USA > Ohio > Brown County > History of Clermont and Brown Counties, Ohio, from the earliest historical times down to the present, V. 2 > Part 7
USA > Ohio > Clermont County > History of Clermont and Brown Counties, Ohio, from the earliest historical times down to the present, V. 2 > Part 7
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
Lot Woodmansee was born in Franklin township, Clermont county, Ohio, June 7, 1837, and after a life of active useful- ness passed to his eternal reward on November 28, 1903. Dur- ing the entire time of his activity, Mr. Lot Woodmansee fol- lowed the occupation of farming and operated the home farm in Franklin township, which was originally a grant of land to his maternal grandfather, Nathaniel Bonser, for services ren- dered during the Revolutionary war. Mr. Woodmansee was a man of upright and honorable life, and his persistency of purpose and unfaltering diligence were strong elements in the success that made him one of the leading farmers of his day. He was in favor of the principles of the Democratic party, and his religious views were in accordance with the tenets of the Christian church.
Jane (Manning) Woodmansee was born near Point Isabel, Washington township, Clermont county, Ohio, October 7, 1842, and is residing at Felicity, Ohio. Her father was John Manning, whose birth occurred in Franklin township, Cler- mont county, in 1800, and whose death occurred in Septem- ber, 1889. He was a fine old gentleman, and was considered one of the substantial and reliable citizens of this part of the country. He was a Democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Andrew Jackson. The Mannings were among the first settlers of Clermont, landing at the mouth of the Bull- skin creek in 1790. Daniel Manning was a soldier in the Revo- lutionary war, and Mr. Woodmansee has one of a string of fourteen buttons which he wore during the war. To the union of Lot and Jane ( Manning) Woodmansee were born nine chil- dren, and with the exception of two sons who died in infancy, all grew to maturity. They are as follows:
Charles H., who is the subject of this mention.
Stella, who became the wife of D. E. Davis, of Mt. Olive, Ohio.
George A. resides on the home farm, one mile above Rural, Ohio.
Lorena, who married Albert Mannen, resides on Walnut Hills. Cincinnati.
Emma is Mrs. J. L. Marksberry, of Hamilton, Ohio.
Digitized by Google -
77
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
James G., a motorman, is a resident of Felicity, Ohio.
Howard P. lives on a farm adjoining the old home farm, a part of which he also owns.
The education of Charles H. Woodmansee was acquired in the schools of the county and later at Ada and Lebanon, after which he taught in the schools of Clermont county for a period of twelve years, Mr. Byron Williams being his first examiner.
On October 7, 1891, occurred the marriage of Mr. Charles H. Woodmansee to Miss Mary A. Hendrixson, who was born in Brown county, Ohio, February 19, 1867, a daughter of Enoch and Melissa (Hutchinson) Hendrixson, the former of whom was born in Brown county, Ohio, October 21, 1825, and passed away September 19, 1907. He was a farmer by occupation and was a resident of Clermont and Brown counties most of his life. He was very active in church work for many years, being a member of the Methodist church for over forty years. He filled the offices of steward, class leader and Sunday school superintendent and took great delight in all of these services. Mrs. Hendrixson was born in Bracken county, Kentucky, and passed from this life in April, 1888. Nine children blessed this union, seven of whom are living, and nearly all were born in Clermont county. They are as follows :
F. E. is in the mercantile business at Hamersville, Ohio.
Martha is the wife of Augustus Bartlett, of Franklin town- ship, Clermont county.
George E. resides at Chilo, Ohio.
Emery E. is a resident of Fremont, Ohio.
Finley S., who was a dealer in musical instruments and sales- . man for over twenty years, passed away November 5, 1911, at Fremont, Ohio.
Mary A., who is Mrs. Woodmansee.
Alva E. is a resident of Felicity, Ohio, where he is occupied in the insurance business, and is also a dealer in vehicles.
