USA > Ohio > Butler County > A history and biographical cyclopaedia of Butler County, Ohio, with illustrations and sketches of its representative men and pioneers. Vol. 1 > Part 75
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It is just half a century since Dr. Falconer entered upon the duties of his profession, which gives him the distinction of being the oldest practicing physician in the county, while but few in the State can lay claim to a professional career of equal length. No physician in Butler County is more widely or more favorably known than Dr. Falconer, not only by his acknowledged skill
as a physician and surgeon, but also as a man of promi- nonce ontside of his chosen profession. His early edu- cation was liberal, and from studious habits and a natu- rally inquiring disposition his mind is replete with a store of knowledge that constitutes him one of Hamilton's most cultured citizens. He is a ready writer, which from time to time has enabled him to furnish scientific and medical journals with able articles. His first contribution was a report on cholera in Butler County, published in 1834 in Dr. Drake's Western Medical Journal. Another arti- cle which attracted considerable notice was furnished the same journal some years afterwards, describing a Cesarean operation performed by him.
Doctor Falconer has been a prominent member of the Ohio State Medical Association ever since 1845, shortly after its inception, and is one of a few of its oldest mem- bers now living. He has been its vice-president repeat- edly, and in 1881 was nominated for president, but was defeated by a small vote. He has also been a member of the American Medical Association since 1859, and was a delegate to the first international medical congress, which was held in Philadelphia in 1876. The medical profession in Bailer and surrounding counties owe much to Doctor Falconer for his efforts in their behalf. He was the active founder of the Butler County Medical Society, established in 1837, aud served as its president for many years. He has also been president of the District Medical Society, composed of the physicians of Butler and Preble Counties, Ohio, and Union, Rush, Wayne, and Fayette Counties, Indiana. Doctor Fal- coner for many years has had a very large practice, and every thing intended for the advancement of medical science in the surrounding country has had his hearty support and the benefits of his long and successful ex- perience. Upon the first draft of soldiers in 1861 he was appointed examining surgeon of this district. For the past three years Doctor Falconer has been carrying on a farm in Hanover Township in connection with his other duties. During R. B. Hayes's first term as got- ernor of the State, Doctor Falconer was, by his appoint- ment, trustee of the State Agricultural College, and was also appointed by Governor Noyes.
Ever since the inception of the Republican party Doe- tor Falconer has been an enthusiastic supporter of its principles, although his first vote was cast for a Demo- cratie candidate, General Jackson, in 1832. Between that date, however, and the birth of the Republican party his affiliations were with the Whigs. He figured con- spicuously in polities iu those days and was sent as dele- gate to the Whig National Convention at Harrisburg, in 1839, which nominated General Harrison for President, and took an active part in the campaign following.
The doctor has been one of the leadling members of the Presbyterian Church of Hamilton for a great may years, having been associated with that Church since 1845, aud for the past thirty-two years one of its ehlers.
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
In 1857 and 1864 he was a delegate to the Presbyterian General Assembly, at Lexington, Kentucky, and New- ark, New Jersey, respectively.
He was carly identified with the educational interests of Hamilton, and was one of the organizers of the union school system in this place in 1851. He was one of three of the first board of school examiners, in which . capacity he served for nine years.
Doctor Falconer married his first wife, Miss Mary, daughter of the Hon. John Woods, October 8, 1839, who died September 18, 1870. Eight children were born of this union. The oldest, John W., born September 30, 1840, was killed at Appomattox Court-house, April 9, 1865, thirty minutes before the flag of truce was raised by General Lee asking a cessation of hostilities from General Grant. He was captain of a company of United States colored troops, and was leading the skir- mish line which checked the last effort of the rebels to escape, when he received a mortal wound. The second -son, Jerome, born March, 1844, was also shot at Stone River, in August, 1863. He died at his home, in Ham- ilton, seven months afterwards. William B. was born May 14, 1847. Louise, wife of General Eugene Powell, of Delaware, Ohio, was born February 15, 1852. Helen, wife of Captain O'Brien, of the Seventeenth Regiment in the regular army, serving at Fort Yates, Dakota, was born December 9, 1853. Cyrus, Jr., was born March 5, 1856. Scott. born May 12, 1858, died, aged two years, and Mary was born May 22, 1863.
