USA > Ohio > Miami County > Troy > Centennial history. Troy, Piqua and Miami county, Ohio > Part 35
USA > Ohio > Miami County > Piqua > Centennial history. Troy, Piqua and Miami county, Ohio > Part 35
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"This is all long since passed, but while memory lasts I will not forget that the prisons of the South were conducted by heartless and murderons agents. It is needless to add anything to this brief re- vital. The words convey horror enough, but a more revolting chapter may be read between the lines. We know that the South, with all the dignity of insulted pride, has denied the charge of inhuman
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treatment of war prisoners: but the boys who suffered, as well as the thousands who died, attest the truth of the charge with an unanimity which cannot be challenged by a reasonable man."
WILBUR DeBOIS UPDIKE, who farms the De Weese farm of eighty acres in Concord Township, Miami Comty, Ohio, was born on a farm in Warren Coun- ty, Ohio, September 26, 1875. He is a son of Gideon G. and Louisa (Carson) Updike, and a grandson of Jacob Updike.
Jacob Updike was born and reared in New Jersey, and there cast his first presi- dential vote for William Henry Harrison in 1840. Upon his removal to Ohio, he located in Warren County, but the last days of his life were spent in Miami Conn- ty, on a farm north of Troy. He and his wife both lived to advanced age. They were parents of two children: Gideon Gray ; and Addie, who is the wife of Frank Vandeveer.
Gideon Gray Updike was born in New Jersey, on Christmas Day, 1848, and was reared to manhood in that state. As a young man he came west to Warren Coun- ty, Ohio, and worked at carpentering a few years. One year after his arrival he re- turned to New Jersey and was married to Miss Lonisa Carson, whom he brought back to his new home. They lived in War- ren County a short time, then moved to Miami County and rented the Culberson farm north of Troy. After renting for a few years he purchased a farm in Eliza- beth Township, near the Children's Home, where they have since lived. He has raised tobacco quite extensively and has done well in a business way. He and his wife became parents of two children: Wil-
bur D .; and Ada, deceased wife of Larkin Hole.
Wilbur D. Updike was about four years of age at the time of his parents' removal to Miami County, where he received his schooling and grew to maturity. As a boy he worked in a nursery and when seven- teen years old began farming, continuing on the home place until his marriage. Since 1906 he has farmed the place of his wife's mother, located about three miles south- west of Troy, in Concord Township, and has made good business progress. He confines his activity to general farming.
In October, 1902, Mr. Updike was united in marriage with Miss Ora J. De Weese, a daughter of Alexander and Sarah (Say- ers) DeWeese. Mr. De Weese died in 1903 and is survied by his widow. The subject of this record and his wife have one son, Robert F., who was born in September, 1904. Religiously, they are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Republican in politics. He is a member of Troy Lodge No. 43, I. O. O. F .; and Con- cord Encampment No. 23, I. O. O. F.
PETER APPLE, who owns 106 acres of very fine land in Lost Creek Township. the old Isaac Stensman farm, was born March 12, 1849, on his father's farm near St. Paris, Champaign County, Ohio, and is a son of Adam and Mary Ann (Pence) Apple.
Adam Apple was born in Pennsylvania, of German parents. He came to Ohio in early manhood and started out in life with a sole capital of twenty-five cents, all he could call his own. Considering that he lived to be the owner of eleven farms of eighty acres each, his material success was very remarkable. He settled in the neigh-
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borhood of St. Paris, when he came to Ohio, and lived there at the time of his death, when aged seventy-five years. He was twice married and the children born to his first union were: Daniel, John, Adam J., Abraham, Godfrey, Lucy, Saralı, Nancy and David (killed in Civil War). Some are still living. His second marriage was to Mary Ann Pence, who died when aged sixty years. The children of this union were: James, who is deceased : Pe- ter; Ella; Angusta, deceased, and two that died in infancy.
Peter Apple remained at home in Cham- paign County until his own marriage. working for his father on the farm and in boyhood attended the district schools when possible. His father was a strict and fru- gal man and expected a large amount of hard work from his sons. After marriage, Mr. Apple lived on his own farm of seven- ty-eight acres, which was situated in John- son Township, Champaign County, until 1906, when he sold it to his brother Abra- ham and then bought his present property, which lies on the north side of the Peter- son Turnpike Road, in Lost Creek Town- ship. Mr. Apple found it nnnecessary to do meh improving, as substantial farm build- ings were already on the place. He raises the usual grains that do well in this sec- tion and enough good stock for his own use.
