USA > Ohio > Fairfield County > A Biographical record of Fairfield County, Ohio, illustrated > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47
. THE LIBRA CONGRESS 4
C LIBR
2
C
E LIBRARY AUFV OF CONGRE OF CONGRES THE LIBRARYC Y OF CONGRESS THE sefaire y CONGRE
N 1/1 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS .. OFF CONCRE 742102 0 THE LIBRARY
CONGRES CONGRES Siguarda
TLF LIP ARY 8811 30 AF LIBRARY> ·
CON
HI: I.IMRA
TH . 11B
.
1
.
-
.
A 11
C
VGRESSA
OF BRARY OF THE . $ 1.35 A C LIBRARY CONGRES. OF CONGRESS 1 N
THE LIBRARY
OF CONGRESS THE LIBRARY NGRES
CONGRESSO
THE LIBRARY O OF CONGRESS
OF CONGRO
LIBRAR'
OF (F CONTRL.
CONGRESS
LIBRARY ry !!! CONGRESS THI Visadaare? ¿ CONGRESS. OF CONGRESS
. THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS GRESS SSAMONDO 0
ARENUMAI TE HE LIBRARY, N
RARY OF CONGRESS T F CONGRESS KARYO H
3 THE LIBRARY NGRESS M CONGRESS TI AHENNIN AR VE LIBRARY HF LI' PARY , CONGRE
HIE
LIBRARY
. .
*
COA
10.'
TO OF BRARY UKUR BR
602 1001
CO
RARP
BYARY OF
07 .1
co
LIBRARY OF CON .R. CON , RES THE LIBRARY (F CON , RES F CON,RE
LIBRIRY
. INGRE. . RARY CONGRES CE PURIRIO THE LIBRARY NGRESS
CONGRESS THE LIBRARY
1 F CONGRESS THE LIBRARY THE LIBRARY
THE IIFRARY : CONGRESS 5 ILSSIMONO 0 OF CONGRESS. OF CONGRESS 7 S OF CONGRESS r . . CONGRESS THE LIFPARY . CONGRES OF y SSIMONO OF CONGRESS . CONGRESS_ LIBRARY IE LIBRA LIBRARY LIBRARY THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 1 N (LESS THE LIBRARY, HP LIBRARY
.
F CONGR
CONGRESS s THE f CF CONGRES IE IIBRAKY OF CONGRESSS .
C LIBRARY
LIBRARY
IBRAI
3 . TRAP & CONGRESS
CONGRESS
.
THE IIBRA
LIBRARY THE LIBRARY (
.
...
, OF CONGRESS THE
LIBRARY
THE LIBRARY THE LIBRARYO
I CONGRESS THE LIBRARY
3
BR.IRY
. THE LIER CONGRESS MAIL Y VE LIBRA CONGRESS THE LIBRARY
THE OF CONGRESS LIBRARY
. T
N
OF CONGRESS THE LIM NGRESS THE LIBRARY
OF CONGR
OF CONGRESS " n LIBRARY TAUXUIT . . THE 0
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.
N G
H
. . SS
A CONGRES ALUNOS OF CONGRESS SENON
LIBRARY
OF
CONGA
IN THE LIBRARY
.
. OF CONGA CONGRES TA CIONARIA . LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. THE LABAIP & CONGRESS E 2.5 THE LIBRARY
OF CONGRESS
... T NY OF CONGRESS CONGRES H
VGRES.
NGRESS THE LIBRARY . CD CONGRES AD LIBRARUS
THE I.I
A NGRESS S A ASSUMINDO & CONGRESS THE LIBRARY
F G 15 OF CONGRESS. OF CONGRESS ... 5
THE LIBRARY
CONGRESS CONGRES LA LIBRARIO LIBR OF
LIBRARY
OF CONGRESS OF CONGRESS
CONGRESS
4 THE LIBRARY ODE CONGRES GROUNDS HON H C
CONGRESS TH
THE LIBRARY S ₦ CONGREG AN. LIBRARY RY De BOUCHE C LIBRARY OF C . OF
HUREN ME LIBRARYC THE LIBRARY
OF CONGRESS
N 0 € 5 G CONGRESS THE LIBRARY
NGRESS TE THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CONGRES Hygro) 15
THE LIBRARY
G
€
G
F
L
.