The date of bis second marriage was February 1, 1872, to Miss Margaret McKee, of Columbus, who died Sep- tember 15, 1878. He married his present wife, Miss Ella Crawford, of Hamilton, May 20, 1880. Of the last union one child, a son, was born, February 16, 1882.
Doctor Falconer, although of advanced age, is firm and elastic in step, vigorous in movement, and displays the same activity and quickness he did thirty years ago. Hi: face is very marked in its outline, and his head is crowned with an abundant growth of white hair.
He has been concerned in nearly every public measure which affects the interests of Hamilton, and has been distinguished in his action by originality of views. He is but little affected by the ideas of others, and pursues his course regardless of popular clamor. Often he has been the most unpopular man in town, but time has generally shown the correctness of his opinions. Ile never shrinks from maintaining what he believes to be true; neither does he mince words in branding a falsehood.
For the last fifty years he has taken a decided stand in every thing that can affect mankind in this neighbor- hood. He was an ardent Whig and is now an ardent Republican ; he is unremitting in his attendance on the ordinances of religion; he is an active Sunday-school teacher; he has on occasions delivered addresses on patriotie and professional subjects; in committee work he has done a great deal, he has exposed wrong and fraud
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wherever he has met them, whether intended to defraud the taxpayers of Hamilton or of the country. He attends every public meeting at which it is desirable that good citizens should turn out, and he has not been backward in putting his hand into his pocket when desired to do so for the good of the community. For many years he has been regarded as among the first three or four citizens of the town.
POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OF 1840.
During the year 1840, the contest between Willian Henry Harrison and Martin Van Buren, for the presi- dential chair, agitated the whole community from one end of the country to the other. Political conventions, mass meetings, Democratic Van Buren clubs, and Har- rison Tippecanoe clubs occupied great part of the time and attention of numbers of the people.
On Monday, the 24th of August, 1840, a large meeting of the Van Buren Democrats took place at Hamilton, at which Colonel Richard M. Johnson, of Ken- tucky, Senator Allen, of Chillicothe, and Wilson Shan- non, then governor of Ohio, were present. The num- ber of persons assembled was about three thousand.
About 10 o'clock Colonel Johnson addressed the crowd from the front door of the court-house, but the situation proving unfavorable, he was heard but by few. At the close of his speech the company adjourned to the sycamore grove south of the town, where Governor Shannon made a speech, near two hours long; Senator Allen then claimed the attention of the audience for an hour or two longer, which occupied the time until 4 o'clock, when the assembly was dismissed and the audi- tors went to their respective homes.
On the 5th of October, 1840, a very large mass meet- ing of both political parties was held at Hamilton, agreeable to arrangements which had previously been madle, of which notice had been given by hand-bilis. cir- enlated far and wide. The number of persons in attend- ance were variously estimated by the different parties, sonic estimating the number of each party as high as fif- teen or twenty thousand.
The number of the Harrison Whigs was probably about five thousand ; that of the Van Buren Democrats about three thousand.
Early ou the morning of the fifth, flags and banners were seen floating in the breeze, from the top of alinost every house in the town, as a signal that the house was open for the free accommodation of all strangers who might call. The day was fair as heart could wish, and early in the morning were seen coming in, by every road and avenue, from every part of the country, as well as from the adjoining countics, and some from the State of Indiana, numerous long processions; their banners waving in the wind, with the emblems of their different trades and professions borne aloft, until every house, street, common, and alley presented one solid mass of human beings.
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By a mutual arrangement previously made between the parties, the Democrats occupied Front Street, and the part of the town lying west of that street. The Whigs occupied Second Street and that portion of the town on the east. At 10 o'clock the different parties formed their processions, and proceeded to march around that part of the town allotted to then.
The Democrats formed on Front Street, extending its whole length. The procession was composed of persons on horseback, in carriages, and every other description of vehicle the country could produce, moving down that street, and passing up Water Street, on the bank of the river, with their bands of music, flags, and banners.
