USA > Ohio > Brown County > History of Clermont and Brown Counties, Ohio, from the earliest historical times down to the present, V. 2 > Part 10
USA > Ohio > Clermont County > History of Clermont and Brown Counties, Ohio, from the earliest historical times down to the present, V. 2 > Part 10
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77
Digitized by Google
108
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
ford, of Kentucky; Mrs. Alonzo Judd; Daniel lives in Ken- tucky ; Edward died young.
Seven children have blessed the union of Alonzo Judd and wife, all born in Moscow: William H., born in January, 1867, married Bertha Davis, resides in Kentucky, and they have one child, Beatrice; Minnie J. married Edward Langh, of Mos- cow, and they have two children, Myrtle and Judd; Cora, wife of Charles McCoy, lives in Cincinnati, Hamilton county, Ohio; Robert died when eighteen months old, and is buried in Mos- cow ; Everett died at about the same age as Robert ; Ellsworth Lee died at the age of two years ; Stella married Clarence Hol- land, and they live in Moscow.
Mr. and Mrs. Judd belong to the Christian church, in which he is an elder, and both are active in its work. They have a very pleasant home on Third street, which they have pur- chased, and they have a number of friends in Moscow and vicinity. Havig practically spent his life in the community, Mr. Judd is one of the best known men of Clermont county, and is reasonably proud of the part taken by the family in its early history.
ANTHONY MELDAHL.
There is no more popular man along the Ohio river than Anthony Melhadl, affectionately known among his friends and acquaintances as "Tony," and he is a man of skill and ability, whose watchful care insures the safety of thousands of per- sons each year. He is a pilot on the great river, being now employed on the boat known as the "Ohio." It is to such com- petent, conscientious men, standing at the wheel governing the boat, amid the dark shadows of night, in shallow places and through swift currents, straining every sense to guard the lives of those depending upon their skill, that the most sincere praise and commendation should be given. The wheel seems a thing of life, immediately obedient to their will, and their efficiency is the result of long years of training. Mr. Meldahl is a man of good habits, is self-made and shows that he is de- scended from a family of good standing and honor, having the leading traits of the true gentleman.
Mr. Meldahl was born near Parkersburg, W. Va., July 26, 1854, son of Emil and Lena (Muenchmeyer) Meldahl, the father born in Denmark in 1828. and now living near Parkers-
Digitized by Google
-
109
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
burg, and the mother, who was born in Germany, in 1834, died in 1906. Both families were of the nobility of their respective countries, and he and his wife were both educated in Germany, receiving the benefit of such learning and culture as were given only those of high birth, position and wealth, in their native countries. Mrs. Meldahl was well known as a fine linguist, having mastered a number of languages thoroughly, and was a musician of such talent that all who had the pleas- ure of hearing her long remember it as an unusual treat. Her family, the Muenchmeyers, are moving in leading official cir- cles in Germany at the present day. Some fifty-eight years ago Mr. and Mrs. Meldahl came to West Virginia and located near Parkersburg, where they made a home and reared a large family, on what was known as Washington Bottom. Their residence, which was one of the finest in the whole State, is near the Ohio river division of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, and the station near it is known as Meldahls. This beautiful estate attracts a great deal of attention, and its owners are very proud of it, as it is large, well arranged, and built for the comfort of its occupants and the entertainment of friends. No one was ever turned from the door, and its hospitable roof has sheltered many weary travelers, who by accident or de- sign came to the portal of this old-fashioned home. There are to be found all the comforts to be had in a large city and all the beauty of a carefully planned country home. Mr. and Mrs. Meldahl had great pride in their children, who have done honor to their parents, and made a host of friends, for they were both courteous and pleasant in manner, and did not hold themselves above associating with their neighbors. Mrs. Meldahl especially was a favorite with old and young alike, and all knew that true enjoyment reigned in her home. Her death brought genuine sorrow to the hearts of many. The members of her household were blessed with the opportunity afforded them of living with this noble gentlewoman, and it was counted an honor to be among her friends.
Of the children born to Emil Meldahl and wife six now sur- vive: Maude, wife of Capt. James Sandford, of Dayton, Ky .; Alexander, of Huntington, W. Va .; Frank, of Charleston, W. Va .; Margaret and Lilly, at home, and Anthony.
