History of Clermont and Brown Counties, Ohio, from the earliest historical times down to the present, V. 2, Part 27

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 27
USA > Ohio > Clermont County > History of Clermont and Brown Counties, Ohio, from the earliest historical times down to the present, V. 2 > Part 27

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).

WILLIAM WALLACE BROCK, SR.

Mr. William Wallace Brock, who for many years has been prominently identified with the business and official life of Loveland, Ohio, is one of the city's capitalists and is now liv- ing in one of the beautiful homes of the municipality, partially retired from active life. His versatility is equaled only by his capacity for business and the integrity and honor of his busi- ness methods. Although Mr. Brock has passed his eightieth milestone on life's journey, he still looks after his extensive real estate, business and residence properties. His birth oc- curred at Rygate, Caledonia county, Vermont, February 14, 1832.

William W. Brock began his career in the business world at the age of fourteen years, when he engaged in railroading, first on construction work and later as rodman, on the Po- sumpsic River railroad. remaining until the road was com- pleted. He next engaged with the Boston, Concord & Mon- treal Railroad Company until his sixteenth year, when he re- turned to his home, where he attended school for a period. In 1852. he was sent to Chillicothe, Ohio, and was for two years on construction work, building the Marietta & Cincinnati rail- road, being foreman of the gang of workmen. Following this

Digitized by

Google.

WILLIAM WALLACE BROCK, SR. Loveland, Ohio

Digitized by Google

289

CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES

period, he entered the train service, as baggageman, for the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad Company, and continued in this capacity for nine months, when he was promoted to con- ductor and ran a train for some fifteen years. There is only one of his associates in train service now living, an engineer of Chillicothe, retired at the age of seventy-eight years.

In 1862, Mr. Brock purchased property in Loveland and the following year took up his residence at that place. He built his present residence in 1865 and built and operated the first planing mill at Loveland. Later he embarked in the lumber and coal business, which he conducted for eight years, and then sold to his brother, A. B. Brock. He then built four houses in West Loveland, in 1872, there being but two others there at that time, building these houses under contract. He erected his present fine store building, the Masonic lodge, of which he is one of the oldest members, from 1864, completed the second story for a lodge room. Mr. Brock engaged in the mercantile business for a time, which he sold out about 1892. For three years he was occupied in the undertaking business, being the first in this line of business in Loveland, he having purchased his hearse from Sterling & Moore, of Batavia.

Mr. W. W. Brock is one of nine children, of whom are living :

A. B. Brock, for years a merchant of Loveland, Ohio, and now residing at Sanford, Fla.

Edwin Brock, a carpenter and builder, of Iowa City, Iowa.

Martha, Mrs. Brown, is a widow and is residing at Sparta, Wis.

In October, 1856, occurred the marriage of William Wallace Brock to Miss Persis E. Whittier, at St. Anthony (now Min- neapolis), Minn. (then a territory). She was born at Grafton, N. H., in 1836. Her father was of the firm Whittier, Balch & Company, railroad contractors, and removed to Minnesota Territory about 1855. It was while in the employ of her father that our subject met his future bride. Of the five daughters born to Mr. and Mrs. Brock, three are deceased, the oldest being killed at the age of seven years, in a railroad acci- dent, another died at an early age, and the other, who became the wife of Ed. Brown, died at Columbus, Ohio. The two living are: Sarah A., wife of Thomas J. Hall, of Washington Court House, Ohio, and Edith, wife of Alvin Dibble, of West Loveland, Ohio. Mr. Brock was a fine railroad conductor. Of the sons, George W. is now with Armour & Company, in Chi-

Digitized by Google

290

CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES

cago, and was formerly associated with his father and brother, the late Robert Brock, in the mercantile business ; the latter was in the railway mail service, and in the postoffice in Cincinnati for a time. He was appointed under President Harrison's ad- ministration. He died February 2, 1907, and his widow, a sister of J. W. Emery, resides at the Emery home near Love- land. Harry, another son, is of the firm of Ward, Brock & Company, of Freeman avenue, Cincinnati. Clarence, the youngest son, is a photographer of Marietta, Ohio.

By his study of the political issues of the day, Mr. Brock is in favor of the principles of the Republican party, and was the first treasurer of Loveland, serving for eight years in succession. IIe finally resigned, but has always taken a very active interest in all party affairs.