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The Whigs formed their procession on Second Street, which consistel of a great number of ladies as well as gentlemen, some on horseback, some in carriages, some in wagons, and in almost every species of vehicle that could be imagined. The procession continued to move down Second Street, passing up Third Street, and so round alternately. When the rear of the procession was at the head of Second Street, the front was half-way up Third Street. Notwithstanding the great numbers in the pro- cession, every strect and avenne of the town was filled with persons on foot, who did not fall into the proces- sion. Hundreds of flags and banners bearing appropri- ate and strange devices and inottoes were borne aloft by the different companies forming the procession. Car- riages and wagons carrying almost every implement of mechanical trades were in the procession. Here was a blacksmith shop mounted on wheels, with its forge and bellowe in full blast, the smith and striker busily engaged in making horseshoes. On another wagon were seated half a dozen shoemakers steadily employed at their work. A pair of shoes were actually made and finished during the procession, and in the evening presented to Robert C. Schenck, one of the orators on the occasion, with an in- timation that they were designed to be used in his race at the ensuing election.
On another wagon were seated several ladies, each with an old-fashioned wheel, busily engaged in spinning fax, and immediately following on a similar wagon was a weaver with his loom and quiil fillers, converting the sara into cloth.
Anon, evines & great canoe, mounted on wheels, in which were seated about thirty persons. The canoe was tastefully painted, and on each side were inscribed in large letters appropriate mottoes.
Then comes ; vehicle, on which are seatel twenty-six little girls, tom eight to ten years of age, all dressed in white, ench lwaring a flag representing one of the United States: their sweet voices ringing out in merry peaks, and Neging popular songs, appropriate to the occasion.
Half a dozen excellent bands were in the procession, enlivening the scene by their melodious strains. Many grote que and strange scenes intermingled in the proces- siont. Log cabins and canoes, on wheels, were frequently
seen passing in the crowd. On one wagon was a buck- eye tree erect, with a live raccoon on its branches. and a living deer standing at its root. Some boys bore a living raccoon white as the driven snow.
The processions continued moving in succession along the streets, with their music and banners, until near noon, when they adjourned for dinner. A bountiful re- . past had been furnished for all. Farmers throughout the country had liberally contributed their best and fattest beasts; sheep, hogs, calves and poultry, hams and bacon, to which was added bread and butter of the best quality, not forgetting a number of barrels of cider furnished by the Whigs. All the warehouses around the basin were cleared out and thrown open, in which tables were set and abundantly supplied, which were appropriated for the Whigs. The Democratic party had their collation in the sycamore grove, in the south part of the town.
Abandance of provisions and to spare were supplied for the whole mass, which, taking both parties together, must have numbered at least eight or ten thousand.
After taking their repast the procession was again formed, and moved to the speaking ground. The Whigs had a stand erected east of the town from which Gen- eral Metcalf, W. Southgate, and R. Wickliffe, Jr., of Kentucky, Thomas Corwin, of Lebanon, and Bellamy Storer, of Cincinnati, successively addressed the multi- tudes, and in the evening again there was speaking by Robert C. Schenck, S. F. Cary, and others. The Dem- ocrats had their speaking in the sycamore grove in the afternoon, and in the market-house at night. They were addressed by John Brough, anditor of state, afterwards governor. At night the town was beautifully illumi- nated. Stands were erected at the intersection of streets, from which orators were haranguing the people. Private parlors and rooms were crowded with ladies and gentle- men, singing songs and enjoying themselves until a late hour. Notwithstanding the vast assemblage, and the proximity of the two political parties, every thing passed off most harmoniously, and without any disorder or alter- cation. It was observed that not a single person was seen intoxicated on the occasion.
LEVI RICHMOND.
General Levi Richmond was born on the twenty-ninth day of January, 1805, in Ross Township in this county, and was, at the time of his death, in the forty-fifth year of his age. He was married on the fourth day of December, 1823, by the Rev. John A. Baughman, to Martha Powers Akers, a most estimable lady, and had by her six children.
The greatest portion of his life was spent in the imme- diate vicinity of the spot where the light first fell apen him. From April, 1835, until in October, 181. he re- sided in the town of Millville, when be removed to ko --- ville, where he continued to reside up to the time of his death.
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
He received from his parents what, in the days of his | youth, was considered a liberal education. Although but limited in comparison with the instruction now to be obtained, it was yet sufficient for one of such close obser- vation and thirst for information to enable him by a very extensive general reading to qualify him for all the use- ful and practical pursuits of life.
