauga, receiving a bullot in the right knee, and a shell below the left knee. He also participated in the battles of Mill Spring, Perryville and Missionary Ridge, and numerous skirmishes.
After the close of the war Mr. Motz farmed in Kentucky for one year. He married
HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 929
Mary Scheollais, who was born in Baden, Germany, September 8, 1843, daughter of Joseph and Margurette (Kritz) Scheollais, and immigrated to America with her parents when three years old. Her father was born July 2, 1805, and died September 30, 1888; her mother, who survives, was born August 15, 1805; they were both members of the Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Motz are the parents of ton children: Caroline, Edward, Frank, Tony, Maggie, John. Lawrence, Casper, Mary and Andrew. Politically Mr. Motz Is a Republican, and he and his wife belong to the Catholic Church.
Joseph and Magdalena (Weaver) Motz, the parents of Andrew Motz, were born in Baden, Germany, and came to America when young. Mr. Motz first landed in New Orleans, and soon thereafter removed to Henderson, Ky., where he was engaged in farming until 1848, when he located in Cincinnati. Here he worked at day labor, and finally settled permanently in Kentucky, near Cincinnati, where he farmed until his death, October 18, 1878. His wife died many years previous; they were members of the German Catholic Church.
HARRISON LAFAYETTE DONHAM, M.D., Mt. Washington, was born in New Richmond, Ohio, May 26, 1825. His parents, Jonathan S. and Elizabeth (Ayres) Donham, farmers by occupation, settled at an early day near New Richmond. Of their fourteen children the following are living: P. J., an attorney, E. J., a merchant, and R. W., a farmer. all residing in New Richmond; Mrs. Della Stickel, who lives in Lindale, Ohio; Mrs. Riley Kennedy, who resides in Belmont, Ky., and Harrison L.
Dr. Donham received his literary education at Parker's Academy, and in 1848 he was graduated from the Medical College at Columbus, Ohio. He practiced medicine for twenty years at, Alt. Washington. The Doctor served three months as a surgeon in the army in Tennessee, and in 1864 was engaged in hospital practice. He is a member of the Ohio State Medical Society, and the Masonic Order; he is a Democrat in polities. He was married, in 1850, to Elizabeth A. Watkins, daughter of Robert. F. and Lillie (Hays) Watkins. Dr. and Mrs. Donham have one son, Edgar W., who married Carrie Crawford, of New Richmond, in 1880, and is a wholesale merchant at No. 12 East Pearl street, Cincinnati.
AARON WILBER COLTER was born in Cincinnati October, 30, 1859, son of Aaron A.. and Margaret (Burdsal) Colter. Aaron A. Colter was a native of Ohio. In 1849 he went to California, and met with good success in his operations there. Upon his return he embarked in the wholesale grocery business in Cincinnati, and also established the well-known canning factory at Alt. Washington, with which he was actively connected until his death, in 1880. His first wife was the daughter of Samuel Burdsal, the first druggist in Cincinnati, and they were the parents of six 0children: Martha, wife of Dr. A. J. Miles, of Cincinnati; Josephine, wife of J. A. Rule, of Mt. Washington; Mary F.; Cora; Aaron Wilber, and Leroy S. By his second marriage two children were born: George D., of Cincinnati, and Robert C., a bookkeeper in St. Louis.
Aaron Wilber Colter received his education in the public schools of Mt. Washington, and at Chickering Institute, Cincinnati. He began his business career as a grocer, but since the death of his father has owned and managed the canning factory at Mt. Washington, and greatly enlarged its facilities and business. On January 3, 1883, Mr. Colter married Blanche Corbely, who died in 1885 leaving one daughter, Julia M. In December 1888, he married, for his second wife, Mary Mounts, of Toledo, Ohio, and to this union two children have been born: Rebekah and Maurice Wilber. Mr. and Mrs. Colter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Republican in politics, and has served as treasurer and mayor of his village. He is also connected with the Masonic Fraternity and the Knights of Pythias, having served in the latter as first chancellor commander of Mt. Washington Lodge No. 436.
930 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.
WILLIAM MAESCHER was born in Hanover, Germany, in December, 1840, son of William H, and Christina Maescher. He immigrated to America with his parents in 1845, they locating at Cincinnati, where the father soon after died. William was employed in a pork-packing establishment from 1852 to August, 1861, when he enlisted in the Fourth Ohio Independent Artillery, with which he participated in twenty-two engagements, rising by successive promotions from private to quartermaster sergeant. After three years of faithful service he was discharged, in 1864, and returned to Cincinnati. He engaged ill the pork business under the firm name of Maescher & Johnson, finally as Maescher & Co., and continued it successfully until his retirement, in 1891. In 1867 he married Mary, daughter of Rudolph and Anna Becker, and to this union eight children have been born: Hattie, wife of George W. Westerkamp, bookkeeper, Cincinnati; Ella; William R.; Cora; Alice; Edward; Albert, and Clifford. Mr. Maescher is a member of the G. A. R., and politically he is a Republican.
CHARLES E. SMITH was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, May 20, 1849, son of William K. and Rebecca (Southerlan) Smith. The father, who is a native of Pennsylvania, of French descent, was a shoemaker by trade, but a farmer by occupation. He came to Cincinnati at the age of twenty-five, and remained seven years, then engaged in farming thirty-five years, and has since resided at Mt. Washington. On September 12, 1842, he married Rebecca Southerlan, and ten children were born to them: Charles E., Walter A., Albert J., Franklin, Ella M., William, Theodore, Fanny, Louis and Martha. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Mt. Washington.
Charles E. Smith, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the farm. He attended the Mt. Washington public schools and Academy, took a course at Nelson's Business College, Cincinnati, and attended Adrian College, Michigan, a short time. After teaching school two terms he engaged in shipping fruits and vegetables until 1874, in which year he bought a farm near Mt. Washington, and has since given his attention to general fruit culture. On December 15, 1874, he married Mary A., daughter of William A. and Mary A. (Boyer) Moore, natives of Pennsylvania and of English descent. Two children have been born to them: William K., Jr., a law student, and Beulah G. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has served as steward and treasurer seven years. He is connected with the A. O. U. W., and is a Republican in politics.
WILLIAM PRICKETT was born in Clermont county, Ohio, October 1, 1838, son of Isaiah and Mary (Reeves) Prickett. His father, who was a native of New Jersey, and of German descent, was an early settler of Clermont county, and a farmer by occupation; he died in 1846. His widow. who was born in Ohio, of Scotch parentage, survived him until January 24, 1867. They were the parents of fourteen children, of whom our subject is the youngest.
William Prickett was reared on his father's farm, and obtained his education at the local subscription schools. On October 16, 1861, he enlisted in Company L, Fifth Ohio Cavalry, under Capt. Fagley; the regiment left Camp Dennison March 26, and proceeded to Paducah, Ky., thence to Tennessee, participating in the battles of Shiloh and Corinth, and was stationed for a time at Memphis. While there Mr. Prickett was appointed orderly, and detailed for scouting and skirmishing duty, and in this capacity was one of a party of ton that volunteered to go to North Carolina, on a ten days' scout. After a military service of thirty-seven months he was mustered out at Chattanooga, Tenn., in November, 1864, and at once returned to his home in Clermont county. In 1881 he came to Hamilton county, and was toll-gate keeper seven years, after which he located at Mt. Washington, and has since kept the hotel at that place. On August 9, 1860, he married Mary, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Cooper) Stewart, natives of Ohio, and of Irish descent, who were the parents of six children, three of whom are living. Mr. Stewart died in 1856, and his widow
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still lives ill Clermont county. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Prickett, of whom are mentioned Cora E., wife of John Arthur; Hannah B., wife of William Lytle; and Charles C., a photographer, of Cincinnati. Mr. and Mrs. Prickett are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is connected with the G. A. R., and she with the Women's Relief Corps. Politically he is a Republican.
ADAM KLEINFELTER was born in Hessen-Cassel, Germany, February 11, 1828, son of John and Anna (Bloom) Kleinfelter. He learned the trade of shoemaker in Germany, which has been the principal occupation of his life. In 1849 he immigrated to America, landing at New York without a cent, and with no friends to whom he could apply for aid. He first located at Buffalo, N. Y., and worked at his trade for a time, after which he made a journey through Canada, and then located at Cincinnati. Here he worked at his trade two years; in 1852 he bought a small farm near Mt. Washington, which be has since conducted in connection with his trade. His first marriage was with Sarah, daughter of John Kauffman, and to this union six children were born: William, of California; Charles, a grocer of Price Hill; Louis; Clinton, George, and an infant child, all deceased. Their mother died June 7, 1864, and in 1866 Mr. Kleinfelter married Cristena Roel, daughter of William and Barbara (Gray) Roel. To this union two children have been born: Edward, conductor on an electric street railway, Cincinnati, and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Kleinfelter are members of the Lutheran Church. He is connected with the I. O. O. F., and is independent in politics.
JOHN G. BRIDGES was born in Anderson township July 10, 1823, son of Elisha and Eliza (Clark) Bridges, and grandson of John Bridges, who came to Cincinnati in 1790, and a short time afterward located in Anderson township, where he built the first house. He died July 12, 1823, and was buried in the family burial ground on his farm. Elisha Bridges was born in Massachusetts, came to Hamilton county with his father, and resided in Anderson township until his death, March 10, 1861. His wife was a daughter of James Clark, who immigrated from Virginia to Hamilton county in 1797, locating in Clough creek, near Newtown. He was a member of the Legislature from 1808 to 1810, and was at one time judge of the county court; he died in 1851. Elisha and Eliza (Clark) Bridges were the parents of twelve children, three of whom are living: Patsy, wife of Abraham Bogart; James C., of Anderson township, and John G. ; Susanna. Anna, Nancy, Elisha, Judith, Rebecca, Mary, Benjamin and Eliza are deceased. The family are all firm believers in the Christian religion. John G. spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, and passed through the varied experience of life in a comparatively new country. He now owns the farm purchased by his grandfather in 1798. He never married, but lived with one of his sisters until, a few years since, death separated them. He is a Democrat in politics, and a highly respected citizen.
