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 139

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 139

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Charles L. Smithson was reared on the old homestead farm and was educated in the public schools. Mr. Smithson owns two hundred and seventy five acres of land In Green township. He was married on November 26, 1882, to Jennie Hidebrant. who was born on March 4. 1864, daughter of Jesse and Martha (Pyle) Hildebrant. early settlers of Clinton county, both of whom are deceased. To this union four chil- dren have been born, namely: Fay, who died In Infancy; Beryl, who lives at home; Katle, who married Lark MeKibbon, and has three children, Charlie Frank, Martha and John Drummond, and Inez, who lives at home with her parents.

Mrs. Smithson is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Smithson's ancestors were members of the Friends church. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served as school director for many years.

CHARLES HODSON.

Highland county enjoys the distinction of numbering among her citizens a well- known farmer now in the prime of life, who won second prize at the national corn show held a few years ago in North Carolina. Charles Hodson, a resident of Fairfield township. not only won serond prize at the national corn show, but he has won first prize at the Ohio state corn show on Reed's Yellow Dent, and Johnson county, Indiana, white corn. Mr. Hodson is also an extensive cattle and hog breeder and specializes in Jersey cattle and in Duroc-Jersey hogs.

Charles Hodson was born on February 17, 1877, the son of Joseph W. and Lillie ( Jones) Hodson, the former of whom was born in Highland county Ohio, on October 15. 1854, and the latter, in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1856. Joseph W. Hodson was the son of Joseph and Sarah (Lamb) Hodson, natives. respectively, of Highland county, Ohio, and Gullford county, North Carolina. Joseph Hodson was the son of Solomon and Cecelia Hodson, who emigrated from North Carolina to Highland county, Ohio, in pioneer times. Sarah Lamb's parents were also pioneers in Highland county, where both died. Joseph Hodson was a farmer by occupation, a Republican in politics, early in life, but later a Prohibitionist. He and his wife were members of the Friends church. To them were born eleven children, of whom Joseph W. was the ninth, the others being Eli, Mary, Martha, Jonathan, Rachel Ann, Joel, Josiah, Lewis, Milton and Ella.

Joseph W. Hodson was reared on a farm and was educated in the public schools. He has four acres in Wayne township, where he now lives. He votes the Prohibition ticket. On February 17. 1876, he was married to Lillie Jones, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, and the daughter of John and Celia (Thompson) Jones, both of whom were natives of England. After settling in Lexington, Kentucky, John Jones engaged in the mercantile business. He was burned to death in that city some years ago and his widow died soon afterward. To Joseph W. and Lillle (Jones) Hodson six children have been born, of whom Charles, the subject of this sketch, is the eldest, the others being Bertsel, Harry, Jobn (who died in infancy), Cammie (who died in infancy). and Clemma, who died in 1911, at the age of twenty-four years.

. Charles Hodson was reared on a farm and was educated in the district schools and in the Highland high school. He owns one hundred and forty-one acres of land and lives in Fairfield township. Highland county, where he raises Duroc-Jersey boys and Jersey enttle.

On October 6, 1900, Charles Hodson was nmrried to Lena May Fisher, who was born in Green township, Clinton county, on January 11. 1878. the daughter of Amos

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and Ruth Ann (Terrell) Fisher, the former of whom is deceased and the latter of whom is still living on the old homestead in Green township. Amos Fisher was born on the farm owned by bis parents, John and Hannah Fisher, in Green township, on April 1, 1846. John Fisher was born in Highland county on October 29, 1820, the son of Cephas and Rachel Fisher, natives of Pennsylvania. His grandparents were James and Jane Fisher, also natives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Tennessee soon after 1800 and about 1804 moved to Highland county, Ohio. Cephas Fisher was twice mar- ried, the first time to Rachel Stanbury, who died on May 5, 1844, leaving three chil- dren, Mrs. Rebecca Atkinson, of Story county, Iowa; Cephas, of Henry county, Iowa, and John, the futher of Amos. Cephas Fisher married, secondly, Mrs. Jane Atkinson. He died on December 30, 1862, at the age of eighty-four years. On September 25. 1845, John Fisher was married to Hannah Atkinson, who was born in Clinton county on June 2, 1827, a daughter of John and Jane Atkinson, natives of Ohio and Pennsyl- vania, respectively. John Atkinson dled in April, 1839. Ten children were born to John and Hannah (Atkinson) Fisher, Amos being the first born. Among the others were Amy, who married William McFadden; Harriet Ellen; Joseph; Phoebe June, who married William F. Waddle; Thomas; Rachel Alice; William Henry and Azariah.

