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 56
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Charles Lair, the father of our subject. still lives with his son. The mother. Sarah (Winston) Lair, passed away when Isaac was only twelve years of age, misfortune thua depriving the boy of a source of strength and inspiration that life can nowhere else supply.
The birth-place of Isaac Lair was Lair. Kentucky, one of the historic Inndmarks of the state, and a town named in honor of Isaac Newton Lair, Sr., grandfather of the subject of this sketch. Isaac Newton Lair, Sr., was born on March 12, 1871. Both
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parents were natives of Kentucky. The paternal grandfather, because of his genial nature and conspicuous business ability, was known throughout the section where he was born. There was no enterprise looking toward the general good or the interests of that section of the state in which he was not directly or indirectly concerned. Before he had reached the usual age for prominence In the business or agricultural world, be was widely known as a farmer and distiller, and in politics as a leading Democrat. The grandson has many of the admirable traits of the distinguished ancestor, the pre- dominating one being, perhaps, power of organization. In both, this ability has meant a furthering of the industrial and economic life of their respective communities.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lair, Sr., other than the subject of this sketch, were: C. B., cashier of the Peoples' National Bank. Greendeld, Ohio; C. P., druggist at Cynthiana, Kentucky ; and J. F., farmer of the latter place.
In the mkist of fresh air, wholesome surroundings and the hard work of farm life. the younger Isaac grew up, taking advantage, meantime, of the educational facilities afforded by the public schools and also attending the private school of W. H. Lockhart at Cynthiana. Work on a farm did not seem to offer the opportunity be desired, but there was no open door elsewhere at first. Realizing that "there is never an open door to Inme or prosperity, except we open it for ouralves," he started out at the age of twenty-one to find employment more in harmony with his tastes, and first became a messenger in the Farmers' National Bank at Cynthiana. So energetic and capable was the young man that his employers were not slow to see in him qualifications that go to make the good business man, and it was not long until he was promoted. Here, too. he proved his proficiency, and subsequently went through a series of promotions until he reached the position of assistant cashier, which he resigned In 1004 when he moved to Clarksville, Ohio. There he organized the Farmers' National Bank, and was its cashier for twenty-two months, relinquishing this place when in 1906, a better opening spemed available in Wilmington. Oblo, and together with J. W. Sparks and others, he organized the Citizens National Bank. At the time of its organization. Mr. Lnir was asked to become Its cashier, and has served in that capacity ever since. So efficient has been both the polley and management of this business Institution, that it is now the second largest bank in the county. There is no doubt that much of the bank's success has been due to the energy, honesty and executive ability of the young man who helped to found it. Square dealing has been the motto of the institution as well as of its individual promoters ever since its inception.
On October 12, 1800, Isaac Newton Lair was united in marriage to Alice Ammerman. who was born and reared at Cynthiana. Mrs. Lair has taken much interest in her husband's work, and their home is one of the popular ones In the community. Their son, an only child, is named laune Newton Lair, Jr. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lair are loyal members of the Presbyterian church, in which the former is "ruling elder," clerk of the session and superintendent of the Sunday school. Time has become such a precious commodity in modern life that it is rather rare to find a business man interested enough in his church to give it the amount of attention which Mr. Lair has given. He has spared neither time nor means to advance its welfare, and has been ably assisted in his duties by his good and faithful wife, to whom church membership meaus church activity.
Mr. Lair, like his father, has always been an Independent Democrat. The standing that he has enjoyed In the party is Indicated by the fact that in 1596. he was elected treasurer of Harrison county, re-elected four consecutive times, and was compelled to resign when he moved to Clarksville eight years later.
Mr. Lair believes in organization in social life. as well as in business affairs, and is prominent in the fraternities of Masons and Knights Templar.
In private life, as in positions of public service. Mr. Lair has performed the duties assigned conscientlondy and well, and thus has formed not only a reputation, but a char-
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acter which has secured for him both the confidence and the esteem of the public whom he is always willing to serve. The best interests of any community are advanced by the lives of such men as have bere been sincerely described.
GEORGE MERRILL RICE.
