History of Clermont and Brown Counties, Ohio, from the earliest historical times down to the present, V. 2, Part 25

Author: Byron Williams
Publication date: 1913
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 925

USA > Ohio > Brown County > History of Clermont and Brown Counties, Ohio, from the earliest historical times down to the present, V. 2 > Part 25
USA > Ohio > Clermont County > History of Clermont and Brown Counties, Ohio, from the earliest historical times down to the present, V. 2 > Part 25

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).

His death occurred March 21. 1878. at the homestead and he was buried in the Cumminsville cemetery, at Cincinnati. by the side of his sainted mother; and there, too, has since been laid to rest, his beloved father, who passed away at the age of over five score years.

CHRISTIAN DONALDSON.

The death of Mr. Christian Donaldson, in 1868, removed from Clermont county. Ohio, a citizen whose memory is revered in every walk of life; a man who was recognized throughout this section of Ohio as one of its most prominent and influential men. Mr. Donaldson was of English birth,

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which took place in London, his natal day being December 13, 1795, a son of Francis and Anna Margaretta (Heinekin) Donaldson.

The members of the Donaldson family are descended pater- nally from illustrious Scotch ancestry, and maternally are of German extraction. The great-grandfather of Mr. Donaldson of this review, was Robert Donaldson, of Fife, Scotland, whose son, William, married Mary Bradley, born in 1725, and passed from this life at Camberwell, in London, England, October 27, 1792. This worthy couple lived temporarily in America pre- vious to the War of the Revolution, and their son, Francis, who afterward became the father of Christian Donaldson, was born September 23, 1752, at New Brunswick, N. J., and passed away January 5, 1824.

Francis Donaldson was educated at St. Andrew's, Scotland, and at Cambridge University, England, after which he be- came a barrister of London. His marriage to Miss Anna Mar- garetta Heinekin took place on the 14th of January, 1794, she being a daughter of Christian and Ann (Dix) Heinekin. Fran- cis Donaldson practiced his profession in London for some years and attained prominence in this line, but his ideas and convictions of equality, justice and freedom for all, con- flicted with the restraints and oppressive inequalities imposed by the aristocracy and monarchial rule of the kingdom, and as his principles were not to be sacrificed to wordly position or advancement, he decided to make a change in his business, and chose farming. He had been brought up without any knowl- edge of this calling, but he at once entered upon the study and for a period of four years, gave the subject faithful study. He removed with his family to the county of Durham, which originated and raised the Durham cattle of world-wide fame. Mr. Donaldson and his sons attended exhibitions and sales of some of the finest blooded Durham cattle that have ever been produced.

Mr. Donaldson removed to a larger farm in Wales, where he and his family lived for eleven years. But even here the restraints of life in England were felt and led Mr. Donaldson toward the freedom and progress of America, where his sons and daughters might be able to enjoy greater liberties in thought and action.

In 1816, the two oldest sons of Francis and Anna Margaretta (Heinekin) Donaldson, Francis and Christian, came to Amer- ica, they having been educated in London, classmates of the

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Baring brothers, who afterward became bankers of great re- nown. Having been associated with their father in the various branches of farming. they concluded to establish a home for themselves and the family. They located in Clermont county, just below New Richmond, in Ohio township, on the Dand- ridge survey, being the well known "Haynes Grant" of espe- cial prominence at an early day.

In 1821, the remainder of the family arrived at the new home. erected a homestead, and named the place "Frandon," by which name the old Donaldson farm is still known. The children of Francis and Anna Margaretta (Heinekin) Donald- son were as follows: Francis, born October 10, 1794; Chris- tian, the subject of this sketch ; Anna, born June 8, 1797, who died in childhood ; William, born September, 1799; Mary, born May 3, 1801, who never married. and died while crossing the ocean to England for her health; Jessie, born November 27, 1802, who died in early childhood ; Thomas, born November 27. 1805 ; and Jane, born February 15, 1808, who married Cyrus McNeely, of Ohio.

Anna Margaretta (Heinekin) Donaldson was a lady of great intellectuality, of singularly gentle disposition, but of strong convictions, which never yielded where principles of right were involved. She possessed grace and dignity in manner and bearing, combined with marked personal beauty. She was a daughter of Christian and Ann (Dix) Heinekin, and was born September 12, 1767. She was christened in the parish of St. John. Hackney, London, and acquired her education in the best English schools of her day, with young ladies of rank, and she became a prominent personage in the society of the great English metropolis. Her marriage to Francis Donald- son, on January 14, 1794, was a great event. With her hus- band and seven children she left the luxuries of her home in Wales to help establish a new home in America. She took an active part in the anti-slavery agitation and by her means and great social influence contributed to the opposition to negro slavery in America. The Donaldsons-her sons and their families-were among the leaders of the abolition move- ment in Cincinnati.