On January 15, 1874, Amos Fisher married Ruth Ann Terrell, who was born on November 8, 1844, the daughter of John and Elizabeth ( Williams) Terrell, natives of Highland county. Her maternal grandparents were William and Phoebe Williams, of North Carolina, who settled in Highland county. John and Elizabeth Terrell were the parents of seven children, Hampton W., Ruth Ann, Phoebe Jane, David E., Mary Edna, Flora A., and Pleasant M. Amos and Ruth Ann (Terrell) Fisher were the . parents of four children, Elver J., born on April 30, 1875; Lena May, January 11, 1878; Amos Clyde ,June 29. 1880, and Hannah Elizabeth, October 9, 1884.

To Charles and Lena May ( Fisher) Hodson five children have been born, namely : Lloyd Delos, born on July 26, 1001; Wilbur Amos, January 29, 1904; Harold Charles, January 18, 1906; Dorothy Marie. July 11, 1911, and Wabneta May, February 23, 1914.

Politically, Mr. Hodson is a Republican, but he has never aspired to office. The Hudson family are all members of the Friends church.

JAMES A. ROLSTON.

James A. Rolston, a successful farmer of Green townsbip, this county, and the son of Robert and Anna ( Wallace) Rolston, who came to this county from Ireland, was born in the Emerald Isle on January 7, 1865, and was five years old when he was brought to America and to Clinton county by his parents.

After being educated in the public schools of Clinton county. Mr. Rolston engaged In farn.ing. He now owns and occuples a farm of eighty-nine acres of land, one and one-half miles from New Vienna. Hle is a general farmer and stockman and has been very successful.

On November 14, 1894, James A. Rolston was married to Nancy Fenwick, who was born at Daleville. Delaware county, Indiana, in 1874, the daughter of Andrew and Caroline (Snow) Fenwick, the former of whom was born in Highland county, Ohio, In 1823. and the latter, in Clinton county, June 8, 1844. Andrew Fenwick immigrated to Indiana when a young man and lived there after his marringe. Mrs. Rolston was one of seven children born to her parents, the fourth in the family, the others being John, William, Robert. Boason, Cary and Ida. Mrs. Rolston's parents eventually came to Clinton county and both died here, her father in 1897 and her mother In 1911.

To James A. and Nancy (Fenwick) Rolston have been born six children. Anna, born on July 26. 1895, who married. November 12, 1914, Gurney Adams, who was born on December 3. 182; Robert, born in 1897, who died in infancy ; William Mckinley, Novem-

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ber 5. 1900; one who died in infancy ; Hattie Marie, August 13, 1903, and John Matthew, November 20, 1908.

Mr. and Mrs. James A. Rolston are members of the Methodist Protestant church and their children have been reared in that faith. Mr. Rolston is a member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows at New Antioch and is identified politically with the Republican party.

JAMES WILLIAM CASHMAN.

James William Cashman is a successful farmer of Green township, this county, and with his brother-in-law. T. J. Bloom, owns one hundred and thirty-four acres of land in that township. Mr. Cashman was born in Clinton county on September 20, 1855, the son of John and Nancy (Murphy ) Cashman, the former a native of Berkley county, Virginia, and the latter a native of Green township, born on May 12, 1827. Mrs. John Cashman died near New Antloch on October 28, 1863. She had only two children, Mary Catherine and James William, John Cashman was a farmer by occu- pation, a Democrat in politics and a member of the Christian church.

James William Cashman was reared on a farm in Green township and was edu- cated in the public schools of that township. For fifteen years he was engaged in the mercantile business in New Antioch, and since that time has been engaged in farming on a tract of one hundred and thirty-four acres, where he has now lived for sixteen years, being engaged as a general farmer and stock raiser.

On February 17, 1870. James William Cashman was married to Sarah Luella Truitt, who was born In Green township, the daughter of George W. Truitt (mentioned elsewhere In this work In the blographical sketch of Allen A. Curtis). Mr. and Mrs. Cashman have no children.

Politically, James William Cashman is identified with the Democratic party. He has served as school director for a number of years and is now serving his ninth con- secutive year as trustee of Green townsbip. Mr. and Mrs. Cashman are members of the Christian church at New Antioch, and take a prominent part in the religious work of Green township.

FRANK CUSTIS.

