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 131

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 131

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).

Mrs. Hartman is a member of the Christian church of New Antioch, In which she takes an active interest. Mr. Hartman is a Republican in politics, while fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

PROF. ABEL C. BRIGGS.

The life of the scholar or professional man seldom presents any striking incidents which selze upon public feeling and attract public attention. When a man has 80 impressed his individuality upon his fellow men, however, as to gain their confidence and through that confidence to serve them efficiently in many capacities, he becomes a conspicious figure in the life of the community. Prof. Abel C. Briggs, instructor in mathematics at Wilmington College since 1908, is a well-informed and symmetrically developed man, who has not permitted his interests in education to prevent his de- velopment along other lines. He has kept abreast of the times, not only in educational methods and affairs, but in the affairs of the business world about him.

Abel C. Briggs, a native of Clinton county, was born near Wilmington, but his family later moved to Washington township, where they lived on a farm. His paternal grandfather was Abel Briggs, a native of New Jersey, who came to Ohio about 1829. His wife, the paternal grandmother of Abel C., had died before that date. His ma- ternal grandparents, Enos and Christina (Crouse) Clevenger, were natives of Virginia, and immigrated to Ohio in 1825. Professor Briggs' father was Samuel Briggs, a native of New Jersey, who was brought to Ohio by bis parents at the age of nine years. The mother, Catherine Clevenger, was a native of Clinton county. They were married in 1849 and had five children, four sons and one daughter. Doctor Briggs and Prof. Abel C. are the only members of the family now living. The father died In 1871 and the mother in 1910.

Abel C. Briggs attended the district schools of Clinton county and later the village school at Martinsville. He was always fond of study and preferred mathematics to any other work. When a very young man he engaged in teaching, for which he had a natural aptitude. He received his first certificate and taught his first school at the age of sixteen. His success as a teacher was attained by making himself master of every branch of learning which he attempted to teach, but later he turned his attention to surveying and engineering and in 1880 entered the University of Cincinnati to study for the degree of Civil Engineer. His mathematical attainments were sufficient to entitle him to the degree of Civil Engineer whn he left the university but It was necs- gary to finish those supplementary branches, first, which he abandoned to accept the position with the Champlon Bridge Company. At the university he had the good for- tune to be under the tultion of the eminent Professor Eddy, since of the I'niversity of Minnesota. During this association a strong attachment grew between them, which continued in after years. During his summer vacation in 1883 he was employed in the office of the Cincinnati Southern railroad, then under construction; engineering de- partment under Bouscaren as chief engineer. He left there, however, in 1884 to accept n position as assistant engineer with the Champion Bridge Company, of Wilmington. The next year he was appointed chief engineer and the year after that became a stock-

. .

CLINTON COUNTY, OHP.

this one of the most conveniently arranged and thoroughly equipped country .p had many. There are weil ichts and running water in the house, and All the matigment is operated by an engine in the bass "1 "- we Der She was IN deiner is practically deuced. The arrange- stasera okayper - Waterlo Has iesling the stock are equally complete. 1. 4% ). 1814 5: 5411 to Martha Fisher, the daughter of J. W. and Eun

ulot have been born three children. Beatrice C ..

the Christian church of New Autioch. in which she :xan is a Republican in pollties while fraternally, he Fa ..

. -

ABEL. C. BRIGGS.

pastor I man seldom presents any striking incidents Hitradt Imblir attention. When a man has su + Dost men. however, as to gnin their confidence $8.9 rthejently In many empacities, he becomes wirunity. Prof. Abel C. Bricks, fustructor in 1239, is a wetiinformed and synaartrically Il 'pierests in eltration to prevent his de- "past of the times, not only in eduestional :hw bushgok world about him,

", county, was born near Wilmington, but his 1-4i where they lived on a farm. His paternal New Jersey, whe raum 1 Ohio abent 1829. et Abel Ca had died before that date. His use 1111 (('mouse) tievenger, were motives of Virginia. " legmor briggs' father was Samivet Briggs, a native file by his parents at the age of nine years The a tale of Clinton comm's. They were married in miol Que daughter. Doctor Briggs and Prof. the family now Being, The father died In 1871 and

, etter schonis of Clinton comdy and later the village woje fond of studs and preferred mathematics to K man he engaged in teaching, for which he had :- frat certificate and taught his first school at the vorher was attained by making himself muster of . rumpted to teach, but later be turned his attention u Isei entered the U'hiverity of Cincinnati to study II's mathematical attatmoments were sufficient to neinver whn he left the outversity but it was nes- : laneige, Dret, which he almodoned to accept the . I'm-jony, At the university he had the gond for- 1. agent Professor Ely, shire of the University of ': # strong attachment grew between them, whirb Assistance vacation in IN3 he was employed in the Po Mangel. then under construction: engineering de at practice, He left there, however, in isst to accept a with the t patonion Bridge Company, of Wimlugtoh. .. . . . dehamp and the year after that became a stock.

