Centennial History of Butler County, Ohio, Part 139

Author: Bert S. Bartlow, W. H. Todhunter, Stephen D. Cone, Joseph J. Pater, Frederick Schneider, and others
Publication date: 1905
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1149

USA > Ohio > Butler County > Centennial History of Butler County, Ohio > Part 139

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).

The first house he occupied was a story and a half hewed-log house situated on the precise spot now occupied by the paper mill of Snider Sons, on lot 160. During the en- suing fall and winter he built a two-story hewed-log house on the north end of lot 202, on Second street. north of Heaton street, to which house he removed in the early part of the summer of 1808. Afterwards he pur-

chased lot No. 118, on the corner of High and Fourth streets, upon which he erected a frame house and into it he removed his family on the 18th day of September, 1819. He resided there for eighteen or twenty years, and afterwards he built a house on the north end of lot 155, on Third street, where he resided until within a few years of his death.

Dr. Millikin and wife had a large family. Their children were born as follows: Stephen Millikin, on the 2d day of January, 1803: John M. Millikin, on the 14th day of October. 1804; Anna Millikin, on the 6th day of September, 1806; Thomas B. Mil- likin and James H. Millikin, on the 8th day of May. 1808; Anna Millikin, on the 5th day of March, 1811; Joan Millikin, on the Ioth day of May, 1813; Mary Millikin, on the 22d day of August, 1815; Daniel Mil- likin, on the 17th day of April, 1818; Jane Millikin, on the 22d day of September, 1819; James Millikin, on the 8th day of July, 1822; Otho W. Millikin, on the 22d day of January, 1826. The first three were born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and the others in Hamilton. Anna and James H. both died young and previous to the birth of others of like name. Nine of the foregoing arrived to lawful age, and were all married as follows: Stephen mar- ried Eleanor Ewing, April 17, 1823; John M. married Mary G. Hough, September 6, 1831 ; Thomas B. married Catherine Hough, November 10, 1831; Anna married Amer- icus Symmes, February 21, 1832 ; Joan mar- ried Robert Kennedy, December 6, 1832; Mary married D. D. Conover, October 19, 1838; Daniel married Sarah J. Osborn, Feb- ruary 1, 1843; Jane married O. P. Line, April 25. 1843: Otho W. married Lida

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Schenck, January 11, 1854. Stephen and Thomas B. lost their wives, and were sub- sequently again married. All raised families, and none now survive. Stephen and Thomas both removed west, and both died, leaving families.

Mrs. Joan Millikin had, for some years, been in feeble health, and died on the 28th day of September, 1830, being then only a few days past forty-eight years of age. Owing to the extremely severe hardships that Dr. Millikin had been compelled to en- dure in the very extensive and laborious practice of his profession, in the earlier years of his residence in Butler county, his stalwart frame was for years enfeebled by disease. For some time previous to his death he occasionally suffered severely from acute attacks, while his general health was se- riously impaired. He finally departed this life on the 3d day of November, 1849, hav- ing attained the age of seventy years, eight months and twenty days, and after a resi- dence in Butler county of forty-two years and nearly six months.

The professional career of Dr. Millikin was not only protracted, but it was exces- sively laborious and severe. There was no mode of conveyance save riding on horse- back. Doctors had to ride in the intense hot sun and were exposed to the cold, the rain, and wintery storms. The roads were frightfully bad for a large portion of the year. As there were but few physicians, Dr. Millikin had a wide range in his prac- tice, not only visiting in all parts of the county, but receiving occasional calls from adjoining counties. The pressing demands that were made on physicians during the summer and fall months, for twenty-five or thirty years of Dr. Millikin's professional

life, can not be understood by those who did not live at the time referred to. Almost every household contained one or more pa- tients needing medical treatment. Often- times the entire family would be prostrate with chills and fever, or with a most malig- nant case of bilious fever ; so that there were not enough well persons in the family com- petent to answer the pressing calls of the sick. For continuous months the services of physicians were so much required that their average imperfect rest did not exceed four or five hours out of the twenty-four. It is marvelous that the excessive toil, great ex- posure, and deprivation of comfort and rest did not destroy the most robust constitution or impair the health of the most vigorous and enduring.