Frank Custis is a well-known farmer of Green township. this county, and owns one hundred and ten acres of land two miles from New Vienna, where be is engaged in general farming and stock raising. He was born on March 20, 1960, in Washington township, this county, son of the Inte John W. and Sarah (Bond) Custis, both natives of Clinton county, the former born in 1834. and the latter, near Martinsville. in 1837.

The paternal grandparents of Mr. Custis were John and Mary Custis, early set- tlers and ploneers of Clinton county, Ohio, who came here from Pennsylvania after their marriage. The maternal grandparents were George and Mary Bond, also natives of the Keystone state, who settled in Clinton county, in an early day, and both died in this county.

The late John W. Custis was a farmer and stock dealer and owned three hundred and thirty-three acres of land in Washington township. He was identified with the Democratic party politically, and was more or less active In politics during his life, having been the candidate of his party at one time for sheriff. His wife was a mem- ber of the Christian church, and he also was an adherent of that faith. His death occurred ou May 27, 1906. His wife had passed away many years previously in 1884. They were the parents of nine children, four of whom are deceased. Elisha. Kate. Rob- ert and Sarah, the living children being George, Frank. Martha, John and James.

Frank Custis, like the ordinary hoy born and reared in the country, received bis

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education in the district schools of his home neighborhood, and after leaving school took up farming on bis own account. In 1853 he moved to Green township and pur- chased the farm of one hundred and ten acres, where he is now living, on which he engages in general farming and stock raising.

In November, 1881, Frank Custis was married to Sarah Belle Smithson, who was born in Green township. this county, on February 10, 1800, a daughter of Drum- mond Smithson and wife. mentioned elsewhere in this volume, and to this union two children have been born, Kenneth Drummond, born ou October 21. 1887, who was edu- eated In the public school of Green township and lives at home with his parents, and Burch Quinn, June 22, 1897, who received his early education in the district schools, afterward becoming a student in the New Vienna high school. He also lives at home with his parents.

Mr Custis is a Democrat, but has never taken an especial interest in political matters. He devores his time rather to his own personal business and to his family.

HARRY D. STEELE.

Harry .D. Steele, now a prosperous young farmer of Green township, this county, was born near New Vienna, this county, on October 7, 1883, the son of William B. and Rachel A. (Matthews) Steele, both born in Clinton county, the former a well-to-do farmer of Wayne township, where he lives, on July 9, 1860, and the Intter a daughter of Elijah Matthews, who is mentioned in a biographical sketch presented elsewhere in this work.

Harry D. Steele was reared on a farm in Wayne township and lived there until about eleven years of age, when he moved with his parents to Washington township. Later he attended Wilmington College and the Normal School at Lebanon, Oblo, after which be taught school for ten years, from 1900 to 1910. In 1907 Mr. Steele moved to Green township and rented the farm, which he now owns, for two years. In 1910 he bought the farm, consisting of seventy-one acres, and since that time has made many substantial Improvements. He is a general farmer and stockman.

On March 6, 1908. Harry D. Steele was married to Lillie M. Roush, a native of Highland county, Ohio, daughter of William Edward and Hattie Elma (Dewald) Roush, both of whom were born in Highland county, Ohio, the former on March 2, 1855, the son of Frederick and Mary ( Sanderson) Roush, also natives of Highland county, the former born in Union township, November 25, 1530, and the latter in Hamer town- ship, March 16. 1835. The paternal grandparents of William E. Roush were George and Rachel (Tedrick) Roush. both natives of Pennsylvania, the former of whom was the son of Philip Roush, a native of Pennsylvania, who settled In Highland county about 1818. The maternal grandparents of William E. Roush were Alexander and Jane ( Sanderson) Sanderson, the former of whom came, an orphan boy. from Ireland to this country and settled In Highland county and the latter of whom was born near Newmarket, in Highland county. On both sides of the family. Mr. Roush's ancestors have been farmers. His father was a Republican and was a member of the Christinu church, the father of six children, of whom William E. was the eldest, the others being Robert Sanderson (deceased), George E., Ervin E., Lille (deceased), and Joseph C. Mr. Roush has been an extensive breeder of registered Shorthorn cattle. He is n Republican but has never aspired to office. Fraternally, he is a member of Dalton Tage No. 578, Free and Accepted Masons. He is now living in Green township, this county. Twenty years ago he was a school teacher by profession and taught school for ten years, He came to Clinton county in 1500, buying one hundred and two acres of land one and one-half miles from New Vienna.

Mr. and Mrs. Harry D. Steele have one son, Donald R., horn on December 9, 1903. Mr. Steele votes the Democratle ticket. He is a member of the Baptist church.

