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 63
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Alfred J. Williams was born in Gallia county, Ohio, on January .7. 1853, son of William aud Lucinda (Allison) Williams, the former of whom was born in Greenbriar county, Virginia, and the latter of whom was born in Gallia county, this state.
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Willlam Williams was the son of William and Mary ( Watts) Williams, the former of whom was a Virginian, a native of Fairfax county, Virginia and later moved to Greenbriar county, and the latter of whom was born In Maryland, who emigrated from Virginia to Ohio when William, Jr., was eight years of age, settling in Gallia county. The elder William Williams was a soldier in the Continental army during the War of Independence, serving for a period of eighteen months in that historie struggle, for which service he never received a penny in payment. He was an earnest Methodist and lived to be seventy-eight years of age. The younger William Williams, father of the Immediate subject of this biographical narrative, was reared on the paternal farm in Gallia county and became n personage of much prominence in his community. being a man of large infinence therein. He was one of the leaders of the Republican party in that neighbor- hood after the formation of that party and served his community ably as a Justice of the pence for many years. He was united in marriage to Lucinda Allison, daughter of John and Rebecca (Carter) Allison, natives of Ohio, and pioneer farmers of Gallia county. the former of whom was a soldier in the American army during the War of 1812, and to this union were born seven children, namely : John H., decensed ; James K., deceased ; William Harvey, deceased; David Y., a prominent fruit grower living at Redlands. Call- forula : Dr. Alfred J., the subject of this sketch : Salathiel W., a well-known physician. Hving in Gallia county, Ohio, and Rebecca Harriet, deceased.
Alfred J. Williams received his preliminary education in the public schools of his native county, which he supplemented by a course in the National Normal School at Johanon, Ohio, after which for two years he taught school In Gallia county, at the end of which time he moved to Livonla, Putnam county, Missouri. where for four years be was engaged in teaching. During this term of service he made many friends in thet section and was elected clerk of Putnam county on the Republican ticket, giving such excellent service in that office that he was re-elected for a second term, serving eight years in that capacity, after which, for five years, he served as deputy clerk in the office of his successor, His mind then turning in the direction of further professional occupa- tion, he entered the Amerienn School of Osteopathy at Kirksville, Missouri: following n course of Instruction at this institution. be practiced for one year at Wellsville. Missouri, and In 1900 erme to this county, locating at Wilmington, where he ever since has been successfully engaged in the practice of his chosen profession.
On April 9. 1876, Dr. Alfred J. Williams was united in marriage to Eliza E. Mineur, who was born in Schuyler county. Missouri. daughter of the Rev. Alphens and Margaret J. ( Brown) Minear. the former of whom was a minister of the I'nited Brethren church. and both of whom are now dend. To this union five children have been born, as follow : Dr. William E .. a practicing osteopathie physician. of Massilon, Ohio; Dove, who mar- ried J. A. Campbell and Hives at Akron, Ohlo; Lucille, who married G. A. Steen and also lives at Akron: Dale, who married Z. I'nderwood and died at the age of twenty-three years, and ('leta, who remains with her parents.
Dertor and Mrs. Williams are members of the Methodist church and their children were reured in this faith, to which they also gave their active adherence. Doctor Will- Inmos is a Mason and is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and the Ohio Osteopathie Society. in the deliberations of both of which organizations he takes an active part. Doctor Williams is entitled to all the commendation which has been bestowed upon him by the people of Wilmington and surrounding country. since taking up his residence in Clinton county's capital. Ile has made a fine reputation in the practice of his chosen profession, and his earnestness and painstaking efforts to apply the practical proofs of the osteopath's principles, are doing very much to make that school of treatment really popular in the community in which his Influence is being so widely manifested.
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ALLEN M. WEST.
The great state of Ohio has been honored by the careers of its professional men, its industrial managers, its commercial magnates and especially by its farmers and stock- men. Iu every section are to be found men born to leadership, men who have dominated because of their superior intelligence, natural endowment and force of character. It is always profitable to present the salient facts in the lives of such men, seek out their ancestral origin, weigh their motives and examine their achievements. These reflections are suggested by the career of Allen M. West, farmer, stockman and public-spirited man of affairs, of Cuba, Clinton county, Ohlo. No citizen in this part of Clinton county has achieved a more honorable position or occupied a more conspicuous place in public affairs than Allen M. West. He owns and operates a large farm of three hundred acres near Cuba and is perhaps the largest individual live stock deuler in Clinton county, but be has always taken a commendable interest in public affairs, especially in educational development and to him, perhaps more than to any other man, is due the splendid school system which now prevails at Cuba. He is related collaterally to the great Benjamin West. the artist who gained lasting fame, not only for himself and the West family, but for his native land.