Coming upon the theater of actiou when recollection of the glorious achievements of our heroic army of the war of 1812 was fresh in the memories of all true-hearted Americans, and accustomed to hear the war-worn veterans recount their deeds of personal valor, his spirit became fired with enthusiasm, and he longed for the opportunity of offering his services to his country. Devoting a great amount of time to the study of military affairs, and being attached to the eighth company of the second regiment in the third brigade of the first division of the Ohio militia, he was, on the fifteenth day of June, 1830, com- missioned a lieutenant in his company. On the tenth day of January, 1832, he was promoted to the rank of cap- tain. Shortly afterwards he was raised to the rank of major of the regiment, and afterwards he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and then colonel of the second reg- iment, and finally was elected and commissioned a brig- adier-general of the first division.
A long period of pouce having blessed our flag no op- portunity was afforded him to display what all military men acquainted with him agreed that he possessed in a most eminent degree-military skill.
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When the war with Mexico broke out, being pretty well advanced in years, and having a large family to claim his support and protection, he was induced to abandon his wish to accompany our army in that country, but his voice was heard urging the young men to rally around the flag.
The great aim of his life appeared to be to render himself a useful member of society. Ardent and liberal in all his seutimcats, he was a firm and unwavering friend of the people's rights. Having attached himself to the Democratic party early in life, he never lost sight of the party's interest ; and the ardor and enthusiasm which characterized him in political affairs rendered him one of the strongest pillars which supported that political creed.
For seven successive years he served as township clerk of his native township, and was twice elected jus- tice of the peace of St. Clair Township. In the year 1843 he was appointed postmaster of Rossville, which office he held until a Whig administration came into power, when he was removed on political considerations. :
THE OLD POST-OFFICE.
The " okl post-office," at the corner of Second and High Streets, was pulled down in April, 1853. It was a strongly framed, one-storied frame building, painted a Spanish brown color. From the prominent position it
occupied in the town, and the many recollections associ- ated with it in the minds of old residents, it did not dis- appear without notice.
The building was framed at Black Bottom, four miles below town, by '" old Captain Sam Johnson," father of 'Squire Johnson. It was not weatherboarded, however, and after standing a time, it was removed and put up in its location in Hamilton, on ground leased from Mr. Reily, in 1815. It was first occupied by Joseph Hough and Dr. Samuel Millikin as a store. They kept dry- goods, groceries, drugs, iron, queen's-ware, hardware, and all the articles incident to the wants of a new country. Mr. Hongh, on the dissolution of bis partnership, which subsisted for several years, continued the business till 1825, when Mr. James B. Thomas took the store. Mr. Thomas occupied it till 1849-twenty-four years.
Mr. Thomas kept the post-office there from the date of his appointment, July 23, 1832, till his resignation, in 1849. It was the scene of many a lively discussion and many a jovial bout. Here congregated the wit and wisdom of the village, and here originated many a prac- tical joke, which set the community in a roar.
JOHN W. SOHN.
.- John William Sohn, long a resident of this city, is a native of Windsheim, formerly a free city of Germany, but now a part of Bavaria, where he was born on the 23d of May, 1815. Windsheim was one of the numerous cities which formerly composed the Hanseatic league, re- taining its independence until the conclusion of the wars of Napoleon, when it was annexed to Bavaria, being confirmed to that state by the treaty of Vienna. It has a beautiful location, being surrounded by vine-clad hills; the town itself is defeuded by strong stone walls, and its ap- pearance is at once antique and beautiful. Its attractions are still further enhanced by a promenade on the top of the walls, which gives a fine view of the distant hills. Mr. Sohn's parents were Wilhelm Ludwig Sohn and Catherine Daehner: Without being possessed of wealth, they were able to give their children good educations. There was an excellent Latin school and gymnasium in Windsheim, and until the lad was seventeen years of age he steadily attended them, making good progress. His father, whose trade was that of a brewer, lived in the city, and also carried on a vineyard, and with him the son began learning the mystery of the vine-how to plant, prune, and cultivate it, and finally to express its juice and change it to wine. At seventeen he became an apprentice to his father as a cooper and brewer, and served two years diligently at his trade, but when nineteen concluded to remove to America. At the time Charles X was dethroned in France, and was succeeded by Louis Phillippe, the revolutionary ideas then incul- cated had an extensive currency in Germany. Secret $0- cieties were formed in the colleges and among friends, and the doctrines of the rights of man were assiduously