Ruskin, the great apostle of work, has said "those who will work faithfully, will put themselves in possession of a glorious and enlarging happiness." In the lives of those successful men whose early childhood and youth were surrounded by hardship and privation, there has been work of the most unrelenting. uncompromising kind. But true to adage and precept. that discipline has often been translated Into prosperity, and much of the sorrow forgotten when passed. The hardships common to the lot of the pioneer preacher, especially when his family was large, are so well known as to become proverb- in1. These conditions were present in the life of George Merrill Rice, now one of the most prominent furniture dealers in the county. who was one of ten children in the family of a pioneer Methodist minister.
George Merrill Rice was born in Vinton county, Ohio, on January 5, 15844, a son of Rev. M. H. and Mary E. ( Rose) Rice, the former of whom was a native of Kentucky, and the latter of whom was a native of Lawrence county. Ohio. Reverend Rice is now living in Wellston, Ohlo, retired after forty-five years of faithful service in his denomina- flon, and is still blessed with the companionship of bis loyal wife. The seven children living are: Mrs. Waldo Clark, of Jackson, Oblo: F. I ... J. P., and Paul Rice, all residents of Wellston: Mrs. John Scott of Waverly, Ohio; Mrs. J. O. Knox of Gallipolis; and George Merrill. the subject of this sketch.
The boyhood of Merrill Rice was like that of other boys reared in the home of n minister. They moved abont rather more frequently than the average family of that time. In spite of the heavy drain upon the resources of the family purse, Reverend and Mrs. Rice were able to educate their children. The subject of this biography went to the public schools and then had two years in the Rio Grande College at Rio Grande in Grilla county. Ohio. This period of intellectual training was cut short by the necessity to earn his daily bread. and at the age of seventeen, George left school and went to clerking in a general store at New Martinsburg, Ohlo, where he remained for two years. It was here that he learned those principles of business which afterwards made him the successful man that he is. When nineteen. he worked for the Midland (wholesale) Grocery Company rt Washington C. H .. Ohlo, and was there until he was employed by the Welton Grocery Company in 1907. in the same town, and he soon became its secretary and one of the board of directors. Two years later. he came to Wilmington and engaged in the furniture business, establishing the firm of Campbell & Rice. The store was located in the Jacob Hurst room on South street. On January 1. 1911. Mr. Rice bought ont the interests of Mr. Campbell and continued the business at the above address until July, 1914. when he removed to his present quarters in the Walker Memorial building. Here Mr. Rice has continued to build up his business until he now has the largest store room in the county. His display rooms are remarkable for their heuts in stock and equipment, and are one of the Interesting places to visit in the down-town district. A large basement is utilized In the business handled by the store. This beautiful building is modern in every way and is fire-proof.
On September 6. 1903. George Merrill Rice was united in marriage with Jennie Campbell. of Gallipolis, Ohio. Two children have been born to this union. Samuel B. and Mary Elizabeth.
Mr. Rice is one of the most energetic members of the Commercial Club. In polities. he is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist church. In fraternal affiliation he is a Mason. being a member of the blue lodge and chapter.
One born and renred in a household whose atmosphere was impregnated with piety.
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idealism and unselfishness, would be expected to have these virtues inculcated in his character. Mr. Rice is a man of sterling worth. While a business man, he has not allowed bis vision to become obscured by commercial pursuits, for he is gentle and kindly in bearing. true in his friendships, loyal in his citizenship, stanch in principle, and a worthy exponent of his splendid early training.
HION. CHARLES Q. HILDEBRANT.
In the largest and best sense, the Hon. Charles Q. Hildebrant, of Wilmington, Ohio. is distinctively one of the notable men of his day and generation in public life in the state of Ohio and as such his life work is entitled to conspicuous consideration in the annals of Clinton county, where be was born and where he has spent practically all of his life, with the exception of the time he has been absent at distant capitals in the service of his country. As a merchant in the city of Wilmington, he is a pre-eminent success: as a citizen of Clinton county, he was honored in three successive elections as clerk of the Clinton county court, and as a man of larger capacities and abilities, he was nominated and triumphantly elected to the United States Congress from the Sixth Oblo district and served two terms with credit and distinction. Several years later, in 1914. he was called upon by his party to lead It in the state campaign as the candidate for secretary of state, to which he also was elected. Charles Q. Hildebrant is typical of the man who has made a pre-eminent success in public life; pleasant and agreeable personally, honest and upright in his daily life, he is possessed of capacity for large and permanent service.
