USA > Ohio > Fairfield County > A Biographical record of Fairfield County, Ohio, illustrated > Part 40
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Samuel Ream, whose name introduces this review, was reared upon the old family homestead in Perry county, and during his entire life he has been connected with agri- cultural pursuits. He has also been engaged in stock-raising and he owns several farms in Perry county, all of which are well stocked with cattle and sheep. He has been a gen- eral breeder. being especially active along that line while living upon his farm in
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Reading township. In 1874 he removed to Somerset and erected the finest residence in the town. He then turned his attention to the milling business, which he followed in connection with Noah Karr for about four years. Other business interests which he has in Somerset closely connect him with commercial and banking interests. Since 1801 he has been the president of the Som- erset Bank, and under the guidance of Mr. Ream and his son, who is acting as cashier. this bank has become one of the leading banking institutions in the county.
In 1859 Mr. Ream was united in mar- riage to Miss Sarah E. Brown, a daughter of the late Judge William M1. Brown, of Perry county. On the maternal side she is a granddaughter of Thomas MeNaugh- ton, of Fairfield county, Ohio, who filled the offices of justice of the peace and county commissioner. William Brown, the pater- nal gradfather, married Sarah McNaugh- ton. They emigrated from Ireland to the new world. The children of this marriage were William: David: Robert, who is well remembered in Perry county : Sallie: Eliza- beth; and Margaret. Sallie is the wife of Abram Yost and Elizabeth is the wife of John Yost, both residing in Perry county. Willam Brown, the father of Judge William Brown, was married in Pennsylvania to Sarah M. Leer, whose father was one of the heroes who fought at Bunker Hill. In 1835 the Brown family removed from Pennsyl- vania to Thorn township. Perry county. Judge Brown filled the office of probate judge of Perry county from 1849 until 1853. lle was one of the prominent and influential
citizens of the community and his death occurred near Somerset. His brother Rob- ert was a teacher for many years and also served as county auditor.
In 1881 Mr. Ream was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in that year, leaving two children, Owen B. and Luke S., who died in 1887. Mrs. Ream was universally esteemed, for she was a lady possessing many excellent traits of char- acter. The elder son, Owen B., is now cashier of the Somerset Bank. He was born, reared and educated in Perry county, and married Miss Anna Law, of this county. a daughter of Samuel Law and a grand- daughter of Colonel John Law. of Reading township. They now have one child, Stella. O. B. Ream established a drug business in Somerset in 1882 and is still connected with that enterprise. He is a very prominent Mason, having become a member of the lodge. chapter and commandery, while in the Scottish Rite he has attained the thirty- second degree and is also a member of the Mystic Shrine. In 1887 Mr. Ream, the sub- ject of this review, was again married. his second union being with Miss Flora Mohler. a daughter of O. T. and Jane ( Huston) Mchler, of Somerset. Samuel Ream is one of the old residents of the county and well may be classed among the honored pioneers By perseverance, determination and bond trable effort he has overcome the obstacles which barred his path to success and reached the goal di prosperity. His life has been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor, so that to-day he is numbered among the sub-
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stantial citizens of the community. He is high measure the respect of his fellow a man of genuine worth and throughout townsmen. Such men as Mr. Ream may well be termed representative citizens. a long and useful career has enjoyed in a
GEORGE T. DRAKE.
George T. Drake, who is now acceptably and capably serving as postmaster of Corn- ing, has for a number of years been in the public service and has ever been found re-, only successfully conducted his business af- liable, prompt and faithful. He is a native of Morgan county, Ohio, his birth having occurred in Pennsville. He is a representa- tive of one of the pioneer families of the state. His paternal grandfather, James Watts Drake, was a native of Virginia and in the year 1812 emigrated westward, tak- ing up his residence in Belmont county, Ohio, whence he removed to Morgan coun- ty in 1832. His remaining days were spent in this state, and in 1895, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years, he was called to his final rest.
