History of Clermont and Brown Counties, Ohio, from the earliest historical times down to the present, V. 2, Part 60

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 60
USA > Ohio > Clermont County > History of Clermont and Brown Counties, Ohio, from the earliest historical times down to the present, V. 2 > Part 60

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).

Lucitta, who married Joseph Turner, resides in Illinois.

Asbury is a resident of Williamsburg, Ohio.

Alpines and Hals live in the State of Washington.

The subject of our sketch, Mr. L. D. Kennedy, was educated in the schools of Clermont county and of Bethel, making his home with his father on the farm until he was of age, thus forming in his early years habits of industry and integrity.

On February 9. 1862, occurred the great event of his life. when he was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe Olive Osborn, daughter of David and Minerva ( Hill) Osborn. David Os-

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born was a cabinetmaker and later was for years an undertaker at the Bethel home. The marriage vows were taken in the beautiful home in which the bride was born and reared to young womanhood, and where many happy, joyous days have since been spent, it being their present home. Mrs. Kennedy's father was a native of Clermont county and her mother was born in Kentucky. They are both laid to rest in the Bethel cemetery. Mrs. Kennedy is the only living one of three chil- dren.

Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are the proud parents of nine chil- dren and the family circle is still unbroken by the hand of death :

Araminta is the wife of John Clare, of Cincinnati. They have five children.

Glow married Walter Lee, residing at Fargo, N. D., and they · have one daughter, Helen.

Howard, of Cincinnati, a steam fitter.

Blanche married Lou Runk and is the mother of three chil- dren, Margie, Araminta and Lucile.

Phoebe Ann, wife of Howard Scott, of Cincinnati, and they have one son, Thomas; and Gladys.

A. Osborn, a resident of Bethel, Ohio, married Clara John- son and is the father of four children, Earl, Roy, Herbert and . Thelma.

Minerva is Mrs. John Frazier, of Rushville, Ind., and they have four children: Byron, married and has one daughter, Mary Frances; Harley ; Effie, and Charles.

Miss Effie is living at home with her parents.

Emma is the widow of Wilson Smith and lives at home with her parents.

Charles, who is a shoecutter, of Bethel, Ohio, married Ollie Bier, has two children, Dewrel and Dyrl.

La Clede is in business with his father, living next door to him. He married Bertha Reed.

Clarence E. assists his father.

David Osborn is at home.

. Two years after his marriage Mr. Kennedy embarked in the business of undertaker and funeral director with his father- in-law, the firm being Osborn & Kennedy. The progressive ideas and business ability have been thoroughly demonstrated in the years of service in this capacity. Those in trouble and distress have always found in Mr. Kennedy a kind and sympa- thetic friend, faithful and reliable in all things.

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Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy experience a pleasure that is enjoyed by comparatively few, when, on February 9, 1912, they cele- brated their golden wedding anniversary. Their beautiful home was decorated in white and gold, the favors being tiny golden bells. Three of the relatives who attended the cere- mony fifty years ago were in attendance and the occasion was made joyous and gay by the presence of all of their own chil- dren and fifteen grandchildren. A sumptuous dinner was served to the children and grandchildren, following which a reception was given to about seventy-five friends. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy have been privileged to attend seven other golden weddings of relatives and friends. They are justly proud of the fine family they were permitted to rear to ma- turity. Mrs. Kennedy is a lady of great ability as a wife, mother and member of society. Mr. Kennedy is a man of integrity and industry, broad-minded and liberal. This is the oldest established undertaking business in Clermont county, having been started by David Osborn some seventy-five years ago. Mr. Kennedy has conducted the business for forty-six years, since November, 1866.

DR. WILLIAM S. ELLSBERRY.

Dr. William S. Ellsberry occupies an enviable position as one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Clermont coun- ty, Ohio, residing at Bethel, where he was born, January 27, 1852, and where he commenced his professional life, His father, Dr. William Ellsberry,. was one of the first physicians in Clermont county, coming here from New Jersey soon after its organization. His birth occurred in 1810 and his death took place in 1904. He was a Democrat and took great inter- est in politics, but would not accept office. He married Mar- garet Gatch Dimmitt, who was a native of Clermont county, Ohio, and a daughter of Rev. Moses Dimmitt.

Dr. William S. Ellsberry acquired his education in the schools of Bethel, then attended the Medical College of Ohio, graduating in 1873, following which he attended the Rush Medical College of Chicago. He began practicing at his home town and was associated with his father until the latter retired from active life, after which all the practice fell to our subject.

