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 143

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 143

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Jobn Deneby bad but little opportunity for an education. He came to the L'uited States in May, 1873, and after landing in this country, proceeded directly to Wilmington, this county, where his sister. Mrs. Honora Haley, and her husband were already Hving. Mr. Denehy brought over his sister's son, whom she had left behind in Ireland on coming to this country. Afterwards Mr. Denehy moved to Liberty township. this ronuty, where be rented one hundred and seventy neres of land for eight hundred and fifty dollars a year. and this arrangement continued for nineteen years. In 1994 he pur- chased the farm where he is now living, which consists of one hundred and eighteen acres, and since purchasing this tract. has added. by purchase, sixty-four acres, giving him a total of one hundred and eighty acres of excellent farming land.

On March 1, 1870 John Denehy was married to Honora O'Leary, the daughter of Patrick O'Leary, and to this nion have been born nine children. Jerry, Johanna, Honora. Patrick, John, Daniel, Willlam, Dennis and Julia. The family are all earnest and devoted members of the Catholle church, at Wilmington. to the support of which they are liberal contributors, and in whose welfare they are deeply interested.

SAMUEL J. IRVIN.

Samuel J. Irvin, who is a prosperous farmer and stockman of Vernon township, this county, was born in Marion township. Clinton county. March 7. 1876, the son of Jumes and Alice S. (Losh) Irvin, the former of whom was born in Warren county, Ohio, May 18, 1849, and the latter, July 9, 1851. in Hamilton county. Ohio.

James Irvin, the father of Samuel J., is the son of Samuel and Martha ( Crosley) Irvin, the former of whom was born in Ross county, Ohio, March 9, 1821, and the latter In 1826. In Warren county. The parents of Samuel Irvin were Andrew and Sarah Irvin. the former of whom came to the United States with his parents and settled in Pennsylvania. Andrew Irvin and wife moved from Ross county, Ohio, to Warren county and there spent the rest of their lives, residing near Hopkinsville, where they kept a hotel for many years. Andrew Irvin died shortly after the Civil War and his widow died about thirty years ago, They had a large family, their children being John. Samuel. James B., Sarah, Millie. Martha, Eliza, Nancy, Hannah, Isabel. Hester and (60)

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Malinda. Andrew Irvin was identified with the Whig party and later with the Republican party.

Samuel Irvin was reared on a farm and was educated in the public schools. In 1857 he came to Clinton county and here bought and sold land, having owned at different times several different farms. At his death he owned about three hundred and sixty acres. Martha (Crosley ) Irvin was the daughter of Isaac and Rachel (Cook) Crosley, the former of whom was born in Michigan, and the latter near Lebanon, Warren county, Ohio. Both died in Warren county. Samuel Irvin was identified with the Republican party. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died in 1809 and bis widow in 1907. They had a family of seven children, namely: Nathan, born in 1847, who died in 1900; James, who is hereafter referred to; Caroline, who married Clark Smith, deceased; George, who is mentioned elsewhere In this work; Abram, a resident of Blanchester, this county ; Enuma, the wife of J. E. Reeder, and Dora, who is the wife of Charles Shank, a son of Martin Shank. of Marion township, who is ninety- four years old.

Born and reared on the farm and educated in the public schools, James Irvin has been a farmer by occupation. He is now living retired in Blanchester, to which place he moved in 1903, the Irvin home being situated on Center street. James Irvin owns three hundred and sixty acres of land in Marion and Vernon townships and other prop- erty in Blanchester. He is a Republican in politics and has served as a member of the school board and as trustee of Marion township. He has also served as a member of the Blanchester council for six years. Mr. Irvin attends the Methodist Episcopal church.

On January 1. 1871, James Irvin was married to Alice S. Losh, daughter of James and Eliza (Hawthorn) Losh, and to this union eight children have been born, namely : Irene F., who is the wife of Charles Sears, and has three children, Dan, Charles Ray- mond and Emma, (deceased) : Estella J., who is the wife of Harley Carnahan, and has four children. James Estel. Lucille. Harry and George: Samuel J., the subject of this sketch ; Stanley A., who married Elsie Leonard; Georgiana, who died at the age of three years; an infant daughter, deceased ; Ethel Eva, who married Carl H. Smith, of Miamis- burg, and Charles Raymond, who married Viola Conner. and had two children, Edna Ray, who died at the age of three years, and Carl Harold.

