History of Clinton County, Ohio Its People, Industries, and Institutions, with Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families, Part 105

Author: Albert J. Brown (A.M.)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : W.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1108

USA > Ohio > Clinton County > History of Clinton County, Ohio Its People, Industries, and Institutions, with Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families > Part 105

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JESSE H. ALLISON.

Jesse H. Allison, a well-known and prominent citizen of New Vienna, this county. who served as a soldier in the I'nion army during the Civil War, was born on Decem- ber 28. 1830, in Rush county, Indiana. the son of John and Eunice ( Hunt) Allison, the former of whom was born in Highland county, Ohlo, in 1807, and the latter in the same county four years later. John Allison was the son of William and Nancy Allison, plo- veers of that county, where both died. Eunice Hunt was the daughter of Asa and Marian Hunt, also pioneers of that county, where they spent practically all of their lives. Jobn Allison was a farmer, who emigrated to Rush county, Indiana, in 1835. and Inter to the Wabash country, near Lafayette, where he died in 1844. Later, bis widow

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and. family returned to Rush county, and after being there for three years, came to Clinton county, settling near New Vienna. Mrs. John Allison died in Rush county, Indiana, in 1901. They were the parents of six children, Asn H., Achasu, Isaac R., Jesse H., Thomas G. and William G. Of these five sons, all served as I'nion soldiers during the Civil War, except William, and all are now deceased, except Jesse H., the subject of this biographical sketch.

In September, 1861. Jesse II. Allison, then twenty-two years of age, enlisted in the in the Forty-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served, successively, as a private, sergeant and lieutenant. For a time he commanded his company. During the Vicksburg campaign, he was an alde-de-camp, attached to the brigade staff. Among the more noted engagements in which he participated were the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg and Jackson. He received his honorable discharge in 1864. After coming home from the war, Mr. Allison engaged in business at New Vienna, where, for many years, he conducted a hardware and agricultural Implement store, doing a very suc- cessful business.

In 1869. Jesse H. Allison was married, in New Vienna, by the Rev. Charles Rowers, minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the Rev. John Henry Douglas, the Friends minister. to Sarah Charity Miller, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1844, daughter of Samuel and Charity P. Miller, who emigrated from Columbiaun county, to Clermont county, this state. and then to Clinton county. Their remains are bnrled in the cemetery at New Vienna. To Jesse H. and Sarah Charity ( Miller) Allison the following children have been born: Frank O., Veda Henrietta, William Logan, Mary A., of Detroit, Michigan; Jessie Augusta, who died at the age of nine years; Earl M. and Harry J., who died early in life. the latter having been drowned.

Mr. Allison was an Abraham Lincoln Republican until the campaign of 1800, when he became a William Jennings Bryan Democrat. He served as treasurer of Green township and as corporation treasurer, also as a member of the school board for n number of years. He is a member of Carey Johnson Post No. 405, Grand Army of the Republic, and was commander of the post for some years. Mr. and Mrs. Allison are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at New Vienna.

FRANCIS MARION IRELAND.

Having been a resident of this county since he was two years old, the subject of this biographical sketch. a prosperous and substantial farmer of Washington township. is one of the best-known men in the county. Though having passed the three-score-and-ten milestone in the journey of life, Mr. Ireland retains the Hiveliest interest in current affairs and is still regarded, as he has been for many years, as one of the most induen- tlal men in his neighborhood; his voice ever having been raised in behalf of all good things thereabout. Though his farm is not as large as those of some of his neighbors, its well-tilled fields and admirable appointments, fine residence and ample farm build- ings display unmistakable evidences of careful management and prudent, energetic and thrifty husbandry : creating the presumption that its owner has so ordered his affairs as to be in no present fear regarding provision for the remainder of his mortal pilgrimage.

Francis Marion Ireland was born on a farm in Warren county. Ohlo, on June 17. 1844, son of John C. and Emma (Baker) Ireland, the former of whom was the son of Frank Ireland, a native of Scotland, who emigrated to America in the closing years of the eighteenth century, locating in Warren county, this state, where he engaged in farne- ing and became a substantial citizen. Frank Ireland was a soldier in the army of his adopted country during the War of 1512 and was a man who was held in the very highest regard among his pioneer neighbors in Warren county.