JOHN S. HOPPER was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, June 22, 1817, son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Sharp) Hopper. They came to Hamilton county in 1812, traveling by wagon from Now Jersey, and were accompanied on this long and laborious journey by an uncle named Stagg. They first located at Cincinnati, where they remained one year, during which time Mr. Hopper worked at his trade, that of blacksmith. Ho then entered into partnership with Mr. Stagg in the purchase of a thousand acres of land in Anderson township, which at first was jointly owned; but a division was soon found to be desirable, and to his portion Mr. Hopper subsequently added six hundred acres. He was not only one of the most, extensive farmers but also one of the most successful in the township, in which he resided until his death, in 1863, at the age of seventy-four. He was twice married, and was the father of sixteen children, twelve by the first marriage, and four by the second.
The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's farm, with the exception of three years that he spent in Cincinnati with a brother-in-law. After reaching his majority he worked in a country store for his father, and was also employed by him
932 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY
on the farm. On December 10, 1840, he married Martha, daughter of Samuel and Cynthia (Durham) Woodrough, and to this union eleven children have been born: Samuel, a grocer in Forestville, Elizabeth, wife of Theodore Johnson; Hester, who became Mrs. Stagg; Cynthia, wife of Abraham Llewellen; Catherine, wife of V. Johnson; Mary, wife of George Powell; Abraham; Alice, wife of John Kendall; Hattie, wife of Charles Wilfer, and two deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hopper are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, and in politics he is a Prohibitionist.
JOHN R. SMITH was born in Lancaster county, Penn., February 20, 1819. His father, Peter Smith, also a native of that State, was engaged in the milling business in Lancaster county. In 1827 he moved with his family to Stark county, Ohio, remaining there four years, and then removed to Montgomery county, Ohio, where he purchased a faun and followed agricultural pursuits until his death in 1866. His wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Rickert, was a native of Germany, and came to Pennsylvania when she was four years of age; she died in 1864. They were the parents of seven children: John R., Mary, Peter, Rebecca, Lewis R., Henry and Samuel R. The three last-named fought in the Union army during the Rebellion; Henry died at Stone River soon after the battle at that place.
John R. Smith, the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm until the age of fifteen, when he entered the wholesale grocery house of Estabrook & Phelps, Dayton, Ohio, as clerk, remaining there five years. He was next employed as captain of a freight boat on the Miami Canal two years, after which he became captain of one of the passenger boats of Doyle & Dickey's line, plying between Cincinnati and Toledo, and retained this position seven years. In 1855 he became bookkeeper and cashier for Boyle & Roach, contractors, of Cincinnati, and held that position thirty-three years. retiring in 1888. In 1853 he was married to Caroline M., daughter of Owen and Leah Evans. In July, 1882, he bought a place at Fruit Hill, five miles east of Cincinnati, where he has since resided. Mr. Smith became a member of the I. O. O. F. in 1844. He is a Republican in politics.
WILLIAM CROTTY was born in the South of Ireland, April 1, 1832, the son of Patrick and Mary (Ryan) Crotty. His father came to America in 1849, and located in Cincinnati, where he died in 1851, his wife surviving him until 1876. They were the parents of seven children: Julia, widow of James Bulger; Mary, deceased; William; John, of Red Bank; Patrick, of Camp Washington; Timothy, deceased; and Matthew, of California, Ohio.
William Crotty, the subject of this sketch, received his early education in his native laud, and was seventeen years old when his parents immigrated to America. When he grew to manhood he learned the blacksmith trade under Isaac Ferris, with whom he remained four years. After working on Walnut Hills one year, he conducted business individually at California eight years, and in 1863 bought his present farm, near that village, where he has been engaged in raising fruits of all kinds. In 1863 he married Catherine, daughter of Dennis anti Ellen Connelly, and they are the parents of nine children: Patrick, Mary, Ellen, Nora, Hannah. Kate, James, William and Thomas, of whom Nora and Hannah are teachers in the public schools, and James and William are students at St. Xavier College. Mr. and Mrs. Crotty are members of the, Catholic Church, and in politics he is a Democrat.
ARCHIE B. HAHN was born at Newtown, Hamilton Co., Ohio, January 17, 1851, the son of Abner and Lucinda (Barrows) Hahn. His father was also a native of this county, and was a very successful farmer, owning at the time of his death 200 acres of fine land. His wife was born March 12, 1813; she now lives with the subject of this sketch at the advanced age of eighty years. Their family consisted of eight children, four of whom are living. Our subject spent his boyhood on the farm, which he left at the age of seventeen to enter the services of the Kentucky Central Railroad Company, where he was employed for a while as brakeman and subsequently as engineer. For a time he was in the employ of the Cincinnati, Hamilton &
HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 933
Dayton railroad Company, his railroad services covering altogether a period of three years. He has since been successfully and profitably engaged in farming and marketing. On April 22, 1892, Mr. Hahn married Carrie Smith, who was born September 12, 1864,
STEPHEN KYLE MILLER was born at Withamsville, Clermont Co., Ohio, November 18, 1852, the son of John A, and Maria (Kyle) Miller. His father, a native of Lambertville, N. J., is a farmer near Milan, Ind. The Miller family is of German origin. The Kyles are an old Kentucky family, but at an early date removed to the vicinity of Mt. Cannel. Ohio, where Gen. Kyle owned an extensive tract of land. An old uncle, Robert Kyle, died just before President Cleveland's first election to the presidency. To the last he manifested a deep interest in the issue of the campaign, and said repeatedly that he would die happy if he only knew Cleveland would be elected. The :Miller family have also been Democratic in political faith, and in religious faith they are Baptists, The subject of this sketch obtained his education at Lebanon, Ohio. In December, 1869, he came to Newtown and clerked for the late W. R. McGill seven years. He was then in the employ of H. R. Droste Company, of Cincinnati, wholesale dealers in spices and teas, as traveling salesman eight years, and for the past seven years has successfully conducted a general mercantile business at Newtown. On April 26, 1874, he married Alice Marie Beelangee, of Mt. Carmel, Ohio. the daughter of John and Miammee (Jones) Beelangee. John Beelangee has been dead for many years. he once kept a livery stable at the southeast corner of Third and Vine streets, Cincinnati. Jesse Jones, the father of Mrs. Beelangee, was a well known carpenter in the pioneer days of eastern Ohio. When the first settlement in the State was made at Marietta, he drove the first nail in the roof of the first house. The Beelangee family are of French descent.
SAMUEL EDWARDS was born July 5, 1811, in Anderson township, Hamilton Co., Ohio, son of Isaac and Hannah (Martin) Edwards, both natives of New Jersey. His father's residence in this county after his emigration from New Jersey was at Newberry, but he became dissatisfied with his prospects there and in 1809 removed to the vicinity of Newtown. He was the first purchaser in the Anderson survey. He reared eight children to maturity, three of whom are yet living: Samuel; Edward, who resides on the old homestead; and Mrs. Elizabeth Day, of Van Buren county, Iowa. Samuel Edwards was fourteen years old when his fattier died, and although young and inexperienced, he assumed the management of the home farm, conducting it successfully until his nineteenth year. In 1830 he married Almira, daughter of Timothy and Sarah Day; she died four years later, leaving one child, Serena. In 1836 he married Mary Sutton, and to this union eight children were born: Isaac, George. Samuel, Nancy, Elmira, Selina, Laura and Timothy. For his third wife be married Mrs. Catherine (Jones) Edwards, and they were the parents of two children: Mary and Helen. Mr. Edwards is one of the oldest native-born residents of Hamilton county. In politics he is a Democrat.
HENRY F. NAGEL was born November 13, 1854, at Cincinnati. Ohio, son of Christopher and Dora (Klostermeier) Nagel, both natives of Minden, Prussia, where the former was born in 1818, and the latter in 1828. They emigrated in 1845, locating in Cincinnati. For fourteen years he worked as laborer, and then removed to Ripley county, Ind., to engage in farming. Subsequently he returned to Hamilton county and located in Anderson township, where he owns a small farm and devotes his time to its management.
Henry F. Nagel lived with his parents until he attained his majority. For eighteen years he worked as gas fitter for William Kirkup & Son, of Cincinnati, and then engaged in business individually, as a manufacturer of cigars, continuing in this successfully for six years. But having been burned out twice in the space of six months, he relinquished the business and removed to his present farm of forty-four acres in Anderson township. He also owns another tract of twenty-seven acres, all
934 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.
of this property representing the results of his own unaided energy. In connection with his farming operations he is also a contractor in the construction of public roads. On August 1, 1880, Mr. Nagel married Carrie, who was born January 27, 1857, daughter of Gottfried and Christena Wolfengel, natives of Germany. They are the parents of the following children: Laura, William, Emma, Charles and Carrie. Mr. Nagel is a member of the German Lutheran Church, and a Republican in politics. Mrs. Nagel is connected with the United Brethren Church.
HENRY VAN GUNDY was born in Milford township, Butler Co., Ohio, September 25,1824, son of Christian and Catherine (Rinkenburg) Van Gundy. The father was born in Alsas, France, in 1783, and died in 1854; the mother was born in Lorraine, France, in 1800, and died in 1848. Christian Van Gundy immigrated to Philadelphia in 1820, where he remained but a short time, removing thence to Butler county, Ohio. Here he engaged in farming and weaving until 1832, when be located in Kenton county, Ky., remained eighteen months, thence moved to Mill Creek township, thence to Delhi township, this county, where be remained till 1839, and then moved to Campbell county, Ky., and there passed the remainder of his days. He owned a farm of 123 acres, the acquisition of a life of energetic activity. He was the father of ten children: Joseph, of Cincinnati; Phoebe, of Dayton, Ky.; Christopher, who was a soldier in the Mexican war, and died in Covington, Ky., in 1875; Henry; Magdalena, deceased; Jacob, of Montana; Susan, of Dayton; Elizabeth, deceased; Jefferson, late of Missouri, now deceased, and Mary, of Missouri.