Y
0
¢ OF CONGRESS THE LIBRARY THE LIBRARY
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS THE LIBRARY
OF
E
THE LIBRARY IIBR.IRY
G 0 E . CONGRESS THE LIBRARY O ₦ Z OF CONGRESS 1 G 7 L THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ₦ . MASCARAD'OF CONGRESS" . C THE LIBRARY THE LIBRARY P
.
c
GRESS
THE LIBRARY
BRARY THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS GRY LIBRARY CONGRESS T
CONGRES ME LIBRARY
OF CO. 2 THE LIBRARY HE LIBRARY THE LIBRARY ( OF CONGRESS T OF CONGRES OF CONGRESSno12
. R
OF CONCRETE LIBRARY
OF CONGRESS
5
VGRESS THE LIBRARY
OF LONDRES ME LIBRARY C
THE LIBRARY (
CONGRESS_
₦ HE HE LIBR G A R S H CONGRESS DOF CONGRESS ~
1 A
CONGRESS. THE LIBRARY
THE LIBRARY OF CONGW
N
OF CONGRESS THE LIBRARY
SS
.
THE LI
.THE LI
ONGRESS THE LIPKAKY
KONGRES
THE LIBRARY
THE I.ID
THE LIBRARY
OF CO
" THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
G
OF
3
1
F.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 1
A
BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
+ 1
OF
FAIRFIELD COUNTY
OHIO
ILLUSTRATED
The people that take no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors will never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote generations .- MACAULAY.
NEW YORK AND CHICAGO: THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY,
1902.
٢٢-٢٠
INDEX.
PAGE
Allen, Jesse
136
Ashbrook, Ira
118
Balthaser, Henry
347
Barnett, Jasper J
206
Barr, William
86
Baumgardner Family
400
Beals, C. O ..
38.2
Beck, George G.
21
Beck, J. K ..
42
Bellermann, J. H .. 305
Black, S. C.
53
Blauser, John
162
Boerstler. Dr. G. W.
33
Boerstler, Dr. G. W., Jr 36
Book, John S ...
168
Boving, Frank J
III
Boyer, Daniel G.
360
Boyer. Henry
338
Bradford. Dr. A. A. 190
Brandt, Capt. Oliver B
127
Brasec, John T
J3
Breslin, Jolın G.
266
Bright, David Luther.
393
Bright, Enoch
59
Brobst, David
I02
Brown, Dr. Howard A.
271
Brown, Obed
300
Buchanan, W. L.
I39
Burton, Van S.
159
Busby, John T.
I20
Buschemeyer, F. J
166
Christy, Joseph
179
Claypool, Isaac
363
Claypool, Jacob 18
Claypool, James B.
198
Clump, Christopher
247
Cofman, S. P
49
Cole, Thomas
372
Conrad, Ilenry
193
Conrad. Jonas
79
Conrad, William L.
257
Courtright, Dr. George S.
1.46
Holliday, F. A.
341
Cox, Thomas B
391
Crouse, Jacob
209
Hooker, Valentine
51
Cruit, William
184
Huffer, Cornelius
255
PAGE
Dill, Thomas H.
238
Dolson, Thomas H.
54
Drinkle, H. C ..
371
Drum, Henry Dresbach.
326
Ernst, Jacob
201
Evans, Richard
I30
Ewing, Thomas
352 .
Fenstermaker, Jacob W
67
Flowers, Dr. F. L.
172
Fricker, John
276
Fromlet. Aloys
330
Geiger, Henry W
191
Giesy, Daniel
343
Gillett, Edward M.
297
Ginder. A. H.
69
Ginder, Van H.
169
Gingrich, Thomas
323
Glick, Manasseh
88
Gourley, Rev. John.
319
Gravett, John
65
Graybill, John
311
Griffith, Rev. R. H.
32
Griswold, Samuel A
II2
Grove, Isaac
199
Gundy, Joseph P.
379
Halderman, Rev. George W .. 156
Hamberger, G. A.
394
Hansberger, Abraham
251
Harmon, John P.
337
Hartmann, J. C.
218
Hedges. Jabez
IOT
Hege, William
201
Hershberger, Dr. J. P.