Francis W. Drake, the father of our subject, was born January 20, 1833. upon the old family homestead in Morgan coun- ty and was a resident of his native county until 1881, when he came to Corning, where he still resides. He was a contractor and builder, but abandoned that pursuit to en- ter upon the duties of postmaster, to which position he was appointed by President Har- rison. He is now engaged in the grocery
business and is one of the enterprising and successful merchants of this place. He has led an active and useful life, and has not fairs but has been a prominent factor in public life in his locality. For many years he has served on the city council and put forth strong effort to advance the welfare and substantial upbuilding of his town. He married Adeline Holt, a daughter of Joab and Elizabeth Holt, who removed from Harper's Ferry, Virginia, to Morgan coun- ty, Ohio, in 1850. Mrs. Drake died May 9, 1884. She was a native of Harpers Ferry. George T. Drake began his education in the public schools and is a graduate of the high school of Corning of the class of 1890. In April of that year, one month prior to his graduation, he took the civil service examination for railway mail clerk and of the many who took the examination at the same time he stood highest. During the following August he entered upon his duties as substitute clerk on the route from Corning to Columbus. He also substituted on various other runs and was in the Column- bus postoffice for a time until he was per-
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manently appointed on the limited mail run In the latter year he was appointed post- between Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and St. Louis, Missouri. In April. 1893. he re- signed from the service and until 1897 was engaged in teaching school in the Corning special district. While teaching he took a prominent part in educational matters, be- ing at that time a member of the county executive committee, and has ever since been interested in educational affairs.
Since 1894 Mr. Drake has been a prom- inent factor in his county's politics and from 1806 has been on the stump in various cam- paigns. As a debater and speech maker he has an enviable record. From 1895 until 1807 he served as clerk of Monroe township.
master of Corning by President Mckinley and was re-appointed by President Roose- velt. so that he is now serving his second term and the affairs of the office are ably conducted under his capable management. In the fall of 189; hie established a news- paper. the Breeze, in partnership with La- Bert Davie, but sold his interest to Mr. Davie in 1901. He has long been a prom- inent Republican of Perry county, doing all in his power to secure political successes along that line. He has served on the coun- ty executive committee and is now serving as a member of the congressional committee of the eleventh Ohio district.
HON. THOMAS D. BINCKLEY.
Ilon. Thomas D. Binckley is actively connected with the profession which has im- mediate bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of any section or com- munity and one which has long been con- sidered as serving the public welfare by furthering the ends of justice and maintain- ing individual rights. His reputation as a lawyer has been won through earnest. hon- est effort and his standing at the bar is a merited tribute to his ability. He is yet a young man, but has gained a reputation which many an okler practitioner might well envy. lle is also prominent in political af-
fairs and at the present time is serving as a representative in the state legislature.
As early as the second decade in the nineteenth century the name of Binckley figured in connection with official service in this county. Adam Binckley. the great- grandfather of our subject, settled in this county about 1797 and when the country be- came involved in the second war with England he joined the army, in which he served in the rank of major. He became a leading and influential resident in this portion of the state and filled the office of county commissioner in 1819 and 1820. be-
T. D. BINCKLEY
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ing one of the first to hold that office. Perry county, and then took up the study Farther back than this, however, can the ancestry of our subject be traced, for Adam Binckley was a son of Christian Binckley, one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war who entered the army either from Pennsyl- vania or Maryland. David Binckley, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Reading township. Perry county, and amid the wild scenes of frontier life was reared. He assisted in the work of improvement and progress here and aided in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present devel- ·opment.
James K. Binckley, the father of our subject, was born on a farm in Reading township, on which the birth of his son Thomas occurred. When the country be- came involved in Civil war he manifested the characteristic loyalty of the family by joining Company K, of the One Hundred Twenty-sixth Ohio Infantry, although he was quite young. He died in 1871, when only twenty-four years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of Sedora J. Whitter and was a daughter of Thomas Whitter, who came to Perry county, Ohio, from Maryland at a very early day and died here at an advanced age. The Binckley family has been identified with the Lutheran church in religious faith and in politics its members have been Whigs, Democrats and Republicans.