Socially, Mr. Brock has been a member of the Masonic lodge since 1864, and is also a member of the Milford Chap- ter. He is now the oldest member at Loveland, all of the three charter members are deceased, they being George Brown, Dr. John W. Bean and Harmon Eveland. The first meetings were held at the old grist-mill, prior to 1850.

Mr. and Mrs. Brock have journeyed together along life's path- way for over fifty-six years and are now enjoying the evening of their lives in the peace and quiet of their pleasant home, the haven of rest after years of activity in the world of affairs.

BENJAMIN F. WAITS.

Mr. Benjamin F. Wait, a prominent and successful agricul- turist and stockman of Clermont county, Ohio, resides at the old Waits home in Williamsburg township. on the East Fork of the Little Miami river, which was built by his father in 1825, and occupies the same room in which his birth occurred, June 5, 1842, a son of Charles and Mary (South) Waits. This farm consists of one hundred acres of fine bottom land, which is under the highest of cultivation.

Charles Waits was born at Cynthiana, Ky .. in 1791, and died December 2. 1859, at the home in Williamsburg township, this county. He was a farmer and had. earlier in life, followed the trade of brick layer and stone mason. He served as a soldier (cavalryman) in the War of 1812, and was later lieutenant and captain of militia. in the militia receiving commissons from the State. Hle built the first brick house in Batavia, which is

Google -

291

CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES

still standing. He sold this home to Judge Fishback, who re- sided there, as did his son-in-law, Judge Philip Swing, and later it became the home of the late Judge John M. Parrot. Later, Charles built many other homes and buildings. He re- moved from Batavia to the farm, in March, 1821, the farm being one of four purchased with the proceeds of his father- in-law, Peter South's estate, and was deeded to Charles and Mary (South) Waits, thus being in the same family since July 8, 1813. After his sons grew to manhood and could look after his farming interests, Charles Waits again took up his trade of brick laying and stone mason. He was a Republican in po- litical views, and was one of the committee who moved the county seat from Williamsburg to Batavia. He had brothers, Lewis, who lived with the Shakers until his old age ; John and Reuben lived in Kentucky, one being quite active in the poli- tics of that State, and was killed at the time of the Morgan raid.

Mary (South) Waits was born April 30, 1798, in Clermont county, near the present site of Perintown, and resided on their farm near Williamsburg, Ohio, until her death, March 7, 1899, at the remarkable age of one hundred years, ten months and seven days. She had never used glasses and could read the papers up to within four days of her death. She was a daughter of Peter and Hannah South, who came to Clermont county in 1790, locating in the vicinity of Perintown. He was a major of "Minute Men" and lost a leg at the battle of Germantown, in the War of the Revolution. Mary South Waits had four brothers, William, James, Peter and Benjamin.

Benjamin F. Waits is the youngest of twelve children, and is the only one now living. Three brothers were in the Civil war :

Malancthon, served in Company B, Eighty-ninth Ohio vol- .unteer infantry.

Charles, in the same company with his brother, Malancthon.

Henry C., served in Company G, One Hundred and Fifty- third Ohio volunteer infantry, and passed away September 6, 1912, at the age of almost seventy-three years.

The education of Mr. Benjamin F. Waits was acquired at the select school of Mr. G. P. Riley, for which he paid by working on a farm. He received a scholarship, which gave him the privilege of attending the College Hill School, and others, thus securing a very good education.

Digitized by Google

292

CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES

On August 7, 1862, Mr. Waits enlisted in Company B, Eighty-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, at the old Concord church, and was the first volunteer to enlist in his company, in which he served two years, ten months and twelve days. He was mustered out June 7, 1865, at Washington, D. C. He was with General Sherman on his "March to the Sea," and was the first of Sherman's soldiers to step on the soil of South Carolina, on February 5. 1865. At the battle of Utah Creek, August 6, 1864, and had his right shoulder smashed by the limb of a tree, shot off by a cannon ball, which laid him up for a short time, although he kept active in the command all the time.

Returning from the war. he became united in marriage on September 12, 1866, to Miss Margaret Raper, who was born in Clermont county. a daughter of Wesley Raper and wife, the former being a nephew of the Rev. William Raper, of Cin- cinnati, for years a bishop of the Methodist church; Raper chapel being named in his honor. The Rapers were early resi- dents of Williamsburg township. Wesley Raper's father. Jo- seph Raper, was a staunch Methodist supporter of the church. Mrs. Waits assisted in the care of her husband's mother for over thirty years, the latter making her home there after the death of her husband. in 1859.

