A history of Scioto County, Ohio, together with a pioneer record, Part 155

Author: Evans, Nelson W. (Nelson Wiley), 1842-1913
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Portsmouth, O. N. W. Evans
Number of Pages: 1612

USA > Ohio > Scioto County > A history of Scioto County, Ohio, together with a pioneer record > Part 155

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He was married November 28, 1900 to Miss Ethel Cotton, daughter of Doctor David B. Cotton. They have one child, Priscilla.

Orpheus Alphonso Searl

was born March 20, 1848. in Vernon township, Scioto county, Ohio. He is the son of Judge F. C. Searl and Julia A. Schoonover, his wife. His early child- hood was spent in Vernon and Bloom townships where his father and his fam- ily lived until 1858 when they moved to Portsmouth, Ohio. He attended the public schools in Portsmouthi. Ohio, and the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio.

He enlisted in February, 1864, in Company C, 91st O. V. I. On July 20, 1864 he was captured by the enemy at Martinsburg, West Virginia and taken to Richmond, Virginia and confined in Libby prison for three months where he experienced all the horrors of that rebel prison. When paroled he was reduced to a mere skelton. After careful nursing at Navy Yard hospital, Annapolis. Maryland and a short stay at home on furlough, gaining in flesh and strength. he rejoined his regiment at Winchester, Virginia and served until the close of the war, when he was mustered out with his company, June 24, 1865.

He taught in the public schools of the county from 1867 until 1891, a greater part of the time at Wheelersburg and Sciotoville. In 1874, he was elec- ted to the office of Justice of the Peace in Porter township and continued in the Justice's office at Wheelersburg and Sciotoville until December 31, 1897, when he was appointed postmaster at Sciotoville. He was reappointed January,

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1902. He received the nomination on the Republican ticket for County Recorder in 1882, but was defeated. In young manhood he joined the Methodist Episco- pal church and was one of the stewards of that church for a number of years, while living at Wheelersburg, and has been one of the trustees of the church at Sciotoville since 1887.

In 1868, he was married to Mary F. McFann, daughter of David and Rachel McFann, early settlers of Vernon township. They have four children: Franklin D. Searl of Fire Brick, Kentucky; William A. Searl of South Webster, Ohio; Fernando C. Searl of Portsmouth, Ohio and Nellie S., the wife of W. J. Gaynor of Sciotoville, Ohio.

While our subject was employed as a teacher, he edited acceptably for some time the teacher's column in the county papers, took an active part in all institute and educational work and was recognized generally as a teacher of in- fiuence and ability. In the capacity of magistrate, which office he held for many years he was admitted to be just, capable and impartial. In whatever vocation he has been engaged he has discharged the duties of his position with fidelity and general acceptability. By nature he is open, generous and free- hearted, and this trait may be said to be the keystone of his character. In many instances, indeed, his well known generosity has been taken advantage of to his own detriment. All in all, Squire Searl is a useful citizen, an influen- tial republican, a worthy representative of a prominent, widely known family, a consistent church member and a loyal true hearted friend.

Adam Seel

was born October 8, 1844 in Kulmbach, Bavaria, Germany. His father was Michael Seel who died when he was 15 months old. His father was a black- smith. His mother was left with four children. He was the youngest. They emigrated to the United States in 1856. There were two sons and two daughters and they came in a sailing vessel and landed at Baltimore. They were on the ocean fifty-seven days, from Bremen to Baltimore. They located in Hagers- town, Maryland and there Adam worked in the brick yard until 1857. He then resided with J. P. Crist for two years and went to school. At fifteen, he became apprenticed to George Bromon to learn the baker's trade and was with him two years and six months. He worked at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and in the spring of 1864, he came to Portsmouth and took employment with B. Sweitzer, who had a confectionery on West Second street, just west of where Fuller Brothers are now. He was with him until 1868 and then started in business for himself. on Sixth street near Chillicothe. In 1869, he moved to Second street, on the former location of B. Sweitzer. In 1872, he removed to 11 West Second street, and has conducted business there ever since. In 1882, he bought the lot just east of his present building and built there. In 1895, he built the building just above his bakery.

On July 10, 1866, he was married to Eliza C. Lease, daughter of Catherine I ease of Hagerstown, Maryland. Of this marriage there were two daughters: Clara at home and Kate the wife of Frank Legler. His wife died December 27, 1877. February 22, 1879, he was married to Harriet Wolfe. Of this marriage he has two daughters: Nellie, the wife of Walter Patterson and Norah a student in the High School. He is a democrat and a member of the Lutheran church. He is a Mason, a member of Aurora Lodge, Mt. Vernon Chapter, Solomon Coun- cil and Calvary Commandery. He was a councilman in the Third ward for eight years. Mr. Seel is one of our best business men, a good citizen, cour- teous and obliging to all, and highly regarded by all who know him.