Allen M. West was born on October 1, 1869, in Washington township, near Cuba, and is the son of Allen I. and Martha J. ( Maxfield) West, the former of whom was a native of Clark township, Clinton county, and the latter of whom was a native of Cler- mont county and the daughter of James Maxfield. The paternal grandparents were James and Elizabeth West.
About the year 1716 John W. West, who had married Sarah Pearson, came from England and settled in Pitts county. Pennsylvania, where they reared a family of seven children : Joseph, Mary. William, Sarah, Samuel, Rachel and Benjamin. Benjamin, the youngest child in this family, was an artist, whose work came to be well-known on two continents. Joseph, the eldest child in the family, married Jane Owen, the daughter of John Owen. To them were born nine children : Isaac, Facy, Owen, John, Sarah, Joseph, Hannab. George and Benjamin. About 1750 Owen West, the third child of this family. was born. He married Elizabeth Martin and moved to Virginia from Pennsylvania and later from Virginia to Clinton county, Ohio, Owen and Elizabeth (Martin) West had thirteen children : Nancy, Jane, William, Mary, Susan, Owen, Thomas, James, Plyton, Elizabeth. Emily, Rebecca and John, Of this family, James, the eighth child, whose wife was Elizabeth West, was the father of Allen L, West and the grandfather of Allen M. The great-grandfather, Owen West and his wife, Elizabeth ( Martin) West, came to Chlo from Virginia and located in the valley of the east fork of the Little Miami river, where they purchased nineteen hundred acres of government land all in Clinton county and nearly all in Clark township, where he and his wife died. James West was a farmer, who remained on the old estate and added to his inheritance until he owned one thousand acres of the original nineteen hundred. He and his wife died on the old home estate. For nine years he was a justice of the peace in Clinton county.
Allen I .. West was educated in the common schools of (lark township and when a young man began farming in the township of his birth. About 1885 he moved to Wash- Ington township, where he farmed the remainder of his life, owning, at the time of his death, three hundred acres of land in that township. He was an extensive stock breeder. To Allen L. and Martha J. (Maxfield) West were born nine children, of whom Allen M., the subject of this sketch, was the seventh. The other children were Silas B .. Susannah. Elizabeth. James, George, Jennie, Martha H. and Mary J. The parents were members of the Methodist church and Allen L .. West was a trustee in the church for many years. He was a brother of Col. Owen West, farmer, manufacturer, inventor and soldier, of Clark township, and a distinguished citizen of this county.
Boru and reared in Washington township near Cuba, Allen M. West was educated
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in the schools of Cuba, Oblo. When a young man, he began farming in Washington township. After farming here for fifteen years or until September, 1903. he moved to Cuba, where he has since lived. Mr. West owns two farms near Cuba, comprising three hundred acres, and oversees them personally. For the last fifteen years he bas dealt In hay, grain and live stock and is probably the most extensive individual stock buyer in the whole county.
On December 25, 1890, Allen M. West was married to Rhoda S. Biggs, the daughter of George and Ruth ( Wright) Biggs. She was born on June 4, 1865. George Bigge, the son of William B. and Rhoda Biggs, was born In Washington township. December 23, 1824, and reared on a farm. After 1847 he was engaged in lumbering and, at this time, built the first steam saw-mill in Washington township, at Cuba. He was married in January, 1849, to Ruth Wright, the daughter of Daniel and Teresa Wright, and they had seven children, three of whom died early in life. At the time of his death, Mr. Biggs owned a farm of one hundred and five acres in Clinton county.
Mr. and Mrs. Allen M. West are the parents of five children : Hazel May, who is now a teacher of music and art In the Wilmington high school and is a graduate of Miami University ; Mabel Edna, who is a student at Miami University ; Ruth Ellen, Alma Martha and Allen Biggs, all of whom are at home.
Mr. and Mrs. West and family are members of the Christian church. Mr. West is a Democrat and for sixteen years he has been a member of the school board. He is possessed with a natural interest in education and deserves much credit for the high standard of the schools in this community .. Mr. West was township clerk for twelve years.