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FLAVIUS J. JOHNSON.

Flavius J. Johnson is a well-known farmer of Green township, this county, who owns one hundred and fifty acres of land two mlles from New Vienna, where he is engaged in general farming and stock raising. He was born in Clark township, this county. November 5, 1852, son of Abner D. and Rebecca (Connell) Johnson, the former born in Clinton county, in 1815. and the latter in 1811.

The juternal grandparents of Mr. Johnson were Asbley Johnson and wife, the latter of whom, before her marriage, was a Miss Detheridge, who came from Virginia to Clinton county aud established a home in the wilderness, where they reared their famlly. The maternal grandparents were Hiram Connell and wife, the former a native of Pennsylvania. It was his father who founded what is now Connellsville, Pennsyl- vania, in which town be erected the first house. Hiram Connell emigrated to Highland county, Ohio, from his native state and died near Lynchburg, of which place he was a well-known citizen at the time of his death.

Abner D. Johnson. the father of Flavius J. Johnson, was a farmer, a Republican In polities, and a member of the Presbyterian church. His death occurred near Farmers Station in Clark township, this county, in 1890, and his widow survived him ten years, passing away in 1900.

Flavius J. Johnson was reared on the farm and received a good common-school education in the district schools of his home township. Mr. Johnson owns one bun- dred and fifty acres of land in Green township, comprising a fertile. highly-productive and well-kept farm.

Mr. Johnson married Julia Elma Smithson, daughter of Drummond Smithson, mentioned elsewhere in this volume, and to this union has been born one child, a son. Fred G., who was graduated from the high school at New Vienna, and is now an elec- trician, employed at St. Paul, Minnesota. Fred G. Jobuson was married to Ella Doorley. who was born at Hillsboro, Highland county, this state.

Ever since Its organization the Johnson family have been identified with the Repub- lean party, and Flavius J. Johnson is no exception to this rule.

SENECA DENNIS.

Seneca Dennis, who was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War and Is now a well-known farmer of Green township, this county, was born in the township where he lives, December 13, 1844, the son of Richmond and Hannah (Tumlin) Dennis, the former of whom was born in Tennessee and the latter in this county, the daugh- ter of Peter Tumlin, a Clinton county pioneer.

Richmond Dennis came to Clinton county, when a young man, and lived here until his death In 1876, at the age of eighty years. His wife had died previously In 1861. Hle was a farmer by occupation, a member of the Democratic party aud prominent in the Newlight church, at Centerville, of which he had been a member for fifty years before his death. Richmond and Hannah (Tumlin) Dennis had ten children, of whom Elizabeth, Hester. Peter, John. Allce and Hannah are deceased, the living children being Sarah, Lucinda, Louisa and Seneca.

Born and reared on the farm and eduented in the common schools, Seneca Dennis enlisted, in 1864. in Company K. One Hundred and Forty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volun- tee Infantry, and served eleven months and four days. He was taken prisoner on July 9. 1864, and was beld In the Danville prison until February 22, 1865, on which date be was taken to Libby prison, from which he was paroled after about two weeks, At the close of the war, Mr. Dennis returned to Clinton county and engaged in farming. He owns fifty acres of land in Green township, and there he has lived since 1850, during which period he has made many improvements upon the farm.

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In 1874 Seneca Dennis was married to Suruh Margaret Deck, who was born in Clinton county, In 1840, the daughter of Jonathan and Sarah Deck, both of whom are deceased. To this union three children have been born, Charles William, who mar- raied Josephine Hosler and lives In New Vienna, this county, where he is a carpenter by trade; Oscar Richmond, who married Maud Hildebrant, daughter of Luther Hilde- brant, and who lives ou Mr. Hildebrant's farm, and has three children, Paul Bur- dette, Robert and Hilda, and Grover, who lives on the home farm, married Lucile Babbit and has one son, Earl.

Seneca Denuis is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Grand Army of the Republic. Hle is a highly-respected citizen in Green township and enjoys the esteem of all who know him.

JOHN P. GEORGES.

The present European war has disclosed certain qualities of head and heart in the Belgian people, which the world at large heretofore knew very little about. John P. Georges, a farmer of Wayne township, this county, is spoken of as one of the most cultured, entertaining and Interesting men ever found on a farm. He is a native of Belgium, and speaks, reads and writes six different languages, French, German, Eng- lish, Belgian, Spanish and Italian. Few farmers living anywhere in this country bave enjoyed educational advantages equal to those enjoyed by Mr. Georges and few men possess a greater native endowment for the absorption and assimilation of culture than he.