Henry Van Gundy, the subject of this sketch, left home at the age of eighteen, absolutely without money, and with no clothes save those on his person. He came to Anderson township, this county, and worked for Abraham Hopper, at $8.00 per month. Here he continued to work at such employment as he could get until 1848, when he married and engaged in farming at the locality known as Hopper's Hill. His entire capital amounted to sixty-five dollars, and he was obliged to purchase his stock and farming implements on credit; but in two years he had paid all his debts, and accumulated one hundred dollars. In 1849 he removed to Withamsville, Ohio, in 1850 built a house on ten acres of land, inherited by his wife, and resided there twenty years. In 1870 he removed to Cherry Grove, where he purchased a lot of six acres, and now owns the hotel property. He also has a farm of 106 acres in the southeastern portion of the township. Mr. Van Gundy is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and was the first past master of his Lodge, of which he is the oldest member. He is a Republican in politics. On January 13, 1848, he married Serena, born September 26, 1829, a daughter of Reuben and Christena (Ekelberger) Reed, and they are the parents of the following children: Christopher Wightman, who married Anna Matthews; Mary Jane, wife of George W. Bennett, and John J. Crittendon, who married Lilly Gelvin, of Clermont county. Ohio.
WILLIAM R. AYER was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, March 24, 1825, son of Richard and Catherine Ayer. The father was a ship builder in Maine prior to his immigration to Hamilton county, and his mother was a native of Virginia. From the time he attained his majority he engaged in farming, and with such success that at the time of his death, in 1892, he owned one of the finest fruit farms in the county. He was a Democrat for many years, but some time before his death he adopted the principles of the Prohibition party, of which he was thenceforth an ardent supporter. In religious connection he was a member of the United Brethren Church. On November 6, 1851, he married Talitha, daughter of John and Milcha (Maddox) Matthews, the former a native of Pennsylvania, the latter of Maryland. They were the parents of the following children: Richard, who married Rose Wagner; Clara, wife of Martin Pierman; Lina; John W., who married Ida Husted; Anna, wife of Frank Vansaun; Charles Russell, deceased; Cora, wife of William Prickett; Restore; Nellie, wife of John Reed; George and Ollie.
HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 935
MOSES BURDSAL was born near Trenton, N. J., in May, 1874, the son of Uriah and Elizabeth (Webb) Burdsal. He spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, and obtained a very limited education at the local schools. At the age of twenty-one he migrated to the West, locating on a rented farm near Newtown, Hamilton Co., Ohio, where he resided two years; in connection with farming, he also engaged extensively in the raising of pork. He subsequently bought a farm of 100 acres in the southern part of Anderson township, and resided there until his death in 1857. He was a resin of great energy and industry; in his youth he had learned the trade of shoemaking, but never followed it as a regular vocation, although he frequently worked at it in the evenings after a hard day's work on the farm. In his political affiliations he was a stanch supporter of the Whig party. He was a kind husband and father, a man highly esteemed in the community where he resided, and an active worker in the Methodist Protestant Church.
Mr. Burdsal was four times married. His first wife was Hannah Charlton, a native of New Jersey, and one child, now deceased, was born of this marriage. His second wife was Sarah Hawkins, of Newtown, and five children were born to then, all now deceased. His third wife was Henrietta Reese, and six children, all deceased, were the fruits of this union. For his fourth wife he married Emma Vail, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, September 7, 1818, a daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Craig) Vail, and six sons and two daughters blessed this union. Her father was born in New Jersey in 1793, and, when a young man, immigrated to Butler county, Ohio, where he was successfully engaged in farming. His wife was a native of Lancaster county, Penn., of Welsh ancestry. Mrs. Burdsal survives her husband, and resides in Anderson township, on the old homestead.
COLUMBUS P. BENNETT, residing at Cherry Grove, Hamilton Co., Ohio, was born near Amelia, Clermont Co., Ohio, November 28, 1837. He lived with his father, and worked on the farm until about eighteen years of age, receiving his education at the academy in the village of Amelia, except one year 1856 at College Hill. His father, Samuel W. Bennett, was of Welsh descent, born in the village of Withamsville in 1807; he was married in 1832 to Mary Gray, who was born in the same village in 1812, and was of Irish-German descent. Soon after their marriage they moved to the State of Indiana, remaining there two years; then returned to Ohio, and settled permanently at or near Amelia; he bought a tract of 147 acres of land, and devoted the remainder of his life to farming. To him and his wife were born eleven children, eight of whom are living: J. W., a physician residing at Forestville, Hamilton Co., Ohio; Hannah E. Miller, living at Fort Ancient, Warren Co., Ohio; Elisha L., a teacher and farther at Amelia, on the old homestead farm; James Madison. a farmer, residing in Kansas; Mary L. Guyman, residing in Wood county, Ohio; Harriet D., of Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio; Charles E., a teacher in the village of Amelia, and our subject.
Columbus P. Bennett commenced teaching at the age of nineteen in the special school at, Eight Mile, Hamilton Co., Ohio, and continued until the country's call for defenders in 1861. when he laid aside the teacher's robe and donned the " Blue," volunteering, July 27, in the Thirty-fourth O. V. I., known as "Piatt's Zouaves." The regiment, about September 10, was ordered to West Virginia to reinforce and aid Gen. Cox in holding that State for the Union against a rebel force sent in to compel her to renounce her allegiance to the United States, and pass the ordinance of Secession. On September 25, fifteen days after the regiment left Camp Dennison (in the language of the subject of this sketch): " We first met the rebels near Chapmanville, and first learned what war meant in reality (we had fought many battles before this in our imagination); we were victorious, completely routing the rebels, wounding and capturing their commander. Our next fight was at the town of Wytheville where, although successful in capturing the place, we had the sad misfortune of losing our gallant colonel. John T. Toland, of Cincinnati, who fell mor-
936 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.
tally wounded at the very onset of the fight. No braver man ever commanded a regiment than John T. Toland. We remained in West Virginia, actively engaged in raiding towns and fighting bushwhackers secreted among the mountain rocks, until July, 1864, having been engaged altogether up to this time in thirteen fights of more or less magnitude, and having lost nearly all of our original officers and at least two-thirds of the men. Early in July, 1864, we were ordered to join Gen. Crooks, then stationed at Martinsburg. We had no sooner reached him than we were ordered into line of battle, and commenced the advance upon Winchester. The Confederates met us on a little eminence just north of the town, and we were compelled to charge them through an open field. Here was the most thrilling fight we had ever experienced, but lasting only twenty minutes, when the rebels gave way at the point of the bayonet. We took possession of the town, rejoicing over the victory; but our rejoicing was of very short duration; for four days later Gen. Early arrived with an army, it was said, of twenty thousand men; but be that as it may, we here record on the twenty-fourth of July, 1864, the most complete drubbing of our experience during the war. Surely it was rout, ruin, and panic in all its worst form, and it scattered all so completely that, several days afterward, the greater portion came together across the Potomac in the center of Maryland. Some five hundred of its were even less fortunate than those who reached Maryland, for we found ourselves in the Southern Confederacy without the pass" ord, being prisoners of war. We remained at Winchester for a few days, and then under guard commenced the long march by way of Staunton and Lynchhurg, into the heart of the Southern Confederacy. After about two weeks hard marching we, hatless, coatless, shoeless, moneyless, and blanketless (these articles having been confiscated on the march), arrive I at Danville, a town on the line between Virginia and Tennessee. There we found four thousand Union prisoners who had preceded us, making in all four thousand five hundred, huddled together like sheep in five buildings, to commence a lug seven-months' fight for our lives, pitting our strong soldier constitutions and a determined will against exposure, filth and starvation; and only those of us who possessed the former to a very high degree were able to stand the test and fight off the grim monster. Of forty-five hundred who went in, only twenty-two hundred came out, and these but ghosts of their former selves. On March 16, 1865, the happiest day of our lives, we received the glad tidings that we were to be paroled. We formed into line (not a very difficult task), marched through four inches of snow, barefooted, two miles to the station, and didn't feel cold either. At the station we boarded the train en route for Richmond, Va., where we remained three days in Libby prison; then went aboard the steamship `City of New York,' and landed the next morning in the city of Annapolis, Md." Here Mr. Bennett had his first square meal in eight long months, consisting of thirteen dozen raw oysters. On April 3, 1865, being pronounced unfit for duty during the remainder of the war, he received his discharge from the service, and was sent. to his home. The following September he again commenced teaching in the same special school district that he had left when he went into the war, and has taught almost continuously in that district to the present time.
Columbus P. Bennett was married July 8, 1869, to Clara Bennett. Her father, Joseph Bennett, was born at Cherry Grove, Hamilton Co., Ohio, in 1809, is still living and was married to Nancy Roy in 1836. To Columbus P. and Clara Bennett have been born two children: Orian W., who graduated at Woodward High School, in Cincinnati, and is now attending the Cincinnati Law School, and Ivah V., who was educated at Mount Washington, Hamilton Co., Ohio. The entire family are members of the United Brethren Church. Politically, Mr. Bennett is a Prohibitionist.
EDWARD JOHNSON TURPIN was born at Newtown, Hamilton Co. , Ohio, May 6, 1814, son of Philip and Mary Turpin, and grandson of Dr. Turpin, of Virginia. The
HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 937
Doctor had two daughters. Philip being his only son. and when he attained his majority his father conveyed to him the title to 1,000 acres of land. He removed to Hamilton county in 1797, and settled on the low rich tracts of Newtown, being among the earliest pioneers of Anderson township.