In April, 1869, Mr. Apple was married to Miss Barbara Poorman, a daughter of Jacob Poorman, who came to Ohio from Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Apple have had the following children: Alfred, who lives near St. Paris, married Annie Hawes. and they have four children-Ella. Grace. David and Paul; Elizabeth (deceased). who married Pierce Maggert; Maggie.
who died young; Jacob, who operates the home farm for his father, married Doska Sturm, and they have two children-Marie and Leon : and Mary, who married Charles Curtis, a farmer in Brown Township, and has three children-Goldie and Gladys (twins), and Helen. Mr. Apple and fam- ily are members of the Lutheran Church at St. Paris. In politics he is a Democrat.
JESSE BURKETT, one of Troy's prominent retired citizens, formerly conn- ty treasurer and for a number of years a public official of Miami County, is also a surviving officer of the great Civil War, having given a long period of his young manhood to the service of his country in her hour of necd. He was born in 1835, in Jefferson, North Carolina, and was brought to Darke County, Ohio, when he was eleven years of age. In 1847 his par- ents removed to Fredericksburg, Miami County, and there Young Burkett went to school and worked in his father's black- smith shop.
On August 16, 1562, he enlisted in the Federal Army, from Miami County, con- tracting for "three years or during the war." and on August 24th he was mus- tered into Company D, under Capt. R. P. Hutchins, and the Ninety-fourth Regi- ment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Joseph W. Frizell. Four days later, this regiment, withont uniforms or camp equip- ments, having never even been drilled, was ordered to Kentucky, which State, at that time, was being invaded by Gen. Kirby Smith. The regiment went first to Cin- cinnati, thence to Lexington, Kentucky, where Col. Frizell succeeded in getting three rounds of ammunition to the man, and. with the assistance of some citizens,
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passable quarters. Soon afterward the regiment was assigned to the First Brig- ade, First Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, and on August 31st, participated in the engage- ment at Tate's Ferry or Fort. In that first battle, Mr. Burkett was seriously wounded in the left hand, so much so that he was incapacitated for service for some time. On February 15, 1863, he was trans- ferred to Company M, Fifth United States Cavalry, Gen. George H. Thomas com- manding. This regiment was later as- signed to Gen. Torbett's Division, Army of the Potomac, and participated in the fol- lowing engagements: Beverly Ford, Vir- ginia ; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; Brandy Station; Todd's Tavern; Trevelyan Sta- tion; Deep Bottom; Winchester; Dinwid- die Court House; Five Forks; and Appo- mattox Court House. On April 9, 1865, Mr. Burkett was again wounded, a gun- shot shattering his left foot to sneh an ex- tent that he had to submit to its amputa- tion and at first suffered untold misery in a field hospital, later being transported to the Armory Square Hospital, at Wash- ington, D. C. In addition to these sad mis- fortunes of war, Mr. Burkett also suffered imprisonment, being captured by the en- emy, at Lexington, Kentucky, at the be- ginning of his service. Three days later he was paroled and within two months was exchanged. He received his final honor- able discharge, at Carlisle Barracks, Penn- sylvania, August 27, 1865, by reason of disability and the close of the war. His service included many leroie actions and his record is one that reflects credit on liim as a brave man and a patriot. He is a member of Coleman Post, No. 159, G. A. R.
In 1874 Mr. Burkett came to Troy and
for four years served in the office of deputy sheriff of Miami County, for seven years as deputy auditor of the county, for four- teen years as deputy treasurer, and then was elected county treasurer and served for two terms (four years) in that office. Sinee leaving the treasurer's office he lias lived retired. He was a conscientious and faithful official and during the long period of public life, enjoyed the confidence of his fellow citizens at large and the hearty friendship of more intimate acquaintances.
On December 29, 1874, Mr. Burkett was married to Miss Flora P. Tenney, who died in 1878, leaving one danghter, Adda E., who is the wife of Dr. Marsh, of Gou- verneur, New York. Mr. Burkett was married (second), January 8, 1885, to Anna Casley Moody, and they have three sons, J. Earl, Ralph C. and Burton B., all of whom are residents of Troy. In former years Mr. Burkett took quite an active in- terest in politics. He is one of Troy's best known citizens, to advance the welfare of which place he has given his best efforts ever since becoming a resident.
FORREST O. FLOWERS, one of Piqua's progressive and enterprising young business men, who stands very high in commercial circles as the president of the Miller-Flowers Company, clothiers and furnishers, at Piqua, was born in 1881, at Stafford, Ohio.
