20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 64

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co.
Number of Pages: 993

USA > Ohio > Clark County > Springfield > 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 64

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 (link on the Part 1 page).

LEWIS SKILLINGS, a prominent farmer of Clark County, Ohio, is the owner of three hundred acres of land there, one hundred and twenty-five acres forming the home place in Green Town- ship, while the remainder is located in Springfield Township. He was born in the house on the farm now owned by his brother Eben, on July 24, 1831, and is a son of Lewis, Sr., and Anna (Craig) Skillings.

start, then came on to Clark County, and bought a farm in Green Township. This first farm is now owned by a grandson, and the one he later bought his son Eben now lives on, and a part of it is owned by Lewis Skillings. There he lived until his death at a good old age. He mar- ried Anna Craig, who came from along Onion River, in Connecticut, and they were parents of four sons and three daughters.

Lewis Skillings was born on the old home place and received his educational training in the district schools. He lived on the home farm and followed farming until he was twenty-five years old, when he purchased his present place for $30 per aere. This price was considered enor- mous at that time, and there were some who thought his bargain a poor one. Time has justified him in his purchase, and today his farin is considered one of the most valuable in this vicinity. He has given his exclusive attention to farm- ing and has met with success.

Mr. Skillings was united in marriage December 13, 1855, with Miss Martha Hammond, who was one of eleven chil- dren born to Calvin and Lanra (Bennett) Hammond, of Vienna, Ohio. They are parents of seven children: Fremont, de- ceased; Quincy, deceased: Laura, who lives at home with her parents; Rolley; Antice; Carrie; and Nora, deceased. De- cember 13, 1905, Mr. and Mrs. Skil- lings celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their home, when one hun- dred and ten of their friends were pres- ent to congratulate them and fittingly ob- serve so uncommon an event. Although

Lewis Skillings, Sr., was born in Maine, where he lived until he was twenty-two years old. then left home and came to Ohio, where he spent the rest of a long life. He first located in Cincinnati, where he worked on the river for some years, and by hard work and careful saving, ar- work, and hard work at that, has formed

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a large part of their lives, Mr. and Mrs. mand, in the southern part of the islands, Skillings have not shut out the pleasures during the time the treaty was made with Chief Sulu. He participated in numerous skirmishes, but was never injured and in July, 1901, he returned to Springfield. In a short time he was made deputy county surveyor of Clark County, and two years later, in 1903, he became assistant city en- gineer at Springfield, an office he filled for five years, following which came his appointment as city engineer on January 1, 1908. of life, a fact to which may be attributed mueh of the happiness of their long union. In 1902 they made a trip back to the home of his ancestors in Maine, going over the ground where they had lived and toiled, and viewing the grave of his grandfather, who had been buried just one hundred years before. However he was not favor- ably impressed with Maine as a farming or stock-growing state. Mr. Skillings is a Republican in politics and served for Mr. Bahin is a member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Eagles. a time as school director, although he never desired public office. He is a mem- ber of the Baptist Church.

MICHAEL J. BAHIN, city engineer of Springfield, was born in this city, in Jan- uary, 1876, and is a son of Cornelius Bahin, a native of Ireland, who eame to Springfield in 1857.

Mr. Bahin has had thorough training and mueh experience in his profession. In 1897 he was graduated from the civil engineering department of the Ohio State University. In the following year he went into the Spanish-American War, go- ing as second lieutenant of Company B, Third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infan- try, and was stationed in the various camps through the South until the issues of the struggle had been settled and the soldiers had an opportunity to return to their homes. He was mustered out Oc- tober 28, 1898. In June, 1899, Mr. Bahin enlisted in Company K, Thirty-first Regi- ment, United States Regulars, which was almost immediately sent to the Philippine Islands. During his two years of service there he was with General Bates' com-

CAPTAIN ALEXANDER McCON- KEY, a prominent citizen of New Moore- field and a veteran of the Civil War, has been a resident of Clark County, Ohio, through nearly the entire length of his long career. He was born in Pleasant Township, December 5, 1832, and is a son of Daniel and Matilda (Neer) McConkey, and grandson of Archibald McConkey.

Archibald McConkey, the grandfather, was born in Belfast, Ireland, and came to America, settling in Kentucky, where he lived until some years after his mar- riage. In May, 1805, he came to Clark County, Ohio, and settled in Pleasant Township, then practically a wilderness, where he purchased 300 acres of land. paying $1.25 per acre. Indians, some- times hostile ones, were common there at that time, and wild game abounded. The family erected a cabin in the woods and set abont clearing the land and plac- ing it in tillable shape. The father lived there until his death.