Here the subject of this sketch was reared, attending the schools of the neighborhood, and Woodward High School, of Cincinnati. After his return to the farm, he entered energetically into its labors, and, when his father died, he leased his brother`s interest in the mill and managed it. three or four years. In the spring of l844, he purchased the tine place that now constitutes the residence of his widow, and here he lived until his death, February 28, 1889, Though not connected with any church, he was a liberal contributor toward the support. of religion. From the time of the Van Buren campaign he was an outspoken Free-soil advocate, and after the organization Of the Republican party he gave it his earnest support. On May 29, 1839, he married Christina Kugler, daughter of Matthias and Elizabeth (Waldsmith) Kugler. both natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent, and to this union eight, children were born-two sons and six daughters.
GEORGE W. JONES was born December 24, 1845, at Newtown, Hamilton Co., Ohio, son of David Jones, also a native of Newtown, born March 12, 1808. The father was a blacksmith by trade, and enjoyed a high reputation for efficiency in his calling. He and his wife were both of German descent, and members of the Methodist Church.
Our subject lived with his parents until his marriage in 1871. He was principal of the schools of Plainville. Ohio. two years, and during the war of the Rebellion was in the military service four months. After his marriage he engaged in farming, and has since pursued this vocation with profit and success. His wife, whom he married June 26, 1871, and whose maiden name was Georgina Sullivan, was born March 25, 1847, a daughter of John and Lavine (Corns) Sullivan, both natives of Cumberland, Md. They came to this county in 1862, and located at Newtown, where Mr. Sullivan, who was a blacksmith, worked at that trade until his death. He was born April 5, 1817, and died April 15,1858; his wife was born October 23, 1830, and died October 23, 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents Of one child: dice Adele, wife of George Smith. assistant superintendent of the Davis Carriage Works, Cincinnati. Mr. Jones is a Democrat. in politics, and has served as justice of the peace fifteen years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and, with his wife, belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
STEPHEN CODDINGTON was born November 30, 1836, at Cincinnati, a son of Stephen and Sarah (Barker) Coddington, both natives of Maryland. The father was born August 1, 1787, and died July 18, 1836. The mother was born in 1791, and died April 3, 1853.
Our subject. lived with his parents until twenty-one years of age, when he left home to learn the trade of painter with his brother. On April 20, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Fifth O. V. I., in response to the first, call for soiree seventy-five thousand men. His first rank was that of second sergeant. On June 19, 1861, he enlisted for three years. or during the war, and received the following promotions: June 14, 1862, sergeant major; April 14, 1863. second lieutenant; September 21, 1863, first lieutenant. Company K, Fifth O. V. I., captain Company F, Fifth O. V. I.. June 8, 1864. His regiment formed part of the Twelfth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, and participated in the following general engagements: Winchester, Port Republic. Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. In September, 1863, this corps was transferred to flip Western army, with which it served in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta. Sherman's March to the Spa, and from Savannah through South and North Carolina, and was present at the grand review at Washington, in 1865. After four years of arduous and honorable service, the Cap-
938 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.
twin was discharged, June 30, 1865, returned to Hamilton county, and has since been engaged in farming. On July 26, 1865, he married Selina Edwards, who was born in this county February 24. 1836, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Sutton) Edwards, the former born July 5, 1811, the latter February 18, 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Coddington are the parents of five children: Leva M. (wife of E. J. Turner), Mary S., Edgar H.. George W., and Laura E. The family are connected with the Universalist Church; Mr. Coddington is a member of the G. A. R. and the Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry Association.
FRANCIS MARION BROWN was born June 20, 1836, at Newtown, Hamilton Co., Ohio, a son of Jacob H. and Henrietta (Bradford) Brown. The father, a carpenter by trade, was born in Pennsylvania, March 8, 1808, and came to Newtown at an early age with his parents; his wife was born in Newtown in 1803.
Our subject lived with his parents until twenty-one years of age, learned the carpenter trade with his father, and pursued this calling until 1890, since which time he has been engaged in farming east of Newtown. On July 5, 1857, he married Frances. daughter of Russell and Susan (Chambers) Adkins, of Fayetteville, Brown Co., Ohio, where she was born April 20, 1835. To this union the following children were born: Alvilda, wife of William Miller; George, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased, and Jeanette. wife of Charles Davis. Mr,. Brown died in 1878, a consistent member of the Methodist Church, and in August, 1881, Mr. Brown married Sarah, who was born May 28,1832, daughter of Joseph and Nancy Meritt. They are members of the Baptist Church; in politics Mr. Brown is a Democrat,.
WILLIAM A. SMITH was born in Canada, March 17, 1835, and came to Hamilton county, Ohio, when a boy. He is a son of Stillman and Deliah (Bredwood) Smith, the former of whom served in the war of 1812 under Gen. Scott, participating in most of the battles; he was a farmer by occupation; a Democrat in politics, and both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Church.
Our subject lived with his parents until he was twelve years of age, when he went to live with a Mr.. McCormick, remaining with him until manhood. He then firmed for a few years, and afterward engaged in working for the C. P. and V. R. R. for eight years, since which time, except during the Civil war, he has been engaged in farming near Newtown, Anderson township. Mr. Smith enlisted September 10, 1861, for three years, or during the war, and served his country the entire time. He was in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Atlanta, Morrison Bridge, Lookout Mountain, Vicksburg, Jackson and Chattanooga, besides in numerous skirmishes. He was in Company D, Seventieth O. V. I. under Gen. Sherman. Mr. Smith was united in marriage September 29, 1863, to Miss Martha Kelso, who was born February 15, 1843, a daughter of William and Susan (Martin) Kelso. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Smith is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Pendleton; politically he is a Democrat. Their marriage has been blessed with three children: Lorenia, Wife of Harry Waters, in the employ of the P. C. C. & St. L. R. R. Co. ; Susie (deceased), and Zoa, at home.
SAMUEL D. WOODRUFF was born in Anderson township, Hamilton Co., Ohio, October 11, 1832, a son of Samuel and Cynthia (Durham) Woodruff. His father was born in New Jersey, April 23, 1797, and came to Hamilton county in early childhood with his father, Stephen Woodruff, a weaver by trade, who located first at Columbia, and then engaged in farming on Blough creek, continuing this vocation until his death. Mrs. Cynthia (Durham) Woodruff was born in Anderson township in 1801. Her parents, Daniel and Jane (Hawthorn) Durham, were natives of Maryland, and early settlers of Cherry Grove.
Our subject's father died from cholera in 1834, and Samuel lived with his mother until her death in 1886. For two ,years he rented land and then bought part of the homestead, which be subsequently sold, and purchased his present farm of thirty-six acres near Mt. Summit. On June 17, 1890, he married Amelia, who
HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 939
was born in 1845, daughter of Joshua and Nancy Durham. Mr. Woodruff is a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife are adherents of the Methodist Protestant Church.
CHARLES L. METZ, physician and surgeon, was born January 1, 1847, in Cincinnati, Ohio, son of Dr. F. M. Metz and Babetta (Reichert) Metz. The father was born in Bavaria, Germany, where he received his literary and medical education. He emigrated to America in 1840, and during that year began the practice of medicine in New Orleans, La. In 1846 he migrated to Cincinnati where be practiced until 1849, in which year he removed to Danville, Highland Co., Ohio. There he practiced until 1856, when he located at Plainville, Columbia township, Hamilton county, and continued in active practice of his profession up to his death, March 4, 1873. His widow died July 28, 1884. They were the parents of ten children, of whom the following are living: Anna T. (wife of Col. C. F. Beyland) is editor in New York City of the Fortschritt, the only German paper edited by a woman in the United States; her husband is editor of the New York Republican., and their son, William F., is editor of the Summit Gazette, Summit, N. J. ; Edward L., of Cincinnati, Julius A., of Columbus, Ohio, and Charles L.
Dr. Charles L. Metz received his literary education in the public schools of Cincinnati, read medicine with his father, and was graduated from Miami Medical College in 1871, He began practice at Plainville, removing to Madisonville in 1871, where he has since remained. The Doctor is a member of the Cincinnati Academy of Medicine, and the Walnut Hills Medical Society; he also belongs to the Masonic Order and the National Union. He is a Republican in politics, has served in the Madisonville council four years, and as a member of the school board nine years. Dr. Metz was married May 4, 1870, to Amelia Berger, of Brown county, Ohio, and to this union have been born eight children, seven of whom are living: Anna T. (who married Dr. A. L. Knight), Clara I., Charles Wilber, Beatrice A., Ethel H., Marie, and George F. The Doctor is possessed of fine literary ability, and is now (April, 1894) engaged with Prof. F. W. Putnam, of Harvard University, in writing a joint memoir on Archeological explorations in the Miami Valley. In 1880 he was appointed special assistant in the field, having charge of the archaeological explorations conducted by the Peabody Museum of American Archeology and Ethnology, Cambridge, Mass. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and is a corresponding member of the Boston Society of Natural History. The Doctor is the author of a chart locating the prehistoric monuments of Columbia and Anderson townships, and of other pamphlets pertaining to archaeology and ethnology.
JAMES JULIEN, manufacturer of and dealer in granite and marble monuments, tombs and building stone, was born December 18, 1832, in the village of Williancourt, Province of Luxembourg, Belgium, son of Jean Baptiste and Marie Barbe (Ravet) Julien, the former a weaver and musician, the latter a native of Musson, Belgium.
In September, 1851, at the age of nineteen years, he emigrated to America, landing at New Orleans after a voyage of seventy-nine days. In January, 1852, he reached Cincinnati, and worked in a hotel fourteen months; then learned the trade of marble and stone cutter, in which he has since been engaged. In 1855 he married Marie Pierrett, of St. Martin, Brown Co., Ohio, a native of Belgium, who died in 1864, leaving three children, the youngest of whom, Carrie, died in 1869. In 1866 he married Marie Brulport, who was born in Fayetteville, Brown Co., Ohio, daughter of Philip and Marie (Favret) Brulport, natives of Vesoul, France, and now residents of Fayetteville. Mr. Julien's family numbers eight living children, of whom J. Edward is associated with his father in business, is married and has two children, Marie Camille and Julien; William was educated at the public schools and at Mechanics' Institute, Cincinnati, and is also associated in business with his father;
940 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.