Mr. Meldahl began his education in the country schools near his boybood home, for some time had a private governess at home, and later attended school in Parkersburg. He re- mained on the home farm until attaining his majority, then
Digitized by Google
:
IIO
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
went to work on the river, on a boat running between Cincin- nati and Pittsburgh. He engaged in business on his own ac- count, and owned the steamer, "Fashion," and the "Knox," the former of which sank. He sold the Knox several years before his marriage and now runs the "Queen City." He pur- chased seventy-eight acres of land in Washington township, Clermont county, to which he has added from time to time, and has a beautiful home, especially well adapted for keeping summer boarders, from the cities or elsewhere. He and his wife have worked together and success has attended their efforts in a gratifying degree. He is much interested in local affairs in Clermont county, and in politics is a Republican. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow and a Woodman.
On October 26, 1892, Mr. Meldahl married Miss Laura Busby, who was born in Neville, Clermont county, October 2, 1868, daughter of James and Sarah (Vanlandingham) Busby. Mr. Busby was born in Indiana in 1826 and Mrs. Busby in Brown county, Ohio, in 1835. He died in 1898, and she in 1902, and both are buried in Vesper cemetery. He was a car- penter by trade, was married in Foster, Ky., and in an early day moved to Clermont county, Ohio, living at Neville until old age overtook him and he came to live with Mrs. Meldahl. He and his wife had two children, Robert, of Pennsylvania, who was born at Foster, Ky., and Mrs. Meldahl. Mrs. Busby's father, Manley Vanlandingham, served in the War of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Meldahl have three children, all born on the home farm and all at home: Louise, born September 23, 1894, and Otis and Vera (twins), born February 17, 1899. All are promising young people. Mrs. Meldahl is a member of the Christian church and Miss Vera is a Methodist.
JOHN JARMAN.
John Jarman is one of the most extensive farmers of Wash- ington township, Clermont county, and belongs to the class of self-made men who have done so much for the progress and welfare of the county. He is held in respect by his neighbors and enjoys the good will of all who know him. He was born near Neville, Clermont county, in 1875, son of George and Alice Jarman, a sketch of whom also appears in this work. The father was a prominent citizen of the county, industrious and
1
Digitized by Google
III
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
thrifty, and is well remembered by many, as he was much interested in local affairs and was kindly disposed toward all. He and his wife had four children, mentioned in connection with the sketch of the parents.
Mr. Jarman attended school at Beech Grove, and after leav- ing school remained on the home farm with his mother until he attained his majority. September 16, 1902, he married Miss Hattie Essex, who was born at Rural, Clermont county, March 9, 1879, daughter of A. L. and Rachael Belle (Reed) Essex, of Rural. Her father, Albert L. Essex, is a retired tobacco buyer and in early years was a teacher and farmer. He is a son of Albert and Joanna (Broadwell) Essex, born at Rural, in 1854, and resides in Washington township. His father was born in New York, in 1818, and died in 1853, not long before the birth of his son. His mother was born at Milford, Ohio, in 1823, and died in 1892, and both were buried in Rural cemetery. Al- bert and Joanna Essex had four children, two of whom reached maturity : Frances, wife of William A. Jones, of Walnut Hills, and Albert L.
Albert L. Essex attended National Normal University, at Lebanon, Ohio, and for a short time studied at Augusta, Ky. He taught some fifteen years in Franklin township, buying tobacco during the summer months. He became foreman for H. P. Williams, an extensive tobacco buyer, and had a fac- tory for several years. In 1892 he built a warehouse, but since 1896 he has practically retired and his son carried on the busi- ness for some years, but is now connected with the American Tobacco Company. He spent the greater part of his life in Franklin township, but in 1892 purchased some sixty acres in Washington township, now the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Jarman. He was elected by the Republicans to the office of justice of the peace, serving nine years in Franklin township and three years in Washington township, and served some time as trustee in the latter. In 1878 he married Miss Belle Reed, born near Rural in 1856, daughter of Joseph and Rachael (Morgan) Reed. Mr. Reed was born in Felicity in 1828 and died in 1904, and the mother was born near Rural in 1830, and died in 1885, both being buried at Mount Pleasant. There were eleven children in their family, eight of whom reached maturity : Elizabeth, wife of Baker Flaugher, of Higginsport; Edward was killed in childhood; Belle, Mrs. Essex ; Alphonso, who was accidentally killed; William, of Cincinnati; Alvina, Mrs. Mahlon Vermillion, deceased; Laura, Mrs. Harvey Fry ;
Digitized by Google
112
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
Grant, died in February, 1913, at Cincinnati; Edmond, of Ken- tucky. Mr. and Mrs. Essex had five children born near Rural : Hattie, wife of John Jarman; Paul, of Ripley, Ohio, married Mary Glazer, of Neville; Edith, wife of Alfred M. Demaris, living on a farm near Rural, has one child; the other two chil- dren, Eva and Wylie, died in infancy. Mr. Essex had an uncle, Ferdinand Broadwell, who served in the Civil war, in the Twenty-second Ohio, and Mrs. Essex had two uncles, Frank and Charles Reed, who served in the war, the former of whom was wounded at Kenesaw Mountain. Mr. and Mrs. Essex have worked hard and now enjoy their comfortable circum- stances. Mrs. Essex belongs to the Christian church at Rural.
