Centennial History of Butler County, Ohio, Part 93

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 93

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In June, 1891, Mr. Levy was united in .marriage with Miss Carrie Pollock, of Cin- cinnati, the union resulting in the birth of two children. Sydney, born June 22. 1845, who died at the age of three and a half years, and Alvin, who was born January 13, 1893. and whose death occurred in the year 1896.

WILLIAM A. NEWTON.

William A. Newton, general agent of the Manhattan Life Insurance Company for southern Ohio, is one of the leading insur- ance men of Butler county, and since taking charge of his present responsible position in 1893 he has built up an extensive and lu- crative business, larger perhaps than that of any other company in this part of the state. A man of energy and great determination,

endeavor. rising from a subordinate sta- tion by overcoming obstacles calculated to discourage and impede his progress until he now occupies a prominent place in the insurance circles of Ohio, besides earning an honorable reputation by the activity and in- fluence he has displayed'in promoting enter- prises and movements having for their ob- ject the good of the city and county of his residence. Born on the 21st day of Janu- ary, 1872, in Princeton, Highland county, Ohio, William A. Newton is the third in a family of four children whose parents were J. W. and Harriett ( Henderson) Newton, both parents natives of this state, the father descended from Virginia ancestry, the mother a daughter of Charles Henderson, one of the first pioneers of the county of Highland. Ansa Newton, the subject's pa- ternal grandfather, was born and reared in the old Dominion state and in an early day moved to Highland county, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life as a mechanic, having been a skilled worker in wood from his youth up. J. W. Newton first saw the light of day in Highland county and after obtaining an excellent education engaged in teaching, which profession he followed for thirty consecutive years. earning during that time an enviable reputation as an edu- cator. At the expiration of the period noted he discontinued educational work and, pur- chasing a farm in Highland county, devoted his attention to agriculture until acquiring a competency, when he retired to Princeton, his present place of residence. The names of the four children constituting the family of J. W. and Harriet Newton are as follows : Ida J., wife of William Cochran, of Clinton

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county, Ohio; Ella F., widow of the late Myron A. Smith, for many years a promi- nent teacher and at the time of his death principal of the schools of Westborough, this state; Prof. Charles W. Newton, one of the leading educators of Highland county, and William A., whose name furnishes the cap- tion of this review.

On the family homestead in the county of Highland William A. Newton spent his early years, and when not engaged in the labor of cultivating the soil and harvesting the crops he attended the public schools, where he made rapid progress in the com- mon branches of learning. Actuated by a commendable ambition for more thorough scholastic training, he subsequently entered a normal college at Covington. Indiana, where he prosecuted his studies several ternis. and on leaving that institution en- gaged in teaching, to which work he devoted the ensuing two years.

Not being pleased with the prospects which the school-room presented in the matter of financial emolument, Mr. Newton abandoned teaching at the close of his sec- ond term and accepted a position with a dress-cutting establishment at Bloomington, Illinois, which he represented on the road for a period of two years, traveling during that time over the states of Illinois, Indiana, Mis- souri and Arkansas, and doing quite an ex- tensive and lucrative business. Severing his connection with the above concern, he en- tered the employ of the Manhattan Life In- surance Company of New York and in the year 1900 took charge of the local agency at Middletown, where he soon won recogni- tion as an energetic, resourceful and exceed- ingly successful solicitor. He continued at the head of the business in this city until

December, 1901, when he was made general agent of the company for southern Ohio, since which time he has located agents at various points and established an extensive business, which under his efficient manage- ment is steadily growing in magnitude and far-reaching influence, the Manhattan hav- ing a larger patronage in the territory com- prising his jurisdiction than any other com- pany operating in this part of the state. As already indicated. Mr. Newton is recognized as one of the most successful underwriters in southern Ohio, and the vast amount of business done in his territory within the last twelve years demonstrates his peculiar fit- ness for the noble work in which he is en- gaged. At the present time he controls fifteen local agencies, each in charge of a man of ability and wide experience, and he is constantly extending the influence of his company by individual work and the estab- lishment of new agencies, and, judging by what he has already accomplished, the day is not far distant when the Manhattan will have a comparatively free field in the several counties now under his management.