ALFRED S. PENQUITE.
Alfred 8. Penquite is a thrifty farmer of Washington township, Clinton county, and a man not only of strong character but of pleasing personality and who is exceedingly popular with the people of this township.
Born on February 8. 1867. in Marion township, Clinton county, Ohio, Alfred S. Pen- quite is the son of Alexander and Susannah (Vandoren) Penquite. The father was born in Clarksville in Warren county and the mother also was born near Clarksville. She was the daughter of William and Athlina Vandoren.
The paternal grandfather of Alfred S., William Penquite, was a sea captain along the Atlantic coast and was lost at sea. His children were William, John, Alexander, Nancy and Elizabeth.
Alexander Penquite received a good education in the schools of Warren county and farmed in that county until about 1865. when he moved to Clinton county and located in Washington township. He remained in that township only one year, however. when he moved to Marlon township in Clinton county. There he spent the remainder of his life on a farm of one hundred acres which he owned. Alexander and Susannah Penquite had four children, of whom Alfred S., the subject of this sketch, was the youngest. The three elder children were: Louisa, who married J. H. Pennington; Amanda, who became the wife of J. F. Mitchell ; and Lucinn, who married Lizzie Hallstead. The father's family were members of the Free-will Baptist church. He was a Republican In politics.
Educated in the common schools of Marion township. Alfred 8. Penquite began farming in that township. In 1802 he moved to Washington township, where he rented the farm which he purchased in 1807. and which consists of one hundred acres. He is a general farmer and stock raiser, but his standing as a citizen consists not so much in his success as a farmer as in his natural powers of leadership. his wide information and his cordial relations with his neighbors.
In 1892 Alfred 8. Penquite was married to Jennie M. Mitchell, the daughter of G. R. and Mary (Clevenger) Mitchell. Mr. and Mrs. Penquite have no children. Mr. Penquite
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is a Republican and served a term of six years as trustee of Washington township, a very Important office and one which be filled with credit to himself and to the community he served. Mr. Penquite Is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Penquite enjoy the comforts of a modern home and pleasant surroundings.
CHARLES W. SEWELL.
Among the younger farmers of Washington township. Clinton county, Ohio, who are making rapid strides in farming, in Charles W. Sewell, who belongs to one of the oldest of the old families of Clinton county and who is one of the most active citizens and farmu- ers of Washington township. His paternal great-grandfather was. for several years, judge of the Clinton county court and built the first grist and anw-mill in the county as well as the first stone house. The Sewells are from Virginia originally, the first emigrant having been Charles W. Sewell's grent-grandfather, Judge Aaron Newell, who came about 1795 to Lebanon and two years Inter, accompanied by many other members of the family. to Vernon township, Clinton county.
Charles W. Sewell is a native of Vernon township, born on April 28. 1872. the son of Amos T. and Amanda N. ( Flora) Sewell, the former of whom was a native of Vernon township and the latter of whom was born near Martinsville. He was educated in the common schools of Vernon township and began farming, when a young man. in his native township. Amos T. enlisted in the Union army in 1861, and served until the close of the ("vil War in the Eleventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, participating in many battles, especially the battle of Gettysburg. Shortly after the war, he began farming in Vernon township on the farm which Charles W .. subject, now owns. In 1914, he moved to Clarksville, where he now lives retired. By his marriage to Amanda X. Flora. there were born three children : Rose, Charles W. and Amanda. the latter of whom is deceased. The mother of these children died in 1874 and later Amos T. Sewell was married to Patience Green, To them were born ten children : Gladys. Mary, Roy, Cyrus, Carrie. Edwin. Cecil, Frederick, Irene and Mabel. Amos T. Sewell Is a Democrat in polities and a well-known and prominent citizen of this county.
The paternal grandfather. Aaron R. Sewell, a native of Clinton county. Ohio, was one of five children born to his parents, Aaron and Catherine Sewell. The others were Ezra, David, Elizabeth and Mary. Aaron R. Sewell was a justice of the peace at Clarks- ville for many years and he also served early in the history of the county as county com- missioner for several years. He was a miller, farmer and surveyor and in his early days also taught school. His first wife was Lydia Stansbury, the daughter of Recom- pense and Catherine Stansbury, the former of whom was one of the old settlers of Clarks- ville. Vernon township. By this marriage there were four children: John G .. Mary E .. Cyrus L. and Amos T. Mrs. Lydia Sewell died and after her death. Aaron R. Sewell married Mary M. Lazenby, who bore him six children : Celestia Ella, who died at the age of fourteen ; Ruth Caroline. Oscar L ... Edgar Newton. Elmer A. and Florence M.