Digitized by Google

860

CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.

holder in the company and was elected secretary of the corporation. He still holds both positions and his connection with the firm has had no small part in its recent growth and development. Professor Briggs has always been interested in educational work and especially the educational progress of Clinton county. During the past seven years he has been an instructor in mathematics in Wilmington College. The depart- ment of mathematics of this institution is rising to rank with any in the state under his able tuition.

Abel C. Briggs was married in 1894 to Ethel Cast, the daughter of Simeon S. and Mary (Villars) Cast and a native of Clinton county, born and reared in Washington township. Three children have been born to this union: Mary Estelle, Sara Lucille aud Ronald Cast.

The Briggs family are all members of the Friends church of Wilmington and Professor Briggs is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. He is a worthy citizen; one who has performed well ull of the duties of life, both public and private. The secret of this success In his life work was thoroughness and a conscientious devo- tion to duty.

PATRICK MULVIHILL.

The I'nited States is the most cosmopolitan nation of the earth. Her citizens are drawn from every country and every clime, and a residence of a few years in this country vo imbues ber allen people with the American spirit that they become among our best citizens. No nation has furnished better or more substantial citizens to this country than has the fair island of Ireland. From the Emerald Isle have come many families which have won honored places in the country. Among the many families of Irish descent who have come to the great Buckeye state there is none more deserving than the Mulvibill family of Clinton county, which family now consists of two brothers and two sisters, sons and daughters of Patrick and Bridget (Welch) Mulvihill, who came here from Ireland .*

Patrick Mulvihill was born in Ireland. the son of Jerry Mulvihill, also a native of that island, who never came to America. He was a farmer and a prominent member of the Catholic church. His wife was a Miss Shone before her marriage and they had nine children, Patrick, John, Edward, Michael, Jerry, Margaret, Catherine, Johanna and Mary. Of these children, Patrick. the eldest, received a meager education in the schools of his native land. He married Bridget Welch, who was also a native of the same island, and they afterwards came to America, proceeding to Ohio, locating in Highland county, near Leesburg. They came to this country about 1855 and, after having lived In Highland county until 1867, located in Clinton county, where they rented a farm. During the remainder of Patrick Mulvihill's life. he rented land in Clinton county. He and his wife were members of the Catholic church at Washington C. H., and he voted the Democratic ticket. He died on November 11, 1880, at the age of forty-six years, his widow surviving until August 9. 1907. They were the parents of four children. John. born on February 18, 1856: Mary. March 10, 1861 ; Michael, April 9, 1865, and Hannah, July 18, 1867.

Since the death of the parents, these four children have been living together and farming in Clinton county. Until 1800 they rented land, but now own two hundred and twenty-one acres in Richland township, about three miles out of Sabina. In 1895 they built a large barn and have since improved the farm in many ways, until it is one of the best farms in the community and they are regarded as among the best farmers. All of the members of the family are identified with the Catholic church at Washington C. H .. and the two brothers. John and Michael, vote the Democratic ticket. The Mulvi- hills are all well known throughout Richland township and are all highly respected.

870

CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.

ELMER THOMAS MCPHERSON.

Elmer Thomas MePherson, a native of Liberty township. this county, is a well-known mechanic and inventor connected with the Irwin Auger Bit Company, director in the Union Loan and Savings Company, and vice-president and founder of the Wilmington Automobile Company. He bas lived in Clinton county all his life, with the exception of a few years,

Born on July 28, 1876, Elmer Thomas MePherson is the son of Henry C. and Anna ( Hunnicutt ) MePherson. the former of whom, born neur Highland, in IHighland county, Ohio, in September, 1845. died In August, 1010, and the latter, born near Port William, Clinton county. In 1852, died In May, 1905.