Mr. Newton is essentially a man of ac- tion and since becoming a resident of Mid- dletown has manifested a lively and abiding interest in everything making for the city's material advancement. He is progressive and public-spirited and whatever is calcu- lated to promote the general welfare receives his hearty endorsement. He votes the Democratic ticket and stanchly advocates its principles, but is not a politician in the strict- est sense of the term and has never taken a very active part in party affairs. He is a very active member of high standing in the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Lodge No. 178, at Lynchburg, Highland county, .

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. which he joined several years ago, and in all of Ohio birth, the father of Butler and the of his business transactions and social rela- mother of Warren county. By occupation Arthur Lane was for some years a merchant and subsequently turned his attention to manufacturing. Still later he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture and to the latter calling devoted the greater part of his life, meeting with fair success in the matter of material advancement and earning honor- able repute as a worthy man and public- spirited citizen. tions he exemplified the sublime principles and precepts which it is the aim and pur- pose of this ancient and honorable order to inculcate. Mr. Newton is a married man and has a pleasant and attractive home; the lady who bears his name and shares his for- tune was in her maidenhood Miss Josie Har- ris, of Illinois, and the ceremony which united them in the bonds of wedlock was solemnized on July 31. 1896.

GEORGE L. LANE.

Success in the learned professions is not the result of pretentious circumstances. neither does it depend upon the smiles with which fortune frequently regards her fa- vorites. A lucrative business may some- times come through inheritance or gift, but in what are known as the higher walks of life advancement is gained only by in- dividual effort. hence prestige in the dental profession is the legitimate outgrowth of strong mentality, close application, thorough mastery of the principles of the science and a delicacy and accuracy of mechanical skill hardly known in any other calling. The possession and utilization of these attributes in a marked degree by Dr. George L. Lane, of Middletown, has given him worthy pres- tige among the leading dental surgeons of Butler county, and it is with pleasure that the following brief record of his career is pre- sented. A native of Franklin, Warren county, Ohio, Doctor Lane was born on Oc- tober 11, 1866, being the son of Arthur and Nancy (Chamberlain) Lane, both parents

In the district schools of his native county Dr. Lane acquired a knowledge of the fundamental branches of learning, this training being afterwards supplemented by a full course in the Middletown high school. from which institution he was graduated in the year 1883. Later he accompanied his parents upon their removal to the city of Troy and shortly after locating at that place he fitted himself for business life by a thor- ough training in the Dayton Commercial College, from which he received a diploma in 1885. Leaving the latter institution, he became manager of the Central Union Tele- phone Company of Troy, the duties of which responsible position he discharged to the satisfaction of his employers until 1892, when he resigned in order to prosecute the study of dentistry, a profession which the meantime he decided to make his life work. The Doctor's preliminary work in his chosen calling was under the direction of Dr. W. B. Jones, of Troy, Ohio, in whose office he pursued his studies and investigations for a period of three years, at the expiration of which time he entered the Dental College at Indianapolis, Indiana, where he made a creditable record as an earnest and critical student and from which in 1898 he received the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery.

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.Immediately after his graduation Dr. Lane opened a suite of dental parlors in Mid- dletown and in due time was rewarded with a lucrative practice. He has followed the profession with gratifying success from that time to the present and his patronage has steadily increased until he now commands an extensive professional business, occupy- ing, as already stated, a conspicuous place among the leading dentists of the country. The Doctor prepared himself for his work by long and painstaking study and brought to the practice a mind well-disciplined by scholastic and professional training. He has never ceased being a student, but, with a laudable ambition to excel, devotes the leis- ure at his command to the best professional thought of the age, reading the standard literature relating thereto, prosecuting his investigation and keeping in touch with the latest discoveries in the science, besides familiarizing himself with the new and im- proved instruments and devices which from time to time make their appearance. While primarily devoted to his profession and making every other consideration subordin- ate thereto. Dr. Lane is a man of much pub- lic spirit and manifests a lively interest in all worthy enterprises for the good of the city in which he resides. He also encour- ages every progressive measure for the wel- fare of his fellow men and, like all good citizens, takes an active part in politics, be- ing an unwavering supporter of the Re- publican party and a tireless worker for its success in local, state and national affairs. Well informed on the questions and issues of the times, his opinions always com- mand respect and among the leaders of his party in this county his advice and influence have not been without weight in formulat-