Mrs. James Irvin, who is the daughter of James and Eliza ( Hawthorn) Losh. 18 descended from pioneer stock in this section of Ohio. Her father. James Losh, was born near Terrace Park. Hamilton county, Ohio, In 1817. the son of John Losh, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Hamilton county. Oblo, when a young man. John Losh married A Miss Highland. Some time afterward he started to New Orleans in a bont and Was never afterwards heard from. Hle lived at Milford, Ohio, where he had a tannery. His widow died at Terrace Park, Ohio. James Lash was a farmer by occupation. a Republi- can in politics and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His first wife was Martha Canada, the daughter of Frank and Johanna Canada, pioneers in Hamilton county. He died at the age of about seventy four years and his wife nt about sixty. James Losh and wife were the parents of only one child, Frank K .. who now lives at Blanchester. The second wife of James Losh was Eliza Hawthorn. who was born in Hamilton county. Ohio, and who. for a number of years, was a teacher in that county. To this second marriage there were born seven children. Mary (deceased), Martha, Alice S .. James (deceased), Charles. Samuel and Arthur Willis (deceased). James Losh died at Clarksville, Ohio. in 1590. His first wife died in 1843. and his second wife in 1863. after which he married a third time.

Samuel J. Irvin, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm and was educated in the public schools. Mr. Irvin has always been engaged in farming and now owns two hundred and fifteen acres of land In Vernon and Marion townships and has devoted

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practically his entire attention to the cultivation of this land. He is a progressive farmer, judged from any point of view and one who has made many improvements on his farm. In late years Mr. Irvin has given most of his attention to stock.

On February 22, 1899, Samuel J. Irvin was married to Clara M. Florea, who was born in Clinton county, daughter of Parker N. and Maria (Athey) Florea, and who formerly was a teacher in the schools of this county. Parker N. Florea Is deceased, and his widow now lives at Midland City.

Parker N. Floren was born near Cuba, in Clinton county, the son of Harrison and Nancy (Seaman) Florea, both natives of this county. Harrison Florea was the son of Isaac and Elizabeth Florea, pioneer settlers of the region round about Macedonia. Nancy Beamau was the daughter of Ebenezer and Lillis ( Mitchell) Seuman, of Virginia, who settled near Cuba about 1808. Harrison Florea was a farmer by occupation and be and his wife had two children. Parker N. and Caroline. Parker N. Florea was educated in Clinton county and became a farmer. For fifteen years before bis death, he operated a the factory at Midland City. He was married in 1867 to Maria Atbey, who was the daughter of George W. aud Charlotte (Biggs) Athey, natives probably of Virginia and Clinton county, respectively. George W. Atbey was the son of Robert and Rhoda ( Follis) Athey, natives of Virginia, who came to Clinton county about 1808, and spent the rest of their lives in this county. Charlotte Biggs was the daughter of William Biggs, who settled, about 1808. near Cuba. He owned a tract of land stretching almost to Clarksville. He served in the War of 1812 and remained in this community until his denth. Parker N. Florea was a soldier in the Civil War, serving in an Ohio volunteer regiment.

To Mr. and Mrs. Samuel J. Irvin one daughter has been born, Velma, who was born on January 3. 1900.

Mr. Irvin is a Republican In polities, but has never aspired to office, devoting all of his time to his private interests.

J. M. RICHARDS.

J. M. Richards, who is a bustling business man of Sabina, this county, a man with very cordial manners and tactful in all of his relations with the public, was born on January 19, 1865, at Hillsboro, Ohio. the son of Milverne and Amy ( Miller) Richards. the latter of whom was born near Hillsboro. the daughter of John Miller, a farmer of that community and a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

The paternal grandparents of J. M. Richards were William and Lucinda (Gibson) Richards, both natives of Pennsylvania, but who were married in Ohio after coming to this state. They settled on what was known as Little Rocky fork near Hillsboro and there owned three hundred and fifty acres of land. They spent their Inst days in Hills- boro, living retired. Both the grandparents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were very active in church work. They had five children, Milverne, Newton, John, Samuel and Margaret, of whom Margaret Is the only one now living. Newton was a physician in Atlantic, Jowa ; Samuel was a physician at Hillsboro, Ohio, and John and Milverne were farmers.