Mr. McPherson's paternal grandparents were Benjamin and Rachel (Starns) MePherson, both born near Leesburg, in Highland county, who spent all their days in that county. Benjamin McPherson was a farmer by occupation and his family were members of the Quaker church. Mr. McPherson's maternal grandparents were Thomas and Susanna ( Bailey) Hunter t. natives of Virginia, who came to Clinton county when very young people. Thomas Hunbientt was a farmer in Liberty township, where be owned about five hundred acres of land. The family were all members of the Friends church.

The late Henry C. McPherson, who grew up on his father's farm in Highland county, was a natural mechanie. Emigrating to Clinton county he was married in this county, and owned one hundred acres of land on the Clinton and Greene county line, in Liberty township. He Hved npon this farm until 1889, when he moved to Lancaster. Ohio. In 1891 he moved to Harriman, Tennessee, and in 1893 returned to this county, locating at Wilmington, where he worked as an engineer for the Irwin Auger Bit Com- pany until his death. He was a Republican and the family were members of the Friends church.

Of the elght children born to Henry C. and Anna (Hunnicutt) MePherson, two. Fred, the third born, and Maud, are deceased. The former died In May. 1913, and the latter, who was the fifth born, died at the age of eighteen years. The Hving children Include Elmer Thomas, who is the eldest of the family and the subject of this biographi- enl sketch : Olive, who married Alonzo Curl, a resident of Wilmington: George R., who married Nina Van Tresa, lives in Wilmington and who Is an auger-bit maker: Vada, who is a teacher of music; Lula, who married Howard Collins, a toolmaker, of Detroit, and Ralph, who married Hazel Doan, of Wilmington, and who is an auger-bit maker in Wilmington.

Elmer Thomas MePherson received his education in the public schools at Bowers- ville. Orchard Grove, and Lancaster, Ohio, Mr. McPherson Is a natural mechanic. He began his mechanical career working for the Harriman Tack Company. then went to the Bailey Bit Company, at Harriman, From 1893 to 1598 he was engaged with the Irwin Anger Bit Company, at WHmington, as trip-hammer man, and afterward, from 1898 to 1901. was engaged with the Ohio Tool Company, at Columbus. In 1901 he returned to Wilmington and since that time has been foreman of the forge and tool department and power plant of the Irwin Auger Bit Company. He Invented a machine for making dies, which is now used by his employers. He has also Invented a straightening machine, which is being kept for the use of the Irwin Anger Bit Company. In addition to these inventions he has also Invented several small parts of machines. He takes a great deal of interest in this work, and is an invaluable employee to his company, which is the largest enterprise in the city of Wilmington.

On January 1. 1901. Elmer T. MePherson was married to Georgiana Palmer. who was born in Wilmington. Ohto, the daughter of Jonathan and Melinda ( Darbyshire) Palmer. Jonathan Palmer died in April, 1903, at the age of seventy-five, and his widow 18 still living, seventy-four years old. She was born and reared in Wilmington, the

Digitized by Google

871

CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.

daughter of Samuel and Mary Ann ( MeGruder) Darbyshire, eurly settlers, who came to this county from Pennsylvania, The Inte Jonathan Palmer was a carpenter and served as a member of Company D. Ninety-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. through- out the Civil War. His widow is a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist church. Jonathan Palmer was a contractor and builder and assisted in the erection of the school house at Wilmington. Mr. and Mrs. McPherson have two children, Mildred, born on June 14, 1902, and Edith Alleen, November 20, 1905.

In 1905 Elmer T. McPherson purchased a home at the corner of Mulberry and Burdsall streets in Wilmington, where he and the family still live. Politically, he is Identified with the Republican party and was elected as city councilman for the term of 1916-17. The MePherson family are all members of the Friends church except the wife of Elmer Thomas, who is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church, and takes n prominent part in the work of this church. They are highly respected citizens, indus- trious, broad-minded and liberal and are popular in their wide circle of acquaintances.

FRANK BRANDENBUT L.

Frank Brandenburg is a well-to-do farmer of Clinton county. He was born in Warren county, this state. north of Lebanon, February 16. 1554, the son of Samnel and Susan ( Kinney ) Brandenburg, both natives of Warren county, born south of Lebanon.

The paternal grandfather of Frank Brandenburg was Jacob Brandenburg, an early settler in Warren county and very probably a native of Maryland. He was of German descent and a farmer by occupation, The ninternal grandfather of Mr. Brandenburg Wax Daniel Kinney, one of the early settlers of Warren county and probably a native of Virginia.