of law with the determination of making its practice his life work. He was admitted to the bar in 1896 at Ada, Ohio, after at- tending the Ohio Normal University, where he had pursued the law course. Im- mediately afterward he established an office in New Lexington, where he has since re- mained and as the years have passed he has gained a large clientage. Since 1897 he has served as city solicitor of New Lexing- ton, three times re-elected to that position and on the 15th of March, 1898, he entered the Ohio National Guard as the captain of Company A, Seventeenth Regiment, which became the Seventh Ohio Regiment at the time of the Spanish-American war. Mr. Binckley commanded the company through- out its service. It was called out on the 26th of April, 1898, was mustered into the United States service on the 13th of May and was stationed at the camps at Colum- bus, at Camp Alger, Virginia, at Falls Church, Virginia, and at Camp Meade, Pennsylvania, did provost guard duty at Falls Church, Virginia. The Captain was detailed as recruiting officer for the Second Battalion on the 8th of June, 1898, and re- cruited one hundred and twenty-five men at Dennison, New Lexington, Ulrichville and Newark, Ohio. On the 6th of November, 1898, with his command he was mustered out.
Hon. T. D. Binckley of this review was Mr. Binckley was married in 1898 to Miss Nell M. Jackson, a granddaughter of William Jackson, of Somerset, Ohio, who located there at a very early day, coming to this state from Maryland. Two children born on the old family homestead in Read- ing township. Perry county, April 5. 1869. and in public schools of that locality he pursued his education. He afterward en- gaged in teaching school for five years in have been born unto the Captain and his
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wife: Dorothy Cecelia and James Roose- this portion of the state. He gives to each velt.
In his political affiliations Captain Binck- ley has always been a Republican and is recognized as a leading member and worker in his party in this portion of Ohio. He re- ceived the nomination of his party for state representative in 1901 and in November of that year was elected to the office by an in- usually large majority. He is now serving and his course is one that has gained com- mendation from many of the residents of
question which comes up for settlement his earnest consideration and is unfaltering in his support of what he believes to be right. In the practice of law he has gained a cli- entage of an extensive and important char- acter. Ile prepares his cases with great thoroughness and care and his legal learn- ing, his analytical mind and the readiness with which he grasps the point in an argu- ment all combine to make him one of the capable lawyers of the Perry county bar.
REV. SAMUEL C. TUSSING.
For hali a century the Rev. Samuel to Rockingham county, Virginia, with his Clevenger Tussing has been a potent factor in the moral development of this portion of the state. His influence has been of no re- stricted order. He came to the county in 1850, locating first in Monday Creek town- ship, and six years later he entered the min- istry of the Baptist church. Although in recent years he has accepted no regular pas- torate he has continued his active interests in church work and his efforts have proved most beneficial in angmenting the moral de- velopment of this community.
Mr. Tussing is a native of Franklin county, Ohio, his birth having occurred in Patterson township. April 28, 1828. He is a son of Nicholas and Margaret Tussing and the former was born in Pennsylvania in 1779. At the age of four years he went
parents, the year of their removal being 1783. There he was reared and about 1812 he went to Franklin county. Ohio. He had previously entered a quarter section of land there in 1809 and clearing and improving this he transformed it into a good farm, upon which he reared his family. He was married in Franklin county, but his wife died six months later and for his second wife he chose Miss Margaret Switzer, a native of Switzerland. Nicholas Tussing (lied at the age of seventy-two years, while the mother of our subject passed away at the age of sixty-four years. They were both consistent Christian people, holding membership in the Baptist church. In their family were seven children: John. who died in Lima, Ohio: Jacob, who died near
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Winchester, Ohio; George N., who is a the righteous, also possessed a strong re- Baptist minister and lives at Bullitt Park, Columbus, Ohio: Christine, who is the wife of George N. Harris, a resident of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Samuel, of this review; Adam, who died in Fairfield county, Ohio; and Philip C., who made his home in Win- chester, this state, but died in Florida.