Milverne Richards, the father of J. M., was educated in the common schools and was always engaged in farming. He first married Amelia Barrow, and to them were born two children, Newton and Minerva, both of whom are now deceased. Newton Richards married Emma Fisher, and after her death. Emma Reno. Minerva Richards married Minor Smith, a reshient of Denver, Colorado. Upon the death of Amelia (Barron) Richards, Milverne Richards married. secondly, Amy Miller, to which union were born three children, J. M., the subject of this sketch: Mary, the twin sister of J. M., and Anna. Both Mary and Anna grew to maturity, but Mary died unmarried. Anna

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married Elmer Hunter, of Hillsboro, Oblo, Milverne Richards died on April 2, 1900, at the age of eighty years, his death having occurred on the anniversary of his birthday. Ilis second wife died on September 17, 1884.

J. M. Richards was educated in the common schools of Hillsboro, Ohio, and was married on December 29, 185, to Mahala Woods, who was born near Hillsboro, the daughter of John and and Ellen (Bernett) Woods. To Mr. and Mrs. Richards have been born two children, Martha, who married Burch Riber, a wholesale dealer in cigars. tobacco and candy, at Hillsboro, Olio, and has one child, Margaret Ellen, and Margaret, who married Frank Pavey, of Sabina. this county.

Mr. and Mrs. Richards have been living in Sabina for about four years. Prior to moving to Sabina they were residents of Hillsboro, and Mr. Richards was in the dairy business at that place for nine years. Since locating at Sabina, he has been engaged in the livery business. He owns property in that city and is now one of its prominent citizens.

Mr. and Mrs. Richards are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally, Mr. Richards is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is active In the work of the Methodist Sunday school at Sabina and is much interested in work of that kind.

ZENE G. HADLEY.

The earliest Hadleys of whom there is any authentic record in this country came to America from England about 1680, when Simon Hadley settled in Bucks county, Penn- sylvania. Zene G. Hadley, one of the present county commissioners of Clinton county, and a prosperons farmer of Adams township, is a representative of the third generation of the family In Clinton county. He is a well-known breeder of mule-foot hogs, which he has exhibited at the Ohio state fair, the Indiana state fair and the Forest City fairs. as well as at many minor fairs in the state of Ohlo.

Zene G. Hadley was born on May 31. 1875, near Clarksville. In Vernon township, n son of Evan HI. and Susannah (Nickerson} Hadley, the former of whom was born. September 20, 1842. In Adams township, this county and the latter. July 21, 1846. daughter of Clark and Martha Nickerson. Evan Hadley and Susannah Nickerson were married on January 16. 1863. Evan H. Hadley received his education in the common school of Adams township, and spent practically all his life as a farmer in that town- ship. For about eight years, however, he operated stores at Springboro and Harveys- burg. in Warren county, Ohio. He also owned about one hundred and fifty acres of land in Adams township, Mr. and Mrs. Evan H. Hadley were members of the Friends church. and Mr. Hadley voted the Republican ticket. They were the parents of three children : James C., born on June 19, 1864, who died on May 10, 1x50; Cora L., January 17, 1869, who married John L. Kittrell. minister In the Friends church at West Milton. Ohio, and Zene, the immediate subject of this sketch.

The paternal grandparents of Mr. Hadley were Jonathan and Susannah W. (Claw, son) Hadley, the former of whom was born, August 10. 1810. In Adams township, and the latter. May 14. 1812. They were married on December 29. 1831. Jonathan Hadley was edneated in the common schools of Adams township, and spent practically all his life as a farmer in that township. He owned one hundred and twenty acres of land. and was one of the pioneer farmers of the county. He and his wife were members of the Friends church, and politically. he was a Republican. Jonathan Hadley and wife were the parents of four children : Louisa. horn on November 8. 1832: Mahlon. Febru- ary 13 1835: John W .. December 22. 1839, and Evan H., September 20, 1842.

Jonathan Hadley was a son of John and Lydia ( Harvey) Hadley, the former of whom was born on December 25. 1770, and the latter. January 19, 1774. Mr. Hadley's

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great-grandparents were the parents of twelve children, namely: William, born on July 18. 1795; Simon. November 1, 1796: Elizabeth, June 14, 1798; Joshna, September 5. 1799; Jacob. May 3. 1501; Isaac. December 9, 1802; El, September 27, 1804; John. October 3. 1806: Thomas. August 21. 1508; Jonathan, November 10. 1810; Ruth, Novem- ber 5. 1812. and James. July 20. 1815.

Zene G. Hadley received bis elementary education In the connnon schools of Adams township, at the "Bunker Hill" school. and later attended the high school and college at Wilmington for two years. After finishing his schooling he began farming in Adams township, and In 1004 purchased one hundred acres of land in that township.