The action of Mrs. Donaldson at the time the mob destroyed "The Philanthropist." published by James G. Birney, on July 30, 1836. is worthy of recognition in Ohio's annals. Mr. Birney could not even attempt his paper in Kentucky, his native State, as he had wished, but was promised support and protection by

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the Donaldsons if he came to New Richmond, which he did. The paper was later removed to Cincinnati, where it had a wider field for circulation, and was there published for three months, when, July 14th, the press room was broken open and the press and materials destroyed. On July 23d, a meet- ing of citizens was convened at the lower market house to decide whether they would permit the publication and circula- tion of abolition papers in the city. At this meeting a com- mittee was appointed, that opened a correspondence with the . conductors of "The Philanthropist," the executive committee of the Ohio Anti-Slavery Society, of which William Donald- son was a member, requesting them to discontinue its pub- lication. This effort being unsuccessful, the committee of citizens published the correspondence, to which they append- ed resolutions, stating that they had used all means for per- suasion and conciliation in their power, and deprecated vio- lence, although their tone indicated that it ought to follow and crush out that sheet. On July 30th, a concourse of citizens entered the printing office of the paper and tore down the press, scattered the type in the streets and completely dis- mantled the office. All residences of abolitionists were visited and these pioneer leaders of freedom and their families were hooted at and threatened. At the Donaldson home the mob made an effort to gain admission, but they were met at the door by Mrs. Donaldson and her daughters, and were assured that the gentlemen were not at home. The firm, truthful man- ner and quiet dignity displayed, rebuked their rudeness and they left the house unmolested.

Mrs. Donaldson was a Unitarian in her religious belief, she and her family being instrumental in the organizing of the first congregation of that faith in Cincinnati. She was a great reader of the divine word and was well informed as well in cur- rent events of her time. She possessed a clear, vigorous mind and was an intelligent and interested observer of the political events of Great Britain and the United States. She passed from this life at her home on the Avondale road, near Cin- cinnati. April 30, 1844.

Christian Donaldson, the immediate subject of this sketch, was for many years a member of the Donaldson Hardware Company, of Cincinnati, and for quite a time his home was at the corner of Sixth and Vine streets, now the site of the Palace Hotel. He was interested in many prominent business enter- prises of Cincinnati, among which was the organization of

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the first bank of Cincinnati, known as the Franklin Bank, and later as the Franklin-Lafayette Bank, being a director of that institution. Mr. Donaldson also had a home at Mt. Ephriam- now Mt. Auburn-for some years.

After his retirement from business life, Mr. Donaldson re- moved to Clermont county, where, in 1840, he purchased a farm one mile below New Richmond, known as "Frandon." He was a man of dignified bearing, a typical, sturdy English- man. Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson were the parents of five chil- dren, three of whom died in early life.

William, born at Sixth and Vine streets, Cincinnati, in 1831, and died at Bethel, Ohio, in 1909. He was a student of Wood- ward High School, a school mate of Thomas Emery and others, and remained at the parental home until he reached the age of eighteen years. At this age, upon the advice of phy- sicians, his father took him to England, where for three years he spent most of his time at a watering place in Wales, which was celebrated for the cure of tubercular trouble. Early in the 1850's he returned to America, and was sent to the home of an uncle, Thomas Donaldson, who instructed him along the lines of agriculture at the latter's home farm, "Penmaen," just above New Richmond, Ohio.

In March, 1857, William Donaldson was united in marriage to Miss Arabella C. Reakirt, and they located on the old Don- aldson farm, "Frandon," which was their home for many years. He finally sold the farm shortly after the close of the Civil war, and removed to New Richmond, where he was active in public life, serving as councilman and in other local offices. About 1869, he purchased a farm in Ohio township, on Twelve Mile creek, naming it "Wildon," and remained there for twelve years. He then removed to another farm in the vicinity of his uncle's home and while residing there took an active part in the township affairs in the capacity of township trustee and other local offices. He again returned to New Richmond and purchased a home in Clifton addition and there made his home for a number of years. Three years before his death, he re- moved to Bethel, Ohio. His widow resides at Orillia, a suburb of Seattle. Wash. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Wil- liam Donaldson were born the following named children : Florence N., who is the wife of Mr. A. L. Carnes, of New Richmond, Ohio; Miss Mary, of Orillia, Wash .; Miss Anna R., who died at New Richmond, Ohio, in 1902 ; and Jessie Paul. wife of Mr. George M. Clarke, of Orillia. Wash., where he is

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engaged in the profession of teaching and in the practice of law.