In the practice of his profession at the period referred to, Dr. Millikin was en- abled to endure much hardship. He was of a cheerful, genial temperament, and sub- mitted to the hardships and discomforts of his professional life with but little com- plaint. His services were inadequately com- pensated by those he served. The fees charged and collected were insufficient for the comfortable maintenance of a family. He was unselfish and liberal in his nature, and had apprehensions lest he might de- mand too much for his services, or call too soon for the miserable pittance that he had charged his patients. He married a second wife. by whom he had several children, the last surviving of whom-Samuel Milli- kin-died in 1895.

Outside of his professional life he had the confidence of the public, and occupied several honorable positions. He was in the war of 1812, in Colonel Mills's regiment, as surgeon, and, for a period, as quarter-

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master. He was a trustee of Miami Uni- versity for many years; represented the county as a representative in the Ohio legis- lature in 1816; was major-general of the Third Division of Ohio militia, composed of Butler and Warren counties, and served for three terms as an associate judge of the court of common pleas.

REV. KNOWLES SHAW,

-- a name familiar in many western house- holds-was born near New London, in Morgan township, on the 13th of October, 1834. His mother's maiden name was Hul- dah Griffin, and by both of his parents he was of Scotch extraction. His early life was spent in Rush county, Indiana, where he first began to play the violin, furnishing the music for many a dance. While the ball was going on he was converted, ceas- ing to play in the middle of the piece he was performing. Very soon thereafter he en- tered the ministry of the Christian church. On the IIth of January, 1855, he married Miss Martha Finley. Most of his time after entering the ministry was spent in the West and South, and on account of his wonderful vocal powers he was called the "singing evangelist."

As a singer he was considered, in some respects, equal to Sankey and Bliss. Re- porters of the press all spoke of his singing as something wonderful. Soon after be- ginning to preach, he began to compose and to write music. His first song was "The Shining Ones," still popular. He published at different times five singing-books : "Shin- ing Pearls," "Golden Gate," "Sparkling Jewels." "The Gospel Trumpet," and the "Morning Star." "Bringing in the Sheaves" was one of the last songs from his hand.

Texas, in May, 1878. He was killed by a railroad accident, going from Dallas to Mc- Kinney, on the 7th of June, 1878. During his ministry he baptized over eleven thou- sand persons.

WILLIAM E. BROWN

was born at Xenia, Ohio, November 13, 1825. His parents were Edward and Ann (McCue) Brown, natives of Pennsylvania. The father was early engaged in transport- ing goods between Pittsburg and Phila- delphia. In 1824 he left Blairsville, Penn- sylvania, where he had resided, and moved to Xenia, Ohio. In 1826 the family removed to Cincinnati, where the wife and mother died the following year.

The subject attended the public schools and when nineteen years of age taught school in Greene county, Ohio, in which pro- fession he was engaged for some time. Hav- ing learned the trade of shoemaker, he was thus enabled to pay his way while read- ing law at Xenia and Dayton. In March, 1849, he was admitted to practice at the bar. With a letter of introduction from his preceptor, addressed to Thomas Millikin, of Hamilton, he then proceeded to his fu- ture home and arriving here hung out his "shingle" as an attorney-at-law. With limited resources and few acquaintances. business did not come his way at first. In the fall of 1849 an older lawyer was obliged to go away on account of ill health; he left young Brown in charge of his office and practice. Shortly afterwards the lawyer died and Mr. Brown thus became successor to the business, which amounted to about six hundred dollars per annum, and which he had no trouble to retain.

In 1852 Mr. Brown was united in mar-

His last meeting was held in Dallas, riage with Miss Mary A., daughter of Rob-

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ert Beckett. Failing health induced him to move into the country, but he still gave some attention to his legal practice and also dealt in real estate. In this he was successful, his knowledge of the law being of great as- sistance to him. He continued thus oc- cupied until 1870, when he became president of the Second National Bank, in which re- sponsible position he remained until his death in 1904. During his incumbency as president of the bank he continued to deal in real estate and was also president of the Carr-Brown Milling Company. Mr. Brown always took a deep interest in public af- fairs, and was an honorable and substantial citizen and received the confidence of the people with whom he had business or social relations. In early life he was a Democrat. but later upon its organization became a supporter of the Republican party.

To Mr. and Mrs. Brown were born six children, as follows: Clare, who married W. B. Carr, and died in January, 1892; Robert; William B .; Mary, wife of Judge R. E. Sloan, a member of the supreme court of Arizona; and Ella and Paul. To his children Mr. Brown gave the best pos- sible educational advantages. The family are members of the United Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Brown officiated as an elder from 1857 until his death.