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Amaziah Hinger

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Dauiel MeConkey was born in Kentucky and was about six months old when brought by his parents to Clark County, and here he was reared. Ile married Matilda Neer and they became parents of eleven children, namely: Nathan M., who was captain of Company G, Ninety- fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infan- try, during the Civil War: Hiram, who was orderly sergeant in the same com- pany and regiment; Enos, who was a wagon-master in the Eighth Regiment of Chio Cavalry ; Alexander; Archibald, who lied before the Civil War; Mary Ann Ellaworth ) ; Sarah Jane ( Runyan) ; Mar- Re:rt E. (Baldwin) ; Nancy E .; Lucinda 1 . and one who died unnamed.

Alexander MeConkey was reared on the oli home place, and was one of a large and havea family, of which he is the sole sur- vivor. He attended the district schools and ax- sted in farm work, with his broth- ers. On September 14. 1861, he enlisted a private in Company F', Forty-fourth Wovimen' Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and sas ankyquently promoted to the rank d' sergem.t. serving as such nutil the end f his fir- torm of enlistment. The com- my was veteranized and was returned . service as a company in the Eighth to Cavalry, in which Sergeant Mel'on- .. was first counmissioned second lieu- ... mit, and later. first lieutenant. In 1 .. 1865. Tientenant McConkey ten- 3. nat his resignation to the War Depart . rot, and with its acceptance he received , commission as captain as a reward for tthfut service. Although he never w.ved in this capacity, it was gratifying i have his soldierly qualities so recog- .ed, and he left the army as Captain Monkey. He participated in some of

the most important erazoment of the war, chiefly those in West Vorge., and Eastern Tenos .... Spontan Defron the army he again loebrelat y. . at Catawba and reynard ist has been hi's life work. Clark County ever since. . years spent on a fare. 4 ship, Champaign Com :.:. his farm property au ! Moorefield, his present 6.4 serving his sixth ..... sor of the east d -! 1.1 In 1857, Carta .. Motors

in marriage vont For. daughter of The ad J farias became parents de . . ........ and Gilbert, the matic @ vaar a . the age of nine years 5.000. 0003 widow w/ S J. Willprior. br- four vi dren: N. . ... wife of Frank S. Wade; Charles J . . Florence Goode, wife of George F. . . | Howand. Mrs. Mc- Conkey dred are alsober, 120. Captain MeConkey is a . . her of the Methodist Protestant Chur.' ... Catawba, and was a class leader until 1 . removal from there. His brother. Nathan M his father and his grandfather, had in turn served the church as class leaders. He is a member of N. M. MeConkey Post, G. A. N .. at Catawba. which was named in honor of is brother. Captain Nathan M. MeConket

HON. AMAZIAH WINGER til his rerent death, Vet at 1! a prominent retired r. s. and formerly super ;. perior Drill Ca . .. . identified with .4 1 this city durte ... .

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Amaziah Stinger

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Daniel MeConkey was born in Kentucky and was about six months old when brought by his parents to Clark County, and here he was reared. He married Matilda Neer and they became parents of eleven children, namely: Nathan M., who was captain of Company G, Ninety- fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infan- try, during the Civil War; Hiram, who was orderly sergeant in the same com- pany and regiment; Enos, who was a wagon-master in the Eighth Regiment of Ohio Cavalry; Alexander; Archibald, who died before the Civil War; Mary Ann (Ellsworth) ; Sarah Jane (Runyan) ; Mar- garet E. (Baldwin) ; Nancy E .; Lucinda C .; and one who died unnamed.

Alexander McConkey was reared on the old home place, and was one of a large and happy family, of which he is the sole sur- vivor. He attended the district schools and assisted in farm work, with his broth- ers. On September 14, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company F, Forty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was subsequently promoted to the rank of sergeant, serving as such until the end of his first term of enlistment. The com- pany was veteranized and was returned to service as a company in the Eighth Ohio Cavalry, in which Sergeant MeCon- key was first commissioned second lieu- tenant, and later, first lieutenant. In June, 1865, Lieutenant McConkey ten- dered his resignation to the War Depart- ment, and with its acceptance he received a commission as captain as a reward for faithful service. Although he never served in this capacity, it was gratifying to have his soldierly qualities so recog- nized, and he left the army as Captain McConkey. He participated in some of

the most important engagements of the war, chiefly those in West Virginia and Eastern Tennessee. Upon returning from the army he again located at his old home at Catawba and resumed farming, which has been his life work. He has lived in Clark County ever since, except for two years spent on a farm in Goshen Town- ship, Champaign County. In 1900 he sold his farm property and moved to New Moorefield, his present home. He is now serving his sixth successive term as asses- sor of the east district.