In November. 1007, Zene G. Hadley was married to Minnie Johns, who was born at Wilmington. this county. August 15. 1875. the only daughter of Rodney and Anna ( Burke) Johus, the former of whom, born on January 26. 1843. In Wilmington. died on June 18, 1900, and the latter, born on October 20, 1538, died on June 16. 1592. Rodney Johns was a well-known road contractor of Wilmington.

Rodney Johns was one of ten children born to his parents. Samuel and Elizabeth (Deuver) Johns, the former of whom was born on September 12. 1812, died on May 17, 1×51, and the latter, born on June 6. 1819. died on October 29. 1901. Samuel and Eliza- beth (Denver) Johns were the parents of ten children, namely : William F., born on January 5, 1840; Mary C. June 1. 1841 ; Rodney. January 26. 1843; Cary Carothers, Derember 5. 1844: Arthur Denver, April 22. 1847. who died on March 2, 1848; Arthur Denver, II. September 23, 1849, who died on February 14. 1851 ; Jane Campbell, January 19, 1:52; Harry D., October 23. 1856; Elizabeth, June 23. 1860, who died on December 19. 1913, and Samuel, September 23. 1862.

Mrs. Zene HI. Hadley is a member of the Presbyterian church. in which she takes an active interest. Mr. Hadley, who Is a Republican in politics, has been serving as commissioner of Clinton county since September. 1913, and .is accredited with having in this period given a most capable and efficient administration of the duties of his important office. Several years ago he served as township assessor of Adams township. Fraternally, he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks aud of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

ROLLA E. MOON,

Even before the organization of Clinton county. in 1810, the Moon family was established and prominently known in this section of the state. the founder of the family in this county having been Thomas Moon, a native of Sevier county. Tennessee, who came here in 1809 with the famous "Moon Colony." Thomas and Elizabeth ( Hocket) Moon, the latter of whom also was a native of Tennessee, were the parents of several children, including Joel and JJason Moon, who became two of Clinton county's best-known residents. The Intter for many years was one of the county's most successful teachers. Among his self-acquirements was a One technical knowledge of surveying. n form of knowledge which he often was called on to put into practical use in the Inying of Unes in the original divisions of property herenbont, and for one term he served es deputy in the county surveyor's office. under Hiram E. Moon. He also served for six years as clerk of JJefferson twonship. Jason Moon's wife was Lydia E. Cravens, daugh- ter of John and Elizabeth Cravens.

Joel Moon was born on the old Moon homestead in Jefferson township, this county. on May 5. 1827. and was married on March 8, 1851. to Rebecca Jane Moore, born m Washington township. this county, on October 8. 1835, daughter of Menjab and Reberen ( MeGee) Moore, pioneer residents of this county, to which union were horn six children, namely : Ella J., born in October. 1852, who married Wilson Peele: Emerson F .. August 13. 1855, who married Florence E. Hale: Americus E .. December 26.

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1850; George F., April 27, 1866; Rolla E., the Immediate subject of this biographical sketch. and Harley A., March 21, 1869. Joel Moon owned a well-kept farm of sixty acres in the Westboro neighborhood and was regarded as one of the leaders in the com- munity life thereabout. He and his wife were earnest members of the Christian church and were active In all good works in their community. Mr. Moon was a Republican and gave thoughtful attention to the political affairs of the county, for many years having served as a member of the board of trustees of Jefferson township. He was one of the most active workers in the Odd Fellows lodge at Westboro and was highly regarded throughout that whole region. Upon the death of his wife, Joel Moon retired to the home of his son, Rolla, where his last days were spent.

Holla E. Moon, son of Joel and Rebecca Jane ( Moore) Moon, was born on the old home farm near Westboro, in Jefferson township, this county, on January 26. 1868, and was educated in the district schools of that neighborhood. Just before reaching his majority he bought the farm of one hundred acres in Washington township, where he now is living, and ever since has made his home there. This was practically an unbroken farm when he bought it and all improvements on the same have been made by Mr. Moon, whose enterprise and industry have combined to give him a most com- fortable home. his well-tilled acres also giving him an ample competence,

In 1850 Rolla E. Moon was united in marriage to Sarah Bond, who was born in I'nion township. this county, daughter of John Edward Bond and wife, well-known residents of that part of the county, and to this union seven children have been born, Lible. Ella, Golda, Emmet, Ruby. Marjorie and Jason, the latter of whom now is the only one of these children remaining at home, the others having gone out in the world to do for themselves, and all are doing well.