ELIJAH HUGHES

was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, November 4. 1777, and died about 1845. He was married about 1800 to Sarah Much- ner, who was born in the same county May 5, 1780, and died about 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes were descendants respectively of Welsh and German ancestors.' Mr. Hughes was a blacksmith by trade, and carried on

the business in his native state for a few years before coming to Ohio in 1816. Upon his arrival here he purchased a farm of one hundred and seventy acres in Liberty town- ship, this county, from Peter Lesourd, where he settled and for about seven years tilled the soil in connection with his trade, after which he gave up his forge and turned his attention entirely to farming and stock deal- ing. He was a prominent citizen, and was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In the family of Elijah Hughes there were seven children who grew to ma- turity : Eliza, Rachael. Daniel, Micajah, Christopher. Philip and Joshua.

Of the sons, Daniel, born June 27, 1805, died July 14, 1884, received a limited edu- cation and was brought up to agricultural pursuits. He remained at home until twenty- six years of age, when he went to Indiana and located one hundred and sixty acres of land on the Wabash, but soon tired of it and returned to Ohio. In March. 1833, he was married to Anna B. Kain, a native of New Jersey, born in 1805. After his marriage Mr. Hughes, in company with his brother Micajah, located on sixty acres of land which was unimproved, and for seven years they owned all things in common. He pur- chased more land at various times until his farm contained five hundred acres. He also owned three hundred acres in the vicinity of Kyle's Station. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hughes were the parents of four children, of whom three attained their majority : Mary Jane, Mrs. Job Mulford; Elijah and Samuel Kain. The latter are residents of Lemon township and live on a well improved farm of five hundred and fifty acres, includ- ing their father's old homestead, where they have been associated in partnership for many

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years as extensive dealers in cattle, in which business they have been successful. In 1891 they platted the Lakeside addition to Mid- dletown, consisting of a fine tract of twenty acres, lying in the northern part of the city. Samuel is a director in the Miami Valley National Bank of Hamilton. He was mar- ried in March, 1885, to Miss H. B. Bou- dinet, daughter of the late Joseph Boudinet, of Lemon township.

Micajah, the second son of Elijah and Sarah Hughes, was born January 25, 1807, and died in August, 1883. His wife was Phoebe Cassidy, a native of Butler county, to whom were born ten children, six sons and four daughters. His son, Joseph B., resides in New York city, where he is a prominent capitalist, and was consul to Birmingham, England, under the adminis- tration of President Cleveland. Micajah Hughes was a prosperous farmer of Liberty township and for twenty years he was presi- dent of the First National Bank of Hamil- ton.

Christopher, the next son, was born De- cember 12, 1813. On February 6, 1838, he was married to Eliza A. Young. He was a noted political leader and fought strenuously for his party, the Democratic, from his ma- jority till his death. He was endowed with more than ordinary natural ability. Clear in his judgment, and decidedly firm in his con- victions, enterprising and public-spirited, he acquired great influence, and for many years occupied a prominent place in social and political circles. He was four times elected to the legislature, serving eight years. He took especial delight in agricultural pursuits, and for many years was connected with the

county agricultural society, and for a long time was a county commissioner. He took an active part in securing the location of the Short Line Railroad (now known as the Big Four) from Dayton to Cincinnati. He possessed high principles of honor, and though strong in his likes and dislikes, was by no means revengeful. He was very de- termined in his efforts to accomplish any object he believed to be right, but whenever unsuccessful he took his defeat like a phi- losopher. He was a sincere and steadfast friend and much esteemed citizen.

Philip Hughes was born in Liberty township, October 19, 1820, and was mar- ried on May 5, 1847, to Elizabeth Rose, daughter of Isaac and Charity (Garwood) Rose, who was born in Liberty township, February 26, 1827. To them were born two children, Rosa, born September 4, 1845. who became the wife of Linus P. Clawson, and Emma, born May 12, 1852. Mr. Hughes was a prominent stockbreeder and farmer. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Hamilton and was a di- rector of that institution for several years. He was also one of the organizers of the Butler County Fire Insurance Company. He was a stockholder and director for some time in the Union Central Life Insurance Company in Cincinnati, and he held posi- tions of trust and honor in Fairfield and Liberty townships.