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Jarman located near Neville, where he has some three hundred acres of land under his con- trol, part of which he owns. He has demonstrated unusual ability as a farmer and in business transactions, being very successful in his enterprises. He is a Republican in politics. He is a Mason and also belongs to the Junior Order of Amer- ican Mechanics. Mrs. Jarman belongs to the Christian church. They have four children, all born near Chilo: Paul, born July 16, 1904, attends the school at Beech Grove, which his father and grandfather Jarman attended; Alice, born April 9, 1907; John, born November 8, 1910, and George Allen, born May 25, 1913.
JOSEPH TRIMBLE RICKER, M. D.
Dr. Joseph Trimble Ricker has attained much prominence in Clermont county during the past forty-two years, not only because of his remarkably successful career in the medical profession, but also because of his intense and well directed activity for the advancement and development of his native county. He is a representative of the Ricker family, who since the earliest pioneer days have been numbered among the substantial citizens. He is the sixth child of Major Elbridge Gerry and Margaret (Foster) Ricker. a mention of whom ap- pears elsewhere on these pages, and was born May 18, 1848.
Dr. Joseph T. Ricker spent the days of his childhood in the home of his parents, and after the usual preliminary education took up the study of medicine in the city of New York, from which he graduated in 1871. delivering the valedictory address for his class. During his period of study in New
Digitized by Google
Ie. J. J. Ricken
J. J. BRicker M. d.
Digitized by Google
Digitized by Google
113
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
York, Dr. Ricker attended a course of scientific lectures at Cooper Union for three years, and became well acquainted with Dr. Stowe and his wife, Harriet Beecher Stowe. After his graduation, Dr. Ricker was appointed demonstrator of anatomy, but resigned because he desired to return to his home, where he took up the general practice of medicine, and after a continued period of forty-two years is still actively en- gaged in his profession, at Mt. Carmel, Ohio.
On May 10, 1876, Dr. Ricker was united in marriage to Miss Catherine E. Winspear, of Buffalo, N. Y., a young woman of unusual musical talent and ability. She was a daughter of John and Catherine (Wheelock) Winspear, the former of whom was originally of Hull, England, and through the latter she traces her ancestry to Ann Drury and through her to Ed- mund Rice, of England, 1594. There are many Revolutionary heroes in the Winspear-Wheelock-Drury lineage. This union has been blessed with three children, whose names follow:
Joseph W., who was born March 12, 1880, near New Rich- mond, Ohio, received his preliminary education in the Mt. Carmel High School and later in the Woodward High School of Cincinnati. In 1897, he enter the University of Cincinnati, Medical College of Ohio, where he took a four-years course and was granted the degree of Doctor of Medicine, in May, 1901. Following this event, he was appointed resident phy- sician of the Jewish Hospital, and served in this capacity until 1903, when he determined to take up dermatology and for this purpose arranged for a post-graduate course abroad, spending one year studying in the clinics of Vienna, Berlin, Paris and London, under such eminent men as Lassar, Lesser, Rhiel and Neumann. Returning to America, he located at Cincinnati, Ohio, engaging in the practice of his specialty, dermatology. Joseph W. Ricker, being very successful in his profession was honored by an appointment to the staff of Bethesda Hospital and surgical clinic of the Medical College of Ohio. In 1910, Dr. Ricker gave up the practice of medicine to enter the food manufacturing business, and in this line of work, his labora- tory training, his hospital experience and his post-graduate trip abroad proved to be a valuable asset to his business and today he is a recognized expert in the manufacture of certain food products, being called upon frequently to serve as an expert for the government in its food cases. Joseph W. Ricker chose for the companion of his future years, Miss Helen Skaats Loudon, only child of Charles F. and Lucy (Skaats)
Digitized by Google
1
114
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
Loudon, of Avondale. Cincinnati, the latter of whom is a de- scendant of Dolly Madison, and on November 12, 1904, the ceremony took place. To their union one child was born, Charles Loudon Ricker, whose birth occurred November 22, 1905.