In 1857, Captain MeConkey was joined in marriage with Emeline Cartmell, a daughter of Thomas J. Cartmell, and they became parents of two children, Emma and Gilbert, the latter of whom died at the age of nine years. Emma, who is the widow of S. J. Wilkerson, has four chil- dren : Nellie C., wife of Frank S. Wade; Charles Mack; Florence Goode, wife of George Fay; and Howard. Mrs. Mc- Conkey died in October, 1901. Captain MeConkey is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church at Catawba, and was a class leader until his removal from there. His brother, Nathan M., his father and his grandfather, had in turn served the church as class leaders. He is a member of N. M. MeConkey Post, G. A. R., at Catawba, which was named in honor of his brother, Captain Nathan M. MeConkey.

HON. AMAZIAH WINGER, who un- til his recent death, August 14, 1907, was a prominent retired citizen of Springfield, and formerly superintendent of the Su- perior Drill Company, Springfield, was identified with the business interests of this city during the whole period of his

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mature life. Mr. Winger was born Sep- tember 13, 1835, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and was a son of Jacob and Catherine (Trout) Winger.

In 1837 the parents of Mr. Winger came to Springfield, where the father followed the trade of carpenter and builder for many years. He died in this city in 1886. and was survived by his widow for four years. All of their ten children, with the exception of a daughter who died in in- fancy, and Amaziah, subject of this mem- oir, were born in Springfield. The sur- vivors row are, Mrs. Catherine Ramsay, Mrs. John A. Sites, George W., and John M. Three of the sons, Amaziah, Heze- kiah and George, served in the Civil War.

Amaziah Winger acquired his educa- tion in the public schools of Springfield and began to earn his own support as an employe in a lumber yard, where he re- ceived the training that prepared him to enter into the lumber business for him- self. In 1858 he became a member of the Inmber manufacturing and jobbing firm of Simpson, Yarnell and Company, and so continued in business until 1862, when he entered the Union Army. He enlisted in Company A. Ninety-fourth Regiment. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from which he was honorably discharged in June, 1865. Although he took part in a number of the most important battles of the war and en- dured innumerable hardships, he was never wounded and never so incapacitated that he was unable to be at the post of duty. He faced the enemy on many fields. including Perryville. Stone River and Chickamauga, and was in both the At- lantie and Carolina campaigns.

the lumber business as junior member of the firm of Hayward and Winger. In 1885 Mr. Winger became superintendent of the Superior Drill Company, which conducts one of the most important in- dustries of this city. He was a member of the Springfield Board of Trade, a di- rector of the Springfield Savings Bank, and had been identified with numerous business combinations of high commercial standing. His death deprived the com- munity of one of its most worthy and honored citizens.

Mr. Winger was married, first, to Mary Crothers, who died in 1872, leaving two danghters, Frances and Lanra. He was married, secondly, in 1876 to Mrs. Mary (Barr) Torbert, who was born at Leb- anon, Ohio, and is a daughter of Amos Barr, formerly of Springfield and Cinein- nati. Mrs. Winger's mother was Martha H. Smith before marriage. Mrs. Winger is very prominent in charitable and phil- anthropie work and is a member of the board of managers of both the Clark Me- morial Home and of the Young Women's Christian Association in this city. She has a very attractive home at No. 733 Sonth Limestone Street.

Politically, Mr. Winger was affiliated with the Republican party, and served on the city council. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he was deacon and trustee. Fraternally, he was a Mason and belonged to Clark Lodge No. 101, F. & A. M .; Springfield Chapter, R. A. M .; Springfield Council, R. & S. M .; and Pal- estine Commandery, K. T. He belonged also to Mitchell Post No. 45, Grand Army of the Republic, and to the Connanders

When Mr. Winger returned from his army service to Springfield, he re-entered of the Loyal Legion of Ohio. Like his

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wife, Mr. Winger was deeply interested in philanthropic work and he was liberal in giving support to the Clark Memorial Home, the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation and to other benevolent objects and enterprises.

WILLIAM HARDMAN, owner of two hundred and sixty-seven acres of valuable farming land, situated in Pleasant Town- ship, on the London and Urbana Road, three miles south of Catawba, was born in Clark County, Ohio, February 28, 1831, and is a son of Jonathan and Mary (Arbogast) Hardman.