Frank Donaldson, oldest son of Christian Donaldson, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, and died in Hopedale, Harrison coun- ty, Ohio, about 1875. He was an agriculturist and left a widow, who recently died in California.

Mr. Christian Donaldson was an earnest member of the Presbyterian church, as have been all of the family. He was a man of high personal worth and purity of character, and enjoyed the esteem of his fellow citizens.

WILLIAM B. EVELAND.

Mr. William B. Eveland, who is the senior member of the firm of Eveland & Harber, of Maimiville, Ohio, was born near Miamiville, Clermont county, February 7, 1854, and is a son of Peter and Sarah (Ward) Eveland, the latter of whom was a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, and was born near Miami- ville, in 1814, and died in 1897, in the eighty-second year of her age. She was a daughter of George Ward and wife, who were residents of Clermont county, Ohio, for a time, but who later settled in Hamilton county. George Ward was of Eng- lish descent, and was engaged in the paper mill business.

Peter Eveland was born at Elizabethtown, N. J., in 1808, and came to Clermont county in 1816, with his parents, Har- mon and Esther Van Buskirk Eveland. They purchased a farm in Miami township, which he operated in connection with the carpentering business. His death occurred in 1830, caused by a fall from a mill which he was building. In his early life he also followed the business of mill wright. Peter Eveland was one of several children, one of whom is Mrs. Hannah Pax- ton, who resides at Loveland, Ohio. He was a carpenter and later purchased a farm, which occupation he pursued until his death, in 1893.

William B. Eveland received his education in the schools of Clermont county, assisting his father on the farm at the same time. For eleven years he followed the occupation of fruit raising in Georgia, where he still has large interests. The chief product was peaches, which grow very plentifully in that State.

Mr. Eveland was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Kel-

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ler, who was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, and is a daugh- ter of William T. and a granddaughter of Dr. Keller, who practiced at Milford, Ohio. To this union was born one son : Robert Edwin, married Miss Mabel McCammon, and they have one son, William B., Jr., who was born July 9, 1912. They are residents of Miamiville, he being a carpenter by business.

Politically, Mr. Eveland is a Republican, and was com- missioned postmaster, June 16, 1897, continuing in that office until the present time. He has also served his party as asses- sor, and is the present treasurer of Miami township.

Mr. W. B. Eveland has been in the mercantile business at the present location for the past sixteen years, and because of his strict attention to his work, backed by unusual capacity and fidelity, he has been successful in establishing a fine and prosperous business. He has the respect and high esteem of all in the community.

ELISHA HAWKINS.

Elisha Hawkins, a retired steamboat man and veteran of the Civil war, residing at New Richmond, Ohio, was born in An- derson township, Hamilton county, Ohio, at the headwaters of Clough creek, February 11. 1837. He is a son of William and Mary Ann (Lindsey ) Hawkins, who were residents of Cler- mont county from 1846 until their demise.

The great-grandparents of Elisha Hawkins were Richard Hawkins and wife, who were natives of Scotland, coming to America early in the Eighteenth century. They settled in Maryland. They were descendants of the Highland chiefs of Scotland. Later, they came west to Ohio, locating in the vi- cinity of Linwood, Hamilton county, Ohio, where both are buried. Of their family. three sons left Maryland. Rezin, a bachelor, settling at Bedford, Pa .. and remaining there until his decease. William married and located on Four Mile creek in Kentucky and his descendants are scattered over Kentucky, Tennessee and elsewhere. Richard, who was the grandfather of Elisha, was very successful in flat boating, building and owning many flat boats. Three times yearly, he made the trip to New Orleans with these boats and walked the distance back to the mouth of the Little, Miami river from which point he loaded. With the proceeds of this business, Richard pur-

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ELISHA HAWKINS

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chased large tracts of land, owning some nine hundred acres in Hamilton county, nineteen hundred acres in Brown county, and twenty-two hundred acres of good land near Rockport, Ind., which he later divided among his children. Richard was born June 5, 1779, and died November 24, 1859. His wife, Sarah (Kelly) Hawkins, was born April 13, 1788, and died January 30, 1863. They are buried at Five Mile Methodist Churchyard, near Cherry Grove, Ohio. To the union of Rich- ard and Sarah (Kelly) Hawkins were born the following chil- dren :

Elisha, married Leann Bennett and resided at Mt. Washing- ton, Ohio.

William, the father of this biographical mention.