Dr. Ellsberry is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and

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is a Democrat in politics. His home is the old Ellsberry home- stead, which he has improved and remodeled, a beautiful resi- dence. He enjoys his profession, which takes him over por- tions of Clermont, Brown and Hamilton counties, in the vi- cinity of his home. He is well and most favorably known, both professionally and socially, being of a genial, jovial tem- perament, although modest and retiring. He is a great reader and spends many happy hours in his library. He has two sis- ters living, Anna M., who is at home, and Grace, who is Mrs. William Ellsberry, of Atlanta, Ga. Dr. Ellsberry is health : officer of Tate township, and is examining surgeon for eight insurance companies.

WILLIAM JOHNSTON.

William Johnston, of the general store of Bethel, Ohio, was born at Nicholsville, Clermont county, October 5, 1854, and is a son of Alexander and Anna (Johnston) Johnston, both of whom were natives of Scotland, and who came to America at an early day. They settled in Ohio and are both deceased. The father died in 1882, and the mother in 1877. They are buried in Monroe township cemetery. Of their union were four children :

James and Archie live near Nicholsville, Ohio.

William, our subject.

Martha, who was the wife of Albert Patterson, of Cincin- nati, passed away February 22, 1903.

William Johnston was educated in the school at Nichols- ville, helping his father on the farm until his marriage to Miss Lizzie Calhoun, April 24, 1884. She was born near New Richmond, Ohio, February 28, 1859, a daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth (Stroup) Calhoun, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, coming to Clermont county many years ago, where he followed the occupation of blacksmith. They were the parents of two children :

Lizzie Belle, is Mrs. Johnston.

Charles A., who is a partner of Mr. Johnston.

Mr. and Mrs. Calhoun embraced. the Methodist belief, and both are deceased, the former being a soldier in the Civil war, as were two of Mrs. Calhoun's brothers. Both of the last named died in prison.

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Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are members of the Presbyterian church and take an active part in all church affairs. She is a member and Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star. He is a Re- publican and is well informed upon all the subjects of the day. They have bought and remodeled a pretty home, where their friends are always welcome. They are quiet retiring people and are considered among the substantial citizens of the county, being upright and honest, in fact a representative family. They are doing a thriving business in their general merchandise store, supplying all parts of the township with anything that is required in the average household.

W. H. BANISTER.

One of the most prominent and enterprising business men of Bethel, Ohio, who conducts an up-to-date grocery store on Plane street, is numbered W. H. Banister, who is a native of the county. He was born at New Richmond, Ohio, July 19, 1854, and is the son of B. L. and Mary (Herbert) Banister, the former of whom was born in New York State, coming to Clermont county with his parents when a small child. He was a cooper by trade, residing in New Richmond. The lat- ter was a native of New Richmond and both are deceased, leaving two children, our subject and Fred C., of New Rich- mond.

Mr. Banister pursued his education in the public schools of New Richmond, after which he entered upon his business career as clerk in a general store of his home town. He was united in marriage to Miss Emma Swing, April 25, 1880, unit- ing himself with one of the most prominent Clermont county families. . Mrs. Banister was born near Bethel in 1856, a daughter of Merritt J. and Maria (Cruthers) Swing, the for- mer being a native of the county, his birth having occurred on the old farm known as the "Swing Settlement," near Bethel. He was a merchant of Bethel for forty-five years, and passed away in 1910, his wife having been deceased since Mrs. Banister was a small child. There were five children :

Elizabeth, married Oscar Sims, of Bethel, Ohio.

N. G., of Columbus, Ohio.

Emma, is Mrs. Banister.

Ella, is the wife of William Scott, of Denver, Colo.

Marie, is Mrs. Wellington Hibbard, of Denver, Colo.

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The Grandfather Swing came to Clermont county at an early day, making the journey in wagons from New Jersey. He purchased one thousand acres of land in the county upon his arrival, which he divided among his children.

Mr. Banister continued his business life after his marriage as a traveling salesman, with headquarters at Cincinnati. He pursued this occupation until in 1891, when he took the office of county clerk, having been elected in 1890. Because of the excellent satisfaction he gave during his first term, he was re-elected in 1893. He resided in Batavia during the six years of office and upon retiring opened his present business.