ing policies and directing campaigns. The Doctor is interested in secret, fraternal and benevolent work, holding membership with the Pythian lodge of Troy, the precepts and principles of which excellent organization enter very largely into his rule of life and conduct and have much to do in influencing his relations with his fellows. A man of in- telligence, culture and broad humanitarian principles and feelings, he does all in his power to benefit the race and has the high esteem of his friends and the confidence of those with whom his professional relations have brought him in contact.

In November, 1900, Dr. Lane and Miss Elsie Thompson, an accomplished young lady of Troy, Ohio, were united in the bonds of wedlock. Like her husband, Mrs. Lane enjoys great personal esteem and is popular in the best social circles of Middletown.

GEORGE R. DOTY.

At this point it is eminently fitting to enter a brief memorial tribute to one who stood as a leading and influential citizen of Lemon township, where his entire life was passed and where he ever commanded the most unequivocal confidence and esteem, being a man of sterling character and one who lived an upright, earnest and fruitful life, so that his name merits a place of honor upon the roll of those who have dignified Butler county by their lives and services. Mr. Doty devoted his life to the great basic industry of agriculture, in connection with which he attained distinctive success and prestige, his beautiful farmstead being now owned and occupied by his widow.

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George Russell Doty was born where Middletown now stands, in Lemon town- ship, this county, on the 2d of January, 1836, and on the ancestral estate he con- tinued to live until he was summoned into eternal rest, his death having occurred on the 23d of September, 1876. He was a son of Joseph and Mary (Vail) Doty, whose marriage was solemnized on the 16th of De- cember, 1832. The father was born in 1808 and the mother in 1814, and both were rep- resentatives of families which settled in But- ler county in the early pioneer epoch. The farm now owned by the widow of the sub- ject of this memoir was secured from the government by the paternal grandfather of the subject, and was heavily timbered and entirely unreclaimed when he took up his residence here and set himself to the strenu- ous task of improving a farm in the midst of the primeval forest. Upon the death of this honored pioneer his son Joseph came into possession of a part of the old home- stead, and here he passed the residue of his life, having been one of the prominent and influential men and successful farmers of Lemon township, and upon his death this fine `property came into the possession of him whose name initiates this sketch. Thus George Russell Doty practically passed the entire span of his life on a part of the farm which was his birthplace, while it was his to uphold and heighten the honor of the name which he bore, his life having been one of signal usefulness and one marked by sincerity and inflexible integrity of purpose. His educational advantages were such as were afforded in the common schools of the locality and period and he early learned the lessons of industry and personal responsi- bility, so that he was well fortified to play

well his part on the stage of life's activities. He was a man of strong mentality and dis- tinct individuality, firm. in his convictions, but ever tolerant and kindly in his judgment, so that he retained the regard and esteem of those with whom he came in contact in the various relations of life. He was broad in his intellectual capacity and was an ap- preciative reader, keeping himself well in- formed on the questions of the day and showing the same interest which led him to apply himself so diligently to study when a youth. In his early life he worked hard during the day and studied nights in order to widen his scope of knowledge, and thus he became a man of liberal education, having been especially proficient in mathematics. He was progressive and enterprising and made his farm one of the model places of the county, while he was a good neighbor, a loyal citizen and a kind and indulgent hus- band and father, the strength and beauty of his noble character being most in evidence n the sacred precincts of his home, to which he was ever devoted and which figured as the center of his hopes, am- bitions and affections. In politics he was a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and his religious faith was that of the Bap- tist church, of which Mrs. Doty also is a de- voted member. The fine homestead farm comprises one hundred and eighty-four acres, and is equipped with the best of per- manent improvements, including a substan- tial and attractive two-story brick residence and other excellent farm buildings. Mrs. Doty still remains on the homestead, which is hallowed to her by the memories and as- sociations of the past, and the management of the farm is in the hands of her son, who is one of the able and popular citizens of this

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part of the county, where he has resided dur- on the 6th of September, 1840, and is a son ing the entire course of his life.