Of Samuel Brandenburg, the father of Frank, it may be said that he was left an orphan when a mere lad, and that, having been deprived of all educational opportunities. his education was most menger. His wife's mother having died when she was a girl, she also was reared by strangers. They were farmers practically all of their lives. he having come to Clinton county about 1861. His death occurred at his home near Wilmington. A brother of Samuel Brandenburg, Silas by name, was a soldier in the U'nion army during the Civil War and survived the war. The family were members of the Christian church.

Frank Brandenburg was educated in the schools of Warren, Clinton and Clermont counties In 1850 he purchased seventeen acres of land near Westboro and moved to that farm from Warren county. where he lived until 1858, when he purchased fifty-five and three-quarters acres, where he now lives, to which he has added until he now has sixty-seven aeres. At one time he owned the adjoining farm of one hundred and four acres which is now owned by Allie Goodwin. Mr. Brandenburg's farm was entirely wanting in Improvements when he moved to It. but he bas ererted good buildings, drained the swamps and cleared the land of the thickets and woods He is engaged specially in the dairy business and keeps a large number of Jersey enttle. He was at one time a stockholder in the creamery at Malland.

On October 4, 1874. Frank Brandenburg was married to Mary Wilson, who was born at Cundden. New Jersey, daughter of Ell and Rachel ( Atkinson) Wilson, both natives of New Jersey. Her paternal grandparents were James and Louisa Wilson, who lived and died in New Jersey. Her grandfather was employed on a fishing boat and was drowned while at work. Her maternal grandparents were Joseph and Mary ( Powell) Atkinson. natives of New Jersey, who Immigrated to Warren county in 1855. There they lived until a short time before their deaths, when they moved to Darke county, Ohio. Her maternal grandfather was a woodsman and made clearing his business. Mrs. Brandenburg's father was n gardener and shoemaker. He came West with his father-in-law and located in Warren county and lived there about thirty years, later coming to Clinton county. Sub- sequentiy. he remarried and lived in Clinton county until his death. He was a soldier in

CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.

Company B, Seventy-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served over three yeurs during the Civil War.

Of the Brandenburg family it may be said that the first representatives of the family to come to America were Abaniom Brandenburg and his brother, who had resided in Berlin, where they held an enormous estate, which was confiscated by the government for ninety-nine years because the government was displeased with their acts as citizens of the empire.

To Mr. and Mrs. Brandenburg six children have been born, of whom three, George, Myrtle ond Walter, are deceased. The Hving children are Raymond and Elmer, both of whom are at home, and Flora, who married Charles Johnson. a farmer of Warren county. Myrtle died after her marriage to Simeon Loyd.

Frank Brandenburg, who was reared a Democrat. is now a Republican and is serving his sixth year as township trustee. Formerly. he was a member of the school board. Mr. Brandenburg Is well known and popular in the locality in which he has I'ved so long.

STANLEY T. MCKENZIE.

Stanley T. Mckenzie is a well-to-do farmer of Green township, this county, who was born on August 14, 1881, in the state of Iowa, the son of William and Elizabeth (Mor- ton) Mckenzie, both of whom were born in Clinton county, Ohio. the former on Septem- ber 18, 1834, and the Intter, July 15, 1838. The father died on January 12, 1807.

The paternal grandparents of Mr. Mckenzie were William and Isabel (Kimball) MeKenxie, early settlers in Clinton county. The maternal grandparents were also enrly pioneers of Clinton county. After his marriage William Mckenzie, the father of Stanley T .. removed to Knoxville, Marion county, Iowa, and Inter to Nebraska, and died In the Intter state. at Nebraska City, In 1867, leaving four children, Wilda, Perry A., Stanley T. and Geneva. An infant child had died previously. Later his widow married Eli Carson, and to this latter union were born three children, Stella, Bert and Carey. Mr. McKen- zie's stepfather and mother lived at Martinsville. this county.

Stanley T. Mckenzie was reared on the farm and was educated in the schools at New Antioch, Green township. He has always been engaged in farming, and was for four years engaged in that vocation in Kansas. Later he went to California for a year . and worked there by the month. At one time he owned a farm in I'nion and Liberty townships, Clinton county, but be disposed of this farm, removing to the farm now owned by himself and his son, Julian Stephen, In Green township, two miles from New Vienna. Since 1015 Mr. Mckenzie and his son have owned one hundred and eighty-four acres of Iand in Green township.