Catherine Elmira, who was born near New Richmond, Ohio, December 2, 1881, graduated from the Walnut Hills High School in the class of 1899. receiving the gold medal in mathe- matics and the silver medal for general scholarship with hon- orable mention in Latin and literature. She afterward spent two years attending the Eden Park Art Academy, studying in the life classes of Vincent Nowottney and L. H. Meakin, later taking up metal work and designing of jewelry. While teaching in the New Richmond schools, she composed and collaborated with Mr. Joseph Surdo, two operettas. which have been successfully given in a great number of cities in the United States. On August 28, 1907, occurred her marriage to Mr. H. P. Moran, of New York City. Mr. Moran is a grad- uate of the College of the City of New York and of Cornell University, and a member of the Theta Delta Chi fraternity. He is a civil engineer with Frederick L. Crauford, incorpo- rated, one of the largest contractors of the East. They built the subway under the East river, connecting the Boro of Brooklyn with the Boro of Manhattan, and are at present building a section of the subway underlying the Trinity Build- ing, St. Paul's Churchyard, the old Astor House and several other celebrated landmarks of older New York. Mr. Moran's part in the construction has been a large and responsible one. Three children have come to bless and cheer this union: Isa- bella Ballantine, born July 14, 1908, at her grandfather's home in Glen Rose, Ohio; Harry Hamilton, born April 27. 1911, in Brooklyn, and William Ricker, born August 23, 1912.
Elbridge Gerry Ricker, second, was born August 28, 1883, at Mt. Carmel, Ohio, and received his early education at the Mt. Carmel High School, from which he graduated in 1902, afterward entering the medical department of the University of Cincinnati, graduating from a four-years course, in May, 1906, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, taking the prize in eye, ear, nose and throat. and was one of three, of a class of thirty-three, to receive honorable mention. After passing a competitive examination he was appointed interne at the Cin- cinnati Hospital, serving one year in this capacity, and one year as house surgeon, receiving his diploma in the year of
Digitized by Google
-
115
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
1908. He is now practicing successfully at Forrestville, Ham- ilton county, Ohio. Dr. Ricker is a member of the Clermont County Medical Association and is also surgeon for the Inter- urban Railway & Terminal Company. He was united in mar- riage on September 3, 1902, to Miss Estella Virginia Williams, daughter of Thomas and Lillian (Warner) Williams and granddaughter of Mary Williams, of Woodburn, and Locust avenues, Walnut Mills, one of the original owners of a great part of the land of the hill tops. They are the parents of two children : Mary Margaret, born July 26, 1905, at the home of her grandfather, at Glen Rose, Ohio, and Elbridge Gerry, third, born October 16, 1909, at Forrestville, Ohio.
Dr. Joseph Trimble Ricker has always been a staunch Re- publican, and a progressive citizen. He, with his brother, Benjamin Ricker, and his cousin, Dr. Freeze, assisted in rais- ing the ten thousand dollar subscription demanded of Pierce township toward the building of the New Richmond branch of the Cincinnati & Eastern railway, and held the handles of the plow that broke the furrow at the opening celebration. Dr. Ricker also built the second telephone line established in Cler- mont county, it being built for his private use and extended for six miles from Mt. Carmel, Ohio, to Forrestville, Ohio, and was used free of charge by the general public until it was purchased by the Citizens' Telephone Company, who after- ward sold it to the Bell system.
JULIUS SHELLEY.
Julius Shelley, a native son of Clermont county, belongs to one of the old families of the region, and has spent most of his life there. He was born September 7, 1840, at Moscow, son of Andrew Jackson and Louisa (Way) Shelley, the father a native of North Carolina and the mother of Greenfield, Ohio. Andrew J. Shelley was born November 28, 1811, and died De- cember 19, 1897, and the mother was born September 26, 1818, and died April 22, 1899. Both parents died and were buried at Moscow. The father came to Ohio as a very young boy and learned the trade of tailor, which he followed all his life. He was a Republican in politics and a hard working, indus- trious citzen. He and his wife had twelve children, all born at Moscow and seven of them still surviving: William,
-
Digitized by Google
116
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
drowned in the Ohio river, at the age of nine years; Mary Emily, wife of Elijah Fee, of Richmond, Ind .; Malvina, who died in January, 1913, was the widow of Theodore M. Hughes, of Moscow, who was a captain in the Civil war ; Julius, of this sketch ; Lucius, unmarried, lives with Mrs. Hughes; Sylvester died a few years ago in Butler county, Kentucky ; Addie, wife of Robert Norris, made her home in Illinois, where she died, her first husband being Benjamin Fisher, also deceased; Au- gustus lives with Mrs. Hughes, in Moscow; George lives at Butler, Ky .; James lives in Cincinnati; E. C., of Cincinnati, and Granville, of California. The parents of these children were members of the Methodist church, and the father was a class leader and steward. They were both active in church work and well known for their zeal in this respect.