Joshua E. Hughes, the youngest child of Elijah and Sarah Hughes, was born in Liberty township January 6, 1823. In De- cember, 1848, he was married to Mary Ann Legg, born May 18, 1828. To them were born two children. Frank M. was born

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May 22, 1849, and Charles L. was born May 23, 1851. The latter, who was a prominent farmer residing near Monroe, died about four years ago. Frank M. resides at Hughes' Station, where he is a wealthy land owner. He is also president of the Hamilton Home Telephone Company. He was married first to Christiana Swearingen, who died, and then he married Hannah Sha- for. the daughter of Peter Shafor. Joshua Hughes was a wealthy agriculturist and was vice-president of the First National Bank for several years, and succeeded to the presidency after the death of Asa Shuler, which position he retained until his death.

JACOB MATTHIAS

was born in Winchester, Virginia, October 21, 1802, and attended school in the neigh- borhood of his father's house. Early in life he learned the trade of coppersmith, and in the fall of 1827 came to Cincinnati, remain- ing there a year. He was married in that city on the 27th of March, 1828, to Miss Emily Webb Grooms. To that marriage were born eight children, of whom one is living, Emma C., now the wife of William Miller, of the state of Illinois. On his first coming to Ohio he had made a journey to Hamilton on foot, returning in the same manner. In company with his brother Isaac he again went to Hamilton in the spring of 1828, with the purpose of becoming a per- manent resident. The two brothers at once organized the firm of I. & J. Matthias, en- gaging extensively in the coppersmith busi- ness, subsequently adding the stove and tin- ware trade. Jacob Matthias was also a upon his character.

member of the firm of Matthias, Kline & Resor, conducting a general store in Ross- ville. Mrs. Matthias died in 1845, and on April 23, 1857, he was married to Ann M. James, daughter of Barton James, one of the pioneers of Hanover township, where he set- tled in 1817. Mrs. Matthias was born in that township, September 16, 1828. Her father was a successful farmer and promi- nent citizen. He raised a family of seven children. Mr. James died about 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Matthias were the parents of one son, W. J., and two daughters, Lutie E. and Lillie F. Three of the grandchildren by Mr. Matthias's first marriage are resi- dents of Idaho, and one of them, George M. Parsons, has represented his district in the territorial legislature.

Jacob Matthias represented his district in the state legislature in the session of 1837-1838, and was also a member of the city council and the school board at various times. He was also infirmary director for some years before his death. All of these offices he filled to the utmost satisfaction of his constituents, and with credit to himself. He was a consistent member of the Univer- salist church, and an active and influential citizen and successful business man. He died August 21, 1877. The firm of I. & J. Matthias existed until his death, or for fifty years, his heirs soon after purchasing the interest of Isaac Matthias, and for several years conducted the same under the able man- agement of W. J. Matthias & Co. Mr. Matthias's death was a misfortune to the poor, to whom he had always been a warm friend, and the press united in encomiums

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JAMES SMITH,

man of much capacity, benevolence, and public spirit, and gave his children the ad- vantage of good educations. His widow and they (except two of the younger ones, who died in infancy) survived him. The late Charles K. and John C. Smith, both public men of prominence, were his sons, and James Smith, who married a sister of Almon Davis, of this county. They are now all dead.