Philip Hardman, the great-grandfather of William, was born on the River Rhine, in Germany, and came to America, ex- pecting to sell himself to an employer, in order to repay the sum of $35, which had been advanced for his passage. He was bought in the port of New York by a resi- dent of New Jersey, and worked five months for his purchaser. This was no unnsual transaction at that time. He sub- sequently made his way to Virginia, and at Clarksburg, in that state, his son Peter was born.

Peter Hardman learned the trade of gunsmith. He was twice married. his first wife being a Miss Hacker and his second wife, a Mrs. Edge, a widow. From Clarksburg. Virginia, Peter Hardman and wife came to Ohio, in 1803, and set- tled about one mile south of Oshorn, Greene County. There was a law that prevailed at that time that some improve- ment had to be made on land in order to hold it. and after Peter Hardman had paid the sum of $1.25 an acre to the Gov- ernment, he borrowed an ax. cut down a

small tree, split it into rails and stood them over a stump, this being the sum of his improvements, but sufficient to pro- tect his property. He then returned to Virginia, where he followed his trade for two years longer and then came back and settled on his land, on which he passed the remainder of his life. He was ac- companied by his first wife, who lived to the age of about fifty years. When she was a girl of twelve years she was scalped by the Indians at the time all the other members of her family were killed, and she was left supposed to be dead. She finally recovered and lived to become the mother of ten children. There were three children born to Peter Hardman's second marriage: Peter, William R. and Jane.

Jonathan Hardman, father of William, was born at Clarksburg, Virginia, in 1803, and spent the remainder of his life in Ohio, dying at London, Madison County, in 1876. He married Mary Arbogast, who was born in Clark County, and was a daughter of Peter and Sarah Arbogast. They had nine children, namely: Sarah, who died in 1863; Peter, who married Lucia Lauman, of Chillicothe, was a sol- dier and died after being brought home from Harper's Ferry; Otho, who married Eliza Weaver, of Madison County, has had five children; William; Henderson, who died unmarried at the age of twenty- two years; Mary, who also died unmar- ried at the age of twenty-two years; Charlotte Ann, who died aged three weeks; Martha, deceased, who married John Sayers, now a resident of Iowa, but formerly of Logan County, Ohio, left two children; and Wesley, who resides at Cable. Champaign County, Ohio, where he operates several grain elevators. He

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married Minnie Walk, who died in a hos- who was born November 14, 1833; Eliza- pital at Columbus, in 1904. She left no children.

William Hardman was reared on the home farm and attended the country schools when he could spare the time. He assisted his brothers in clearing and cul- tivating the farm and later, becoming in- terested in growing sheep, he went into partnership with J. R. Ware, of Mech- aniesburg, following this business until 1863, when he became a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Regi- ment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for serv- ice in the Civil War. He was with his company in camp at Urbana, when he re- ceived a note from his partner which asked him to turn over his gun to the mes- senger, a man by the name of Thomas Cartmell, as the latter was willing to take his place and was an unmarried man. Mr. Ware knew that Mr. Hardman's absence from the sheep farm would be a sad loss to their business, and as soon as Mr. Hardman recognized this fact, he made arrangements by which he could turn over to Mr. Cartmell his equipments, after which he returned home.

On October 29, 1856, Mr. Hardman was married to Margaret Ellen Bireley, who was born March 11, 1838, in Maryland, and is a daughter of Lewis and Sarah Bireley. They came to Clark County in 1839 and settled for a short time in Springfield Township, and in 1840 came to Pleasant Township, where they lived during the remainder of their lives. They had nine children, namely: Philip W., who was born February 15, 1826, died No- veinber 3, 1903; Rebecca, who was born September 16, 1827; Lewis, who was born September 28, 1831; Charlotte Catherine,

beth Ann, who was born December 7, 1835; Margaret Ellen, who is Mrs. Hard- man; Sarah Jane, who was born May 23, 1841, died August 20, 1907, at Danville, Illinois; Eliza Henrietta, who was born May 24, 1842; and Henry Clay, who was born February 10, 1846, there having been but two deaths in this family.