To Mr. and Mrs. Waits have been born three children :

Rosie, the wife of Charles Sharper. of Lynchburg. Ohio. now residing in Williamsburg township.

Olive Lenora, became the wife of William Curliss, of Wil- liamsburg.

Charles, married Effie McGohan, of Bethel. Ohio, and are residing at home.

Politically. Mr. Waits is a staunch Republican and has served his party in various local offices. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic Post of Williamsburg. and holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows .. of Bethel. While the church at Concord was conducted, Mr. Waits and his family were members, but because of the small- ness of the congregation there is at present no preacher. Mr. Waits' mother was a member of this denomination for eighty years.

Mr. Waits is highly respected by all who know him, and is warmly esteemed by his hosts of friends, who recognize his sterling virtues. He was a gallant soldier. a loyal friend and is one of the substantial citizens of the county.

Digitized by Google

293

CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES

JOHN A. LEONARD.

John A. Leonard is the owner of a finely improved farm of two hundred acres, Williamsburg township, Clermont county, Ohio, and is a representative of a family, who for over a cen- tury. have made Clermont county their home. The name of Leonard has been prominent in the agricultural circles of this vicinity because of its close identification with the growth and development of the farming interests of Clermont county, almost from its organization.

Mr. Leonard was born at Delapama, about three miles from Williamsburg, May 23, 1857, and is a son of John Wesley and Martha J. (Smallwood) Leonard, who were married June 17, 1852.

John Wesley Leonard was born in the neighborhood of Delapama. February 16, 1827, and farmed successfully in con- nection with the raising of fine stock, in the county of his na- tivity until his death, which occurred at Mt. Orab, March 14, 1911. John Wesley Leonard was a staunch Republican, and took active part in all political affairs, never missing an elec- tion, and served in all the various local offices for many years, being county assessor. He and all of his family were de- voted members of the Methodist church.

Martha J. (Smallwood) Leonard, also a native of Clermont county, was born near Salem church, September 15, 1835, and is a daughter of Levi and Sarah (Thomas) Smallwood, both of whom were natives of New Jersey, not far from Philadel- phia. Levi Smallwood owned a large number of oyster beds in the East and came to Ohio carly in the Nineteenth century. They located on a farm near Salem church, and there he re- sided until his death. in 1841. His widow, Sarah (Thomas) Smallwood, later married John Leonard, and died December 12. 1878. To Levi and Sarah Smallwood were born six chil- dren, but two of whom are still living. They are:

Martha J .. the other of John A. Leonard.

Annie, who is Mrs. Waite, a resident of Brown county. Ohio.

The father of Levi Smallwood was a "Minute Man" in the War of 1812. Martha J. and John Wesley Leonard were the parents of nine children :

Alice, is Mrs. Hans Arthur, of Eastwood. Brown county. Ohio.

Otis, died in infancy.

Digitized by Google

294

CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES

John A. Leonard, of this mention. 1

Mary Ellen, died at the age of twenty-two years.

Three others died in infancy.

Dr. Levi Harry, of Mr. Orab, Ohio.

Osa, who died at the age of sixteen years.

John Wesley Leonard was the son of John and Margaret (Smith) Leonard, who came with their parents in their youth to old Clermont, from Pennsylvania, where they were born. They were married near Salem church, in what is now Brown county, February 4, 1816. They carried on general farming until 1858, when they moved to Delapama, there to conduct a general store. He served the public as squire for many years, and was a grand old gentleman. His birth occurred in April, 1796, and his death December 26, 1868. His wife, Margaret, was born in August, 1794. and passed away March 13, 1847. John Leonard was married a second time to Mrs. Sarah (Thomas) Smallwood, who died December 12. 1878. To John and Margaret Leonard were given eight children, all of whom are deceased.

John Leonard was the son of Moses and Elizabeth Leonard. natives of Pennsylvania, and who located near Salem church, early in the Nineteenth century. They were farmers. raising a great deal of fine stock and grain.

John A. Leonard, the subject of this review, pursued his education in the schools of Clermont county, receiving a good common schooling. He was reared to farm life and early be- came proficient in all the duties that fall to the lot of the agri- culturist. He has followed farming and stock raising mainly thus far.

On September 5, 1877, Mr. John A. Leonard was united in marriage to Miss Hannah A. Srofe, who was born near Mt. Orab. October 1, 1854. and is a daughter of Andrew and Mary (Callahan) Srofe, who were early residents of Brown county, Ohio. Andrew Srofe served his country in the Civil war. under Capt. Isaac Ross, and died during the war at Mem- phis. Tenn., being buried there. To the union of Andrew and Mary Srofe were born three daughters:

Hannah A., is Mrs. J. A. Leonard.