In boyhood Julius Shelley attended the public schools of Moscow, and his first work on his own account was as a sol- dier. In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Second regiment, and later he served in Company A, of the Thirteenth Ohio cavalry. He participated in the battles of Gettysburg, Perryville, Pe- tersburg, and many others of importance. He was taken pris- oner at Gettysburg and spent two months in prison at Belle Isle, there suffering every hardship and privation. He won an honorable record as a soldier, and at the end of his term re- turned to civil life. He learned the blacksmith trade in Mos- cow, but later took up farming. In 1869 he married Miss Laura Harvey, who was born in Nova Scotia in 1841, daugh- ter of Dr. George and Mary (Archibald) Harvey, her father and mother also natives of Nova Scotia. Dr. Harvey was born in July, 1805, and died in 1886, and Mrs. Harvey was born in June, 1806, and died December 17, 1883. He came to the United States in 1852, settling at Point Isabel, Clermont coun- ty, Ohio. He was a physician by profession, practiced for a time in Oxford, and was a surgeon in the navy throughout the Civil war. In 1865 he located in Moscow and there practiced many years. He retired late in life and died at the home of a son in Minneapolis, Minn. He and his wife had eight children, all born in Nova Scotia, and five of them now survive: Georgia, widow of William Wolf, of Oklahoma City, Okla .; Tompkins lives in Kansas: Laura, Mrs. Shelley; David. of Oklahoma ; Frederick, of Minneapolis: William died in Okla- homa; Mary, who died in Illinois, was the wife of Edward Gaskins.
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Shelley located on a farm near
Digitized by Google
117
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
Felicity, spent three years there, and in 1871 removed to Kan- sas, but five years later returned to Moscow and began farm- ing in Washington township. He continued farming at inter- vals until about two years ago, since which he has lived re- tired. He removed to his present pretty cottage on Wells street, Moscow, at that time. He erected this home, and it is very suitable to the family needs. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs, and is recognized as a pro- gressive, upright citizen. He is a Republican in politics, and has worked for the party with great enthusiasm. He has served as councilman and on the school board at Moscow. He is a member of the Christian church, and his wife of the Presbyteri- an church, and he also belongs to the Grand Army of the Re- church, and he also belongs to the Grand Army of the Re- public. Mr. Shelley is a self-made man, and his wife has stood by him well, working with him and proving an inspira- tion and encouraging him in his efforts. Both are upright and energetic and have won the respect and esteem of all. They are pleasant and cheerful and have a large circle of friends, being very hospitable.
Three children were born to Mr. Shelley and wife, namely : Charles Dickens, born May 14, 1870, died July 27, 1871, and was buried at New Richmond; David Harvey, born in 1877, March 27, married Miss Irene Herbert, resides in Pittsburgh, Pa., and they have three children-Herbert Julius, James and John; Mary Louise is at home with her parents.
Mrs. Shelley's four brothers served in the Civil war, two in the navy and two in cavalry regiments, all enlisting from Ox -. ford, Ohio.
DR. GEORGE P. TYLER.
Dr. George P. Tyler, one of the foremost professional men of Ripley, Ohio, where he has a fine practice and splendid offices, is widely known in this section of the State as a phy- sician and surgeon. His methods are immensely practical and his life of continued activity has been crowned with a measure of prosperity that classes him among the most substantial of citizens in the community. His birth occurred at Russellville, Ohio, December 13, and his parents were Hon. George P. and Mary Ann (Reed) Tyler, whose sketch appears elsewhere on these pages.
Digitized by Google
118
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
Dr. Tyler was reared at Russellville, and attended the schools of his native town, after which he became a student of the Ohio Medical College, graduating in the class of 1886, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. His first practice in medi- cine was at Warm Springs Indian Agency in Oregon, where for two years he was in the employ of the government.
Returning to the East in 1887, he was united in marriage to Miss Judith Field Leggett, on the 23d of June of the same year. Her parents were Francis Taylor and Virginia (Eyler) Leggett, both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Tyler is a cousin of Mr. Chambers Baird and a niece of Mr. J. C. Leggett, both of Ripley, Ohio. She taught in the Ripley High School for some years prior to her marriage. One child has been added to the family circle of Dr. and Mrs. Tyler, George P., 3d, who was born in 1888. He graduated from the Ripley High School and afterward from the Miami Medical College in the class of 1910. For one year following his graduation, he was receiving physician of the German Deaconess Hospital, Cincinnati, and since that time has been associated with his father at Ripley. He married Miss Ethel Plummer, of Cincinnati, and their home since their marriage has been at Ripley, Ohio. He holds membership with Union. Lodge, No. 71, Free and Accepted Masons.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.