The Hon. Charles Q. Hildebrant was born on October 17, 1864. at Wilmington, Ohio, and is the son of Jefferson and Margaret M. (Quinn) Hildebrant. The father, during his lifetime, was one of the most successful merchants of Wilmington and known throughout the length and breadth of Clinton county. He was born ou February 10. 1831. ner Snow Hill, in Greene township, the son of Christopher Hildebrant, a native of New Jersey, who came to Ohio about 1820, where he became a pioneer farmer in Greene township. The mother of Jefferson Hildebrant was Elizabeth Cripisteen, also a native of New Jersey, who passed away several years ago.
The late Jefferson Hildebrant. who died on August 9, 1910, was reared on a farm and when fifteen years of age, entered the Newberry Academy of the Society of Friends in Martinsville. Subsequently, he taught school and later became a teacher at Freeport, Illinois, and while an instructor there, had for one of his pupils Charles J. Guitenu. the assassin of President Garfield. Upon his return to Clinton county, in partnership with his brother, he operated the first thresher and separator ever owned in Greene township, after which he entered Farmers' College, at College Hill, Ohio, where he remained for two years, graduating in June. 1953. In a class of twelve. After farming for five years, following his graduation from college. he was elected county surveyor and served for three years. He was married on October 9. 1861, to Margaret M. Quinn, the daughter of the Hon. D. P. Quinn, a pioneer settler of Clinton county, who died In 1867. After his marriage, Jefferson Hildebrant moved to a farm on Rattlesnake creek, in Fayette county, but in 1863 purchased the B. R. Whitcomb book store at Wilmington and was continually engaged in that business until his death. He was the first man to introduce Jersey cattle into Clinton county and exhibited, throughout his life, an intense Interest in live stock and agriculture. He owned sixty acres of land within the corporate limits of Wilmington and was an active member of the state horticultural society, a Republican in politics and liberal in his religions views. His beloved wife died on November 15. 1550. Her mother. before her marriage, was Mary Woodmansee. Her father, in pioneer times, had operated a general store at Quinn's Mill, in Clinton township, and was the leading man of the community for many years. He owned sixteen hundred acres of rich
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black soil in that community and was an extensive live stock buyer. As a Republican, he served in the Ohio Legislature in Clinton county.
It was the late Jefferson Hildebrant who built the splendid brick house on South street in 1872 and who developed the pretty grounds which surround this magnificent home. It is the present home of Hon. Charles Q. Hildebrant and comprises sixty acres of land. The father planted practically all of the trees now on the place. "Hlildebrant's book store" became a family expression in the domestic life of Wilmington and its loca- tion was a landmark. Although the store is now owned and operated by others, It still retains the old name.
Hon. Charles Q. Hildebrant was the only child born to his parents. He was a student in the Wilmington public schools during his boyhood and youth and later entered Wil- mington College, where he was a student for some time. Subsequently, however, be became a student at Ohio State I'niversity at Columbus and upon his return from college, associated with his father in the management of the book store in Wilmington until 15000, when he was elected clerk of the Clinton county court, as a candidate of the Republican party. After serving three successive terms, Mr. Hidebrant was nominated and elected in 1900 to the United States Congress from the Sixth Oblo district, serving two terms, from March, 1901, until March, 1905.
After retiring from Congress, Mr. Hildebrant was engaged as a traveling salesman for three years, or until 1909, when he took charge of the book store in Wilmington. The father having died in 1910, In January, 1914, he sold the book store to Joel Walker. In August, of that year, he was nominated in a state-wide primary as a Republican candidate for secretary of state and in November was triumphantly elected to the office.