2.48
Hewetson, Dr. Peter.
25
Hill. H. A. P.
325
PAGE
Hufford, Emanuel
310
Hufford, William
63
Hummell. J. D.
I4I
Hunter, Hocking H
I ]
Hunter. W. J
90
Hyde. John
71
Keller, John B.
322
Kiger, George W
186
Kissinger, David E.
183
Kocher, John
227
Lamb. Hon. G. W.
41
Lape, Theodore
211
Larger, Ambrose
327
Lerch, Dr. A. V.
30
Gicsy, H. H
345
Lewis, Dr. W. C.
107
Lupher, P. W
48
Lutz, G. A
320
MacDonough, Thomas
J
290
Macklin, Philip
96
Magee, Washington
243
Mallon, Elnathan S.
225
Martens, H. A.
176
Martin, Hon. Charles D 349
Martin, John D.
26
Matt. George
280
Mauger, Fred L ..
194
McCleery, Mrs, Nancy.
222
McClenaghan, W. T ..
351
Mechling, Rev. George W
212
Mechling. H. F
331
Miller, M. C.
2.4.4
Mock, J. C ...
207
Monhank, Dr. R. W.
317
Mumaugh. J. R.
361
Musser, A. J.
288
Musser, David
261
Musser, Jesse
263
Myers, William H.
286
Nichols, George
294
Nourse. John D., M. D ..
259
Outcalt, C. W
370
Hills, James
346
Ilite, Col. John C.
82
Hoffman, George E.
292
Holmes, Richard
386
İNDEX.
PAGE
Pearce, Caleb H. 375
Sherburne. Joseph 221
Pence. David 200
Sherman, Charles R 1.43
Peters, Newton 181
Shuman, Joseph D. 105
Pickering, James T
403
Silbaugh, John J. 236
Pilger, Rev. N. E
304
Pool, James
171
Snyder, Loms J
378
Weist. S. S. 37
Powers, James T 385
Pratt, Thomas S 308
Stanbery. P. B.
15,3
Wetzel. George H1 76
Steward, J. M.
78
Reese, Dr. Charles E. 91
Stover, P. T. 321
Wetzler. Thomas 228
Reese, Col. H. B. 47
Reese, Mrs. Mary 2.3+
Reese, W. J. 62
Stuckey, Daniel 253
Wilbert. Jacob 315
Reeves, J. G.
313
Stukey, Dr. F. P. 284
Williamson, 11. C. 332
Reynolds, J. W 277
Ritchie. J. C. 293
230
Rosey. Louis
2.12
Rowlee. C. M. 126
Thomas. Dr. B. A. 72
Towson, Charles H. 376
Sharp, William
122
Tront.
380
Turner, Joseph S.
358
Zimmerman. Heury
Shaw, A. W.
296
PAGE
PAGE
Vory-, Isaiah
388
Walker, Capt. W. W. 133
Walters. H. H. 196
Weaver. 11. Clay 208
Welch, George W 200
Wetzel, Jacob J 390
Strayer. Dr. Frank P 366
Whiley. Robin-on 273 Whitehurst. Jacob 303
Stukey. Dr. John J 246
Sturgeon. Z. T 274
Wolford. John B 216
Ropp. J. L.
Work. E. W. 387
Thimmes, John H 214
Work. Rubert 383
Wygum. George W. 237
1
Slutz, Rev. W. L.
306
Spangler, John B 92
Strode. W. Il. 100
Wilson. James W. 151
PREFACE.
HE greatest of English historians, MACAULAY, and one of the most brilliant writers of the present century, has said : "The history of a + country is best told in a record of the lives of its people." In con- formity with this idea, the BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD has been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, our corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by their enterprise and industry, brought this county to a rank second to none among those comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelligent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by industry and economy, have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and records how that success has usu- ally crowned their efforts. It tells also of those, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued the " even tenor of their way," content to have it said of them, as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy-"They have done what they could." It tells how many, in the pride and strength of young manhood, left the plow and the anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's call went forth valiantly " to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not be lost upon those who follow after.
Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, froin the fact that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written ; and the publishers flatter themselves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to biographical sketches, portraits of a mimber of representative citizens are given.