Annie is a stenographer, employed in the auditor's office of the B. & O. S. W. R. R. Co.; Stella is also a stenographer; Clara, Florence and James are at home. The family adhere to the Catholic Church. Mr. Julien was commissioned justice of the peace for Columbia township September 13, 1861, and served three terns. He was township treasurer eleven years, was member of the village council part of two terms, and was mayor of Madisonville, 1888-92. In 1888 he was nominated for county commissioner, but an adverse political majority prevented his election. In polities he is a Democrat, and at present is postmaster at Madisonville, Ohio.
WILLIAM H. SETTLE, dealer in coal and feed, and real-estate agent, Madisonville, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, January 21, 1859, son of William H. and Hester M. (Kitchell) Settle, both of whom were natives of Ohio and of English descent. They were the parents of seven children: George I., of Columbus. Ohio; Charles M,; William H. ; Carrie J. ; Anna; Florence, wife of Edward Gormen, and Leota.
William H. Settle received a public-school education, which was completed at Madisonville High School. His present business is that of dealing in coal and feed, and in the buying and selling of real estate. In politics he is a Democrat; in 1888 he was elected township trustee, to which office he was re-elected in 1892. He is also treasurer of the corporate village of Madisonville. On April 29, 1886, he married Mary B., daughter of William B. and Mary A. Clephane, and they are the parents of two children, Mable and Myrtle. Mr, and Mrs. Settle are members of the Regular Baptist Church; he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Masonic Lodge.
SAMUEL KYLE STEPHENS was born in Fayette county, Penn., December 31, 1835, the eighth in a family of twelve children----five sons and seven daughters: Clark, born in 1824; Benjamin F., born in 1830; Edward, born in 1833; S. Kyle (subject); Allen R. C,, born in 1842; Elizabeth, born in 1822; Mary, born in 1825; Sarah, born in 1828; Susan, born in 1831; Nancy D, born in 1838; Frances P., born in 1840, and Amanda L., born in 1843, who is now Mrs. Amanda L. Murdock, who organized the Provisional Department of the Woman's Relief Corps of West Virginia. She was its provisional president, and when the State of West Virginia was made a full department she was unanimously chosen its department president. which office she now holds. The sons all lived to manhood except Edward, who died at the age of two years. The daughters all lived to be the heads of households, and mothers. Edward Thomas Stephens, grandfather of our subject, was born of Irish parents in the State of Pennsylvania, June 1, 1769. The father. Thomas Clark Stephens, was born in Pennsylvania November 27, 1794; the mother. Hester (Orbin), was born of German parents August 22. 1800, in Pennsylvania--so the subject of this sketch, with his large family of sisters and brothers, is of Irish and German extraction. Thomas C. Stephens and his brother Edward W., father and uncle, respectively, of S. Kyle Stephens, became identified with the early development of iron and coal interests of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and early in the "forties" both located at Wheeling, Va. (now W Va.), where Thomas C. Stephens became a leading coal merchant, and Edward W. a pioneer in the establishment of rolling mills.
It was at Wheeling, Va. (now W. Va.), that S. Kyle Stephens was reared. Before reaching that town, however, he had made some advancement in the rudiments of learning, but in Wheeling, at the Fifth Ward School and at Duff's Commercial College, was laid the foundation for a life largely devoted to the educational interests of Hamilton county, Ohio. After leaving school, young Stephens took employment at the Crescent Rolling Mills, of which his uncle, E. W. Stephens, was one-third owner and manager, and under the able direction of Lot Joy, one of the most accomplished machinists of his day, learned the trade of rail rolling, roll turning and mechanical drawing. Equipped in this wanner for what he thought to be his life work, the young mechanic followed the fortunes of his uncle Edward to Covington, Ky., until
HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 841
in the summer of 1856, when failing health admonished him to take a much-needed rest. Accordingly he sought the bracing effects of country air, and the seductive influence of piscatorial sport on the banks of the murmuring Miami, in the vicinity of classic Miamitown, Hamilton Co., Ohio. During his stay in the country he accepted an offer to teach a country school. This employment proved so congenial that he forever forsook the more lucrative as well as the more laborious trade he had just mastered, and devoted himself to the cause of education, chiefly in Hamilton county, Ohio, for the next thirty-four years, except an interval of ten years during which time he was in business in Cincinnati, Ohio. The ever memorable spring of 1861 found Prof. Stephens holding the position of principal of the high school at Lawrenceburg. Indiana, where he had located with his wife (he had married a Miss Minerva Smith, of Crosby township, Hamilton Co., Ohio, in December, 1858). In 1861, at the call of President Lincoln for 75,000 men to maintain the honor of our flag, and the integrity of the Union, Prof. Stephens was one of the first to place his line on the roll of volunteers, and sending his wife and little baby home to her father, he started for Camp Morton," at Indianapolis, with the patriotic boys from Lawrenceburg. He was commissioned first lieutenant of Company G, Seventh Indiana Volunteers, commanded by Col. E. Dumont, and served with distinction in McClellan's campaign in West Virginia. His two brothers, Benjamin and Allen (the only brothers then living), volunteered at the same time, Benjamin F. in a Pennsylvania regiment, and Allen It. C. in the First Virginia Regiment, both serving during the war. (Allen R. C. Stephens re-enlisted in Battery D, West Virginia Artillery, was taken prisoner in 1864, laid in Andersonville prison thirteen months, was released by Sherman's march to the sea, boarded the ill-fated steamer Sultana" at Vicksburg, Miss., and was lost with some eighteen hundred brave boys in the terrible disaster, just above Memphis, April 27, 1865). The war record of the three brothers is a source of just pride to their family and friends.
S. Kyle Stephens and his wife, Minerva Stephens, have three children: Hallie Erminie Stephens, born at Lawrenceburg, Indiana, May 13, 1860, now superintendent of the North Bend schools, and an accomplished musician; A. E. B. Stephens (the only son), born June 3, 1862, in Crosby township, Hamilton county (he has been a successful teacher in Hamilton and Butler counties. In 1891 he was elected mayor of Cleves, Ohio, and left the school room to accept the position of deputy treasurer of Hamilton county. He is president of the Miami Township B. and L. Company, a prominent member of the Sons of Veterans, a Mason and a K. of P.); and Maud Kyle, born in Cincinnati, May 27, 1864. These children were educated at the Cincinnati schools, A. E. B. finishing at the Chickering Academy. A. E. B. Stephens and his sister, Maud Kyle, only son and youngest daughter of S. Kyle and Minerva Stephens, married, respectively, Mary Carlin and James B. Carlin, eldest daughter and second son of Capt. James Carlin, of Cleves, Hamilton Co., Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. A. E. B. Stephens were born four children: James Kyle, Maude. Leslie M. (who died at the age of fourteen months), and Corinne. To Mr. and jars. James B. Carlin have been born three children: Hallie Estella; James B., Jr., and S. Kyle Stephens. James B. Carlin is one of the most popular conductors on the M. & L. S. It. It., On which road he has held service fo eight years with his home at Ashland, Wis, Minerva (Smith) Stephens, wife of S. Kyle Stephens, was born and raised in Crosby township, Hamilton Co., Ohio. Her father, David Smith, was born in Pennsylvania, but came to Hamilton county when a boy, and was one of the sturdy pioneers of the Miami Valley. He married Susannah Wilkins, only daughter of Daniel Wilkins, a wealthy pioneer. David Smith and his wife reared a family of eight children-four sons and four daughters-seven of whom are living.
Prof. S. Kyle Stephens is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Scottish Rite and York Rite Masons, I. O. O. F. and Encampment, Sons of Temperance,. Keeley League, and Grand Army of the Republic. His wife is a devout member of
942 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY,
the Richmond Street Christian Church, Cincinnati. It may be truthfully said that " S. Kyle Stephens and his wife have thus far lived busy, useful lives, meeting its duties fearlessly, and discharging them with more than ordinary ability. Both still give promise of many years in which to indulge an excusable pride in the success of their talented and prosperous children-to watch with anxious tender concern the growth and development of their promising grandchildren, and to enjoy the society and fellowship of their numerous relatives and friends."
REV. JAMES T. POLLOCK, pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Madisonville, was born August 31, 1835, son of William and Fannie (Thompson) Pollock. The father, who was a cousin of Governor Pollock of Pennsylvania, died in 1880; the mother died in 1865. They were the parents of children, as follows: Eliza Mc., wife of L. M. Anderson, of LOgan county, Ohio; J. B., Of Van Wert, Ohio; Mary H., wife of R. F. Howard, of Xenia, Ohio; Jennie, who married T. B. Core, of Long Branch, N. J.; Sarah H., wife of I. N. Glasgow; Calvin, a physician, of Detroit, Mich.; S. J., a physician, of Bellecenter, Ohio; and Ellen, Robert H., William W. and Fanny, all deceased.
James T. Pollock was educated at Geneva Hall, Logan Co., Ohio, and took a course in theology at Allegheny City, Penn. In 1860, he began preaching at Bovina, N Y. During the war of the Rebellion, he served one year as chaplain of the Ninety-first Indiana Regiment, He has been pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Madisonville for the past five years, and enjoys the love and confidence of the community in general, as well as of his own people. On June 12, 1867, he married Elizabeth A., daughter of Samuel and Margaret. (Ramsey) Andrews, both natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent. Four children have been born to this union: Fanny, wife of Walter Alsdorf ; Margaret R.; Charles F. (deceased), and Melville A. In politics Mr. Pollock is a Republican.
FRANK LOBNITZ, president of the Madison Planing Mill Company, is a native of Germany, where he was born November 24, 1829, one of six children born to Frederick and Martha Lobnitz. He came to America in 1868, and located at Madisonville, where he has since had a controlling interest in the planing mill. In 1858 he was married, in Denmark. to Maria Cristiansen, and to this union six children were born: William, Julius, Ennis, Emma, Ennis, and Matilda, the two last named being now deceased. The family is connected with the Lutheran Church; in politics Mr. Lobnitz is a Democrat.