Few men living in this section of Ohio have been as active in political work as the Hon. Charles Q. Hildebrant, who has served his party as county chairman and has been a delegate to two Republican national conventions, as well as a representative of his party of the state comunittee for several terms
On October 11, 1586, Mr. Hildebrant was married to Ada J. Hains, in Wilmington, Ohlo. She is the daughter of Augustus H. and Nancy ( Johnson) Hains, and was born in Ohio. Her parents are now living retired In Wilmington. Her father has been a prominent man in the official life of Clinton county and is a former county auditor. Mr. and Mrs. Hildebrant have had three children. Margaret, Virginia and Richard.
For many years Hon. Charles Q. Hildebrant has been prominent in the fraternal circles of this state. As a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Knights Templar, he is a past worshipful master, past high priest and past eminent commander. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elka. In a business way, Mr. Hildebrant is treasurer of the Clinton County Telephone Company, of Wilmington.
Charles Q. Hildebrant has contributed in no small degree to the reputation and fame of Clinton county, yet he is no more popular in Clinton county than he is through- out the state of Ohlo as a whole. Conscientious and capable in the performance of public duties, he is likewise enrnest and cordial in the private relations of life.
THURMAN MILLER.
As the press is the greatest modern agency for molding public opinion. its repre- sentatives are a real power in the life of any community. He who can control the senti- ment and editorial polley of a newspaper has a weapon for good or evil, which is incal- culable. When, therefore, a member of this profession, who has risen to prominence through sheer force of character and Innate ability, uses his great influence for con- structive purposes and right principles, he may be considered one of society's most valued and valuable members, Estimated upon this premise. the man whose name appears above is one of Wilmington's foremost citizens. As editor of the Journal- (26)
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Republican, not only is he widely known, but his editorial wriings are being extensively quoted.
Harold Thurman Miller was born on a farm in Highland county, Ohio, December 28, 1881. His father, James Fenton, and his mother, Luella ( Martin) Miller were born and reared in the county of bis birth, but they are now residing on a farm near Blan- chester. Clinton county, Ohio.
With the exception of one year in which he traveled. Mr. Miller has had but one occupation other than newspaper business, and that is school-teaching. Thurman Miller's early life, while in strong contrast with his present work and environment, was an excellent preparation for the Intter, for while it furnished the meaus for strenuous work, it also afforded leisure for the indulgence in reading and study necessary to every literary career. Farm work while plenanut for him, did not hold out the prospect for advance- ment to his liking, and he did not wait to become of nge before other fields of labor were sought by him. Thurman Miller was an only child, and as a boy he took advantage of the training afforded by the country schools, remaining on the farm until he was twenty. Then while continuing his individual studies, he taught school for the follow- ing six years, a third of this time as a teacher in the country schools of Highland county, another third in the graded schools of Clinton county, and the remaining two years in the high school, being principal of the Blanchester high school and teacher of English and history in Wilmington high school. Mr. Miller has the distinction of being the only graduate of the Wilmington College having two bachelor's degrees, having gradu- ated in 1907 with the degree of Bachelor of Science, and two years Inter, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
After traveling for one year, Mr. Miller took up literary work, and in the spring of 1911 joined the staff of the Clinton Republican, Two years later. the Republican and the Journal consolidated, and on January 1, 1913. the young writer took up his duties as managing editor of the paper thus fornied. He is a brilliant writer, and his energy and literary ability have done much to build up the fortunes of the paper with which he is identified.
On August 7. 1907. Thurman Miller married Grace Robuck, the bride being a college classmate, and a native of Clinton county, Their two children are named Eugene James and Harold Thurman, Jr. Mr. Miller Is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Martinsville. Ohio, but is affiliated with his wife in her membership of the Friends church in Wilmington.
Besides being its editor. Mr. Miller is secretary-treasurer of the Journal-Republican. and in this way he has much to do with the polley and umanagement of the paper. Although a young man, Mr. Miller already is well known in the newspaper world, and his articles are frequently quoted because of their originality in thought and their good Iterary style.