George Dyar Selby

was born in Athens county, Ohio, April 1, 1846. His father was Hines Cone Selby and his mother's maiden name was Sarah Ann Rardin. His father was born in New York near Palmyra and his grandfather Dyar Selby was born in Connecticut. Doctor William Selby was the founder of the family in this coun- try and settled in East Haddam Connecticut before the Revolution. His father and mother had twelve children, ten of whom lived to maturity. Our subject was the fourth in order. His father was a farmer and this son was brought

GEORGE D. SELBY.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

up as such. He went to the common schools until he was eighteen years of age. He enlisted in Company H, 186th O. V. I. on the 14th day of February, 1865, for one year. He was a Corporal and was mustered out September 18, 1865. The regiment's service was guard duty in Tennessee and Georgia. He returned from the army and attended the Miller's Seminary, ten miles east of Athens, for one year.

He came to Portsmouth, Ohio, in May 1867, as agent for the Singer Sew- ing Machine and canvassed for the sale of the machines. He was engaged in that business until 1885. On January 1, 1880, he became interested in the manu- facturing of shoes with Irving Drew and B. Damon. The firm was Drew, Selby & Company. This history of his connection with the business of shoe manufac- turing in Portsmouth from that date until the present will be found under the title of Drew, Selby & Company, elsewhere in this book. From 1885 to the present time, Mr. Selby devoted himself to the shoe business.

He was married September 26, 1867, to Lydia Verlinda Webster, daughter of Isaac Webster of Chester, Meigs county, Ohio. Their children are: Pearl Edgar, married and engaged in the manufacture of shoes, as one of the Drew- Selby Company; Cora wife of Benjamin H. Dillon, of the Wait Furniture Com- pany; Mark Webster, married and engaged in the manufacture of shoes with the Drew-Selby Company; Homer Clifford a student at the Case School of Applied Science, Cleveland, Ohio; Roger Alfred, a student at the University School, Cleveland, Ohio.

Mr. Selby is a member of Bigelow Methodist Episcopal church and of its board of trustees. He is a republican in his political views. He is a trustee of the Scioto County Children's Home and has been since May 5, 1895.

Mr. Selby has had a career in Portsmouth of which he and his friends may justly be proud. He came to Portsmouth without any friends or ac- quaintances and without financial resources. He had plenty of pluck and per- severance. He had a capital of energy and industry which was limitless and he had a natural capacity for organizing and extending any business he took up. He had King Midas' power of touch, but was never conscious of it and it will be news to him, when he reads this. When he took up any business, he studied it in all its ramifications, never got tired of studying it. He was always of the disposition to do his utmost in anything he undertook and the habit with him has become a part of his life. He is fond of finding for himself those. economic laws which govern trade and manufacturing and he understands more about these laws practically than a half dozen of the best professors of political econ- omy in the land. By studying his business and uniformly adopting the safest and most conservative courses, he has made his own fortune and endeavored to add to that of the persons connected with him in business.

Mr. Selby in the best sense of the word is a public benefactor. He does not confine his benefactions to the direct results of his business, but in his church and in all the various organizations of which he is a member, he is an earnest worker. His work stands for religion, for morality, for temperance and for the public good. He aids every charitable or public enterprise which presents itself to his attention and does it without the least ostentation or pride. He can be approached by any one on any subject, with the assurance of a respectful hearing and if the cause has merit, he will aid it. He stands for the best in politics, in religion, and in society and his influence in the position he occupies, makes him an invaluable citizen. As he grows older, this influ- ence for good widens and broadens till it is felt in every part of the community. His character and influence is a tower of strength, and it is to be hoped he may be blessed with a long life of good health to carry out the good works in which he is constantly engaged.

Pearl Edgar Selby

was born January 19, 1870, in Portsmouth, Ohio, the eldest child of his par- ents, George Dyar Selby and Lydia Webster, his wife. He attended the Ports- mouth schools until 1889, in which year he graduated from the Portsmouth High School. He then went into Drew, Selby & Company's factory to learn the entire business. He began as a pattern maker and learned that. Then he mastered cutting, fitting, and bottoming. He kept on till he learned each part

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thoroughly. He became a member of the firm of Drew, Selby & Company in 1892. While with them, he was superintendent of the bottoming and fitting departments. When the company changed to a corporation in 1902, he became a director and superintendent of the entire business of the new corporation, The Drew-Selby Company. He was married June 8, 1892 to Miss Blanche Smith, daughter of Thomas L. Smith of Bedford, Indiana. They have one son, Harold Rea in his eighth year. Mr. Selby is a republican. He is a member of the Bigelow Methodist Episcopal church. He is a young man of great force of character, and large executive and administrative ability.