After his school attendance was fin- ished, Mr. Flowers taught school very sue- cessfully for three years in Monroe County and then accepted an office position with the Buckeye Manufacturing Company, at Anderson, Indiana. He continued with the Buckeye people for one year and eight months, when the company was merged
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with the Pioneer Pole and Shaft Company, of Piqua. He then came to Piqua and was in their office from 1903 to February, 1908, when he bought Mr. Rogan's interest in the Miller-Rogan Company, and the pres- ent firm style was assumed, Mr. Flowers becoming president and J. D. Miller sec- retary and treasurer. This is the leading firm of clothiers and furnishers in Miami County.
On April 16, 1907, Mr. Flowers was mar- ried to Miss Essie Mae Miller, a daughter of William F. Miller, a leading business citizen of Troy. Mr. and Mrs. Flowers are members of the Green Street Methodist Episcopal Church. He is active in the Y. M. C. A., is a member of the board of di- rectors of the Piqua Business Men's Asso- ciation and is identified with the Odd Fel- lows and the Cosmopolitan Club.
HENRY ORBISON EVANS, formerly county surveyor and engineer for Miami County, Ohio, resides on the old home farm in Staunton Township, about three hun- dred yards from the limits of the city of Troy. He is a man of wide experience in his professional work, which has taken him very thoroughly over the west and southwest and into Old Mexico. He was born in Troy, Ohio, March 20, 1846, and is a son of Albert G. and Nancy E. (Orbison) Evans.
Both the paternal and maternal great- grandfathers of the subject of this record were the first of their respective families to become established in this country and came from Wales. The paternal great grandfather and his wife reared the fol- lowing children: Samuel; Hugh; Lavina, Sarah, Richard, Nancy, Amos, Daniel and
Sophia. Samuel, grandfather of Henry O. Evans, was born March 31, 1771, and at an early date settled on a farm near Hills- boro, in Highland County, Ohio, where he lived until his death, August 10, 1853. In 1793 he was united in marriage with Polly Foreman, and their children were John, Nancy, Amos, Elizabeth, Foreman, Simp- son, Tabitha, Lavina and Albert G.
Albert G. Evans was born at Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio, March 5, 1811, and spent his boyhood days on the home farm. When a young man he moved to Defiance, Ohio, where he was a pioneer storekeeper and Indian trader. About the year 1841 lie located at Troy, Ohio, which at the time was but a small village. With his brother John he engaged in the mercantile busi- ness, and later he formed a partnership with William Jay, with whom he continued until 1852 under the firm name of Evans and Jay. He then took into the business as partner, Franklin Elliott, and the firm of Evans and Elliott continued until Mr. Evans retired in 1857. He at that time located on the old John Harker farm in Staunton Township, which he had pur- chased in 1853 from Mr. Elliott. He died on this place November 29, 1889. He was married October 13, 1842, to Nancy E. Or- bison, a daughter of Henry Orbison, a prominent citizen and well known lecturer of Miami County. Mr. and Mrs. Evans, for a wedding trip, went overland to New York City and returned by way of Cincin- nati. The last leg of their journey home was made on a packet on the canal from Cincinnati to Troy, that waterway having but recently been completed. Two children were the issue of this union: Dr. John Rush Evans, formerly of Troy and now of Pittsburg; and Henry O. Evans, who was
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named in honor of his maternal grand- father.
. Dr. John R. Evans graduated at the Troy High School in 1860 and Miami Uni- versity in 1865, after which he received a thorough training in the science of medi- cine in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and in the Belleview Hospital Medical College at New York City. He practiced many years at Troy, where he established an enviable prestige, and then moved to Pittsburg, where he has been successful in connection with a manu- facturing. firm. He was first united in marriage with Miss Julia Denice of Frank- lin, Ohio, by whom he has four children: Albert G., Edwin B., George D. and Henry O. His second marital union was with Miss Elizabeth Sharp of Williamsburg, Ohio.