John P. Georges was born on March 21, 1848, at Hachy, Belgium, the son of Peter and Margaret (Devillez) Georges, the former of whom, born in 1804, at Hachy, Belgium, died in 1882, and the latter, born on June 2, 1804, at Nobresart, Belgium, died in 1886. Both are buried side by side at Leopold, Indiana. Mrs. Peter Georges was the daughter of Henry Devillez, who married a Miss Shannen.

The paternal grandparents of John P. Georges were Henry and Mary (Adam) Georges, born at Hachy, Belgium, farming people, who reared a family of five children, Peter, Frank, Jobu, Margaret and Catherine. Henry and Mary Georges spent all of their lives In their native land.

Peter Georges was educated in the common schools of his native land and, when a young man, leurned the mason's trade, at which he worked all his life. He was en- gnged in contract building until September 27, 1863, when he started with his family for America. The family landed in New York city, March 21, 1804. During the voy- age over the vessel was wrecked and the passengers and crew were compelled to spend two months on the Island of Walcheren. After landing in New York city, the family proceeded to Indiana and located in Perry county on a farm. The sons cultivated the land and the father engaged in contract building, living on the farm, however, the remainder of bis life, Peter and Margaret Georges bad ten children, only three of whom, Susannah, Jobu P., the subject of this sketch, and Frank J., are now living. Susannah lives in Perry county, Indiana, aged eighty-five years. Frank J. Is -recorder of Perry county, Indiana, and is now serving his second term. The deceased children are: Frank. Margaret, Nicholas, who was a soldier in the Civil War, Anna. Jane. John N., and Catherine. Nicholas Georges, who had come to America before the arrival of his father and family, was a soldier in the Civil War, having enlisted in 1861 in the Fourth Iowa Cavalry, in which he served four years under Major-General Green. Peter Georges voted the Democratic ticket. He and his family were members of the Catholic church.

The education of John P. Georges was begun in the schools of his native land and, after arriving in Indiana, at the age of sixteen, he began to learn the English language. After three months' study in the schools of Indiana, he was promoted to

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the fifth reader. Later he entered St. Meinrad's College. in Spencer county, Indiana, and attended the school for three years. Upon leaving St. Meinrad's be taught school for ten years, including three years in Perry county, Indiana, at St. Mark's, and seven years in Seneca and Wyandot counties, Ohio. After that he returned to his father's farm in Perry county, Indiana, and took care of his parents until their death. Hle lived on the farm until 1890, when he came to Clinton county, settling in Wayne town- ship, where he has lived ever since and where he expects to live until his death because, as he says, there is no better place. He owns one hundred and one and one-half acres, but calls himself a "loafing" farmer, having retired from farming twenty-five years ago. Mr. Georges lives on his farm, but rents the land out to others. He personally has made all of the improvements on his farm, including the clearing of thirty acres since moving to Clinton county.

In 1886 Jobn P. Georges was married to Mary C. Clement, who was born on October 16, 1844, the daughter of Hubert and Victoria ( Bigonville) Clement, to which union two children have been born, Rose, who died in infancy, and John P., Jr., who is a graduate of St. Mary's College, Dayton, Ohio, having finished the course in 1909 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He now lives at home with his parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Georges have a very pleasant farm home in Wayne township. John P. Georges votes the Democratic ticket. Naturally, he is a very highly respected citi- zen, popular in the community where he lives, and he and his family enjoy the esteem of all who know them.

JAMES E. CUSTIS.

James E. Custis is a successful farmer of Green township, this county, where he owns one hundred and eighty-five acres of land. He was born in that township on September 6, 1867. a son of John W. and Sarah Jane (Bond) Custis, both of whom were born in Clinton county, the former in 1834, and the latter, near Morrisville, In 1837. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Custis were Thomas and Mary Custis, who were early settlers in Clinton county, coming here from Pennsylvania after their marriage. Both are now deceased. The maternal grandparents were George and Mary Bond, who also came from Pennsylvania to Clinton county in an early day, and both died · here.

The Inte John W. Custis was a farmer and stock dealer and was the owner of three hundred and thirty-three acres of land in Washington township. He was a Democrat in politics and at one time was a candidate for sheriff of Clinton county. His wife was a member of the Christian church, and he himself was reared in that faith. His death occurred on May 27, 1906. His wife bad passed away many years previously. They reared a family of nine children, four of whom, Elisha, Kate, Roh- ert and Sarah, are deceased, the living children being George, Frank, Martha, John and James.

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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 139

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