Francis Seymour

was born Nov. 19, 1834, in France. His father was Nicholas Seymour, and his mother's maiden name was Barbara Bernard. He left France at the age of this- teen years and came to America with his parents, and located on Pond creek. His father and mother died there. With the exception of the years 1858 and 1859, when he went to the State of Iowa, about thirty miles from Keokuk, he has lived on Dry Run all his life since 1850. He was married August 31 1869, to Miss Mary J. McKane, a daughter of John McKane, who was a native of this country. He had nine children: Flora and Rose of Portsmouth, dress-makers over Corson's grocery; Mary at home; Frank, who lives on Dry Run; Ernest, at home, aged twenty-one; Lena, Mary, Albert, aged thirteen, and Veronica.

He has been a farmer all his life. He is a democrat in his political views. He is a member of the Catholic church on Pond creek. He owns about 800 acres of hill land, about 65 acres of Scioto bottoms and forty or fifty acres on Dry Run. He can always be depended on to do anything he under- takes.

Andrew Sproull Shannon

was born July 20, 1823, in Butler county, Pennsylvania. His father was Samuel Shannon. He lived in Butler county, Pennsylvania, until 1854, when his father's family came to Scioto county and located at Mt. Joy. He married Mar- garet Dodds, daughter of William Dodds, in 1846, in Butler county, Pennsyl- vania. They had ten children: William John Shannon was born July 21, 1847, in Butler county, Pa .; James Shannon, born in October, 1849, and lives in California, Missouri; Samuel lives in Cedarville, Green county. Ohio; Nancy Elizabeth is the wife of Martin Luther Bonner; Louisa died at the age of seven years; Jesse lives at Sabina, Clinton county, Ohio, and is a farmer; Susannah Clarissa died in childhood: Jemima Adaline died in infancy, and Hattie is the wife of John Canter.

Mr. Shannon was always a republican, and a member of the United Presbyterian church. He enlisted in Company E, in the 179th O. V. I., August 31, 1864. He served until June 17, 1865. After the war, he returned to Scioto county, and resided on his farm until his death July 26, 1900. Mr. Shannon was a model citizen in every respect, a man who lived up to his profession in his church and elsewhere. He was respected by all who knew him for his civic virtues.

William John Shannon

was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, July 21, 1847. He came to Scioto county, Ohio, with his father in 1854, and has been a resident of this county ever since. He was married September 23, 1879 to Lucy Ellen Wolford, of Wheelersburg, Ohio. She was of French descent. He has the finest locality in Scioto county for a summer resort, and has probably the highest point in the county. Mr. Shannon is respected by all who know him. He is a model cit- izen. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church at Mt. Joy and a republican.

Jacob Shela

was born July 17, 1843 at Portsmouth, Ohio. His father, Jacob Shela, was born at Baden, Germany. His mother's maiden name was Margaret Franck, also a native of Baden. His father died when he was six years of age, and his mother remarried and survived until 1886. At the age of ten years he went to Pike county and began work with John Adams, a farmer near Beaver. He remained there until he was eighteen years of age. He then went to farming

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on the Big Scioto for John Baker and continued there until the war of 1861.

On November 13, 1861, he enlisted at the age of eighteen, as a private in Company B, 56th O. V. I., commanded originally by Captain Reiniger. He re- mained with the regiment from enlistment until June 15, 1862, when he was captured by the rebels near Memphis, Tennessee. He was paroled within a week after his capture and sent home. He was discharged March 5, 1863, and then enlisted in the Navy for two years as a seaman. He served on the gun boats on the Mississippi river until March 5, 1865, when he was discharged at Carlyle, Illinois. He served on two gun boats: "Little Rebel" and the flag ship, "Black Hawk." He was up the Red river in an engagement at the cap- ture of Vicksburg. Thus he enjoys the distinction of having served one year in the Army of the United States and two years in the Navy, and was always able for duty.