William Hendrixson, an uncle of Mrs. Woodmansee, served three years in the Civil war, enlisting from Brown county.
Mr. and Mrs. Woodmansee have become the parents of two children, both natives of Felicity, Ohio.
Ralph H., who was born June 29, 1894, is a graduate of the Felicity High School, and is now a student of the Delaware College.
Nelson P., who was born February 2, 1899, is a student of the Felicity High School.
Mr. Woodmansee studied law at home after his marriage,
.
Digitized by Google
78
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
and was admitted to the bar in October, 1896. He has met with desired success in his profession and since 1906 has been em- ployed as cashier in the Citizens' Bank of Felicity.
In politics, Mr. Woodmansee affiliates with the Democratic party, which he has served in various local offices. For three years he filled the office of township clerk, and from July I, 1912, is serving in the capacity of mayor of Felicity, by ap- pointment.
In fraternal circles, Mr. Woodmansee holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which organi- zation he is the treasurer. Mrs. Woodmansee is a member of the Daughters of Rebekah, and of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and both Mr. and Mrs. Woodmansee are devoted members of the Methodist church.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Woodmansee, which was erected in 1911, is strictly modern in every way and is a property which adds greatly to the appearance of the town.
JAMES W. McMURCHY.
Mr. James W. McMurchy, active in the banking circles of Felicity, Ohio, is the assistant cashier of the Citizens' Bank and also holds the responsible position of postmaster of Fe- licity. He is a man of great energy and enterprise, has at- tained a high degree of success, and stands high among the foremost of the substantial men of Clermont county. Mr. McMurchy is a representative of one of the oldest families of . the county and was born in Franklin township. October 7, 1859. his parents being William and Margaret (Wells) Mc- Murchy.
William McMurchy was born in Scotland in 1800 and came to America in 1819, at the age of nineteen years, settling first in Pennsylvania. He came on to Clermont county in the pio- neer days, and became one of the resident farmers of Frank- lin township. He was a Republican in politics, and served as township trustee for many years. He passed away in 1894, having reached a ripe old age. He was one of the influential men of the community in which he lived, and had a host of friends, who still miss him from their midst.
Margaret (Wells) McMurchy was born in Brown county, in 1814. and died in 1864. Her parents were from Maryland,
Digitized by Google
79
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
and settled in Brown county many years ago. Her death took her from the family in the prime of life, and her loss is still felt by all who knew her. She became the mother of six chil- dren, all of whom were born in Clermont county. They are:
Jennie, who became the wife of Thomas Clark, is deceased. Mary, the wife of Abraham Hauser, is also deceased.
Lucy died at the age of two years.
Anna is Mrs. J. W. Miller, of Moscow, Ohio.
John, is a resident of Felicity.
James W., our subject.
James W. McMurchy attended the schools of Felicity, after which he was a student in Cincinnati for a short period. He assisted his father on the home farm until he was of age, and then contracted for the county commissioners for several years.
In 1902, Mr. McMurchy received an appointment by the Re- publican party, to the position of postmaster of Felicity, and has served in this capacity continuously since. In May, 1909, he was elected assistant cashier of the Citizens' Bank of Fe- licity.
The marriage of Mr. McMurchy took place on November 1I, 1885, to Miss Kate F. Moore, who was born in Felicity in 1860, and is a daughter of William and Sarah C. (Fee) Moore, the latter a native of Clermont county, who died some years ago. The former was born in Brown county, Ohio, and became a physician and surgeon. He was killed in the battle of Gettys- burg, was in service in the Sixty-first Ohio volunteer infan- try. Beside Mrs. McMurchy, they had one other child, W. E. Moore, a resident of Felicity.
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. McMurchy have been born two children :
Margaret M. is a graduate of the Felicity High School. Clifford died at the age of fifteen months.
Mrs. McMurchy is the assistant postmaster, and with the assistance of her daughter attends to the duties of the post- office, while Mr. McMurchy is engaged at the bank, to the entire satisfaction of all in the community.