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studied. The events of this period made a strong im- pression upon Mr. Sohn, and mnuch was then to be heard of America. Many of the German soldiers who fought under the British ensign in the Revolutionary War had settled not far from where he was born, and many old men still lingered who recounted their exploits in Amer- ica, and told how fertile its land was, and more recent travelers had made known the ease with which a liveli- hood could here be obtained. From Alsace and Lor- raine an emigratiou had sprung up immediately after the pacification of Europe, in 1815, and those who came over sent letters back to their friends more than confirm- ing the stories they had previously heard. Mr. Sohn de- termined to cast in his lot with us, and embarked for our shores, at Bremen, in 1834, landing at Baltimore. He came west on foot, with an occasional ride on a canal- boat. In Hamilton, which he reached in November, 1834, he finally found employment at chopping wood at twenty-five cents a cord. . After a little he went to work in a brewery, and then in a pork-house, and after nearly a year went to Cincinnati, working as a brewer, re- maining there three years. Returning to Hamilton in June, 1839, he bought a small brewery with the savings of his previons labor. The business gradually extended, and his sales became larger, until in 1846 he embarked also in tanning. This enterprise assumed extensive propor- tions, and he now has two large tannerics, one in Ham- ilton and one in Pike County. As a convenience to "those who dealt with him, he also opened a leather findings store. His brewery does a large business, and he is also extensively engaged in the manufacture of mal for other brewers. He has the largest vineyard in Butler County, and has had great success in the growing of native wines. To these he adds the packing of pork, in which he does the largest business in the county, and is interested with two of his sons-in-law in the manufac- ture of the Universal Wood-working Machine, which is the invention of the young men, and is of very decided utility in the manufacture of scroll and other minds of wood-sawing and dressing. He is also a farmer, having a great deal of land that he owns, and has cultivated un- der his own instruction. He is a director of the First National Bank, and for fifteen years was president of the Hamilton Insurance Company.
In 1840 he was married to Miss Catherine Rosenfel:1, a native of Saxony, and daughter of the Rev. Charles Ernst Rosenfeld, pastor of the German Lutheran and Reformed Church of Hamilton. Mr. Rosenfeld was born in 1779, at Koenigsberg, and came to this country in 1×36, first settling in Chillicothe. In 1838 he came to Hamilton. His wife, Anna Barbara Schmidt, was born in 1801, at Koenigsberg, and died in Eichelsdorf, in Saxony, in 1834, before he came here. He possessed an excellent education, sud loved to impart knowledge. Shortly after arriving in this county he opened up a school for Germans, which was the first ever held here
in their native language. An excellent musician, he taught both the piano and organ, and gave instruction to the members of a brass band organized soon after. his arrival. It was difficult at that time to get music espe- cially arranged for brass instruments. Mr. Rosenfeld took the piano score, arranged the various parts for each performer, wrote them out with his own hand, and taught each man how to use his own instrument. He understood the method of performing on every instru- ment of modern date, and on some reached a high de- grec of excellence. Among his treasures was a violin presented to him by Carl Maria von Weber, the author of " Der Freyschutz," when they were both young and were intimate companions. This instrument is now pre- served with religious care by his daughter, Mrs. Sohn. Mr. Rosenfeld was also a musical author. He furnished the melodies to many popular airs, and in some cases wrote both the words and the music. He had a pro- digious bass voice, and none who ever heard him sing
"A mighty fortress is our God"
will ever forget it. His acquirements were not limited to books and music. He was the first gardener of his day in this neighborhood. All plants and vegetables were understood by him, and he knew the art of coaxing the reluctant earth to yield up its fruits. His example was highly beneficial to his countrymen, and, indeed, to all the dwellers in this neighborhood who kept a gardeu. His kindness to those weaker and less informed than himself was great. He wrote letters to Germany for his flock, carried on legal correspondence, acted as trustee and guardian, and decided disputes, all without fee or reward. He received no compensation for teaching the brass band, nor would he accept any thing for the favors he bestowed upon those around him. He died in 1855. He had six children, Ernst Ludwig, Philipp Albrecht, Katharina Barbara, Johann Christian, Carolina Barbara, and Catharina, all of whom have died, excepting the two last named.
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