When he came home he went to making cigars for Charles Schumann two years, and afterwards worked for David Strahn for over two years. He was married December 26, 1865 to Mary Dressler. There were two daughters of this marriage: Ella Margaret residing in California, a deaconess, and Elizabeth, living in Portsmouth, a dress maker. His first wife died on December 24, 1867. He was married the second time to Sophia Gabler, Sept. 22, 1870. There are the following children: Jacob Frederick, a mail carrier in Portsmouth; John Wil- liam, died at the age of twenty-five, unmarried; Emma Christina, married John Messer residing on Dogwood Ridge; George Wesley, a farmer residing with his father; Louis Edward, a teacher at Wait's station; Mary Barbara, residing at home; Charles Samuel, aged sixteen; Stanton Elmer, aged ten.

In 1870, Mr. Shela concluded to take up the life of a farmer and rented land on Munn's Run for one year. He was not satisfied and then went as a foreman in J. E. Doerr's cigar factory for two years. In the spring of 1873, he bought the place where he now resides on Dogwood Ridge, and has lived on it ever since. At the time he purchased it, it had no buildings on it of any con- sequence, and all the buildings now, including a handsome residence and a model barn, have been added by him. It makes the heart of any one glad to look at Mr. Shela's farm; and it says for him, that he is a model farmer. He has been a republican all his life, and is a member of the German Methodist church on Dogwood Ridge.

Just why a large portion of Dogwood Ridge came to be occupied by a German Methodist Society in preference to some other locality may not be easily answered. But, however it came about, there they are now, firmly rooted in a pleasant, prosperous neighborhood, with their German church and minister. Their children intermarry and spread over adjacent areas, and to- gether they form an intelligent, thrifty, industrious, prosperous community- one of the most desirable neighborhoods to live in that can be found anywhere. Honesty-old fashioned honesty-is a marked characteristic of this people, and Jacob Shela stands as a fair type of the better traits exemplified in the mem- bership of this Methodist Society. He is a progressive farmer withal, as his tasteful, commodious residence, his large, well arranged barns and other buildings, and his neat, thorough methods of agriculture plainly indicate. If Mr. Shela agrees to do anything-it may be considered the same as already done. As Napoleon said of his Old Guard-he is one of the reliables. He ex- emplifies, in short, those principles for which his German Methodist Society stands. He is a respected citizen, a useful member of society, and a loyal friend.

John Shepherd

is a native of the good old reliable state of Pennsylvania. He was born in Green county, March 4, 1843. His father was Edward Shepherd and his mother was Louise Killen, a sister of Captain William Killen, who formerly resided in the Kentucky bottoms opposite Portsmouth, Ohio. His father was a carpen- ter. He had five children of whom our subject is the eldest. The family left Pennsylvania in 1853, and went to Kokomo, Indiana. There his father and mother died, and he was forced to seek the custody of relatives. He came to his aunt Killen when he was about fifteen years of age. He attended school in Kentucky and some in Portsmouth, but his education was very meager. In

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1856, he began to work for himself and for five years he worked in Uriah White's livery stable in Portsmouth. Then lie set up the teamster and hauling business for himself and has been in it for a period of forty-one years. In all that time, he has enjoyed the confidence of all who have employed hin.

He was married July 7, 1877, to Eliza Kirkendall. They have had three children. Their eldest son, William, is married and lives on Lawson Heights. Their daughter, Nellie, is married to Arthur McCloud, and lives in Birmingham, Alabama. Their youngest son, John, is married and in business with his fa- ther. Mr. Shepherd is a republican, and has always been. He is as regular in his habits as the sun, moon and stars. He works every day in the week, and glad there is a Sunday for rest. He likes to take a day off occasionally, and at- tend some fair or public gathering, and no man enjoys a holiday more than he does. There is not a man who knows him, but will vouch for him.

George Wesley Sheppard,

Recorder of Scioto county, is the son of John Sheppard, a Baptist minister of Vernon township, of German descent, and a native of Floyd county, Kentucky. His mother was Eliza J. (Brown) Sheppard, daughter of George W. Brown, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, who came to America in 1848, shortly after his marriage to Lily M. Foster, a native of the same country and town. His father served in the 22nd O. V. I., Company D, for three months, from April 22, to August 19, 1861, afterwards in Company B, 22nd O. V. I., from September 2, 1861, to September 5, 1862, when he was discharged on surgeon's certifi- cate of disability at Corinth, Miss. He afterwards re-enlisted in Company G, 27th O. V. I., February 28, 1864, and was finally discharged July 11, 1864.