On the 16th of November, 1864, was solemnized the marriage of George R. Doty to Miss Martha Ann Harkrader, who was born in Lemon township, this county, on the 10th of June. 1844, being a daughter of John and Sally ( Kyle) Harkrader. Of this union were born four children, namely : Mary S., who is now the wife of Charles Stoutenburough. of Warren county; John Russell, who has charge of the home farm. and who married Elizabeth Stoutenborough. of Warren county: Sarah Jane, who is the wife of Edward Deardorff. and Homer. who died at the age of nineteen years.

MARTIN V. MARSHALL.

A native son of Butler county and a rep- resentative of one of its honored pioneer families, Mr. Marshall has for many years occupied a conspicuous place among the successful and progressive agriculturists of Lemon township. having passed his entire life in the county. His career has been that of an honorable and enterprising business man, while he has taken at all times a deep interest in educational, social and civic affairs and kept well informed on the questions and issues of the hour. He commands the re- spect and confidence of those with whom he has been thrown in contact in the varied re- lations of life, and is specially well entitled to specific mention in a compilation which has to do with the history of the county in which he has lived and labored.

Mr. Marshall was born on the old home- stead farm, in Lemon township, this county.

of James and Eliza (Conover) Marshall, of whose five children three are living. the sub- ject of this review having been the second in order of birth. James Marshall was like- wise a native of Butler county, where he was born in the year 1816, this fact showing that the family was established here in the very early pioneer epoch. He devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and was one of the representative citizens of Lemon town- ship at the time of his death, which occurred in 1900. He was a man of inflexible integ- rity and mature judgment and wielded much influence in local affairs of a public nature. though never an aspirant for office. In poli- tics he was a stalwart advocate of the prin- ciples of the Republican party, and both he and his wife were prominent and valued members of the Christian church. Mrs. Eliza (Conover) Marshall was born in this county in the year 1818. her parents having been numbered among the sterling pioneers of this section of the Buckeye state, and here she passed her entire life, her death occur- ring in 1886. James Marshall. the grand- father of the subject, was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, as was also his wife, Mary. both families having been early founded in the Old Dominion state. The marriage of this worthy couple was solemnized in Vir- ginia. whence they emigrated. to Ohio in 1800. locating in Butler county. where Mr. Marshall secured five hundred acres of gov- ernment land, in Lemon township, the en- tire tract being heavily timbered, so that he was compelled to literally hew out a farm in the midst of the forest wilds, thus doing his part in laying the foundations for the magnificent civilization and prosperity which are in so marked evidence here at the

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present day. It is pleasing to note that a deep faith which she held and which domi- portion of this original tract of land is the nated her thought and action. farm now owned and occupied by the sub- ject of this sketch, the property having re- mairied in the possession of the family from the time it was secured from the federal gov- ernment, before Ohio had been admitted to the Union. James Marshall, Sr., died in 1819, at which time his son and namesake, father of the subject, was a child of but three years.