David, was a farmer on Five Mile creek in Hamilton county. He married Ann Bennett, and both are buried there.

Nancy, married Samuel Bennett, and died in Hamilton county.

Rehama, married William Bennett, of Hamilton county.

Mary, married Rev. David Lindsey, and resided at Mt. Pis- gah, in Clermont county, for many years, but both died in Hamilton county and are buried at Five Mile churchyard cemetery.

Cassie, married Martin Wheatly, and lived in Hamilton county.

Richard, married Mary Swim and removed to Macoupin county, Illinois, where he was a wealthy farmer and stock- man.

Martha, married William Mattox, of Hamilton county, where they resided.

Thomas, married Hester Birdsall, and lived at Forestville, Hamilton county, Ohio.

Rezien, married, and was killed by lightning at the north, or Cincinnati, end of the Union bridge, while going to market in Cincinnati. His widow resides near Amelia, Clermont county.

Sarah M., married Joseph Silver, and moved to Kansas, where they died.

William Hawkins, the father of our subject, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, March 26, 1810, and died December 31, 1893, in Ohio township, Clermont county. He was a successful farmer and raiser of fine stock and in response to his country's call for volunteers, enlisted in the Federal army at the outbreak of the Civil war, but did not serve, as his son,

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Elisha, took his place. His wife, Mary Ann (Lindsey) Haw- kins, was born January 19, 1814, and died July 13, 1889, she being a daughter of Edmond and Barbara (Fisher) Lindsey, the former of whom was of Scotch-Irish descent and was born December 17, 1773, and died April 15, 1855. The latter was of Holland parentage and was born December 17, 1788, and died March 23, 1875.

Elisha Hawkins was reared and educated in the common schools and later attended the Farmer's College of Cincinnati three years. In 1852 he removed to Pike county, Illinois, where he spent two years, after which he returned to Clermont and resumed the business of farming.

On August 25, 1861, Mr. Hawkins was united in marriage to Mary Jane Morris, whose demise occurred November, 1892. She left five daughters, whose names follow :

Melvina, died at fifteen years of age.

Mary Ann, became the wife of Harry Townsley, a newspaper man of Washington Court House, Ohio.

Cora B., is Mrs. H. G. Donaldson, of near New Richmond, Ohio. Her first husband was James Cochran, who died leav- ing one child, Mabel.

Laura, is the wife of John Fowler, a railroad man, living at Newport, Ky.

Bessie, is Mrs. George Shaw, of New Richmond, her hus- band's occupation being that of insurance.

Mr. Hawkins enlisted October 20, 1861, in Company G, Fifty-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, and served until Novem- ber 1, 1864, being mustered out a lieutenant. He was en- gaged in twenty-one of the hardest battles in the Southwest, including Missionary Ridge. IIe was in the noted "Army of the Cumberland," and was four times wounded, but never lost a day's duty.

Returning from the war, Mr. Hawkins resumed farming. continuing in this occupation for five years. Following this period, he took up the business of steam boating and for thirty years operated on the Ohio, Mississippi, Arkansas and White rivers, retiring from the river in 1905. He again carried on farming for a time, retiring from active business in 1909.

Mr. Hawkins voted the Democratic ticket until the time of the Civil war, after which he voted the Republican ticket until the election of Benjamin Harrison and has since been a strong Democrat. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Re- public, George H. Thomas Post. of Cincinnati. For twenty-

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six years he held membership in the fraternity of Odd Fel- lows. Mr. Hawkins evidences his religious faith by his mem- bership in the Baptist church, in which he has been active for years. He belongs to that class of men who have accom- plished many commendable things in life, being ever ready to defend his country and home, at all times doing whatever he had to do with all his might.

OTIS DUDLEY.

Numbered among the enterprising and energetic men of Clermont county, who are able to spend the sunset of life in the enjoyment of a competency, obtained from years of econ- omy and honest toil is Mr. Otis Dudley. Mr. Dudley has resided on his present farm of seventy-five acres in Wiliams- burg township, since 1876, having made all of the improvements on the property which was originally timber land. He was born at Harper's Ferry, Va., July 29, 1830, and is a son of Otis and Elizabeth (Richardson) Dudley, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts, where they were married.

Otis Dudley, Sr., brought his bride from Massachusetts to Harper's Ferry soon after their marriage, and there engaged in business as a gunsmith. This was their home until 1833, when they came to Cincinnati, where Mr. Dudley became as- sociated with his brother, Elias, in the auction and commission business. In 1836 the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Dudley entered the employ of the firm of Ross & Geyer, as manager for the chair stock. His association with this firm continued until the year 1849, when he embarked in the manu- facture of chairs for himself, building his own factory build- ings. As his two sons, Otis Dudley, Jr., and William A. Dud- ley, had reached young manhood, the father established the firm of Otis Dudley & Sons, and this association continued until the death of the father, in 1872, he being in the seventy- fifth year of his age.