once sheriff of Hamilton county, lived for a great portion of his life in St. Clair town- ship. He was born December 22, 1763, in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and emi- grated to the West in the year 1792, in con- junction with General James Findlay, with whom he formed a partnership after his ar- rival, which lasted more than ten years, under the firm name of Smith & Findlay. WILLIAM B. VAN HOOK Their store was near the foot of Broadway, on Front street. . A short time after his ar- was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 26, 1795. His parents were Dr. Benjamin F. Van Hook and Catherine Van Hook, who were Hollanders, and who emigrated from New Jersey to the Northwest Territory at a very early period. Mr. Van Hook remained in Cincinnati until the outbreak of the war of 1812, when he enlisted as a private in Captain David Oliver's company and served as a soldier until peace was declared. He moved from Cincinnati to Hamilton in 1818, where he continued to reside until his death, in 1871. rival he was appointed sheriff of the county, and on the formation of the state of Ohio, he was elected to that office by the people, being the first one thus honored. So long did he hold the shrievalty that he was com- monly known as "Sheriff Smith." During a portion of this time he was collector of the revenue of the government of the United States for the Northwestern Territory and of the taxes for the county. Few men in the Northwest had more influence in the af- fairs of the community than he, and none exercised it more wisely. He acted for a He was by trade a carpenter, which he followed for many years. He had more than ordinary skill as a mechanic and builder. About 1818 he and the late James B. Thomas went from Hamilton to New Or- leans on a flat boat where they remained for several months, working together at the carpenter trade. Mr. Van Hook and Colonel Ball, of Trenton, walked all the way back to Hamilton through the Indian country. He was shortly afterward married to Julia Ann Stephens, who survived him, and who died in June, 1882. time as the private secretary of General, St. Clair, who was governor of the territory, and enjoyed his confidence and esteem. He was captain of the first light infantry com- pany raised in Cincinnati, and when the sec- ond war with Great Britain broke out, went to the front as paymaster of the First Regi- ment. third detachment of the Ohio Militia, and was in Fort Meigs when it was besieged by the British and Indians during that war. About the year 1805 he came to Butler county, settling on the place in section 21, St. Clair township, at the mouth of Four In early life Mr. Van Hook exhibited quite a taste for the theater, and. as an Mile creek. Here he remained until his death, which occurred in 1834. He was a amateur, played with and assisted the since

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eminent tragedian, Edwin Forrest. Mr. Forrest never forgot his old friend and never visited Cincinnati afterwards without send- ing for him.

Mr. Van Hook was a man of more than ordinary merit, and filled with ability several offices of public trust. For several years he was a member of the Ohio legislature, rep- resenting Butler county in the 33d, 34th, 35th, 36th, 37th and 51st general assemblies. He was at one time warden of the Ohio peni- tentiary and was at various times a member and president of the city council of Hamil- ton. During the Civil war he was deputy provost marshal of the third congressional district. In politics he was always an un- wavering and ardent Democrat, but during the war of the Rebellion acted with the Union party. For more than half a century he was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity. He died at his home in Hamil- ton. He was a highly respected, useful and honored citizen.

HENRY S. EARHART

was born near Franklin, Warren county, Ohio, February 17, 1800. He was the son of Martin Earhart and Catherine Site, who were among the first settlers that came to Ohio. His grandfather Earhart was a Revo- lutionary soldier. Henry S. Earhart first came to Hamilton on a visit, about 1815, but did not reside in the county until 1822, when, in conjunction with his uncle, John L. C. Schenck, of Franklin, the leading merchant of this section at that time, he established a store at Jacksonburg. After remaining there a few years he returned to Hamilton and continued to reside there until his death, December 4, 1886. For a time he

was associated in business with George W. Tapscott, but later gave it up for civil engineering, for which he was peculiarly fitted, and he projected the hydraulic works and the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Rail- road. He was married March 10, 1823, in Franklin, to Elizabeth Tapscott, daughter of James and Mary (Hendrickson) Tap- scott. She was born in Allentown, Mon- mouth county, New Jersey, September 15, 1796. Mr. and Mrs. Earhart had five chil- dren, of whom George T. Earhart, of Hamil- ton, is one. Henry S. Earhart was one of the leading citizens of Hamilton; for six years he was a member of the city council and was identified with every movement of his time calculated to further the well-being of his home city and county.

ALEXANDER DELORAC

was for many years one of the best known citizens of Hamilton. He settled in Frank- lin in 1805, where he was engaged as a trader for many years, making regular trips to New Orleans every spring with whiskey, pork and flour. Captain Delorac was an of- ficer in the army of 1812, and he was in several skirmishes with the Indians. In his earlier life he was somewhat celebrated in sporting circles, and was proclaimed fistic champion on general muster days, and at race courses. He was also noted as a pedes- trian. In 1832 he ran a race of six hundred yards at a company muster near Palmyra, Warren county, with a boy about six years old astride his back, against a taller man than himself, and he won the race. He resided for many years in a comfortable dwelling on Prospect Hill, in West Hamil- ton, a point where the Indians in old times

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Centennial History of Butler County, Ohio, Part 139

Author: Bert S. Bartlow, W. H. Todhunter, Stephen D. Cone, Joseph J. Pater, Frederick Schneider, and others Publication date: 1905 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1149

Author: Bert S. Bartlow, W. H. Todhunter, Stephen D. Cone, Joseph J. Pater, Frederick Schneider, and others
Publication date: 1905
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1149