Both as a newspaper man, and as a man Interested in life from his broad view point. this young editor takes keen pleasure in what is going on in the world, is a while and well-Informed reader, and above all, he Is puldie spirited in the broadest sense of the word. Mr. Miller has been a member of the Knights of Pythlas at Martinsville since his twenty-first your. He is a Republican.
The Interesting faet In this sketch is that what might have been considered by others as insurmontable obstacles were turned into stepping stones, and by the action of a strong, determined will, were used to further the very enreer which they seemed at first to defeat. Our subject belonged to that admirable class of young men who, though in isolated localities, and without the inspiration of numbers, decide early in life upon an education. He had to teach school and attend college alternately in onler to defray the expenses of his own education, but this experience seems only to have strengthened his abilities, for he emerged strong and self-reliant, ready to take up the struggles of life.
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WILLIAM FRANKLIN HAIR.
After thirteen years of faithful and devoted service as a teacher in the public schools of Clinton county, William Franklin Hair, better known among bis intimate friends as "Frank" Hair, entered upon the life of a farmer and has found much pleasure and satisfaction in tilling his well-kept place in Washington township. Studious in his habits, attentive to the latest developments in agricultural science, Mr. Hair has con- ducted his farming operations with a high measure of intelligence and, though his place is not as extensive as some of the farms in his neighborhood, he has prospered and has no fear of the wolf howling at his door. He has a delightful home in Washington town- ship, in which be takes much pleasure and where he and his good wife greet their friends with the most cordial hospitality.
William Franklin Hair was born on a farm near the village of Westboro, in Jeffer- son township. Clinton county, Ohio, on January 28, 1857, son of George W. and Permella (Garrett ) Hair, the former a native of Brown county, this state, and the latter a native of Jefferson township, this county.
George W. Hair was the son of Titus and Nancy ( Sapp) Hair, the former of whom was born in Washington county, Virginia. and the latter in Clermont county. this state, daughter of George Sapp, a pioneer of that county. Titus Hair came to Ohio from Vir- ginia with his parents in the year 1508, the family locating in Clermont county, where Titus Hair grew up as a cabinetmaker, Inter becoming a farmer. About the year 1855 he moved to this county, buying a farm of about one hundred acres near the village of Westboro. He also continued to work at his trade of cabinetmaking and became one of the best-known citizens in that neighborhood. Later he moved to Clark township. buying a farm near the village of Lynchburg, where he spent the remainder of his life. His son, George W. Hair, married Parmelia Garrett, of this county, a daughter of Henry and Naney (Johns) Garrett, the former of whom was born in Virginia, the son of Will- lam Garrett, who enme, with his wife and children on horseback from Virginia to this county and located on a farm in the southwest portion of the county, where he spent the rest of his life, his death occurring In 1564. Henry Garrett grew up on his father's farm and married Noney Johns, member of one of the pioneer families of the neighbor- hood, and It was the daughter of this union who was the mother of Frank Hair. Henry Garrett died in 1840. before reaching middle age. George W. Hair became one of Clinton county's well-known farmers, his operations mostly being carried on in Clark township. He wax exempted from service during the Civil War on account of ill health and his death occurred in 1×76. He and his wife were members of the New Light church and their three children were reared in the faith of that communion. These three children were Frank, the Immediate subject of this sketch. Hay W., and Nancy E.
William Franklin Hair received his education in the public schools of this county and when twenty-three years of age began tenching school. continuing this close personal service in behalf of the public for a period of thirteen years. 185043. becoming one of the best known teachers in Clinton county. He then decided to become a farmer and following out this design bought the farm of eighty-three ares in Washington town- ship on which he is now living, and where he confidently experts to spend the remainder of his days. He is successfully engaged in general farming and is regarded as one of the substantial men of his community.
In 1500 Frank Hair was united in marriage to Mary E. Vandervort. who was born in Green township, this county, daughter of T. H. Vandervort. a well-known resident of that township. Mr. and Mrs. Hair are members of the Church of the Disciples at New Antioch and take an active Interest in all the good works of their neighborhood. being regarded as among the leaders in the community life thereabout. This amiable conple are in a position to look on the bright side of life and they bring to their relations with their neighbors a wholesome kindliness of spirit that makes them prime favorites with
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