Henry Orbison Evans spent his youth- ful days in Troy, where he attended the grade and high schools. He left high school in his junior year to enter Miami University, from which he was graduated in 1867 after a four years' course, with the honor of A. B., and in 1887 the degree of A. M. was conferred on him by that uni- versity. In 1868 he entered upon his pro- fession as civil engineer, being engaged in railroad work for seven years, when he re- turned to Troy, and was elected to the office of county surveyor on the Republican ticket, and at the same time served as city and county engineer. He built many of the new pikes in the western part of the coun- ty. In 1891 he went to California and un- til 1894 followed engineering in connection with irrigation work, and then until 1908 worked in many parts of the West and Southwest in railroad construction work. Two years of this time he was in Old Mex-
ico, and for nine years was in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad as assistant and division en- gineer. He returned to Troy in 1908 and established his home on the old farm in Staunton Township, which he purchased from his father's estate in 1853. It is lo- cated at the intersection of the Troy-Ur- bana and Troy-Piqua pikes, on the inter- urban railway, and the residence is now being rebuilt and improved, and is being made one of the most modern and attract- ive homes in Miami County.
Mr. Evans was joined in marriage in 1875 with Miss Jennie Jefferson, a daugh- ter of John Jefferson of Fayette County, .Ohio. She died in 1885, leaving a daugh- ter, Nannie J., who is now the wife of Philip A. Shaffer of New York City, a chemist by profession, who has charge of the Loomis Laboratory, They reside at Flushing, Long Island, and have a daugh- ter, Jane, who was born in 1907. Mr. Ev- ans formed a second union in 1889 with Miss Ella Hawthorne, who was for a num- ber of years connected with the public schools of Troy as teacher. She is a daughter of George Hawthorne and was born at Morgantown, W. Va. Religiously, they are members of the Presbyterian church. Fraternally, he is a member of Franklin Lodge, No. 14, F. & A. M .; and Coleman Commandery, No. 17. K. T. He is a man of wide acquaintance in the coun- ty, and enjoys great popularity.
RICHARD LORENZO BROWN, M. D., is a prominent practitioner of Casstown, Miami County, Ohio, where he has been located since March, 1908. He has estab- lished a wide acquaintanceship and made many friends during his short residence
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here. Dr. Brown was born in Covington, Kentucky, March 28, 1867, and is a son of 1 .. W. and Selina ( Penny) Brown.
L. W. Brown was a young man when he learned the trade of a cornice maker and sheet metal worker. He became an expert workman in the latter capacity and was engaged with Post and Company at Cin- cinnati, Ohio, until their plant was de- stroved by fire. He was then with the same company at Ludlow, Kentucky, until 1882, when he accompanied the general manager of that concern, John Kirby, to Dayton, Ohio. Here he continued in charge of the sheet metal department the r'(- mainder of his days. He died in 1895, at the age of fifty-eight years. He had the distinction of making the first metal casket for the National Cash Register Company at Dayton, and while with Post and Com- pany drew the first plans accurately show- ing the position for the chimney for the headlight for locomotives. lle was united in marriage with Selina Penny, who sur- vived him two years. She came to the United States from England when four- teen years of age, going down the canal to Cincinnati, Ohio, where one of her broth- ers was one of the carly tailors. She be- came an expert vest maker and operated the first sewing machine in that city. Four children were born of their union, namely : Nina, wife of John W. O'Brien: Richard Lorenzo; William A., of Dayton, Ohio; and Minnie, who died at the age of seven years.
Richard L. Brown spent his early boy- hood in Cincinnati and Covington, and at- tended the public schools at the latter place and Ludlow, Kentucky. In 1885 he began the study of medieine under the preceptor- ship of Dr. Seherbenzuber of Dayton, and
the following year matriculated at the Cin- cinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, from which he received the degree of M. D. in 1889. He then embarked in practice at Dayton, where he continued until 1894, after which he was located at Jamestown, Greene County, Ohio, some years. In 1900 he returned to Dayton and remained until 1905, when he located at Springfield, Ohio. Shortly afterward he located at Thackery, and still later at St. Paris, Ohio, but did not remain long in either place. He took up his residence and professional work in Casstown in March, 1908, and has already become well established. He is a man of recognized professional skill and knowledge, and maintains an office on Main Street.
In November, 1903, Dr. Brown was unit- ed in marriage with Mrs. Shirley B. (Riggs) AAltick. widow of Arthur Altick, -and a daughter of Philip Riggs, who was a soldier in the Union Army, and after the close of the Civil War was a revenue offi- eer. ller great-grandparents. the Drakes, were among the carly settlers of Miami County. She has a son by her first mar- riage, Arthur Riggs Altiek. who attends the Troy High School. Politically. Dr. Brown is a Republican, but has been a strong supporter of Bryan. He is a char- ter member of Gem City Lodge, No. 795, I. O. O. F., of Dayton ; and formerly was affiliated with Montgomery and Greene County medical societies. Religiously, he and his estimable wife are members of the Lutheran church.