In political views, Mr. Banister is strictly Democratic; in religion, he favors the Methodist belief, he and Mrs. Banister being members of the church at Bethel. He is respected by all in the community in which he makes his home.

GEORGE TIBBITTS BROWN.

No family in Clermont county, Ohio, has in a greater de- gree contributed to the settlement, development and progress `of the county in all of its relations than that of Brown, which is one of the oldest and best known in this locality and is especially noted for the high personal standing and business integrity that characterize its members.

George Tibbitts Brown is a worthy son of Clermont county, being a typical and representative citizen, possessing the en- terprise which has made him a dominant factor in the agri- cultural circles of the county. He is a native of New Rich- mond, Ohio, his birth having occurred there, April 5, 1857. He is a son of Enoch George and Susan (Fisher) Brown, who were married in the year of 1845 in. Clermont county, where they were both born and reared.

Enoch George Brown was born in Monroe township, near Laurel, May 16, 1817, and died December 17, 1891, having spent all but two years of his life in the county of his nativity. He was a merchant the greater part of his life and his efforts were crowned with a large degree of success. He was a Re- publican, but not an office seeker. Susan (Fisher) Brown was born in Monroe township, November 3, 1822, and died May 31. 1886. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom are still living :

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Charles Carroll, whose death occurred in June, 1911, at Spokane, Wash. He enjoyed the educational privileges of Par- ker's Academy, from which he graduated in 1868. Prior to this he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Eighty- fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, January 31, 1865. From his graduation in 1868 until 1874, he taught school, after which he was mail clerk between Cincinnati and Portsmouth, serving on the famous steamer "Bonanza." In 1885, Charles was transferred to the Cincinnati, Portsmouth & Virginia Railway Company, serving for two years as mail clerk. He then assumed charge of the steam laundry at Portsmouth, which position he held until in 1901, when he was forced by poor health to give up his work, and to seek health in the Western climate. His friends said of him that there was never a more even tempered, considerate man than "Charlie" Brown. He faced.every turn in life with a smile and always encouraged and cheered others to renewed effort when the way seemed dark. He loved and was loved by his family with an affection that knew no limit.

William B., residing at Eureka Springs, Ark.

David F., a resident of East Walnut Hills, Cincinnati.

Ella, who married Dr. K. B. Sayers, of Hyde Park, Cin- cinnati; died in the fall of 1911.

George T., of this mention.

Anna, of Hyde Park.

Jerome Augustus, of Hyde Park, Cincinnati.

The maternal grandfather of George T. Brown, the Hon. David Fisher, was one of the first settlers in Ohio, locating in Clermont county in 1798. From 1847-49 he was representative from the Second district of Ohio to Congress, during which time he was intimately associated with Abraham Lincoln.

Mr. Brown acquired an education in Parker's Academy, as did most of his brothers and sisters. After his graduation he spent five years in Leadville, Colo., where he was a clerk in the postoffice at that place. Returning to Clermont county, he was united in marriage to Miss Ruie Ely, June 2, 1885. She was the only daughter of John Francis Marion and Elizabeth (Justice) Ely, and was born at Bantam, Clermont county, November 18, 1859, at the site of her present home. Her father, John Francis Marion Ely was a merchant at New Richmond and was born at Bantam, November 28, 1834. He passed away May 18. 1907. Her parents were married October 27, 1858.

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Mrs. Brown's grandmother, Mrs. Ruhama Justice, who was born at Little Egg Harbor, N. J., in 1808, came to Ohio in 1816 with her parents, Rev. James and Elizabeth Blackman, who were of English extraction. Mrs. Justice was a lady of rare intellectuality and was conspicuous in the society of the time of the Grants, General Hamer, Thomas Morris. She was a niece of the distinguished Methodist circuit rider, Rev. John Collins, who founded the Jersey settlement in Clermont county in 1803. Her husband's father, John Justice, and General Grant's grandfather, John Simpson, served two years together in the same regiment in the War of the Revolution. The Jus- tice family were among the first to purchase large tracts of land in Clermont county, part of which is still in the posses- sion of the heirs.

Mrs. Brown's aunt, Miss Amanda Justice, a lady whom to know was a pleasure, was noted for her kindness and good deeds, contracting her death sickness by ministering to the sick with cholera in the epidemic in the early 50's, she being sick but a few hours. She was a young woman about to be- come a bride and was buried in her bridal robes.