John C. Ireland was reared on the paternal farm in Warren county and married Emma Baker, who was born in that county, daughter of Abram Baker and wife, Vir-

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ginians, who located in that section of Ohio at an early day and became prominent cit- izens of Warren county, and it was there that Francis Marion Ireland was born. In 1846 John C. Ireland and his family came to Clinton county, locating in Washington township, where Mr. Ireland and his wife spent the rest of their lives. Jobn C. Ireland bought a farm of one hundred and seventeen acres in that township and became one of the best-known farmers of that section. This farm is now owned by James B. Ireland, brother of the subject of this sketch.

At the time his parents moved to Clinton county. F. M. Ireland was but two years of age. consequently he has spent practically all his life in this county. Hle was reared on the Washington township farm, receiving his education In the neighboring district school and has always lived in that neighborhood, his well-appointed furm of something like seventy-five acres adjoining the paternal farm, being separated from the latter by the highway, he and his brother, James B. Ireland, thus remaining close neighbors.

In 1872. Francis M. Ireland was united in marriage to Rbody Ellen Crouse, who was born in Washington township, this county, daughter of Emerson Crouse and wife. prominent pioneers of that section. Additional details regarding the Crouse family in this county are set out In the biographical sketch relating to J. W. R. Crouse, a cousin of Mrs Ireland, presented elsewhere in this volume.

To the union of Francis Marion Ireland and Rhody Ellen Crouse three children have been born, Virgil. Verda and Stella. Mr. and Mrs. Ireland are genial, hospitable and generous; charitable in their relations with their neighbors and for many years have taken a prominent part in all good works in that neighborhood, being held In the highest esteem by all persons thereabout. Mr. Ireland is a good citizen, having per- formed well his duties to his fellowmen, and may safely be said to be approaching the "sunset time" of his life with few regrets and certainly with no reasonable complaint concerning the manter in which he has fared along the way.

ROBERT TURNER STANFIELD.

The name of Robert Turner Stanfield is one familiar to the residents of Vernon township, this county, as that of a hard-working, energetic and neighborly farmer. whose toil in the cultivation of the soil has brought him a competence, but who has not limited bis activities to one occupation. Mingling with men, he has found other lines of work equally as absorbing, and for years has served the public in the capacity of assessor, an office which he has filled most creditably.

Robert T. Stanfield was born in Greene county, Ohlo, on March 22, 1855, the son of James and Mahala (Turner) Stanfield, both born in the same county, the former in 1824, and the latter four years later, James Stanfield was the son of Samuel and Massey (Kennedy) Stanfield, the former, Samuel, was a native of North Carolina, whose father, William Stanfield, was a pioneer of Greene county, this state, where he died after a worthy and useful life. Massey Kennedy was born In Georgia in 1901. She died in Greene county. this state. in 1873, having outlived her husband nearly twenty years, his death having occurred in 1854. Mahala Turner was the daughter of Robert and Christena ( Hlegler) Turner, the Intter a native of Pennsylvania. Robert Turner was quite a young man when he migrated to Greene county, where he afterwards mar- ried. After the death of his wife in 1565, when they still resided in the above-named county. he moved to Warren county, to make his home with his daughter, and there he spent the rest of his life. living to the extraordinary age of ninety-seven years, his death occurring in 1892.

James Stanfield enme from Greene county to Clinton county In 1548 and soon after- wards purchased a farm across the line in Warren county, near the present home of the subject of this sketch. This piece of land consisted of one hundred and ninety-five acres. He passed away in Vernon township, in 1905, his wife's death following five years

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later. They were the parents of ten children, as follow : William, John (deceased), Christina (deceased), Robert T., Frank, Elva, Aaron (deceased), Samuel, Sarah and Mattie.

Robert T. Stanfield was born and reared on the farm of his father, receiving the nsual common-school education, after which he was privileged to attend the Spring Valley high school. In 1876 he began a residence in Warren county which lengthened Into twenty years, after which he and his family removed to this county, and the fol- lowing year, he bought the farm of fifty acres which he still owns and on which he has become a successful stock raiser.

In 1881 Robert T. Stanfield was united in marriage to Florence E. McCray, who was born in Clarksville, this county, in July, 1855, daughter of Joseph and Amanda (Senver) McCray, who had lived in this county since its early days. Joseph McCray died in 1897, having been a widower since 1877. To Robert T. and Florence ( McCray) Stanfield two children have been born, Zula M. and Albert H. The former married Charles Camp and has four children, Leland, Leona (deceased ), . Nina and Evelyn. Al- bert H. Stanfield married Mary Pagenkopf, of Wisconsin, and has four children, Virgil, Virgene, Angusta and Neda.