W. J. BEHYMER, undertaker and proprietor of livery stables at Madisonville and Norwood, was born at Locust Corner. Clermont Co., Ohio, January 13, 1842, son of Benjamin and Fannie (Nash) Behymer. His father was born March 28, 1821, his mother on March 29, 1823, both in Clermont county. Benjamin Behymer's parents were Joel and Eve Behymer, who came from Pennsylvania while the Indians were still here, and died in Clermont county. Benjamin followed farming in his native county until about 1877. when failing health compelled him to relinquish rural pursuits and seek retirement, since which time he and his wife have resided with their son W. J. Their union was blessed with two children: W. J. and E. B., who was foreman in the Madisonville livery stables at the time of his death, July 11, 1893. Mr. Behymer served as a justice of the peace in Clermont county several years; held the office of director of the County Infirmary, and was a member of the Clermont County Agricultural Society many years. He and his wife are consistent members of the Baptist Church, in which he has been for many years, and is now, a deacon.
W. J. Behymer was educated in the common schools of his native county, and has been successively employed in tobacco manufacture, as merchant and as undertaker. On August 11, 1862, he enlisted in the Eighty-ninth O. V. I. as corporal of Company B, and was subsequently promoted to orderly sergeant. His first service was with the troops thrown across the Ohio to meet Gen. Kirby Smith. In 1862
HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 943
he was in active service in the Kanawha Valley, West Virginia, and in the battles of the Army of the Cumberland at Fort Donelson, Nashville, Carthage, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga and Chickamauga. At the last named place he was taken prisoner September 20, 1863, and during the next fifteen months was successively confined at Ringgold, Ga.; Belle Isle, Va.; Libby Prison, Danville, Va.; Andersonville, Ga.; Charleston, S. C., and then again at Florence and Charleston, where he was paroled and sent to Annapolis. He was then furloughed, and finally discharged at Columbus, Ohio, about the time of Lee's surrender in 1865.
On October 5, 1865, Mr. Behymer married Anna L. Hatfield, who was born March 15, 1844, daughter of Col. J. D. and Elizabeth (Crossley) Hatfield. By this marriage there is one child. Frank A., in partnership with his father and having charge of the Norwood stables. Mr. Behymer is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Blue Lodge, F. & A. M., Madisonville, No. 419, Kilwinning Chapter, No. 97, and Hanselman Commandery, No. 16, also of the Mystic Shrine, Syrian Temple; he is a member and has been commander of H. B. Banning Post G. A. R., Madisonville. He has served as president of the State Association of Ex-Prisoners of War for two years, and was president of the Regimental Association of the Eighty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Behymer rendered valuable services to the Hamilton County Agricultural board for eight years, and is now a worthy member of Madisonville council. He became connected with the Madisonville Building and Loan Association No. 2, in 1877, becoming an officer at the time, and has served ever since. He and his wife belong to the Baptist Church.
J. ANDERSON WARD, farmer, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, October 5, 1840, son of John C. and Betsey N. (Schofield) Ward, both of whom were of English parentage, the former born in New Jersey, the latter in New York. The father, who was a blacksmith by trade, came to Hamilton county in 1815, and followed blacksmithing for some years, but spent the latter days of his life on a farm. His family numbered seven children: Sarah M., Sylvester, Sanford, Josephine, Lillie C., J. Anderson, and one that died in infancy, of whom, Lillie C. and J. Anderson are still living.
J. Anderson Ward, the only surviving son, received his education at the Madisonville public schools, and at Bartlett's Commercial College, Cincinnati. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and since his father's death has taken his place on the farm. On May 9, 1864, he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth O. V. I., which watt mustered in at Camp Dennison and proceeded thence to Arlington Heights, Washington. He was mustered out September 1, 1864, and returned to his old home at Madisonville, where he has since resided. In 1880 he married Carrie, daughter of Thomas and Augusta (Wadleigh) Richards, and one child has been born to this union, John Raymond. Mr. Ward is independent is politics. He served as a member of the first council after Madisonville was incorporated, and has been a director of Madisonville Building and Loan Association No. 2. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, and the National Union at Madisonville.
ROBERT SCOTT was born May 7, 1822, near Belfast, Ireland, a son of Hugh and Mary (Fleming) Scott. He emigrated to America in his youth, locating in Philadelphia, whence in 1857 he removed to Cincinnati, where he first obtained employment with the dry-goods firm of Day & Matlack, on Pearl street. Two years later he entered the employ of Julius J. Bautlin, the well-known hardware merchant, who was then doing business in the old courthouse under the firm name of Bautlin & Conlin. Business changes followed, but Mr. Scott retained the position of bookkeeper, salesman, and confidential clerk for thirty-three years. He was secretary of the Madison Building Association No. 1, for a few years prior to the close of its business, and occupied the same position with No. 2, from its organization until the successful termination of its business. When No. 3 came into existence, he was tendered the secretaryship, but advancing years, and removal from the city, com-
944 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.
pelled him to decline. Mr. Scott never lost an opportunity to vote, and never failed to be a true Republican. He was well and favorably known in the circle of Odd Fellowship, having been connected with Magnolia Lodge of Cincinnati, and with Laurel Lodge, and Madison Encampment, of Madisonville. He was reared a Presbyterian, and had the satisfaction of seeing his entire household connected with that Church. Throughout his long life he enjoyed uniform good health, but began to fail in the spring of 1892, death ensuing August 24, of the same year. He lived a noble, upright life, and was never known to stoop to a dishonest or dishonorable action. His death was mourned as a village calamity. His widow and four daughters-two married, and two single--survive him. Mrs. Scott's maiden naive was Mary Thompson, anti she and Mr. Scott were married October 30, 1849, by Dr. Dall, of Philadelphia. Her parents were Robert and Catherine (Stewart) Thompson, of Rawelton, Ireland.
HON. SAMUEL FULTON COVINGTON (deceased) was born at Rising Sun, Indiana, November 12, 1819, sun of Robert E. and Mary (Fulton) Covington. He began his business career as clerk in a store, but early entered the river transportation service, as clerk on the steamboat "Renown," owned by William Glenn, of Cincinnati, and also engaged in shipping produce to southern markets by flatboats. This was followed by a brief experience in general. In March, 1843, he established the Indiana Blade at Rising Sun; two years later he transferred this paper to his brother, John B., and established the Daily Courier at Madison, Indiana. In 1845 he was admitted to the Bar at Rising Sun, and, though he never practiced, he was a recognized authority on insurance law, having been connected for some years with the Rising Sun and Indianapolis Insurance Companies. He was elected the first auditor of Ohio county, Indiana, in which he was subsequently deputy clerk of the circuit court; deputy county recorder, deputy county treasurer, and deputy school commissioner, eventually filling every county office except those of sheriff and coroner. He was elected justice of the peace in 1846, served as postmaster in 1846-47, and in 1847 was elected to the Indiana Legislature from the counties of Ohio and Switzerland. In 1851 he located at Cincinnati, and resumed his connection with the insurance business. Here he was considered an authority by his business associates, who elected him president of the board of underwriters. He was also secretary of the Western Insurance Company, and in March, 1865, was one of the Globe Insurance Company, of which he was elected secretary at its organization, and president from 1865 to 1888. Owing to poor health, he resigned the presidency May 15, 1888; he was not permitted to retire from official connection with the company, however, but was at Once re-elected honorary vice-president, continuing until his death. Mr. Covington was also connected with the municipal government in various official capacities. In 1870 he was elected alderman, and in the following year he became president of the board. In 1875 he was elected president of the board of police commissioners. As a delegate from the Chamber of Commerce, he attended the convention, in 1868, that organized the National Board of Trade. In the same year the Chamber of Commerce elected him vice-president, an honor with which he was twice again complimented. He became president in 1872, serving two terms. In 1873 he was elected a delegate to the National Board of Trade, of which he was vice-president from that date until 1880. In 1878 he was elected president; of the Cincinnati Board of Trade, which consolidated with the Board of Transportation in the following year, and he was the first executive officer of the resulting organization. For a long time he was chairman of the committee of the Chamber of Commerce on the building of the Louisville and Portland canal, and his correct addresses before the congressional committee on commerce contributed largely to the early and successful completion of that important work, He was the first to suggest traveling post masters, and the weather bureau reports. He was a constant writer for newspapers on political and economic subjects. He was especially interested in the
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improvements and protection of inland navigation. At the time of his death he had in course of preparation a history of Cincinnati. Mr. Covington was married April 2, 1843, to :Mary, daughter of Jonathan and Eleanor (Davis) Hamilton, natives of Pennsylvania and of Maryland, respectively. To this union five children were born: Lieut. George B., who fell in the service of his country; John I., insurance manager, New York City, and a member of national prominence in the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity; Harriet, wife of Rev. J. H. Shields, D. D., of Omaha, Neb.; Mary, deceased wife of Joseph Cox, Jr., of Cincinnati, and Florence, wife of Harry M. Hidden, a wholesale grocer of Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Covington was a member of the Presbyterian Church; of the Masonic fraternity, and of the I. O. O. F. Politically, he was a stanch Republican. He died December 26, 1889, and was buried in Spring Grove Cemetery, where a fine monument marks his last resting place.
DAVID KLEIN, druggist, Madisonville, was born in Spencer county, Indiana, a son of Conrad and Charlotte Klein. His father is now a druggist at Madisonville, and here our subject has also been engaged in the same business since 1878, when he completed his education at the Cincinnati public schools. He was postmaster from 1882 to 1886, and from 1889 to the present time. In 1892 he was elected a member of the board of education, with which he is also connected as clerk. In 1880 he married Rosa Brooks, and they are the parents of two children: Edith and Ralph. Mr. and Mrs. Klein are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; he is also connected with the F. & A. M., I. O. O. F., Knights of Pythias, Royal American National Union, and the Ohio State Pharmaceutical Association; in politics he is a Republican.