On December 25, 1887. Stanley T. Mckenzie was married to Maggle Leininger, who was born in Germany, January 2. 1864. daughter of John and Kate (Ruch) Leininger. both natives of Germany. Mrs. McKenzie's mother died In 1872, and after her death her husband enme to America, proceeding to Ohio, first locating in Highland county and later settling at Burtonville, this county, where he died In December, 1880, at the age of fifty-five years. He was a blacksmith by trade, and he and his wife were the parents of eight children. John. Margaret E., Sarah, Kate, Maggie. Jacob, Michael and an Infant (twins). the latter of whom Is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Stanley T. Mckenzie two children have been born, Julian Stephen, born at Ottawa, Kansas, on Deember 4. 1889, and Ethel Lucile. May 11. 1897. Julian Stephen Mckenzie was educated in the schools of Burtonville. He married Jessie Record, of Wilmington, and has one son, Willard, born on May 11. 1912. Ethel Lucile Mckenzie was graduated from the Mt. Pleasant high school with the class of 1915, the first class to graduate from that school, and is now a teacher in the Mt. Pleasant school. Fraternally, Stanley T. Mckenzie is a men- ber of the Knights of the Maccabees at Wilmington, while politically, be is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party.

873

CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.

LEO F. KING.

Leo F. King is a successful liveryman, of Blanchester, Clark township, this county. He was born at Farmer's Station. Clinton county, March 28, 1877, the son of G. S. and Nettie A. { West) King, both natives of this county, the former born on April 27, 1848, In Clark township, the son of John R. and Catherine B. (West) King, the former born in 1816, in Virginia, and the latter in Clinton county. John R. King was the son of William and Nancy King, natives of Virginia and early settlers in Clark township. Catherine B. West was the daughter of Henry and Nancy ( Terrell) West, pioneers of Clark township and members of old Virginia families.

John R. King owned one hundred and thirty acres of land. which he divided among his children before his death. He died at the home of his son, George S., the father of Leo F. John R. and Catherine B. King had six children. Nancy A., William H., Wyatt C., George S., E. Sanford and Sarah. William H. and Wyatt C. served as soldiers in the Union army during the Civil War."

On December 25, 1871, George S. King was married to Nettie A. West. the daughter of George and Samantha (McMInine) West, the former of whom was born in Clinton county. April 10, 1815, and the latter in Highland county. The paternal grandparents of Mra. King were Henry and Nancy (Terrell) West. Her maternal grandparents were Enoch and Samantha MeMaine, who were born near Hillsboro, but who later moved to Knox county. Illinois, and there died.

Lo F. King was educated In the public schools at Farmers Station and engaged in farming for some time in partnership with his father. He was also In partnership with his father in the grocery business at Farmers Station for three years. In June, 1907. he moved to Blanchester aud there engaged in the livery business.

On December 25. 1899. Leo F. King was married to Alta Reeves, the daughter of E. V. Reeves, of Highland county, Oblo, and to this union bas been born one son, Horace.

Fraternally. Mr. King Is a member of the Junior Order of United Workmen and of the Knights of Pythias. He is a well-known citizen of Clark township and is highly respected by the people of that township.

EMMETT B. WHITACRE.

Emmett B. Whitacre is the proprietor of a hundred-and-forty-acre farm near Pansy. in Marion county, this county. He was born on the old homestend In Marion township. Clinton county. January 17, 1869, the only son of Lewis and Mary ( Hall ) Whitacre, the former of whom was born on February 5, 1840, in Warren county. this state, and the Intter. December 12. 1844. in Marion township. this county.

Mr. Whitacre's paternal grandparents were George and Martha ( Baldwin) Whit- acre, pioneers of Warren county, who came to this county about 1855. Both are now deceased. Mr. Whitacre's maternal grandparents were James and Pricella (Statler) Hall, the former born in Muskingum county, this state, and the latter in Clinton county. Pricella Statler was the daughter of Samuel Statler, a native of Virginia and a pioneer settler in Clinton county, who died in Vernon township. The maternal grandparents spent their last days In Jefferson township. this county.

Lewis Whitacre was a farmer by occupation and for many years was prominent In the local politics of Jefferson township. He was especially prominent in the councils of the Republican party, and served many years as justice of the peace. He also served as trustee for several terms. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Lewis Whitacre died July 1. 1911. and his wife in 1885. He died in Columbus. where he had lived for two years. His wife died at Midland. in Jefferson township, this county.

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 Clinton County, Ohio Its People, Industries, and Institutions, with Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families, Part 131

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