The man who can remain in one public office for fifteen consecutive years must be a man of sterling worth; otherwise, keen competition would see to it that he took up another line of work. Robert T. Stanfield has been township assessor of Vernon township for this length of time and bas fulfilled the obligations of the office in such a way as to win the respect and confidence of the public. Having lived In the county for so long a time, he is one of the best-known farmers in the vicinity, and has a great many warm friends.

RICHARD C. GREENE.

The early surroundings of the man whose name appears as the theme of this biography were not propitious from the world's viewpoint, and yet, the success of his subsequent career shows that there were even in his boyhood the stalwart elements which go to make up strength of character and the sort of persistence that the world admires. Through strenuous work and fidelity to an ideal of personal excellence, Mr. Greene has risen in importance and usefulness in his community, he has been elected county treasurer, has won the respect of his fellow-citizens.

Richard C. Greene was born on April 18. 1857. on the farm in Wayne township, Clinton county, on which his father was born, and which his grandfather settled. He is the son of Haznel and Millie (Chern) Greene.

Haznel Greene was the son of Isane Greene. who came to Wayne township when most of it was in forest, and it might be said of him, as it has been said of others, "Men who plant civilization in the wilderness, who organize backwoodsmen into com- munities, and throw around them the protection of the law, should not be forgotten. They render mankind a priceless service, and those who come after them and enjoy the fruits of their Inbor and their sacrifices should never tire of honoring their memory." The farm which Isnac Greene developed from its primal raw condition has remained in the family ever since, with the exception of a period of two or three years. Inzael Greene died in Wilmington at the age of seventy-eight. His wife, Mrs, Millle (Cherry) Greene, died in 1860. when Richard C. was three years of age.

Richard C. Greene received his elementary education in the public schools in the country. He afterwards was graduated from high school, and later went to the Wil- mington College for two years. Mr. Greene was a teacher in the public schools for several years, after which he devoted his time to the management of the home farm. After taking up his residence in Wilmington, about 1901. Mr. Greene engaged in the

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insurance business for a number of years, being manager of one of the largest and most successful agencies in the town.

On February 26, 1850, Richard C. Greene was united in marriage to Sadie M. Davis, a daughter of Jordan and Phebe Davis, and a native of Highland county, Oblo. To Mr. and Mrs. Greene three children have been born, as follow: Grace, married Chester Sanders, of Dayton, Ohio; Mary, married Russell D. Jay, of Xenia, Ohio; and Charles Herbert Greene, of Dayton, married Ada Antram, a daughter of Frank and Belle Antram, natives of Clinton county, Ohio.

Mr. Greene is a Republican and takes an active interest in the affairs of that party. In 1912 he was elected treasurer of Clinton county, and re-elected in 1914.

Mr. Greene has the qualities that would make him a power for good in any com- munity. He has energy, judgment, self-reliance, and that sterling characteristic called Integrity. In all of the relations of life, be has been honest, fair and helpful. Such a man Is an asset to any community.

HUBERT J. DERIVAN.

Hubert J. Derivan, a well-known merchant and farmer of New Vienna, this county, was born there on August 12, 1856, the son of Hugh and Bridget (Foley) Derivan, both of whom were natives of Ireland and who were married in their native land. Three children were born to them in the old country, Maria, Anna and Patrick, the last two of whom are deceased. Leaving these children in their native land, they came to America in 1855 proceeding to Ohio, locating at New Vienna, this county, and two years later the children enme alone to America, the voyage and trip requiring three- months, at that time the children being ten, eight and six years of age, respectively. The Inte Hugh Derivau was a laborer, a Democrat in politics and a member of the Catholic church.

Another child was born to Hugh and Bridget (Foley) Derivan after coming to this county. Hubert J., the subject of this sketch. Maria, the eldest child, married Adam Clark and they later settled in Tecumseh, Nebraska. There Mr. Clark died, leaving his widow with five children, Lucy, Clara, Anna, Mary and Ethel, who later moved to Lincoln. where they now live. Two sons, Frank and Hubert, had died in Tecumseh, Nebraska. Hugh Derivan died on March 19, 1884, and his wife on March 22, of the same year. Their remains are buried at Hillsboro, Ohio.

Hubert J. Derivan was educated in the public schools at New Vienna and learned the blacksmith's trade as soon as he was old enough to begin work. Afterward, however, he gave up this trade and for fourteen years was engaged in the implement business, but on February 6, 1912, he took up blacksmithing again, in connection with the im- plement business. He handles farm implements, seeds of all kinds, fence posts and drain tile, besides doing a general business in blacksmithing. Mr. Derivan owns his own business building in New Vienna, in 1912 having bought out Eugene Edwards. who owned the building.