Mrs. Brown has in her possession an original letter from William Penn to the Marquis of Halifax, written May 21, 1683, taken from the Crystal Palace, in the first exposition held in New York City. She also has a silver knee-buckle which was worn by her great-grandfather, one of the gallant . Revolutionists. She inherited much of her mother's and grandmother's parlor furniture and quaint old china. The fanciful mantel in the pleasant living room of the present home is hand carved and was removed from the old house which be- longed to her grandfather, to the new modern home. The mantel was made over one hundred years ago.

Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had five children in their family circle :

Savyl Justice, whose birth occurred October 23, 1886, mar- ried Miss Hattie Siegler, from Indiana, in 1912, and they are farmers living near Fayetteville, Brown county, Ohio.

Enoch Ely, who was born February 21, 1889, is doing office work at the Steel Works of Portsmouth, Ohio. He married Miss Blanche Rentinger in 1912.

Edward Sayers, born January 28, 1893, assists his father.

Susan, was born October 1, 1897, and is attending the high school of Bethel.

Ruhama Elizabeth, who was born August 5, 1901, attends the school in the district.

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Mr. Brown is largely self-made, for although Mrs. Brown inherited property, he has accumulated many of the comforts of life by his own industry and energetic attention to the de- tails of his large business interests. He owns a well improved farm and in 1903 built an elegant modern home. He conducts a fine dairy business, and in connection does general farming and stock raising.

In political views, Mr. Brown is Republican and has served in the capacity of assessor for two terms and for three years was township trustee. Fraternally, he holds membership with the order of Knights of Pythias, and has filled all the chairs Religiously, both Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Presbyterian church, she being an active member of the Ladies' Aid Society.

Mr. Brown has followed the occupation of farming since his marriage, with the exception of the first year, which he spent in the grocery business in Cincinnati. He is quiet and re- serving, but cordial to all who call at the home, which is often thrown open to the family friends. He is a man of integrity . and ability, a genial, whole-souled citizen.

JAMES DAVIDSON.

Among the native sons of Clermont county, Ohio, who have been actively identified with the farming interests here is numbered Mr. James Davidson, now living a retired life at Bethel, Ohio. He was born October 22, 1837, and is a son of John and Arie (Chalmers) Davidson, the former of whom was born in Mason county, Kentucky, in 1799, and the latter was born near Plainville, Hamilton county, Ohio, July 10, 1798, and died July 24, 1873. They were farmers of the county and are buried here. There were ten children born to them, of whom James is the only one living.

James Davidson acquired his education in the common schools of the county, after which he assisted his father on the farm until he was of age, working a little at the carpen- ter's trade.

On September 1, 1859, occurred the marriage of Mr. David- son to Miss Martha Summers, who was a daughter of John and Vanelia (Trump) Summers. John Summers was born at Philadelphia, October 5, 1795, and his wife was born No-

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vember 29, 1799, also in Pennsylvania. They are both buried in Ohio, where they came at an early day. Of the three. chil- dren born to this couple, none are living: Elizabeth, was the widow of James Mathew, of Cincinnati, and died in 1912, and Malancthon died as a youth.

Mr. and Mrs. Davidson had born to them nine children, all of whom were born in Clermont county.

Joseph M., of Williamsburg, Ohio.

Charles Henry, of Kansas.

Thomas B., of Williamsburg township, Clermont county.

Hon. John S., whose sketch appears elsewhere in these volume's.

Emma, is the wife of John Burnside, of Williamsburg town- ship.

Herman P., of Williamsburg township.

Nellie, who is her father's housekeeper.

Harvey, of Colorado.

Alice, is at home.

After their marriage, Mr. Davidson and his wife settled on a farm in Batavia township, where they carried on general farming for sixteen years. In 1875 the family removed to a farm on the East Fork of the Little Miami river, in Williams- burg township, later moving again to another farm in the same township, on Clover creek, where he remained until he retired from farm life. He purchased a home at Bethel, where he now resides in comfort and quietude. Mrs. Davidson passed from this life January 8, 1902, and since then his daughter, Nellie, has kept the home for him and a younger sister.

Mr. Davidson is a devoted member of the Methodist church and takes an active interest in all religious affairs. He is a Democrat in politics and is well posted on all subjects of the day. He is largely a self-made man and is enjoying the fruit- ful labors of his younger years. He has the respect of all in the community in which he lives, and is counted a representa- tive citizen of the county.

MILLER W. FAGALY.