The old Sewell mill was located on the East Fort on what is known today as the David Pond place and. for many years, was a landmark in this section of Clinton county.
Charles W. Sewell was educated in the common schools of Vernon township and. early in life, began farming in this township. In 18IS he rented a farm In Washington township of ninety-seven acres, where he now lives. About 1905 he purchased a half interest In the farm. He now owns two hundred and fifty acres which of itself speaks volumes with regard to his enterprise and thrift. He is a stock dealer and does a large business in buying and selling hogs, cattle, horses and sheep.
On March 10. 1907. Charles W. Sewell was married to Vinnia Wishey. the daughter of Louis and Agnes (Clark) Wisbey, Louis Wishes was a well-known citizen for more than a half century in the city of Cincinnati. His father was a hero of the War of 1812 and his grandfather was a valliant and courageous soldier in the Revolutionary War.
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In 1841 Louis Wisbey became a volunteer fireman in the Cincinnati fire department and rose by virtue of sheer merit to chief of the fire department in 1884 and filled this office for many years. As a matter of fact, he filled every office in the fire department of Cincinnati with the exception of that of secretary. He served thirty-eight years con- tinuously in some capacity or other. He died on April 23, 1902, one of the best beloved and most widely known citizens of the Queen City.
To Mir. and Mrs. Sewell have been born two children, Charles R. and Louis J. The former was born in January, 1808, and the latter in December, 1903.
Mr. Sewell is a justice of the peace and was rond superintendent of Clinton county for fifteen years. He was the chief road officer in his township for three years and for nine years served on the school board. He was treasurer of the board for six years. Mr. Sewell is au ardent Democrat. Hle is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Cuba, and the Knights of Pythlas at Clarksville, Oblo.
AMOS W. LIEURANCE.
Amos W. Lieurance, a retired farmer of Clark township, Clinton county, Ohio, was born on January 25, 1840, the son of Alexander and Sallie Ann (Morris) Lieurance, the former of whom was born in Ashe county, North Carolina, June 16, 1816, and the Intter of whom was born on February 10, 1807, in North Carolina.
Alexander Lieurance was the son of Peter, Jr., and Hannah ( Philips) Lieurance, the former of whom was a native of Ashe county, North Carolina, born on January 9. 1795, and the latter of whom was born on November 4, 1704. They were married in North Carolina and came to Clinton county, Ohio, with their one son, Alexander, who was then six months old, in November, 1816, making the entire trip on horseback. They settled near Cuba and in 1824 Peter Lieurance, Jr., bought one hundred acres of land. Hle died on November 9, 1829, and his wife died on January 15, 1873.
Alexander Lieurance took the responsibility of clearing the farm and became a farmer and stock raiser. By his earnest and untiring industry be accumulated con- siderable property. Besides the home farm, he owned one hundred and eighty-seven acres elsewhere in Washington township, which he cleared and improved. He was a well- known stock breeder and made a specialty of raising Poland China hogs. On June 16. 1536, Alexander Lleurance married Mrs. Sarah A. Morris, widow of William Morris and the daughter of Eldridge and Sallie ( Burnett ) Bales. She had two children by her former marriage, John and Avery P. By her marriage to Mr. Lieurance, six children were born, of whom only three, Amos W., Wyatt H. and Jemima F., are living. The deceased children are Peter, Emmin and Ann. Jemima F. nurried Riley Pond, Emma married J. M. Whinnery, Ann was the wife of Rev. Edward Mellugh. Peter died at the age of eleven years. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Lieurance were devoted members of the Baptist church. Mr. Lieurance voted the Republican ticket. He died in June, 1598, and his wife died on October 26, of the same year.