On February 5, 1800, Hubert J. Derivan was married to Susan Irene McCabe, who was born in Highland county, Ohio, the daughter of James and Mary McCabe, both deceased, to which union five children have been born, namely: Joseph, who was graduated from the veterinary department of Ohio University in June, 1014; Harry, of the 1916 class in civil engineering at Ohio State University; Mary, a student in the normal school at New Vienna, who is a graduate of the New Vienna high school and has taught at New Vienna, Cuba and, Martinsville; Hubert, Jr., a student in the New Vienna high school, and John, a student in the public schools.

Mr. Derivan owns a farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Green township, which he himself has bought-and paid for with his own earnings and savings. He also owns

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several pieces of property in New Vienna, besides his residence. He is a Democrat and has been a member of the board of public affairs for five years and a member of the council for six years. Mr. and Mrs. Derivan are members of the Catholic church and their children have been reared in that falth.

HENRY CLAY WISBEY.

The life of the subject of this short biography is instructive in that it indicates what can be done by the determined will, the resolute purpose, and the ability to concentrate one's powers upon a worthy object in life and work until that object is attained.

Henry Clay Wlsbey is the son of Lewis and Agnes (Clark) Wisbey, referred to in the sketch of George M. Cole in the present volume, and was born In Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 20, 1858. He received his early education in the Cincinnati schools, and in bis sixteenth year went to Illinois. After a year's residence there. he came to Clinton county, rented a farm and lived there for the next forty years In 1905 he bought the farm of one bundred and ten acres, and thus saw the result of almost a life-time of strenuous work.

Henry C. Wisbey has been twice married. His first wife was Ida Cole, a daughter of Benjamin and Martha Cole, mentioned elsewhere in this work, who died four years after her marriage, in 1881, leaving two children, Charles and Cassie May, the latter of whom died in infancy. The former was born on January 2, 1882, and married Anna Garrison of Vernon township, this county, to which union were born three children, Mabel May, Walter and Ralph, all of whom are living. On March 13, 1890, Mr. Wisbey married, secondly, Ida Espey, the marriage taking place in Blanchester, this county. She was born in Union City, Indiana, on February 22, 1868, the daughter of John and Nancy ( Wittaker) Espey, the former a native of Union City, and the latter of Darke county. Ohio. Johu Espey died at Rochester, Warren county, Ohio, in 1911, at the age of seventy-Ave. His wife had died near Union City in 1871. They were the parents of two children, Edgar and Ida. By his second wife who was Hannah Lyons, and to whom he was married in 1873, John Espey had six children, Burt Elmer, Charles Tilden, Estelle, Ollie Jane, Bessie and Celia.

To Henry C. and Ida (Espey) Wisbey two daughters have been born, Bessie, who died while quite young, and Vinnia, who recently married Edward Blatt, of Newport, Kentucky.

Mr. Wisbey has taken keen interest in political affairs, and has always voted the Republican ticket. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Odd Fellows.

The life here briefly outlined furnishes an example of what persistent effort will accomplish; and as the present publication is devoted to a review of those citizens of the county, who by their integrity and ability, have won a place of prominence in the community, it is but fitting that the present sketch should appear. Mr. Wisbey is a man, who as husband, father. neighbor and citizen, is worthy of emulation.

RAYMOND J. HUMPHREYS.

Raymond J. Humphreys, an intelligent young farmer of Vernon township. this county, was born in that township on February 21, 1879, the son of David A. and Callie (Goodwin) Humphreys. He was reared on a farm and was educated in the public schools of the county, having been graduated from the Blanchester high school with the class of 1800. since which time he has been engaged in farming. Mr. Humphreys owns one hundred and forty acres of land in Vernon township and is a general farmer and stockman.

David A. Humphreys, subject's father, was reared on his father's farm and educated in the public schools of Pansy. in Marion township. Mr. Humphreys has always been engaged in farming. At the present time, he owns approximately three hundred acres

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of land, but also formerly owned one hundred and thirty-five acres which now belong to his son, Raymond J. Besides his extensive interest in farm land, Mr. Humphreys is a director of the First National Bank, of Blanchester, and of the Farmers National Bank, of Clarksville.

In December, 1877, David A. Humphreys was married to Caroline Goodwin, who was born in Indiana, and who is the daughter of James Goodwin, a brother of Levi Goodwin, mentioned elsewhere in the sketch of E. M. Goodwin, of Marion township. James Goodwin was a farmer by ccupation, who lived in Warren county, Oblo. He is now deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. David A. Humphreys have two children, Raymond J., and Vance, who was born In 1806.