Mr. and Mrs. Moon are interested in the church work of their nieghborhood, the former being a member of the Baptist church and the latter a member of the Christian church, and both are held in bigh esteem by all who know them.

HARLEY D. PENNINGTON.

Among the well-known and pleasant young business men of Wilmington and Clinton county is Harley D. Pennington, the scion of an old family of this county, who owns and manages a general store at Cuba and a garage in Wilmington. He is a very capelle young business man, who has the confidence of all of his patrons and whose friends expect to see win an even Inrger measure of success as the years come and go.

Harley D. Pennington was born on July 30, 1877. the son of Daniel M. and Laura A. ( Thatcher) Pennington, the former of whom was born on December 23. 1852, in Wash- ington township, this county, and the Intter on December 23. 1856. the daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Crouse) Thatcher.

Mr. Pennington's paternal grandparents were Isaac and Sarah (Burke) Pennington. the former of whom was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. March 10, 1800, and the latter. near Lebanon, in Warren county. Ohio. In 1818 Isaac Pennington, who was the son of Thomas Pennington, a untive of England, came from Pennsylvania to Clinton county and loented In Washington township, where he bought one hundred and eighty peres of Inud and engaged in general farming and stock raising. He cleared the land. draining the swamps and brought the soll to a very high state of cultivation. Isaac and Sarah Pennington bad eight children, Elizabeth, Thomas Isaac. Mary, John Henry and James (twins), and Daniel M., the father of Harley D.

Daniel M. Pennington received the rudiments of an education in the schools of Washington township and began his career as a farmer in that township. In 1881 he purchased a farm of ninety-six neres, upon which he lived until 1901, when he retired and moved to Cuba. this county, where he lived until 1914. at which time he moved to

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Wilmington, where he now lives. Daniel M. and Laura A. Pennington had four children : Ida May, who died early in life; Harley D., the subject of this sketch; Alta M., who also died early in life; and Jesse R., who married Martha Applegate and has two children. Frances and Edwin.

Harley D. P'ennington, who was educated in the common schools of Washington township, taught four years in the district schools of his home neighborhood, and later spent one year as principal of the graded school at Morrisville. In 1902 Mr. Pennington embarked in the mercantile business at Cuba, where he has operated a general store ever since. In September, 1913, he moved to Wilmington and established a garage on Lincoln street. In August of the succeeding year, the garage was moved to its present location on Main street, where he conducts a local agency for two high-class cars.

To Mr. and Mrs. Harley D. Pennington four children have been born, Mildred B., Thelma P., Kathleen and Paul E. The mother of these children, before her marriage, was Maude M. Brown, daughter of William R. and Martha Brown.

Harley D., Daniel M. and Isane Pennington, three generations of the family in this county, have all been identified with the Democratic party. Mr. and Mrs. Harley D. Pennington are members of the Christian church and take an active interest in church work and are regular attendants at the services. Fraternally, Mr. Pennington is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Junior Order of I'nited American Mechanics, of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elk&

GRANT MARTIN.

Among the successful farmers of Richland township, this county, is Grunt Martin, who owns one hundred and three acres of land which be purchased in 1899. upon which he has been living since 1900. Mr. Martin is a native of Fayette county, Ohio, born ou January 25, 1889, the son of Jehu and Martha Jane (Thompson) Martin, the former .of whom was born on January 3. 1834, in Wayne township, Clinton county, Oblo, the son of Stephen and Martha (Curtis) Martin, the former of whom, a native of Pennsylvania. came from that state to Ohio when he was still a young man and settled in Clinton county. He was one of the pioneer farmers of this county and lived to rear a family of nine children.

Jehu Martin was educated in the common schools of Wayne township. this county. and when a young man began farming. eventually becoming the owner of about three hundred aeres of land in Fayette county, to which county he moved about 1865. He died on September 13. 1900, Ills wife had died on January 21. 1804. some six years previously. They were the parents of nine children. as follow: Sinatha, who married P. B. Black : Elmer E., who married Ella Rogers; Margaret E., who is unmarried; Eli E., who married Effie Pummell ; Grant, the subject of this sketch; May, who married O. A. Pollard; Lawson. who married Anna Lawson; Quincy C., who married Stella Goodson, and Edna, who died at the age of twenty-seven years. John and Martha Jane (Thompson) Martin were members of the Friends church, and their children were renred in that faith. Mr. Martin was a trustee of Concord township, Fayette county, having been elected to this office as a Republican. For many years he served as superintendent of the Sunday school at the Friends church and was very well known in his county.

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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 143

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