In political views Mr. McMurchy is in favor of the principles · of the Republican party, and always has the interest of his party at heart. He is a member of the Masonic lodge and both he and Mrs. McMurchy are members of the chapter of the Eastern Star. In religious matters, Mr. McMurchy is a mem- ber and an elder of the Presbyterian church, while Mrs. Mc-
Digitized by y Google
80
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
Murchy is a member of the Methodist church and is active in all affairs of her denomination.
Mr. McMurchy is the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and thirty-five aeres in Franklin township. No family in this part of the county stands higher in the esteem of their asso- ciates than does the family of Mr. McMurchy. They are mod- est and retiring and live in great harmony and for each other. The life record of Mr. McMurchy is one that is above re- proach and that he was given two important positions in his home village is a mark of their regard and respect.
EZEKIEL J. HUTCHINSON.
Mr. Ezekiel J. Hutchinson, owner of several hundred acres of land in Jackson township, on which are five sets of im- provements, including his home, which is one of the finest country homes in Clermont county, was born on this farm October 31, 1838, and is a son of Col. Aaron and Deidanna (Smith) Hutchinson, born respectively in 1798 and 1804 in New Jersey. The father, who died in August. 1881. was a colonel of the Ohio militia and willed his sword to his son, E. J. Hutchinson, who prizes it highly. He and his wife were consistent members of the Methodist church, the latter died in 1872. Aaron was a son of Rev. Ezekiel Hutchinson, who came to Clermont county in 1806, settling in Jackson town- ship, where he secured land and successfully followed farming until his death, in 1845, aged seventy-five years. He was a most staunch supporter of the Methodist church and enter- tained the ministers in the early days, his home being noted for its hospitality. He donated the ground for the Hutchinson cemetery, to Jackson township, and the deceased members of the family are buried there.
To Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Hutchinson were born seven chil- dren, all natives of Clermont county, as follows: William, deceased ; Mary Ann, died in childhood ; Henry Clay died at the age of two years; Benjamin F., deceased, served in the Civil war in Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-third regi- ment, Ohio volunteer infantry ; J. G., deceased, was a resident of Jackson township; Ezekiel J., our subject, and Caroline, widow of A. P. Middleton, now of Greenfield, Ohio.
Ezekiel J. Hutchinson was educated in the township schools
-
Digitized by Google
L_
WADE HUTCHINSON
E. J. HUTCHINSON
Digitized by
Digitized by
1
81
1
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
and at the Batavia High School, beginning teaching at the age of nineteen years in his home school. Later, he taught the New Boston, Ashton, Harbaugh, Cover and other schools, devoting some five years to the profession. He made his home with his father until his marriage, in 1867, to Miss M. L. Robb, who was born in Bracken county, Kentucky, October 31, 1840, and is a daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Houston) Robb, natives respectively of Clermont county, Ohio, and of Bracken county, Kentucky. The father was born in 1817 and passed away in 1893; the mother was born in 1813 and died in 1905. The for- mer was a lawyer by profession but followed agricultural pur- suits mainly. Both are buried at Hillsboro, Highland county, Ohio. Of their children, four were born in Highland county, Ohio, one in Clermont county and one in Kentucky, their names being as follows: Mrs. E. J. Hutchinson; Georgia, widow of William E. Brackmann, of California ; Elizabeth J., deceased, was the wife of Benami Selph, of Hillsboro, Ohio; Dollie M., the wife of William White, residing on Price Hill, Cincinnati ; Caleb, deceased; and Dr. Isaac Robb, of Tacoma, Wash.
Mrs. Hutchinson is a niece of the late Charles Robb, the well known and kindly remembered poet of Clermont county, mentioned on other pages.
Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson have resided on the farm in Jack- son township since their marriage, building the present splen- did ten-room home which was ready for occupancy September I, 1898. It is one of the largest in the county, modern in every respect, an elegant location with a beautiful pond near, situated on the site of the parental home. Conveniently located is the fifteen-acre orchard, pears, apples, plums, chestnuts, set out partly by our subject's father, but largely by himself.
Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson are the parents of seven children, all of whom were born in Clermont county, Ohio. They are as follows :
Zoe, who was born June 22, 1868, died at the age of two years.
Robb, who was born July 10, 1870, died at the age of twenty- three years.
Wade, who was born February 24, 1873, is at home.
Nellie, who was born July 20, 1875. is the wife of J. O. Rid- ings, located on a farm near Lerado, in Jackson township.
Maud, who was born August 25, 1878, married Clarence Moore, who is deceased, leaving two children; Lucile, who
Digitized by Google
·
82
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
was born February 16, 1905, and Walter Wade, born June 7, 1906. Mrs. Moore is now the wife of C. F. Ridings, now lo- cated near the Hutchinson home. They have one child, Mary Elizabeth, born April 25, 1913.
Gail H., who was born January 30, 1882, is the wife of Harry J. Holden, D. D. S., of Williamsburg, and the mother of one son, James, born May 25, 1907. She is a member of the Order of Eastern Star.
An infant, deceased, born August 30, 1880, died September 8, 1880.
Mr. Hutchinson enlisted in 1864 in Company B, One Hun- dred and Fifty-third Ohio volunteer infantry, belonging to the State Guards, serving some four months. He had several relatives who also served in the Civil war-his brother-in-law, A. P. Middleton, Frank Hutchinson, Dr. Ashton, also Felix, Frank and Sanford Ashton, all brothers and cousins of his, two of whom were killed in action ; W. E. Brackmann, brother- in-law of Mrs. Hutchinson, besides Capt. Harry McArthur, a grandson of Governor McArthur, and Clay and John Os- born; also Rev. Randolph Smith, Eras Smith, both wounded in action, cousins of Mr. Hutchinson.
Mr. Hutchinson is a Mason and in politics is a staunch Re- publican, having served two terms, 1905-1909. as county com- missioner. He is a modest man, unassuming in manner or dress, but one well read and keenly alert on all subjects and' progressive as evidenced by the highly satisfactory conduct of his office as commissioner. In addition to his farming in- terests he is director of the Farmer's National Bank of Wil- liamsburg, Ohio.
Mrs. Hutchinson attended the Female College at Hillsboro, Ohio, and Miss Girard's school at the same place.
CHAMBERS BAIRD.
One of the prominent citizens of Ripley, Ohio, and members of the bar of Brown county is Mr. Chambers Baird. He was born in Ripley in 1860, in the family home in which he now resides. He is the only son of Major Chambers Baird, who was born in Adams county in 1811 and located in Ripley in 1834, where he died in 1887. and who during his lifetime was a leading lawyer and prominently identified with the bank- ing and business interests of the town and county.
Digitized by Google
83
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
Mr. Baird is a graduate of the Ripley High School, 1876, of Harvard College, 1882, and of the Cincinnati Law School, 1884. He served as mayor of Ripley two terms, 1902-1906, and was also United States Referee in Bankruptcy for four years, 1898-1902. He is an able lawyer and man of business, who has taken an active part in public affairs and has been connected with various financial interests and enterprises. He is a man of fine character, good ability and wide scholarship, who has found pleasure in books and literary work and has written much for publication in papers and magazines. He has also delivered many addresses on literary, historical and political subjects.
In politics he is a Progressive Republican and has been active in party work and councils.
Mr. Baird is a member of the Masonic order and of other societies and clubs.
Mr. Baird married Miss Jeanette Gilliland in 1889, and they have three children, two sons and a daughter. Mr. Baird en- joys a large general practice, and the confidence of all who know him.
GEORGE C. LONGWORTH.