Rev. Samuel C. Tussing, whose name introduces this review, pursued his educa- tion in the public schools of his native coun- ty and through reading and study outside of the schoolroom. In April, 1850, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Juliet Marlow, of Monday Creek township, Perry county, a daughter of Han- son and Margaret ( Holmes) Marlow. Her parents removed to Monday Creek town- ship in 1838, when Mrs. Tussing was six years of age, coming to this state from Warren county, Virginia. although they lived for a time in West Virginia. Mr. Marlow became a leading and influential citizen here, and his worth and ability being recognized by his fellow townsmen, he was called to public office. He served for six years, covering two terms, as county com- missioner and for some time was town- ship trustee. He died in 1881 at the age of seventy-eight years, his birth having oc- curred on the 4th of July, 1803. Mrs. Mar- low died in 1870 at the age of sixty-four years. Mr. Marlow was a man of great business capacity, was frugal and indus- trious, honorable and reliable and was a man of strong Christian character. He he- came one of the five charter members of the Ebenezer Baptist church. Ilis wife. who prece led him to the home prepared for
ligious nature and was a most able and faithful assistant to her husband. Her home was celebrated for its gracious and sincere hospitality. She found great delight in attending church service and Sunday after Sunday she heard with the greatest pleas- ure the preaching of her son, the Rev. Will- iam W. Marlow, and her son-in-law. the Rev. Samuel C. Tussing. She was an af- fectionate wife and mother and the influ- ence of her life is yet felt by all who knew- her.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tussing have been born two children: Lawson Aquilla, born in Monday Creek township, Perry county, is now an attorney at law in New Lexing- ton and a very prominent and influential citizen. He was educated here, also in Den- nison University and in Greeneville, Ohio. and in 1877 at Zanesville, this state, was ad- mitted to the bar, since which time he has been an active practitioner in Perry county. having attained a large and important cli- entage, which connects him with much of the litigation tried in the courts of his dis- trict. He is a Democrat in his politics and takes a very active interest in public affairs. having served as mayor of New Lexington from 1878 until 1882. In early manhood he engaged in teaching school for four years. being superintendent of the Shawnee schools for three years. He married Miss Augusta Achaner, a daughter of J. J. Achaner, of New Straitsville, who came from Mus- kingum county, Ohio, to Perry county. They have two children-Florence Lucile and Gladys Meredith. Hanson Marlow. the younger son, has also been mayor of
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New Lexington, his incumbency in the office continuing from 1888 until 1892. He studied law, but abandoned the profession for a general business life. He was deputy clerk of the county for six years under his uncle, John H. Marlow, and was deputy sheriff under Mr. Crosby, for three years. He was also employed for five years in in- dexing the county records and books and for four years he served as postmaster of New Lexington under President Cleveland. He has been most faithful. prompt and reliable in the discharge of his official duties and is regarded as a valued and loyal citizen of his community. Very prominent in Masonic circles he has served as district lecturer and is now worthy master of New Lexington Lodge, No. 250, F. & A. M. He married Miss Finch, a daughter of Rev. J. T. Finch, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have three children : Wiley Edwin. J. Bryant and Dale Marlow. Mrs. Tussing died in 1888 and for his second wife Hanson M. Tussing chose Miss Eva Stewart. of MeConnellsville, Morgan coun- ty. Ohio. They have two children-Clara and Wayland.
It was in the year of his marriage that Rev. Samuel C. Tussing came to this county. Six years later he determined to devote his
life to the work of the Baptist church as a minister of the gospel and he has done much evangelical work in Ohio. He has always made his home in Perry county with the exception of fourteen months spent in Greene county. In September, 1875. he lo- cated in New Lexington, where he has since resided. He was pastor of the church here for four years and was supply for seven years. He has baptized over four hundred converts and has preached five thousand four hundred and seventy-two sermons out- side of addresses and talks. He has kept an account of all of these, having a record of when and where he preached. He has been very closely identified with Sunday- school work and has put forth every effort in his power to promote the cause of Chris- tianity. He has also been an active factor in temperance work and has endorsed the Prohibition party since 1872. His life has been most honorable and upright. He has never lived unto himself alone and has labored earnestly and effectively for the benefit of his fellow men, knowing that character is all that there is of value in this world. His influence has been widely felt and not only in his own denomination but among all Christian people Rev. Tussing is held in the highest esteem.
WILLIAM T. STEVENS.