The brothers discontinued the business after the death of the head of the firm and Otis Dudley, Jr., purchased his brother's interest in the timber land, which had been bought some years previously for the use of the chair manufactory. He cleared the land and has made a very comfortable home.

In the year of 1854, Mr. Otis Dudley, of this review, was

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united in marriage to Miss Viola Sinks, who was born at Bethel in 1832, a daughter of Edward and Sarah (Salts) Sinks. Mrs. Dudley passed to her eternal reward in 1903 and was survived by three sons :

William R., who was born July 19, 1855, resides in Colum- bus, Ohio, where he is engaged as a salesman in a wholesale house. He was twice married, and is the father of five chil- dren : Dudley Brothers (Chester K. and Edwin S.), of Russell- ville, Ark., engaged in the canning business, and the manufac- ture of packing cases for canners : Miss Caroline Dudley, sec- retary of the Sterling Medical College, of Columbus, Ohio; Miss Ruth, attending school at Columbus, Ohio; and Lewis is at home in school.

Charles E., who was born April 2, 1859, married Miss Lizzie E. Moore, and has operated the home farm for a number of years. He has always resided at home with the exception of four years. Mrs. Charles Dudley is a daughter of Lester and Eliza (Rust) Moore. The former was a lieutenant of the Seventh regiment, Ohio volunteer cavalry, during the Civil war. He was wounded in action and was at home while Mor- gan's raid was in progress. One daughter has been born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dudley-Miss Mabel. at home. Mr. Dudley has been a member of the township school board for the past eight years.

Frank M., who was born June 22. 1867, is vice-president and secretary of the J. H. Day Company, of Cincinnati.

Mr. Otis Dudley has voted the Republican ticket since he reached his majority, casting his first presidential vote in 1852 for Winfield Scott. He has filled many offices of trust for his party, including county treasurer for one term, township trus- tee, and in the offices of the village of Williamsburg. He was a member of the county infirmary board for nine years, and at all times has given entire satisfaction.

In fraternal circles. Mr. Otis Dudley holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. of Williamsburg. and has been identified with that organization for over fifty- eight years. He is the only one of the original members of the Williamsburg lodge now living. He is also the only one living of the officials of the building committee of the Williamsburg High School.

Mr. Dudley has long been a liberal supporter of the Meth- odist church, of which he is an active member, and has lived

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closely to its teachings. Being a man of integrity of char- acter and honorable and upright in public and private affairs, he is highly respected by all who know him.

HON. E. B. HOLMES. -

One of the best known names of Clermont county and one that stands for the best interests of the community in business, social and political circles is that of the Hon. E. B. Holmes. He has built up one of the best mercantile businesses in Cler- mont county, and in his forty years of active business life has won the honor and respect of all with whom he has had dealings, as well as the accumulation of much of this world's goods. Mr. Holmes was born in Williamsburg township, Jan- uary 18, 1843, the son of Elkanah B. and Hannah (Stevens) Holmes, the father born in 1799, came to Clermont county with relatives when a child, when the country was rough and wild and still infested with wild animals, in fact he helped to kill the last bear that was found in this county. He spent his boyhood here and later engaged in the occupation of farming and lived to the advanced age of eighty-three years, his death occurring in 1882. His father was a Dr. Holmes, who practiced over a large area of country in this section, coming from Pennsylvania. E. B. Holmes, Sr., married Han- nah Stevens, a native of Clermont county, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Stevens, who were natives of North Carolina, moving to Kentucky and then to Ohio in an early day. Mr. Stevens was a shoe maker in this community and died in 1850. Hannah Stevens Holmes died at the age of fifty years, in 1855, and to her union with E. B. Holmes, Sr., were born four sons and two daughters: Lycurgus, deceased; Allen, deceased ; Cornelius E., retired carpenter and builder, resides in Wil- liamsburg; Sarah, widow of John Harris, resides at Ansley, Neb .; Nancy, widow of William Taylor, resides at Williams- burg, and E. B., Jr., the subject of this sketch.

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History of Clermont and Brown Counties, Ohio, from the earliest historical times down to the present, V. 2, Part 25

Author: Byron Williams Publication date: 1913 Publisher: Number of Pages: 925

Author: Byron Williams
Publication date: 1913
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 925