Miller W. Fagaly, a prominent farmer and highly respected citizen of Clermont county, Ohio, who has resided on his present farm for more than forty years, was born at Cincin-

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nati, November 21, 1835, and is a son of Lewis and Mary Ann (Fox) Fagaly.

Lewis Fagaly, whose birth occurred in 1802, was a native of Germany, coming to this country in 1804 with his parents, who located at Cincinnati, where he made his home for thirty years. He was a butcher by trade and was one of the first in Cincinnati when there was but two stalls in the market place at Pearl and Butler streets. Lewis was a man of unusual business ability and was very successful in his line of work. In 1851, he purchased a farm in Clermont county, where he spent the remaining years of his life, his death taking place in 1882. Mrs. Fagaly was a native of Mason, Warren county, Ohio, her birth occurring on January 9, 1813, and passing from this life March 1I, 1876. They were both members of the Wesley Methodist church, having been formerly members of the United Brethren church. To them were born twelve chil- dren, of whom seven are still living:

Eveline R., is the wife of Samuel McHenry, of Dayton, Ohio.

William H., deceased.

Miller W., our subject.

Margaret and Mary Ellen, deceased.

Keziah M., of Clermont county, Ohio.

Louisa and Wallace Clark, deceased.

Sarah J. married Belleville Impson, of Cincinnati.

Harriet is the wife of John Barnes, of Forrestville, Ohio. Charles A., of North Bethel, Ohio.

. Elmer J., of Redding.

Mr. Miller W. Fagaly received his mental training in the schools of Cincinnati and Bethel, Ohio, remaining at home until he was of age and on December 31, 1857, occurred his marriage to Miss Malinda C. Beck, a daughter of John and Eliza (Edwards) Beck. She was born March 29, 1834. Her father was a native of the county, having been born in 1807, and died in March, 1861. Her mother was born in New Jer- sey, in 1805, and died in 1889. Mrs. Fagaly was one . of twelve children, two of whom are living :

Horace, of Bethel, Ohio.

John, of Hamlet, Ohio.

After his marriage Mr. Fagaly devoted his time to the oc- cupation of farming in Tate township until the Civil war broke out, when he moved to Bethel, where he made stirups and saddle trees for the soldiers. In 1864 he enlisted in Com- pany -, One Hundred and Fifty-third Ohio volunteers, serv-

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ing four months. Mrs. Fagaly passed away August 18, 1910, leaving three children to mourn her loss :

John Lewis, who was born October 5, 1858, in Clermont county, married Miss Belle Ely. They are farmers of Tate township.

Anna Roselia, was born October 24, 1861. She is keeping house for her father.

George Mathews, whose bitth occurred September 18, 1870, and passed from this life February 1I, 1904. He married Mary Etta Boggess, and to them were born two sons, Miller W. and George Gerald.

In 1871, Mr. Fagaly purchased his present farm, where he has since made his home. He has followed farming as an oc- cupation most of his life, and has been counted one of the most substantial farmers of the county. He is a Republican and claims membership in the fraternal order of Odd Fellows. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

FRANK FOSSYL.

Mr. Frank Fossyl, whose useful and upright life was term- inated in death February 4, 1901, at Bethel, Ohio, was a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in Hungaria, March 9, 1852. His father and one brother were soldiers of the German army and lost their lives in the service.

Mr. Fossyl came to America when he was fourteen years of age and located in New York, where he began his life career as an employee in a piano factory. He spent ten years there, after which he came to Cincinnati, engaging as a coachman for a family on Walnut Hills. Tiring of this occupation he came to Clermont county, where he was in the employ of Mr. William Iden and Dr. B. Thompson. Later he took up the work in the shoe factory at Bethel. Politically, Mr. Fossyl was a Democrat, and socially, a member of the Odd Fellows.

On March 31, 1869, occurred the marriage of Mr. Fossyl to Miss Nancy Jane Zugg, who is a daughter of Samuel and Ellen (Swing) Zugg, and was born November 10, 1850, in Clermont county. Her father was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, August 26, 1813, and died September 8, 1890. He was a Democrat and held various township offices. Her mother was born in Clermont county, April 12, 1818, and died March

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21, 1859. Both were members of the Baptist church and are buried in the Bethel cemetery. To them were born a large family :

Sarah, who married James Clare, of Bethel, was at one time the owner of the old Grant home.

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History of Clermont and Brown Counties, Ohio, from the earliest historical times down to the present, V. 2, Part 60

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

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