The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested one would be withheld. In a few instances men never could be found, though repeated calls were made at their residence or place of business.
October, 1902.
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING CO. '
H. H. HUNTER
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
HON. HOCKING H. HUNTER.
A well known jurist of Illinois said : "In the American state the great and good lawyer must always be prominent, for he is one of the forces that move and control so- ciety. Public confidence has ever been re- posed in the legal profession. It has ever been the defender of popular rights ; the champion of freedom, regulated by law ; the firm support of good government. In times of danger it has, like a rock, breasted the mad passions of the hour and finally resulted in quieting tumult and faction." No politi- cal preferment, no mere place can add to the power or increase the honor which be- longs to the pure and educated lawyer. Hocking H. Hunter was one of the most distinguished attorneys that has ever prac- ticed at the Ohio bar and his life record forms an important chapter in the annals of the state. He won marked distinction be- cause of his unimpeachable character, his unusual intellectual endowments and his thorough understanding of jurisprudence.
Mr. Hunter was born in Lancaster, Au- gust 23. 1801. Only a few years had passed
since the foundation of the city was laid and through almost three-fourths of a century he continued to make his home here. His par- ents were Captain Joseph and Dorothy (Berkshire) Hunter, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Maryland. The Captain was in command of a company in the Revolutionary war and at its close hc removed to Kentucky, whence in 1798 he came to Fairfield county, Ohio, being its first settler. Here he owned a large tract of lanxl, living the life of a farmer, and now he sleeps in the old city cemetery at the corner of High and Chestnut streets, while his wife is also interred there. In their family were six children, but the only surviving une is Mrs. Sarah Cassel. who, at the age of ninety-two years, is still living in Lan- caster.
Hocking H. Hunter, of this review, was the second in order of birth and was reared upon a farm, where he spent the days of his childhood and youth, assisting in the cul- tivation of the field and meadow. On the 30th of November, 1823, when a young
2
12
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
man, he chose as companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Ann Matlack, a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Lynch) Matlack, who came to Fairfield county about 1810.
The educational privileges which Mr. Hunter had received were very limited. He attended the country schools near his home for a short time. but not content with that he managed to become a student in the Lan- caster Academy, being at first under the in- struction of Professor Stephen Whittlesy, a graduate of Yale College, and afterwards under Professor John Whittlesy, a brother. of the same college. He began the study of law under the direction of Hon. William W. Irvin. formerly judge of the supreme court of the state of Ohio, and distinguished among his generation of lawyers practicing in the state. With him Mr. Hunter contin- ued his reading until the spring of 1824. when he was admitted to the bar, and with remarkable constancy he devoted his ener- gies to his professional duties to the exclu- sion of every other kind of employment or business activity. In 1825 he was appointed to the position of prosecuting attorney of Fairfield county and for six consecutive terms received the appointment. continuing in that position through 1831. Early in that year he became asociated as a partner with the Hon. Thomas Ewing and when Mr. Ewing was serving in the United States senate Mr. Hunter had almost entire charge of their extensive and important practice. In 1863 he was prevailed upon to allow his name to be placed on the ticket as candidate for the office of judge of the supreme court
of Ohio, and was elected by the almost un- precedented majority of one hundred thou- sand. In time he was commissioned to the office, but becoming convinced that he could not discharge his judicial duties and at the same time look after the important litigated interests which had been entrusted to his care, he resigned his position before taking his place upon the bench. During the early years of his professional life, the legal bar of Lancaster numbered not a few of the men who have become distinguished throughout the nation as leaders of public thought and action. It was a severe task for a young man to enter upon a profes- sional career here, yet he was destined to rise to an honorable and prominent posi- tion. He began the work for which the previous years of study had been a prepara- tion, becoming a member of a bar where sham and reputation and empty pretenses were of no avail in the forensic contest. The young lawyer, in his contest with older and experienced men whose reputation and patronage were already assured, found it a hard school, but it afforded excellent train- ing and as he measured his strength with the best his mind was developed, his intel- lectual forces were quickened and strength- ened and he acquired a readiness in action, a fertility of resources and a courage un- der stress that were essential factors in his successful career. He became a well known practitioner before the supreme court of the state and of the circuit court of the United States at Cincinnati and was widely acknowledged to be one of the leaders of his profession in Ohio. He also practiced
13
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
before the United States supreme court in Washington, D. C. At the time of his death the bar of Lancaster-his native town-of which he had been a member for more than forty years, and the representa- tives of higher courts, met in their respect- ive forums to pay tribute to the memory of one whose career had reflected honor and credit upon the judicial history of the state.