ANDREW STALEY, one of Bethel Township's most respected retired citi- zens, resides on the old Staley homestead, a tract of 160 acres, situated in the north-
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western part of Section 12, Bethel Town- ship, Miami County, Ohio, on which he was born May 26, 1833. His parents were Elias and Hannah (Ritter) Staley.
Elias Staley was born in Maryland and when he came first to Ohio lie settled as a millwright on Mad River, not far from Dayton, and also bought a farm of eighty acres, on which he built a mill and a dis- tillery. He later sold this property, sub- sequently built and sold another distillery near Dayton, and in 1816 came to Bethel Township and bought the farm of 160 aeres which is now owned by his son An- drew. He never engaged in farming the place although he made all the improve- ments, building the mill and distillery which are old landmarks of the county. He carried on distilling and milling for many years, his death occurring in 1866. In 1826 he married Hannah Ritter, who died in 1880, and both are interred in Saylor's Cemetery, in Bethel Township. There were seven children born to Elias Staley and wife: Sarah, Mary, Simeon, Andrew, John, Levi and Elias, the three survivors being Andrew, Simeon and Levi.
Andrew Staley attended the district schools in his home neighborhood during his boyhood and then gave his father as- sistance on the farm, in the distillery and in the flour and saw-mills. The father built three saw-mills on the place, the last one of which is still standing, although it is not in use any more, and the distillery and flour mill have not been operated since 1905. During his active years he was a very busy man and was able to turn his hand to almost anything, being a good car- penter and millwright as well as distiller, farmer and miller. On account of failing eyesight lie was obliged to retire some
years ago. He owns an additional farm of 105 acres, which lies in Elizabeth Town- ship. Although his father erected all the farm buildings now standing, he has kept them in excellent repair. In his political views, Mr. Staley is a Democrat.
GEORGE F. PARSONS, senior member of the firm of Parsons & Clawson, drug- gists, doing business on East Main Street, Troy, was born in 1847, in Miami County, Ohio, and is a son of Hon. E. and Caroline (Culbertson) Parsons. The late Judge Parsons was a native of Connecticut and he came to Miami County in 1839, becom- ing a prominent member of the bar, serv- ing for ten years as common pleas judge and also being elected proseenting attor- ney. After a long and useful life he died in 1869. He married Miss Caroline C. Cul- bertson, also now deceased, who was a daughter of Robert Culbertson, an old pioneer of this county. They reared the following children: Clara, who is the widow of Mr. Temple, and resides with her brother, George F .; Emma, who is the wife of J. G. Detmer, of Brooklyn, New York; George F .; Caroline, who is the widow of C. P. Thomas, and resides at Tryon, North Carolina; Robert II., who lives at Troy; Laura, who is the wife of M. G. Nixon ; Estella K .; and Mary J., who is the wife of Charles C. West, of Mt. Clair, New Jersey.
George F. Parsons was reared and edu- cated at Troy and during his entire busi- ness career he has been associated with his present line. The present firm of Parsons & Clawson was established in 1892 and does a large business. Mr. Parsons is a Knight Templar Mason and belongs to the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the
DANIEL W. SMITH
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Troy Club of Troy and to the Troy Busi- ness Men's Association.
DANIEL W. SMITH, cashier of the First National Bank of Troy, is one of the older residents of this city, with the inter- ests of which he has been identified since he was twenty-seven years of age. He was born March 9th, 1835, in Montgomery County, Ohio, and is a son of Lester Smith, who was a pioneer in the business of man- ufacturing cut shingles here. After his years of school attendance had passed, Daniel W. Smith was taken into a general mercantile store as a clerk, where he con- tinued until 1862, when he began work in what was then known as a branch of the State Bank of Ohio, which developed into the present First National Bank of Troy. He was advanced from the position of bookkeeper to be teller, then assistant cashier and since 1882 has been cashier of this institution. He has not only the es- teem of the financiers with whom he is associated, but he has also the confidence of liis fellow citizens to a marked degree, who, for forty years have elected him treasurer of Concord Township. In poli- tics he is a Republican and has also served in the City Council of Troy and for several years was trustee of the City Water Works. For twelve years also he was a member of the Board of Education and has been for a number of years a member of the City Board of Sinking Fund, of which he is now president.
In 1864 Mr. Smith was married to Miss Angeline Janvier, who is a daughter of J. T. Janvier, who was a prominent mem- ber of the Miami County bar, public prose- cutor of the county, and a man of wide in- finence and much talent. Mr. and Mrs.
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