WILLIAM W. HUNT was born in Clermont county, Ohio, a son of John M. and Elizabeth (Conklin) Hunt, natives of New Jersey, and of English descent. The mother died in Clermont county, in 1891; the father, who was a builder and contractor throughout his active business life, spent his last years upon a farm. Their family numbered ten children, eight of whom are living.
William W. Hunt was reared on his father's farm, receiving a public-school education, which was supplemented by a course of study at Clermontville Academy. He began to learn the carpenter trade in 1880, under Henry Fisher, and with him worked one year. During the next year he was employed in Cincinnati, and then after spending a year on his father's farm began building and contracting at Madisonville. In connection with this business, ho has also conducted a lumber yard since 1892. On December 28, 1882, he married Addie C., daughter of Hubbard and, Martha (Wood) Baker, to which union five children have been born, viz,: Howard„ Roland, Wilber, Helen and Arthur. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt are members of the Baptist Church, and in politics he is a Prohibitionist.
CHARLES S. MUCHMORE was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, July 31, 1831, a son of David and Sarah (Stites) Muchmore. His father, a native of New Jersey, born of English descent, came to Hamilton county and located near Madisonville, where at one time he owned about five hundred and forty acres of land, part of which is now in the possession of the subject of this sketch. He was a farmer throughout his active business life, and died in 1864; his wife, who was also a native of New Jersey, died in 1856. They were the parents of three children: Sarah A., who married Alonzo Deforest; Deborah, and Charles S.
The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's farm, and received a public-school education. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is one of the representative farmers of the county. On January 4, 1855, he married Alvina Leonard, daughter of Mahlon P. (a wagon maker by occupation) and Anna M. Leonard, natives of Hamilton county. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Muchmore, two of whom are now living: Anna, wife of James F. Bramble, of Madisonville, and Eugena, wife of Grant Blaney, also of that village; Charles W., William H. and Luella are deceased. In politics, Mr. Muchmore is an Independent.
946 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.
He is a member of the Madisonville board of education, and of the I. O. O. F. of that village. Mrs. Muchmore belongs to the Baptist Church.
GEORGE I. SETTLE was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, November 17, 1822, a son of Joseph and Hannah (Bean) Settle, both natives of England and early residents of Cincinnati, whence in 1834 they removed to the vicinity of Madisonville. They were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the parents of seven children, four of whom are living: George I. ; Caroline, wife of Luke M. Ward; Phoebe Ann, and Ellen.
George I. Settle obtained his education at the schools of Cincinnati. After attaining his majority, he assumed the care of the parental homestead, which is still in the possession of the heirs. In 1865 he purchased sixty acres of land in the immediate vicinity of Madisonville, paying therefor the sum of $21,200, and has ever since given his time and attention to the cultivating and improving of said farm, making it one of the finest in the neighborhood. On October 15, 1857, Mr. Settle was married to Caroline, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Moorehead) Nash, both natives of Hamilton county and of German descent. She died in the following year, and was buried in Laurel Cemetery, Madisonville. Since the death of his wife his two sisters, Phoebe Ann and Ellen Settle, have kept house for him. Mr. Settle is one of the oldest and best known citizens in his community, is a Democrat in politics, and has served as school director for his township.
LEWIS FINCH was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, January 20, 1829, son of Henry and Ann (Lewis) Finch, and grandson of William Finch, who served in the Revolutionary war. Henry Finch was a native of Connecticut, came to Hamilton county in 1814, and located at Madisonville when two or three log houses constituted that village. He served in the war of 1812. He was a shoemaker by trade, but farmed in the later years of his life. His wife was also a native of Connecticut, the daughter of a French soldier who came to America with Lafayette; he died in 1879, she in 1878. They were the parents of five children, of whom the only one living is the subject of this sketch.
Lewis Finch was reared on his father's farm and educated at the public schools of Columbia township. When a boy of ten years he learned the art of budding and grafting, and has been a student of fruit culture all his life. For thirty years he has been a member of the Cincinnati Horticultural Society, and his fruit farm is one of the most extensive and best managed in the county. Mr. Finch married Christina, daughter of Ira and Mary (Wiggins) Connett, both natives of Hamilton county; her father is still living, but her mother died September 21, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Finch are the parents of five children: Frank R., who assists his father on the farm; Thomas C., head engineer and superintendent of the Madisonville waterworks and electric light plant; William L., river editor of the Commercial Gazette, formerly a school teacher; Jenny, a student at Goshen, Ohio, and Nellie, a pupil of Madisonville High School, The family is connected with the Methodist Church; in politics Mr. Finch is a Republican.
EDWIN WOOLLEY was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, June 29, 1824, son of Charles and Eliza (Forman) Woolley, the former born in Now Jersey, and died in 1833; the latter born in Delaware, and died in 1872. They were the parents of six children: Edwin; John F., who resides in Hanover, Indiana; Mary, wife of Jeremiah Brasier, and Jonathan, Martha and James, all deceased.
Edwin Woolley, the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm and received a public-school education. He learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked, however, but two years, after which he began farming. He bought a farm in Brown county, Ohio, and resided thereon some years. subsequently locating at Pleasant Ridge, where he has since remained. In 1857 he married Rosetta C., daughter of Wynant and Maggie (Wycoff) Vanzandt, both of whom are of Dutch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Woolley are the parents of five children: Joseph, a tele-
HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 947
graph operator; James M.; Mary L., wife of Edward J. Dundon; John F. and Charles E., both of whom are wood carvers, residing at Connersville, Indiana. Mr. Woolley is a member of the Masonic Fraternity; in politics he is a Democrat.
JOSEPH FERRIS was born in Fairfield county, Conn., September 20,1776, a son of Jedathan Ferris, who was the son of Samuel Ferris, whose father was born in Leicester, England. He settled in Columbia township in 1799 and followed farming, milling and distilling. He farmed in Columbia township, where he was compelled to take his produce to New Orleans on a flatboat, and return by way of New York. He owned 700 acres of land near Madisonville, on which was found an ancient Indian burial place. Mr. Ferris in an early day built a frame house for the purpose of educating his children and any others who wished to attend. He hired the teachers and paid them himself. His wife's name was Priscilla Knapp, and they were the parents of eight children, of whom one is now living: Phoebe, who has had control of the farm since the death of her brother, Andrew; Charles, Joseph, Sally, Mary, James and Ruth are deceased. The father died May 16, 1831, the mother February 28, 1872, and they were buried in the family burying ground on the home farm. Mr. Ferris was a Whig, and a member of the Masonic Lodge of Cincinnati.
WILLIAM E. THOMAS was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, March 14, 1838, son of Jacob and Naomi (Armstrong) Thomas. Jacob Thomas was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio at an early day with the expectation of finding employment in the construction of the State's public works. A Mr. Armstrong had preceded him, locating near Plainville, Hamilton county, where he built a gristmill, which for many years was known as " Armstrong's Upper Mill," and which is now owned and operated by the Hartman Bros. Jacob Thomas was employed in this mill by Mr. Armstrong for a period of twenty years. While thus engaged he was married to Naomi, daughter of Mr. Armstrong, and by this union there were born four children: Caroline, William E., Emma P., and Mary E, After closing his labors in the mill Jacob Thomas engaged in farming, which he followed the remainder of his active life.
William E. Thomas was reared to manhood on his father's farm and attended the local schools and Clermont Academy. In 1862 he enlisted for Service in the war of the Rebellion, but was not called out until 1864. His regiment went to Arlington Heights, Washington, and then joined Grant's army, but was not in active service in the front. It was stationed at Fortress Monroe, and at the close of the war Mr. Thomas was discharged at Capeville, Va. He immediately returned home and began working at the carpenter trade, at which he was employed twelve years. He then engaged in the coal and feed business, which he has successfully conducted to the present time. On September 3, 1859, he married Miss Annie Bowen, daughter of F. S. and Rachel Bowen, who. died in August, 1881, leaving children: Caroline F., Cora T. (wife of David Rohan, of Seattle, Wash.), Emma C., Edwin A., J. R. and Albert A. Mr. Thomas is a member of the Universalist Church, the I. O. O. F. and the Republican party.
NATHANIEL S. ARMSTRONG was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, December 23, 1818, a son of John and Sarah (Norris) Armstrong. The father was a native of Virginia, whence he came to Hamilton county in 1798, locating at the present site of Plainville. The mother was born in Maryland. They were the parents of the following children: Amanda M., wife of E. S. Turpin, both deceased; William N., deceased; Elizabeth C., widow of Christian Ebersole; Marshall D., deceased; Nathaniel S. and Bradford C.
Nathaniel S. Armstrong received a public-school education, which was supplemented by a course at Clermont Academy. After teaching school three years he engaged in merchandizing at Plainville; here be also operated a gristmill in connection with his store, and subsequently gave four years' exclusive attention to the
948 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.
milling business. In 1854 he entered the railway service as freight and ticket agent at Plainville, which position he held seventeen years, retiring from active business at the end of that period. In 1847 he married Jemima J. Moreton, and one child was born to this union: Sarah W., wife of W. E. Scott, a miller of Milford, Ohio. Mrs. Armstrong died October 9, 1853. Mr. Armstrong is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in politics be is a Democrat.
A. L. BRAMBLE (deceased). By the death of A. L. Bramble, in 1875, Hamilton county lost a notable and excellent citizen; one in whom the simple, plodding, earnest and honest habits of an old-time farmer were singularly united with the activity, energy and enterprise of the business man of to-day. The deceased was indeed a rare character, illustrating in his daily life the simple manners and sturdy principles of our pioneer fathers in a degree much beyond, we doubt not, any other citizen of the county, who had a place in business circles. He was born near Brownsville, Penn., June 6, 1799. In June, 1806, he emigrated to Cincinnati, Ohio; floated down the Ohio river in a flatboat twelve feet by twenty-four feet long. There came in the same boat, in all, six families, one horse, one cow, and a large dog, and the boat landed at the mouth of Deer creek, near where the Little Miami freight depot now stands. The families remained in the boat three weeks after landing, then Elon, Bramble, the father of our subject, moved with his family into a log meeting house that stood on what was known as the Usual Ward farm, about one and one-half miles from the present Bramble homestead near Madisonville, Ohio. The meeting house, that the family moved into, had a floor only over one-half of the sleepers, and the openings for windows and shutters had no shutters.