His wife outlived him a number of years, passing away in 1889. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church and was a woman of exceptionally beautiful character, loved by all who knew her. They were the parents of nine children, but only three are now living: Mrs. Cornyn, and
Mrs. Graffe, who reside at the corner of Chestnut and High streets, and Judge Ed- ward F. Hunter, of Seattle, Washington. Another son, John A., had served as chief justice of Utah, but is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter lived together for forty- nine years and upon the 4th of February, 1872, were separated by death, the husband being called to his final rest. Faultless in honor, fearless in conduct, stainless in repu- tation, such was his life record. His schol- arly attainments, his citizenship, his reliable judgment and his charming powers of con- versation would have permitted him to ably fill and grace any position, however exalted, and he was no less honored in public than loved in private life.
JOHN T. BRASEE.
The life record of John Trafford Brasee covered almost eighty years. He was dis- tinctively a self-made man, with no extra- ordinary family or pecuniary advantages to aid him at the outset of his career, with many difficulties and obstacles in his path that would have discouraged a man of less resolute spirit, he worked his way steadily upward, commanding not only success, but the honor and respect of all with whom he was associated. His early years were a pe- riod of arduous and unremitting toil but as the years progressed he won a place among the foremost members of the Ohio bar and
was at one time a leading member of the state senate.
Mr. Brasee was born in Hillsdale, Co- lumbia county, New York, December 24, Soo, on a farm then owned by his grand- father. He was only seven years of age when his mother died. His father soon afterward met disaster in business and Mr. Brasee and his sister, Jane, went to live with their maternal grandfather, with whom they remained until the 19th of Oc- tober, 1809. After the grandfather's death on that day. they continued on the old home until the spring of 18to, living
14
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
with their uncle, Benjamin Snyder. . \t that time, however, John T. Brasee was placed by his guardians in the service of John Lane, a man who had recently moved into the neighborhood. He received from Lane most inhuman treatment. He had to work very hard, was scantily supplied with clothing and was often sent to bed without his supper. He did not complain, how- ever, for he did not know that he might have received different treatment under other care. After two years, however, his guardians took him away from the man Lane and placed him in the home of Isaac Foster, a blacksmith, whom he found to be a very humane man and in whose family he found a pleasant home. He assisted in the duties of the household and in the black- smith shop. He became interested in the trade, found it congenial and often said that the ring of the anvil was music to him throughout his remaining life. When fif- teen years of age he left Mr. Foster and en- tered the employ of Jonathan Turner, who was proprietor of a hotel and tannery at Hillsdale. There he performed manifold duties, acting as clerk, manager, hostler and barkeeper, and also engaged in breaking bark in the tanuery. Frequently he was in charge of the entire establishment. which he managed most satisfactorily to his en- ployer. His first independent venture was made in the spring of 18ty when he ar- ranged with Zadock Newberry, of Hudson, to bake for him all the gingerbread that he could sell at the general muster to be held in the county, and from the transaction he netted twenty-five dollars, which was con-
sidered a large sum at that time. In the winter of 1817 he first attended school and there became a good penman and thorough- ly mastered Daball's arithmetic so that never afterward did any arithmetical prof- lem trouble him. In February, 1818, he lo- cated in Canandaigua, New York, and was employed in J. W. Beale's tin and leather store, having a pleasant home with his em- ployer's family. In that year his attention was also directed to matters religious. The family with which he lived were Episco palians, and he attended that church under the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Onderdonk, who afterward became a bishop of the church.