Martin V. Marshall was reared on the' old homestead farm and early began to ren- der his quota of aid in the work of cultivat- ing and improving the same, while his rudi- mentary educational training was secured in the district schools, after which he continued his studies in the commercial school in Mid- dletown. He has never wavered in his alle- giance to the great basic art of agriculture and has attained success through his associa- tion with the same, having been enterprising and progressive and being known as one of the model farmers of the county. His attractive farmstead comprises one hundred and sixteen acres of most arable land, is equipped with the best of improvements and is one of the valuable rural demesnes of the county. Mr. Marshall has ever given an uncompromising allegiance to the Republi- can party and has worked for the success of its cause, though he has never sought the honors or emoluments of public office. He has been for the past thirty-six years a mem- ber of the Christian church, and has contrib- uted liberally to the support of the same and been active in its work. His wife like- wise was a devoted member of this church, both her father and paternal grandfather having been members of its clergy, and her life was gentle and kindly, exemplifying the

On the 18th of September, 1872, was - solemnized the marriage of Mr. Marshall to Miss Mary Simonton, who was born in Clark county, this state, on the 12th of Au- gust. 1849, being a daughter of Rev. Hiram Simonton. She received her education in the public schools of her native county, hav- ing been a student in the high school at New Carlisle, and also possessed consider- able musical talent and ability. She was summoned into eternal rest on the 8th of January, 1897. and is survived by her chil- dren. Wilbur S., Clara E., Ella E., Pearl and Clayton. The children have been af- forded the advantages of the public schools and the eldest of the three. daughters com- pleted her education in the National Nor- mal University at Lebanon, Ohio.

MRS. MARTHA A. DOTY.

This estimable and well-known lady, whose life has been as an open book in which there are no pages marred or soiled by con- duct unbecoming true womanhood, and whose influence has always made for the good of the large circle of friends with whom she associated. is a native of Warren county, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Sarah Harkrader. John Harkrader's fa- ther was Benjamin Harkrader, and his wife was the daughter of Samuel Kyle, both fam- ilies having been among the early settlers and substantial citizens of Warren county.

Martha A. Harkrader was born June IO. 1844, grew to maturity on a farm and early became accustomed to the routine of

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duty characteristic of the majority of pros- perous country households. When young she accompanied her parents on their re- moval to Butler county, and in the district schools of Lemon township, where the fam- ily settled, obtained a fair English educa- tion. Meantime in the rugged school of ex- perience she received a practical training which fitted her for the duties of womanhood and until her twentieth year she remained under the parental roof, assisting her mother by every means at her command. On No- vember 16, 1864, Miss Harkrader entered the relations of matrimony, the husband of her choice being George R. Doty, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, January 2, 1836. The Dotys came originally from New Jersey and were among the early set- tlers of Butler county. The first of the family to become residents of this part of Ohio were Daniel C. and Elizabeth (Crane) Doty, who settled in what is now Lemon township, about the year 1800; among the children of this couple was a son by the name of Joseph Doty, who married, when a young man, Miss Mary Vail, daughter of Samuel Vail, a soldier of the war of 1812, the union resulting in the following sons and daughters: George R .. Gilbert H .. Ruth Jane and Zina Doty. George R. Doty, the oldest of this family, was reared to agri- cultural pursuits and after his marriage with Miss Harkrader engaged in farming for himself and made that vocation his life work. He became a man of considerable local prominence, was highly esteemed as an energetic, public-spirited citizen and took an active interest in whatever made for the material development and moral advance- ment of his community. In politics he wielded a strong. influence for the Demo-

cratic party. In religion he was a promi- nent member of the Baptist church and in all essentials of manhood and citizenship he was easily the peer of any of his friends and associates. He died on September 23, 1876. To Mr. and Mrs. Doty were born four chil- dren, two sons and two daughters, namely : Mary, John Russell, Sarah Jane and Homer.

Socially Mrs. Doty and her family stand among the best and most widely respected people of Lemon township and the name has long been synonymous with integrity and the high sense of honor which never fail to gain and retain public confidence. A shin- ing example of true wifehood and mother- hood, and a typical representative of the in- telligent. clear-brained. practical class of women whose sterling virtues and devotion to duty contribute so much to the stability and moral tone of society, Mrs. Doty has made her influence felt for good in the com. munity and all who enjoy the privilege of her acquaintance speak in high terms of her beautiful Christian character and the many amiable qualities which make her life worthy of emulation.

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Centennial History of Butler County, Ohio, Part 93

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