Mr. Bramble married Miss Stites, and settled on the forest-covered farm which lay on the branch of Duck creek, near Madisonville, and which was his home through all his active life. When a boy he bunted all the varieties of game common to our country in its primitive days, which have now disappeared, giving place to cultivation and improvement for which that section of the country is now so famous. With that change Mr. Bramble, in his hospitable but simple pioneer manner of life, remained a good representative man of the days of his boyhood, yet kept pace, in a surprising degree, with the progressive spirit of the times in his business enterprises and interest in current affairs. With the barest supply of the simplest articles of household furniture known to early settlers, all of which would not make a onehorse wagon load, he drove from his parental home to a little cabin, which was placed on nearly the exact spot where later stood his modern comfortable home. His faithful wife and he entered on their new life of unwearying industry. In looking forward to the success that, on such occasions, hope alone promises, they could not dream of the results they have seen and experienced. There was apparently nothing but work ahead. and at it they went with a loving faith and earnest will, and from which they never rested. Their earlier labors were in the rude forms of farming peculiar to that day. Their varied products of the farm found their places in the market in the city' regularly on leading market, days. While this part of their work continued so systematically, it did not by any means take all of Mr. Bramble's time or talents. From the earliest settlements of the Little Miami Valley the famous field of its corn found most steady absorption in bogs, and commerce in pork was a necessary sequence. In this Mr. Bramble embarked as soon as the trade opened. He became not only a great feeder of hogs and other stock, but also among the earliest drovers, slaughterers, packers and dealers. His increasing acres of corn and grazing lands had placed in their midst a slaughter house at Plainville, and there he conducted for many years an extensive business in killing hogs of his own raising, of his purchase, and for other dealers, one season showing the enormous. number of thirty-six thousand head having been slaughtered by him. The business of packing and dealing was also conducted in the city. Not confining his business to local operations, he was constantly handling stock at other points, buying in and shipping from most of the great grazing and feeding centers in Ohio and Kentucky.
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Of busy men he became about the busiest-this not because of great gain, for his profits were not commensurate with his industry and his enterprise; but because he had an instinct, of activity and a fondness for business. In all his busy work he had a sensible consideration for the value of the better things of life. He expected and made it a condition that every one about him should work; yet he valued the advantages of relaxation to his family, and took pleasure in their improvement, especially if that improvement did not take the direction of the enervating habits of modern modes of life. He wisely said once, when he heard of misadventure in marriage of children of a friend: "Young folks marry the people whom they meet, and they cannot meet desirable people nor get correct knowledge of the world without going about." He acted on this theory, and had comfort in its application so far as his own children were concerned. Strong common sense, great energy, indomitable will and thorough hatred of meanness and dishonesty were prominent features of his character. Few read people with more prompt accuracy than he did, and those whom his perceptions condemned were never trusted with his confidence ; while those whom he believed in he relied upon unquestioningly. In these judgments he was rarely mistaken. In politics he was a lifelong Democrat, and took active interest in -all State and county conventions. Although he had opportunities to hold offices of prominence, once being urged to allow his name to be used as the nominee for Congress from this county, he declined the honor.
In 1828 Mr. Bramble was married to Deborah Stites, daughter of Benjamin Stites, a well-known pioneer of Hamilton county. They were the parents of the following children: Alfred, a commission merchant in Cincinnati, who resides on Price Hill; Mary E.; Franklin; Missouri; Caroline; E. W., a distiller of Cynthiana, Ky.; Ayres L., a farmer of Butler county; Lavina D.; Henry D., boot and shoe merchant, Bellefontaine, Ohio; and James F., of Madisonville. manufacturer of tin, iron and slate roofing.
JOHN A. HOSBROOK, civil engineer, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, October 19, 1850, son of John L. and Deborah (Ferris) Hosbrook, both of whom were natives of Hamilton county. The father was a surveyor by profession, and held the .office of county surveyor several terms. The mother died in 1880. They were the parents of four children, three of whom are living: D. S., civil engineer, Cincinnati; Mary H., wife of Milton Pritchet, of New Albany, Indiana, an architect by profession, and a teacher in the Architectural Institute of Louisville, Ky., and John A.
Our subject was reared on his father's farm. At the age of fifteen, he entered Hughes High School, which he attended two years, and then took a course of three years and a half in civil engineering at the Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio. Upon his return to Cincinnati, he at once embarked in the active duties of his profession, at which he achieved fair success. He has held the office of county surveyor four years, having been elected as the nominee of the Democratic party. In 1871 Mr. Hosbrook married Alice A., daughter of Leonard and Eliza (Talker) Fowler, and to this union three daughters were born: May W., a student at Ohio Wesleyan University, class of '94; Della C., also a student at Ohio Wesleyan University, and Nellie V. After his marriage, Mr. Hosbrook resided at Indianapolis six years, but since that time he has lived at Madeira, his office being in Cincinnati. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Montgomery.
ANDREW R. ROBISON, retired, was born in Miami county, Ohio, August 21, 1839, son of John and Margaret (Rogers) Robison, both born in Ohio, of Scotch-Irish descent, the former of whom died in 1840, the latter in 1886. They were the parents of seven children, three of whom are living: Jane (wife of Josiah Buckston, of Dakota), Margaret and Andrew R.
Our subject was reared on the parental homestead, and educated at the local schools. In July, 1861, then, a young man of twenty-two, he enlisted in Company D, Thirty-ninth O. V. I., with which he participated in the engagements at Madrid,
950 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.
Mo., and Corinth, Miss., in Sherman's Atlantic campaign, as well as in a number of minor movements, and he was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., in July, ,1865. Enlisting as a private, he was promoted to second lieutenant in 1863, to first lieutenant in 1864, and to captain in 1865. After the war Capt. Robison remained at the home of his parents two years. He then went to Alabama, where he superintended a cotton plantation twelve years, returning to Hamilton county at the expiration of that period, and here he has since lived a retired life. In 1873 he married Mary, daughter of Rukerd and Mary (Osborn) Hard, of New Jersey, and one child was born to this union: Walter, who died in August, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Robison are members of the Presbyterian Church; he is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic.
ABRAHAM CRIST was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, November 10, 1843, son of Henry and Elizabeth (giggle) Crist, the former of whom was born in Hamilton county, and owned a farm of over thirty-three acres near Madeira, where he died October 29, 1877. The mother of our subject was also a native of this county, and survived her husband nearly ten years, dying April 11, 1887. They were the parents of nine children: John J., born November 5, 1836, died February 9, 1868 (he served three years in Capt. A. Hickenlooper's Fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery, from September 6, 1861, to October 1, 1864); Mary J., born February 17, 1838, died in infancy; Caroline, born December 17, 1841, died in October, 1869; Mary E., born July 11, 1846, died August 9, 1868; Henrietta, born December 7, 1850, died September 20, 1891. Four are now living, as follows: Benjamin, a farmer at Kirwin, Kaus. ; Abraham; Henry C., a farmer in Hamilton county; and Thebe A., wife of Joseph Cornish, of Madisonville.
Abraham Crist, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and received a public-school education. On April 17, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Second Kentucky Infantry, for three months, and was discharged at the expiration of the term; he re-enlisted May 2, 1864, in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth O. V. I., for ninety days. He enlisted a third time, February 19, 1805, for one year, under Capt. John S. Bowels, in Company B, Fifth Ohio Cavalry, and was finally discharged, November 20, 1865, at Charlotte, N. C. After his return he engaged in farming at which he is still employed. The farm now owned jointly by himself and his brother, Henry C., was first improved by his grandfather, Peter Crist, who settled thereon in 1800. In 1885, Mr. Crist was married to Rachel F., daughter of George Riggle and Permelia Huls, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of New York. Mr. Crist is a member of the I. O. O. F., of Madeira.
THOMAS GRAVES was born at Portsmouth, Ohio, December 1, 1806, a son of William and Lydia (Dugan) Graves. When our subject was six years old, his father died, and he was reared by an uncle, John Ewing, of Whitewater township, with whom he remained until his twenty-second year, receiving such education as the subscription schools of the community afforded. After leaving his uncle's, his first employment was with the Kanawha Virginia Salt Company, which became bankrupt, and as he had invested his savings with that company he was left without a cent. After several years miscellaneous trading up and down the river, he bought a farm of ninety-six acres in Columbia township, February 18, 1840, and has since been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. His farm is situated on " Indian Hill," on a direct trail between the two Miami rivers. Indian Hill received its name from a sad circumstance-the killing by an Indian of a white man who was watching for deer at a salt lick on what is now Mr. Graves' farm. On November 27, 1834, Mr. Graves married Mary A., daughter of Ebenezer and Deborah (Hubbard) Mixer, and to this marriage four children have been born: William E., who farina the old place; Ebenezer, who died April 19, 1874; John, who died April 4, 1892, and Lydia, who died February 27, 1893. The death of their mother occurred May 20, 1884. In politics Mr. Graves is a Democrat.
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ANDREW J. BUSH was born February 27, 1829, in Hamilton county, Ohio, son of Abraham and Mary (Ester) Bush, who were of English and German extraction, respectively, They were both natives of Virginia. Abraham Bush migrated to Warren county, Ohio, in 1800, locating at Lebanon. He served in the war of 1812, and after the war located near Madisonville, Hamilton county. He was a farmer by occupation, in connection with which he raised fruits of all kinds. He died in 1832 of cholera. His wife died December 9, 1872. They were the parents of seven children, three of whom survive: Hannah, who married Joseph Martin, deceased; Alysanna, and Andrew J. Those dec