In July of the same year, Mr. Brasee (letermined to seek a home in Ohio think- ing that upon the western border where there was less competition he would have better opportunities for advancement. Ac- cordingly he made his way to Olean, New York, where he embarked on a small flat boat for Pittsburg. Journeying at that time was far different from the manner of travel at the present day. This was eight years earlier than D. Tallmadge undertook the same trip. He was accompanied by two others and when they came to the Alle- ghany river it was too low for any kind of navigation by the usual boats, and after waiting until patience became exhausted, they had a square boat built, upon which they placed their trunks and thus embarked for Pittsburg. At night they would haul up their little craft to a bend in the river. and picking up boards along the beach would use these for a bed with dry weeds
15
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
for a pillow. The banks of the river were determined purpose, strong resolution and a wilderness, containing many friendly In- energy and these qualities enabled him to overcome all the difficulties in his path and lay the foundation for a successful future as a member of one of the learned profes- sions. In 1824 he served for six months as principal of the Lancaster Academy and for his services received two hundred dol- lars. Returning to Athens he took charge of the clerk's office as deputy and also en- tered the office of Joseph Dana as a law student. In the spring of 1826 he was ad- mitted to the bar by Judges Hitchcock and Burnett, and immediately afterward lo- cated in Gallipolis. Those were the old days when lawyers traveled the circuit, making their way from place to place as court was in session in different towns. Mr. Brasee soon acquired a good clientage. dians from whom they bought meat. Be- coming wearied by this mode of travel, they afterward put their trunks on a family boat to be taken to Pittsburg and started on foot for that place, arriving at their des- tination in three days. Soon after the river arose so that navigation was possible and they took passage on a family boat bound for Cincinnati. Upon reaching the latter city, Mr. Brasee started on foot for Wilmington. Ohio, where he met his old teacher, Mr. Truesdell, and Jacob Bosworth, a friend whom he had for- merly known in New York and who afterward became a leading and wealthy citizen of Wilmington. Seeking employ- ment in that place he entered the service of Isaac Morris, clerk of the court, who gave It was during the early years of his professional career that Mr. Brasee was married, in 1829, to Mary Jane Scofiekl, a daughter of Judge Scofield. Her only sis- ter became the wife of James R. Stanbery very lonesome with his two daughters away Brasee to remove to Lancaster, saying that his home was large enough for two fami- lies. Two children had been born unto our subject and his wife-Ellen and John- and with their children they left Gallipolis in 1833 and took up their abode in the fine house of Judge Scofield, now used as the postoffice. \ contemporary biographer, in speaking of Mr. Brasee's career from this date has said : "When he came to Lancas- ter in 1833. that beautiful little city was well known as a center of culture and re- lıim fifteen dollars per month during the six months in which he remained in his em- ploy. It was there that he first met Judge Dunlevy and Thomas Corwin and was greatly charmed with the eloquence of the in 1832. Her father, the Judge, found it latter. It was largely this that induced him to become a law student and engage in . from home and endeavored to induce Mr. practice at the bar. Realizing his need of education he went at once to the Ohio Uni- versity in Athens, Ohio, walking all the way from Chillicothe, a distance of sixty miles. He arrived on the 5th of July, 1819. and at once entered upon a course of study that required seven years to complete. Dur- ing the entire time he boarded with General John Brown and in order to meet the ex- penses of his education he worked in the clerk's office and taught school during the periods of college vacation. He possessed
.
16
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
finement above its fellows, but its great re- nown was the distinguished character of its bar, which then numbered among its mem- bers Ewing, Stanbery and Hunter, who were in the vigor of intellectual manhood, and were known far beyond the limits of the state as giants in their profession. But Mr. Brasee did not come among them with- out some prestige in his profession : for al- though admitted to the bar only in 1826 he had aiready appeared as counsel in the supreme court. He first appears in the Ohio Reports in the case of Smith v. Bing. 3 O., 33, which was decided in 1827. the year af- ter his admission. And frequently thereai- ter his name occurs in the reports till he re- tired from the bar some twenty years ago, and some of the most important questions settled by that court were presented and discussed by him. In a case in which he was a party as well as counsel (Brasee v. Lancaster Bank, 14 O., 318), he argued with distinguished ability and success what is known among the lawyers of the state as the 'triangular question,' in the contest for priority of lien between a senior judgment without levy, an intervening mortgage and a junior judgment levied within the year. establishing the paramount lien of the elder judgment, although the statute declared that, as between it and the junior judgment, with levy, the latter should prevail. AAnd this became and remains a leading case, followed in 16 O .. 533 ( Halliday v. Men- denhall), and numerous other cases.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.