Business activity and energy have been the salient features in the life record of Mr. George C. Longworth, who is now engaged in conducting a general store at Felicity, Ohio. He has a well appointed establishment and is doing a fine busi- ness, his annual sales reaching a gratifying figure. Mr. Long- worth is a Clermont county man, his birth having occurred at Felicity, Ohio, his parents being Joseph Morris and Georgi- anna (Clark) Longworth.
Joseph Morris Longworth was born at Cincinnati, just east of Broadway, where the Park now is, in 1836, and died in February, 1912. He was a versatile man, being a farmer, banker and capitalist of Hamilton county, Ohio, and in later life engaged in the tobacco business and conducted a general store at Felicity, Ohio. He served three and one-half years in the Civil war, enlisting from Ohio in the One Hundred and Fifty-third regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry. In politics, Mr. Joseph M. Longworth was a Republican, although he always voted for the best man and the best measures.
Georgianna (Clark) Longworth was born at Rural, Cler- mont county, Ohio, in 1848, and passed away in 1910. She
Digitized by Google
84
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
became the mother of six children, three of whom are de- ceased. Those living are :
George C., of this mention.
Apphia L. is the wife of Dr. C. H. Mason, of Felicity, Ohio. Dr. Thomas, of Felicity, Ohio.
George C. Longworth obtained his education in the schools of Hamilton county, Ohio, and entered the business world in the insurance business, as adjuster of claims. In this capacity he continued for a period of two years, after which he was employed as clerk. In 1892, he opened his general store at Felicity, and it is the largest in the village. Mr. Longworth owns the store on Main and Union streets, also the store building on Main and Market streets. He is the owner of two nice farms in Washington township, and his success in the past gives promise of greater success in the future.
In politics, Mr. Longworth votes for the best man for all offices, and has served for one term as town treasurer, with great satisfaction to all.
Mr. Longworth is a member of the Masonic lodge, and of the Eastern Star, and is prominent in both organizations.
Mr. Longworth is well known in Felicity as a reliable busi- ness man, well qualified to conduct his large interests, and is one of the most highly respected citizens of the county.
THIE KAIN FAMILY.
Much pleasant mention has been made of James Kain and his children as the first family to make a home in the East Fork part of the Little Miami river. James Kain, of Scotch- Irish origin, was born February 13, 1749, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The maiden name of his wife, Catherine, seems lost. Their eldest child, Daniel, was born May 7. 1773. John was born September 1, 1776; Mary, June 5, 1783, and Sarah, November 5. 1787. This family left Lancaster county, and, like others westward bound at that time. stopped. because of Indian troubles, at Old Fort Red Stone, where they raised a crop. They boated down the Ohio the next spring to Co- lumbia, where their youngest son. Thomas, was born, July 2, 1700. After 1702 they moved out to Mercersburg. or New- town. In 1705 James Kain contracted with General Lytle to clear the "Big Field" as told in our general history. In
1
1
Digitized by Google
1
85
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
1796 the family moved out to Williamsburg and built their cabins on Lot No. 43, by the "Surveyor's Camp," and there began Kain's Tavern, the most noted stopping place in pioneer times between Cincinnati and Chillicothe. Through all the migration from Lancaster they brought a tall clock, now owned by Mrs. Estelle Norris Ochiltree, of Connersville, Ind., and a set of stone for a horse mill, now probably owned by Enoch W. Smith, in Williamsburg. These articles suggest a more than usual pioneer outfit. James Kain was appointed by the Hamilton county court as supervisor of the road to Chil- licothe, and he probably acted under that authority in cutting the "Dug Way" as told on other pages. He was elected coro- ner of Old Clermont. There is good tradition that he brought his parents, also named James and Catherine, to Williams- burg. But there is no doubt about the large, strong, resolute, ' energetic, useful, big-hearted man who founded a lasting fam- ily. No dates can be given for his rather small, dark-eyed and active wife, of German descent. He died April 10, 1815, and is , buried in Williamsburg cemetery, near all his children, except Thomas and the younger daughter, Elizabeth, who married Sergeant Daniel Campbell, killed in the battle of Brownstown in 1812. She then married Samuel Cade and went farther west. Mary, called Polly, married James Perrine, on July 4, 1804, and their daughter, Catherine, married John Jamieson, whence that family in Batavia mentioned on other pages. Sarah Kain married Stephen Smith, captain of the second com- pany from Williamsburg in the War of 1812. Captain Smith, born October 20, 1781, was one of the nine children of Israel Smith, born December 15, 1745, and Catherine Smith (not akin), born June 12, 1756, who brought their children, born at Elizabethtown, N. J., and first settled at Point Pleasant. Among the children of Captain and Sarah Kain Smith, who also had nine, were: Sarah, wife of Adam Snell Walker, the parents of Oliver E. Walker, the father of Spencer Walker; Mary, the wife of William Walker, parents of L. G. Walker, the father of Mrs. John C. Fuhr; and Eliza, the wife of Philip Chatterton, all three elsewhere sketched in this work.