Our subject was born near Lyra, P. O., in Vernon township, May 19, 1867, and received his early education in the country schools, later attending the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, for a short time. The greater part of his education was obtained through his own studious habits. The greater part of his life has been spent in teaching, commencing at the age of eighteen and continuing for seventeen years. He was appointed School Exam- iner August 31, 1897, to fill an unexpired term of one year and was re-appoint- ed on August 31, 1898, and served two years when he resigned, August 31, 1900, having been nominated by his party (Republican) for Recorder, and the nomi- nation meant his election. He has always been active in politics and has served his party in numerous capacities. He was assessor of Vernon township, from 1894 till 1895; clerk of same from 1892 till 1894. Justice of Peace of same from April 20, 1896, till April 20, 1899. He served as postmaster at Lyra from 1897 till November, 1900.

He is a member of the Mt. Hope Free Will Baptist church and has been such since he was ten years old. He is at present clerk of the Ohio and Ken- tucky yearly meeting of Free Will Baptists. He was married October 12, 1890, to Anna Bertha Cook, eldest daughter of Dr. Thomas C. Cook, deceased, of Vernon township, who came to Ohio from Virginia, and settled in Lawrence county, afterwards in Scioto county. They have one child, Arthur Preston, born July 25, 1891.

Mr. Sheppard is one of the most popular men in his county and deserved- ly so. He seeks to oblige whenever he can and the qualities of his character are such as to elicit admiration and respect. Nothing can be said of him or his qualities but what is good. His sympathies are strong, his impulses liberal and charitable and those who know him best, like him best.

Milton H. Shumway

was born January 5, 1861, at Scioto, Olio. His father was John Q. Shumway, and his mother's maiden name was Mehetabel Snyder. His boyhood and youth were passed on the farm. He attended the district schools and spent one year at Oberlin College. He taught in the public schools of this county, fifteen years. He was Clerk of Harrison township from September, 1884, to Septem- ber, 1889, and was Treasurer of the same township from 1889 to 1893. He was appointed Deputy Auditor April 9, 1894, and was elected to the office of County Auditor in November, 1898. He was re-elected in November, 1901, and is at present serving in that capacity. He is a strong republican. He is a member

FRANK LEE SIKES.

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of the Sixth Street M. E. church of Portsmouth. He was married January 1, 1884, to Miss Emma L. Sampson, a granddaughter of the old pioneer Simeon Wood. They have four children, as follows: Herbert S., age seventeen; Mor- ton, age fourteen; Roswell B., age eleven; and Harold B., age three years.

Mr. Shumway began his career as a teacher of the public schools. He at once showed a great aptitude for the work and placed himself in the first rank of that profession. He is possesed of a forceful character, strong will and excellent judgment. He aims to understand all details of every work set be- fore him and to bring to it the aid of all his natural abilities. As Deputy Au- ditor he was faithful and efficient. As the County Auditor he has fulfilled the duties of the office in a manner acceptable to every one concerned. His at- tainments are such that he would fill acceptably any office or position he would accept. He comes from a long line of ancient and honorable Revolutionary an- cestry, and acts out the good qualities of each generation which preceded him. He has an intelligent and well trained conscience and lives up to its dictates. In the moral and religious views Mr. Shumway's character is one for favorable comment and praise.

Reuben B. Shumway

was born in Harrison township. Scioto county, Ohio. January 3, 1844, eldest son of John Q. and Mehetabel Shumway. He attended the common schools of Harrison township, two terms of select school at Harrisonville, and took up teaching as a profession. He completed the study of book-keeping and surveying at the same time. He enlisted in Company F, 140th O. V. I., May 2, 1864, and was mustered out September 3, 1864. He was elected Assessor of Harrison township in 1865, re-elected in 1866.

He was married December 24, 1865. to Barbara Schuster, daughter of John and Margaret Schuster (nee Geyschel). They have had twelve children, of whom nine are living. They are: John W., chief clerk of the Wabash rail- road, at Council Bluffs, Iowa; Mrs. Louella Thompson, of Galt, Kansas; Henry, Charles, and Edward, all prosperous farmers and stock-raisers in Rice county, Kansas; Mrs. Hettie Plauk; Mrs. J. M. Williams, of Lyons, Kansas, and Clay and James at home.

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A history of Scioto County, Ohio, together with a pioneer record, Part 155

Author: Evans, Nelson W. (Nelson Wiley), 1842-1913 Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Portsmouth, O. N. W. Evans Number of Pages: 1612

Author: Evans, Nelson W. (Nelson Wiley), 1842-1913
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Portsmouth, O. N. W. Evans
Number of Pages: 1612