On October 28, 1903, Raymond J. Humphreys was married to Nora Nicholson, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, on September 12. 1880, daughter and only child of John and Susan (Penquite) Nicholson, both natives of that county. John Nicholson was born on January 9. 1855, and his wife on June 30, 1855. They now realde on a farm in Washington township. Warren county. To Raymond and Nora (Nicholson) Humphreys two children have been born, Clarence Edwin, born on July 27, 1904, and Helen Lavonne, June 9, 1906.

Mr. and Mrs. Humphreys are prominent citizens of Vernon township, Mr. Humph- reys being one of the trustees of that township. He is now president of the farmers institute at Clarksville, and, as the head of that organization, is contributing in a large measure to the spread of interest in this community in scientific farming. He is a Republican and has served as a member of the school board. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Blanchester.

WALTER G. RICHARDSON.

Walter G. Richardson, now a well-known and prosperous young farmer of Vernon township, this county, was born on August 2, 1870. in the township where he Is still living, a son of the late Charles Pierson and Jane ( Villars) Richardson, the former born in Cincinnati, on March 15, 1840, and the latter on the old Villars homestead in Vernon township. on December 7, 1832.

Charles Pierson Richardson was widely known during his life as one of the suc- cessful farmers of Clinton county. He began life with one hundred acres of land Inherited by Mrs. Richardson, and gradually added to this tract until at the time of his death on July 12. 1804, he was the owner of four hundred and thirty-five acres of splendid land in Vernon township. He was a son of Pierson Jackson and Elizabeth ( Skillenger) Richardson, the former born in 1815 in Genesee county, New York, who died on December 17. 1902, and the latter born on April 27, 1814, in Cincinnati, Ohio, who died on October 3, 1883. Her parents were natives of Germany. Charles Pierson Richardson was a farmer and specialized in pure-bred live stock and kept road-bred horses of the Wilkes and Hambletonian breeds. He also made a specialty of raising Shropshire sheep and Shorthorn cattle. After his death his widow moved to Wilmington, where she now resides with her daughter, Bessie. Before her marriage, Mrs. Richardson was Jane Villars, the daughter of James and Frances (Gregg) Villars, the former of whom was born on October 28, 1800, in Jefferson township, Greene county, Pennsylvania, and died In June, 1890, and the Intter of whom, her mother having died when she was a child, was reured by Mrs. Woodmansee. She was a daughter of George and Margaret (Wiley) Gregg. Charles P. Richardson was married to Jane Villars on October 3. 1865. James Villars was a son of James and Rebecen ( Davidson) Villars. Charles P. Rich- ardson and wife were the parents of nine children, three of whom, Howard, Horace and Lillie, are deceased. The living children are: James Pierson, Jr., Charles Hinkle,

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Walter G., Frances Elizabeth, Herman and Bessie. Mrs. Richardson is a member of the Methodist Protestant church.

Walter G. Richardson was renred on his father's farm, receiving his education In - the public schools and in the Wilmington high school, from which he was graduated in 1805. He is a farmer by occupation and lives in Vernon township on his mother's farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres. He is a well-known breeder of Shorthorn cattle.

On January 29, 1903, Walter G. Richardson was married to Edna Hadley, who was born on March 28, 1878, in Adams township, this county, daughter of Harlan H. and Susannah (Kimbrough) Hadley, the former of whom was born on October 21, 1833, in Adams township, and the latter, on November 15, 1836, on Cabin' creek, in Indiana. Mrs. Richardson's paternal grandparents were Jonathan and Rebecca (Harvey) Hadley, the former of whom came from North Carolina In 1810, and who died in Vernon town- ship in 1879, at the age of eighty-seven. His wife died in 1876, at the age of eighty- three. Mrs. Richardson's maternal grandparents were Thomas and Elizabeth (Hiatt) Kimbrough, pioneers in Clinton county, the former of whom came from North Carolina and the latter, from Virginia. He died in 1883, at the age of eighty-three, and his wife lived to be the same age, her denth occurring in 1885. Mrs. Richardson is one of five children born to her parents, the others being Ella Bevan, Atwell Miller, Isaac Parker, and Horace Allen.

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History of Clinton County, Ohio Its People, Industries, and Institutions, with Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families, Part 105

Author: Albert J. Brown (A.M.) Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago : W.H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1108

Author: Albert J. Brown (A.M.)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : W.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1108