Daniel, eldest son of James Kain, married Mary Hutchin- son, who died leaving Mary, James and Joseph. Mary married Israel Foster and was the mother of Bishop R. S. Foster, as told in our history. Joseph, born September 10, 1802, became the driver of one of the tri-weekly stages to and from Chilli- cothe to Cincinnati. As he came down the road within a few
Digitized by Google
86
CLERMONT AND BROWN COUNTIES
miles of Williamsburg, the four horses all took fright at a huge buzzard tied to swing and flap across the road. In the sudden struggle for control, Joseph was thrown from his place early on Thursday morning, August 28, 1828, and instantly killed.
On December 1, 1805, Daniel Kain, for second wife, married Elenor, a sister of his future son-in-law, Israel, children of Thomas and Nancy Trigg Foster, mentioned in the account of the Old Stone Jail. Nancy Trigg was a part in the ancestry of scores of people named in this publication, yet, living nearly a century, she died as recently as July 2, 1855. The children of Daniel and Elenor Kain were William L. married to Mary West, Henry C. married to Rebecca Homan, Thomas, Cath- erine married to Samuel Ellis, Sarah married to Dr. William Gage, Eliza married to Rev. John Miller, Paulina married to George Davison, and Manora married to Samuel G. Peterson. Thomas, badly crippled, was still a very useful pioneer teacher. Samuel and Catherine Ellis were the parents of Thomas Kain Ellis, elsewhere sketched. Elenor Kain was born March 14, 1782, and died July 25, 1842.
Daniel Kain was a soldier in Wayne's victorious army ; was commissioned a captain in 1801, by Governor St. Clair; was a major in active service in the War of 1812; and then a colonel of militia, but was called "major," the rank in actual war. He was sheriff of the county, a justice of the peace for twenty-four years and postmaster from 1839 till his death, March 11, 1843. He was a zealous Methodist, a faithful Mason and vice-presi- dent of the first temperance convention held in Brown and Clermont. In personal appearance he was tall, dark, and fine looking, with a martial air. He was held in a high respect, still surviving.
John, the second son of James Kain, was married on May 4, 1797, to Elizabeth Raper, who was born April 6, 1783, and died March 17, 1839. She was the oldest daughter of Leonard Raper, the British Revolutionary soldier, sketched in our his- tory. Leonard Raper was born in England, March 19, 1750, and well educated in London. His wife, Temperance Holly, was born in Wales, November 22, 1764, and died November 28, 1841. The sons of Leonard and Temperance Raper were Samuel, Joseph, Holly and William H., and the daughters were Elizabeth, Margaret, Sarah and Mary. Margaret mar- ried John Randall, Mary married James Kain, Jr., and Sarah married Lieutenant Thomas Foster. William H. was the
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.