Amos W. Lieurance followed farming from the time of his young manhood until about twelve years ago, when he retired. His son-in-law now manages the home place. In 1862 Mr. Lieurance purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty acres and, after clearing seventy acres, sold It. In 1869 he bought a farm of one hundred and seventy- two arres, upon which he paid five thousand dollars and for which he gave his note for ten thousand dollars. During his active Hfe, he dealt extensively in hogs and horses and was accustomed to sell from fifteen hundred to twenty-five hundred dollars worth of hogs every year, as long ago as 1863. He pald sixty dollars for two Poland China pigs and in 1865 he sold two hogs for one hundred and sixty dollars. One welghed eight hun- dred and the other weighed eight hundred and five pounds.
On October 16, 1862. Amos W. Lieurance was married to Ann Baker, the daughter of William and Sarah Baker, a native of Washington township, born on December 24. 1840.
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Mr. and Mrs Lieurance have been the parents of four children, namely: Chloe I., who was born on September 18, 1863; Frank W., March 29, 1866; Olive Estella, January 28, 1874; and Silas W., December 23, 1864, died on September 23, 1881.
Mr. and Mrs. Lieurance are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Lieur- ance is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. He is a Republican.
On March 25, 1503, Olive Estella Lleurance married James A. Graham, who was born in Vernon township, Clinton county, Obio, in 1875, the son of Samuel and Margaret A. (Hunter) Graham, natives of Westboro and Martinsville, respectively. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Graham was Jonatban Graham and his maternal grandfather was James Hunter, who married Harriet A. Neal. Samuel Graham was educated in the public schools of Vernon township. where be owned one hundred and forty-four acres of land. He was a member of the "squirrel hunters" during the Civil War. The Grahams were originally members of the Friends church but James A. Grabam is not a member of this church. Among the children born to Samuel and Margaret A. Graham were: Mary and Martha, twins: Charles, who died at the age of nineteen; Alice, deceased; B. Frank, of Herman, illinois; James A .; and William R., who lives on the old home place.
James A. Graham was educated in Vernon township and has always followed farm- ing. Mr. Graham now manages his father-in-law's farm of one hundred and seventy- four acres. He is an extensive breeder of hogs and horses, specializing in draft horses and Duroc-Jersey hogs Mr. and Mrs. Graham are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Graham is a member of the Martinsville Lodge, No. 391. Free and Accepted Masons.
One of the remarkable members of the Lieurance family, of whom mention may he made was Peter Lleurance, not, however, the Peter Lieurance heretofore mentioned. Hle was a man of great physical power and lived to be one hundred and four years old. At one time he owned a farm In Washington township, upon which was located one of the early public cemeteries. Peter Lieurance died in the state of Illinois.
REZIN J. LAZENBY.
The Lazenby family is one of the fine old familles of Washington township and was established in Clinton county by Joshua Lazenby, a native of the Old Dominion state. It was his father who served in the Revolutionary War and it Is his musket which has been handed down from generation to generation and is still in possession of the family. Rezin J. Lazenby, a representative of the third generation of the family in this county, Is not only descended on his paternal side from a soldier in the Revolutionary War, but his father. Rezin Inzenby, Sr., was a soldier in the Mexican War. For several genera- tions, the family have been farmers, and very successful ones.
Rezin J. Lazenby, Jr., a native of Washington township, Clinton county, Ohio, was born on September 11, 1856. His father. Rezin Lazenby. Sr., was a native of Highland county. Ohio, born on January 22. 1817. He was married on October 12. 1843. to Jerusha Kibby, who was born on April 3, 1823, and who was the daughter of Ephraim and Naney. ( Vandervort ) Kibby.
The paternal grandparents of Rezin J. Lazenby. Jr., Joshua and Ruth (Guthrie) Inzenby, moved from Highland county, Ohio, to Washington township, Clinton county, in 1818. Joshua Lazenby was born on September 11, 1775. In Virginia, and died on January 13. 1867. His father. Robert Lazenby, served as a teamster in the Revolutionary War. and the old flint-lock musket, which be carried, is still owned by the family. Joshua Lazenby's wife was born in 1751 In Maryland and died on February 13. 1868. They moved from Virginia to Highland county, Ohio, In 1817 and in 1818 to Clinton county. Here they lived on a farm the remainder of their lives and owned, at the time of their death, five hundred acres of land in this county. Joshua and Ruth Lazenby had nine children, of whom Rezin, Sr., the father of Rezin J., was the seventh. The names of the
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children lu the order of their births are: Henry, Robert, John C., Benjamin I., Penelope, Christopher, Rezin, Polly Margery and Joshua, Jr. The family were members of the Baptist church.
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