William T. Stevens, who is an honored veteran of the Civil war and is the present postmaster of Thornville, was born in the village in which he still makes his home, on
the 14th of July, 1844. his parents being John B. and Lucy ( Scarbaugh) Stevens. The father was a native of Virginia and in 1833. when seventeen years of age, came
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to Ohio, locating near Thornville, Perry county. He was accompanied by his par- ents. Thomas and Nancy Stevens, who were also natives of Virginia. A carpenter by trade he followed that occupation through- out the years of his active business career and many evidences of his handiwork are still seen in substantial structures in this county. He died at his home in Thornville at the advanced age of eighty-two years, in: 1898. He held membership in the Meth- odist church and for many years served as one of its trustees, taking an active part in everything tending to advance the growth of the church and extend its influence. He was an Odd Fellow for over fifty years and for many years was chaplain of the lodge. His widow is still living, making her home in Thornville. She is a most estimable lady, highly esteemed throughout the community. Her mother was the first white child born in Newark county. By her marriage Mrs. Stevens became the mother of four children, all of whom are yet living, namely: Will- iam T., of this review; Oliver J., who is engaged in the undertaking business in Thornville, Ohio; Noble L., a practicing dentist of Thornville : and Attie V., the wife of John Conklin, who is engaged in the poultry business in Thornville.
Mr. Stevens, who is well known and highly esteemed throughout this community. remained at home until eighteen years of age, but the country was then engaged in Civil war and he could no longer content himself to remain in Ohio while many brave sons of the north were battling for the Union. Accordingly he enlisted in 1862,
becoming a member of Company K. One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, with which he served for three years. He was then mustered out at Elmira, New York, having participated in the battle of Martinsburg, Virginia.
After receiving his discharge Mr. Stev- ens returned to Ohio and has resided con- tinuously in Thornville, with the exception of a period of four years. He is a carpenter by trade and for many years he followed that occupation, being actively identified with building interests of this place. An expert workman he has always been kept busy in the line of his chosen pursuit and has thus been enabled to pro- vide comfortably for his family. In Feb- ruary, 1899, he was appointed postmaster of the village to serve for a term of four years and is now the incumbent in that of- fice, his administration being practical and progressive and giving good satisfaction to his fellow townsmen.
In 1871 Mr. Stevens was united in mar- riage to Miss Sidney Trovinger, a daugh- ter of Benjamin Trovinger, one of the early settlers of Perry county, living in Thorn township. He became a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist there and was a leading and influential citizen at an early date, but he died forty years ago. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stevens has been born one son, George B., who is a resident farmer of Thorn township. He married Miss Lizzie Zollinger and they have two children, John William and Alice M1.
Mr. Stevens enjoys in a high degree the confidence and respect of his fellow
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townsmen and recognizing his worth and ability they have several times called him to positions of public trust. He has served as infirmary director for one term and has also been a member of the council of Thorn- ville. He maintains pleasant relations with his oll army comrades through his mem- bership in Reuben Lampton Post. G. A. R .. of this place, and his religious faith is in- dicated by his membership in the Meth-
odist Episcopal church. Having spent al- most his entire life here he is widely known and that many of his warmest friends are numbered among those who have known him frem boyhood is an indication that his has been an honorable and upright career. In manner he is pleasant and cordial and the qualities of his nature are such as to have made him a popular and representative citi- zen of his community.
HON. WILLIAM E. FINCK, Sr.
An enumeration of the men who have won honer for themselves and at the same time have honored the state to which they belonged would be incomplete were there a failure to make prominent reference to the Hon. William E. Finck. now deceased. His career at the bar was one most commend- able. He was vigilant in his devotion to the interests of his clients, yet he never forget that he owed a higher allegiance to the majesty of the law. His life was permeated by unfailing devotion to manly principles. No man was ever more respected or more fully enjoyed the confidence of the people or more richly deserved the esteem in which he was held. He was one of the great lawyers of the Ohio bar who lives in the memory of his contemporaries encircled with a halo of the gracious presence, charming personality. profound legal wisdom, purity of public and private life and the quiet dignity of an ideal follower of his chosen calling.
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