Bertha, married Ed. Cumberland, and moved to Nebraska many years ago.

Lizzie, married F. A. Page, of Cincinnati, and died at that place in 1905.

When the girls were quite small, the mother was also taken from them, and they were raised in different homes.

Digitized by Google -

295

CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard have two children, and they are :

Lizzie A., who was born November 17, 1878, married George Cribbett. They are farmers of Williamsburg township.

Cyrus W., who was born September 30, 1888, is now in the real estate business, with offices in the Blymer Building, Cin- cinnati. He is a graduate of the Williamsburg High School, and of Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Mr. Leonard is a standard advocate of the principles of the Republican party, and has been called to the office of judge of elections, in which capacity he is serving .at present. In re- ligious views both Mr. and Mrs. Leonard are members of the Methodist church, in which they have always been active and efficient workers, they having embraced religion when twelve and fourteen years of age respectively. They have the great pleasure of seeing both of their children active in church work, and all work together.

JOHN BURGER.

Mr. John Burger, the senior member of the mercantile firm of Holmes & Burger, at Goshen, Ohio, has been a resident of this village for the past forty-four years, being well and fav- orably known here and in the country surrounding. Mr. Burger was born near Butlerville, Warren county, Ohio, No- vember 16, 1846, and is a son of Adams and Abigail (Hall) Burger, who were farmers of Warren county, where they both died. Adam Burger was a native of Indiana, while his wife was a native of Warren county. Her people were from Pennsylvania.

Mr. John Burger is the oldest of seven children : Mrs. John Simpson, of Warren county. Ohio; Mrs. Charles Owens, of Madisonville, Ohio; Allen, of Dayton, Ohio; William H., Rebecca and James, deceased.

John Burger was reared in Warren county and cast his first vote in that county, his second, however, was cast in Clermont, where he came in 1868, having married in 1867, Miss Nannie Stibbs, a daughter of John and Maria (Hulse) Stibbs, early resident farmers of Warren county.

Mr. and Mrs. Burger have become the parents of six chil- dren :

Walter, of Atwood, Ill .. is in the mercantile business.

Digitized by Google

296

CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES

Edgar C. is associated with his brother. Walter, in business. He married Miss Annie Bass, a niece of Josiah Q. Bass, of Mulberry, Ohio, whose sketch appears in this work. She passed away in June, 1909. leaving one son, John Bass Burger. .

Miss Marguerite, of Atwood, Ill.

Josephine, who became the wife of S. L. Turnipseed, super- intendent of the New Richmond schools. They have one son. Edward.

Miss Irene. at home.

Edith Hope, married A. A. Elliott, of Atwood, Ill., who is associated with her brothers in the mercantile business of that place. They have had three children, one, Virginia, died in infancy. George B. and Sanford.

Mr. Burger is a Democrat in politics and served as town- ship treasurer of Goshen for eleven years. He is a member of the Masonic order, Blue Lodge No. 119. of Goshen, also of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Lodge No. 232. of Shiloh. In religious matters, both Mr. Burger and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. he having served as trustee for a number of years.

The life record of Mr. Burger is one of great activity and energy. His business career began as a huckster. in 1878. which he followed for three years, entering the employ of Mr. John Holmes in 1871. In 1878, he purchased an interest in the business and has been a member of the firm for the past thirty-four years. He is unfaltering in his allegiance to those qualities of upright manhood which everywhere wins re- spect and confidence.

JOHN G. HOLMES.

John G. Holmes, senior member of the mercantile firm of Holmes & Burger, of Goshen, Ohio, is well known in Cler- mont county as a representative of one of the pioneer families in the county. His birth took place at Goshen. December 5. 1865. his parents being John and Mary S. (Gatch) Holmes. The latter was a daughter of the Rev. Philip Gatch, the noted pioneer minister of the Methodist church, whose sketch ap- pears in this work. Her demise occurred in 1803.

John Holmes was born in Clermont county and was a son of Daniel Holmes, who established the family in this county about 184). began merchandising, and in 1849. located the

Digitized by Google

297

CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES

store on the site of the home erected by John Holmes, now the residence of John G. Holmes. He continued in the busi- ness until the year of 1865, when he was succeeded by his sons, John and George W., who conducted separate stores. In 1878, George W. sold out his business to John Holmes and John Burger, the former of whom continued in the busi- ness until his death, which occurred in August, 1889, in his fifty-ninth year of his life.