Mr. and Mrs. Hardman have four chil- dren, namely: Minor, Belle, Eddie and Ella, the latter being twins. Minor Hardman was reared in Pleasant Town- ship and in 1886 he married Hattie Run- yan, who is a daughter of Thomas W. and Phebe Runyan, and they have three children : Omer, born November 19, 1882; Anna, born in December, 1893, and Ralph, born December 25, 1895. Belle Hard- man, who was born August 8, 1867, married Milton Stipp, who is an extensive farmer and stockman, owning two hun- dred and fifty acres in Champaign County. They have one daughter, Essie Catherine, who was born January 3, 1891. Eddie and Ella Hardman were born May 25, 1877. The former was married Novem- ber 28, 1906, to Effie Marsh, of Madison County. They have a son, William Marsh, born May 10, 1908. The daughter was married April 7, 1898, to P. M. Wil- son, who conducts a store at Brighton, Clark County, and they have three sons, William W., born October 12. 1900; Paul W., born December 31, 1902; and Orrin H., born August 12, 1905.

On October 29, 1906, Mr. and Mrs. Hardman enjoyed the celebration of their golden wedding anniversary and it was an occasion that will long be remembered by all who were permitted to participate in it. Friends and relatives were in attend.

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ance from Madison, Clark and Champaign Counties and also from Columbus, num- bering four children, seven grandchildren and eighty-eight other relatives and near friends, many of whom had never before found an opportunity of becoming ac- quainted. With their expressions of in- terest, good-will and affection, they each brought an appropriate present, which serves to recall the givers to Mr. and Mrs. Hardman every day of their lives. The banquet, of which ninety-five guests par- took, was probably the most elaborate one ever served in Pleasant Township. Two presents which are highly prized are ad- mirable pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Hard- man, the first having been taken fifty years before this anniversary, and the second, about this period.

Although Mr. Hardman has reached his seventy-seventh birthday, he still takes an active interest in his farm and looks care- fully after his valuable Delaine sheep. In polities he is a Republican and has served three terms on that ticket as township trustee. Mr. Hardman was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but his religious views at present are in accordance with those of the Universalist Church.

O. C. CLARKE, secretary and treasurer of the Springfield Abstract Company, has spent his entire life up to date in the City of Springfield, with the exception of a few years spent in Kansas and Missouri. A native of this city, he is a son of Charles E. and Mary C. (Christie) Clarke, who were born respectively in Decatur. Ga .. and Springfield, Ohio. Charles E. Clarke, the father, came to Springfield when a

child of six or seven years, and here grew to manhood. He began business life in Dayton, Ohio, where he engaged in book publishing. Thence he went subsequently to Minnesota, where he was interested in real estate operations for a short time. At the end of that period, or about the commencement of the Civil War, he re- turned to Springfield. He next went to Missouri, where in 1862 he became a mem- ber of the State Militia, entering with the rank of captain and being later promoted to that of major. He resigned his com- mission in December, 1864, and again re- turned to Springfield. Here he remained but a short time, when he again took up his residence in Missouri, entering into the lumber business at Independence, of which place he was a resident for about five years. He then engaged in the real estate business at Fort Scott, Kansas, and was thus occupied for three years. While there his health failed and he once more returned to Springfield, Ohio, where he died March 12, 1876.

His wife, Mary, was a daughter of James S. and Laura (Beardsley) Chris- tie, natives of New Hampshire and New York, respectively, who were married at Springfield, Ohio, in 1824, where they re- sided continuously until their decease, in 1884 and 1888, respectively. Mr. Christie, who was by trade a carpenter, engaged here in contracting and building, and also conducted a saw and planing-mill for a number of years. He and his wife were the parents of five children, who attained maturity, namely: Sarah, Mary, Ed- ward. Harlan and James. All are now deceased, with the exception of Mary and Harlan. The father was a Republican politically, and a member of the Presby-

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terian Church, being an elder for over fifty years of the First Presbyterian Church in Springfield.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Clarke had two children, Frances and Oliver C., the last mentioned being the subject of the pres- ent article. Mr. Clarke was a Democrat. His wife was a member of the First Pres- byterian Church, Springfield.

Oliver C. Clarke acquired his elemen- tary education in the Springfield schools, and later became a student at Witten- berg College, from which he was duly graduated. He then began business life, entering the office of the Springfield Ma- chine Company, in the employ of which concern he remained for some ten years. In 1895 he became interested in the ab- stract business, and subsequently organ- ized, with others, the Springfield Abstract Company, which was incorporated, and of which Mr. Clarke has since been secretary and treasurer. He has also other busi- ness interests in Clark County, and is a member of the board of directors of the Merchants and Mechanics Savings and Loan Association. He takes no active in- terest in politics. Religiously he is con- nected by membership with the First Presbyterian Church, Springfield.

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20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 64

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co. Number of Pages: 993

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co.
Number of Pages: 993