A new firm was then established under the firm name of Holmes & Burger, John Burger of the other firm being the partner. and John G. taking his father's interest. This store probably carries the largest stock of goods in the village, oc- cupying two floors of the store, which is one hundred and thirty feet deep.

John G. Holmes is the second of seven children: Eudora B., John G., Lura M., Annie S., Daniel P. married Miss Edna Yeomans, residents of Goshen, George C. assists in the store, and Frank E. also assists in the store.

John G. Holmes was reared at Goshen and in addition to the school advantages of their native village, attended the college at Delaware, the Ohio Wesleyan University. He has spent much of his time in the store since his youth, and thus became familiar with all the details of the business early in his youth, which enabled him to take up the work success- fully upon the death of his father.

In political matters, Mr. Holmes is an advocate of the Re- publican party, and has for years served as township treas- urer. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Goshen and is a consistent member of the Methodist church. Mr. Holmes has taken an active interest in all affairs that affect the community where he has spent most of his life. He has the respect of all of his patrons and friends.

THE PAXTON FAMILY.

The Paxton family is one of the oldest and best in Cler- mont county, noted for its culture. high character. and social standing. There is no family in the county that has added more to its material. moral and social advancement, having always been foremost in all movements for the development of the beautiful in nature and the improvement of the condi- tions of society.

Digitized by Google

298

CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES

The ancestors were of Saxon origin and the present spelling has existed since the year of 1250. Early in the Sixteenth century, members of the family crossed the continent and set- tled in what is now Berwickshire, Scotland, later settlements being made in central England. After the restoration, in 1660, James Paxton fled to County Antrim, in the north of Ireland, and three of his sons, William. Thomas and Samuel. immigrated to America in 1735. They had land surveyed for for them at Marsh Creek, Lancaster, now Adams county, Pennsylvania. Samuel, of these three brothers, had a son born about 1705, whom he named Samuel. Jr., and who be- came the father of Col. Thomas Paxton, a gallant officer under General Wayne in his expedition against the Indians of the Northwest in the campaign of 1794. Colonel Paxton was born about 1743, and was a lieutenant in the Revolutionary war, having been commissioned in 1777. He came to Maysville, Ky., from Pennsylvania, by way of the Ohio river, about 1791, and in the spring of 1796. settled in Clermont county, near Loveland. He was the first known actual settler in Clermont county, and put out the first field of corn planted between the Little Miami and Scioto rivers. Col. Thomas Paxton was twice married. having one son and five daughters by the first union and two sons and seven daughters by the second. The daughters all married well and settled near them, and Robert Paxton, one of the sons, remained in Kentucky. The death of Colonel Paxton took place in Miami township. on the farm which is still in the family, in 1813.

Samuel. a son of Col. Thomas Paxton, was born August 7. 1793, and as a youth served in the War of 1812, being in service at the time of his father's death. Samuel made three different enlistments. After the war, Samuel Paxton followed the occupation of farming, and in 1828, built the present home of his children, which has been added to and remodeled in later years. In connection with his farm interests, he made eighteen flat boat trips to New Orleans with produce, walking the entire distance on one return trip. His death occurred December 25. 1885, and his wife passed away. December 23, 1886.

On June 14. 1821, Samuel Paxton was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Weller, who was born in Orange county. New York, and came with her parents to Hamilton county, Ohio, when she was three years of age. Her father was a skilled mechanic and was born in Orange county, New York, and her

Digitized by Google

299

CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES

mother was a native of Ulster county, New York. Miss Wel- ler was a cousin to the Hon. John B. Weller, the distinguished Ohio politician, prominent later in the politics of California. To Samuel and Eliza (Weller) Paxton were born twelve children, seven sons and five daughters:

Andrew was born May 13, 1827, and is a farmer and stock raiser, operating the home farm; he has never married.

Rebecca was born October 9, 1833, is the widow of Harris Smethurst, who was county auditor of Clermont from 1864 to 1866. She is a devout member of the Presbyterian church.

Miss Martha was born December 21, 1837, and is at the home farm.

Wilson was born December 2, 1840, and has never married ; resides at the home farm.

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.

History of Clermont and Brown Counties, Ohio, from the earliest historical times down to the present, V. 2, Part 27

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

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