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 69

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 69

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James E. Bernard was born near New Vienna, in Green township, Clinton county, Ohio, on April 11, 1868, a son of James K. and Keziah (McVay) Bernard, the former of whom was born in Green township, this county, in 1830, and died in September, 1907, and the latter of whom was born on January 18, 1838, and is still living.

James K. Bernard was a son of George W. and Harriet C. (McConnell ) Bernard. both natives of Virginia, the former of whom was born in 1799 and came to Highland county, Ohio, with his parents, Thomas Bernard and wife, in 1805. the family being one of the first to settle in this region. George W. Bernard being six years old at that time. Later the family came to Clinton county, locating in Wayne township. They were members of the Friends church, and were excellent farmers and useful citizens. Mr. Bernard's maternal grandparents, Christopher and Martha McVay, also came from Virginia to Clinton county, where they located on a farm in Wayne township. The family were members of the Christian church, and took an active part in the affairs of that denomination.

The Inte James K. Bernard was born on a farm In Clinton county and became a very prosperous farmer, having been the owner of eighteen hundred and fifty acres of land in Clinton county, comprising twelve farms in all, which land, with the assistance of his sons, he accumulated by his own personal efforts. Late In life he retired from active farın life and moved to New Vienna, where his death occurred. His widow still lives in New Vienna. Before his death. James K. Bernard divided his land among his children, of whom there were nine. James Edward being the sixth in order of birth. John R. Hves on a farm in Green township. George W. is also a farmer in Green township. Harriett C., who married James Carey, lives on a farm in Green township. Charles O. Is a farmer in the same township. Mattie, who married Lon Hildebrand, is a resident of Wilmington, her husband being retired. Christopher C. lives at Sabina. Ohio, where he is a retired farmer. Cora, who married Charles Johnson, lives in Green township, and Oscar is retired and living in New Vienna, Ohio.

James Edward Bernard was educated in the district schools near his home: but his educational advantages were limited. since he was able to attend school only two months each year. At the age of twenty-three. Mr. Bernard was married, and began life for himself by renting land from his father for one year. The next year he pur- chased one hundred and seventy-five acres in Wayne township, where he lived for eighteen years, subsequently adding forty acres to the original tract. In 1908 be sold

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hls farm And removed to Wilmington, purchasing a farm near Clarksville, in Vernon township. ¿ In 1913 he sold this latter farm and purchased the Starbuck hardware store. After cor ducting this business for two years, Mr. Bernard sold out, in the spring of 1915, audi, with his family, moved to Wilmington, where he purchased a comfortable house aff 504 Walnut street, and be and his family now make their home there.

On January 29, 1891, James E. Bernard was married to Emma Matthews, who was born in ( Clarksville, this county, the daughter of John W. and Olive Matthews, both of whom live at New Vienna. where the former is a retired farmer. To this union six children have been born, namely : Leone, born in December, 1893; Virgil, 1895; Stanley, 1897; George, 1800; Olive, 1001, and Harry, 1905.

James Edward Bernard is a Democrat in politics, but owing to his extensive farming and business interests, has not taken an active part in political affairs. The Bernard family are all members of the Christian church. Fraternally, Mr. Bernard is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Modern Woodmen of America.

In Wilmington, where Mr. Bernard has lived for several years, he is recognized as an honorable and upright citizen and is quite popular among his fellow townsmen. He takes a commendable interest in worthy public movements, and is connected with all worthy Dablic enterprises,

FRANK W. LIEURANCE.

Frank W. Lieurance, who Is now living retired in Wilmington, formerly was engaged in farming in Washington township. this county, where for nineteen years he operated a farm owned by his father-in-law. During the past three years he has been an invalid, and during this period has suffered severely from rheumatism. He is a well-respected and highly honored citizen and is well known among his fellow townsmen.

Frank W. Lieurance was born on March 29, 1866, in Clark township, this county, the son of Amos W. and Anna (Baker) Lieurance, the former of whom was born in the same township. in 1841, and is still living. It Is a remarkable fact that Amos W. Lieu- rance weighed sixteen pounds at the time of his birth. His wife was born in 1842, and is also still living. Mr. Lieurance's paternal grandparents were Alexander and Sallie (Bales) Lieurance, both of whom were born in North Carolina. Alexander Lieurance was three weeks old when his parents started from North Carolina to Oblo and he was carried on a pillow to their new home in Clark township, this county. After growing to maturity amidst pioneer surroundings, and receiving a meager education in the pio- neer public schools, he became a farmer and lived to an advanced age in this county, rearing a family of two sons and three daughters, all of whom were members of the Baptist church. Mr. Lieurance's maternal grandparents were William and Sallie Baker, both of whom were born in this county, their parents having been among the very earliest settlers in Clark township, and members of the so-called Campbellite. or Chris- tinn church. William Baker owned two hundred acres of the home farm besides other Innd.

Amos W. Lieurance grew up on the farm in Clark township, and after his marriage purchased a farm of one hundred and seventy-two acres in the same township, where he and his wife yet live. As a farmer for many years be has been engaged in raising and handling fine horses and is well known as a breeder and stockman. He Is a Repub- lican in politics and his wife Is an ardent member of the ('bristian church. To them were born four children, of whom William, the second born, died at the age of sixteen years; Cloe married John Noftsger; Frank W., the third horn, and Stella, who married Alfred Graham.

Frank W. Lieurance grew up on his father's farm in Clark township and until he was twenty-eight years old lived with his parents. Afterwards he rented a farm from his father-in-law in Washington township and for nineteen years was engaged in

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farming. In 1914 Mr. Lieurance removed to Wilmington, and there he now pretty home at the corner of Walnut and Birdsall streets. Mr. Lieurance io with the Republican party and has taken more or less active Interest in t of that party.

In February, 1895, Frank W. Lieurance married Tude Skimmings, who in Washington township, this county, the daughter of John J. and Lucinda Sk both of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lieurance have no children.

A successful farmer while he was engaged in that occupation, Frank W. 1. has always been rated as a first-class citizen, an honorable man, tolerant in and charitable to a fault. He is a man who, so far as he has been able. strictly according to the precepts contained in the Golden Rule, and enjoys th and esteem of his many friends.

MISS ELLEN C. WRIGHT.

Descended on both the maternal and paternal sides from men and women been prominent in the history of this country, and especially in the history of church ever since the coming of William Penn to America, Miss Ellen C. V graduate of the first class which finished at Wilmington College, In 1875, at. years has been a teacher in Wilmington College. During this period she beld

who have be Friends Fright is n ! for forty Sthe chair of Latin in this institution, and is now the librarian of the college. An ardent a Friend, she is also a wonderful teacher, and is widely known as "Teacher Ellen." On her . ma- ternal side she is descended from Ellen Cowgill, a widow, who, with five children, was a passenger on the good ship "Welcome," which in 1082 brought William Penn to Amer- Ien. Ellen Cowgill was the grent-grent-great-great-grandmother of Miss Ellen C. Wright, her maternal grandfather, Henry Cowgill, having been the son of Heury HI, who was the son of Henry I, who was the son of John, who was the son of the aforesaid Ellen Cowgill.

Miss Wright's father and mother were Joseph and Lydia (Cowgil)) Wright, and on her paternal side she is also descended from substantial Quaker ancestry. Her father was born on November 24, 1812. and died on November 2, 1907. Her mother was born in Highland county, Ohio, on December 24, 1815, and died on February 10, 1892, Joseph Wright was the son of John and Hannah (Gilbert) Wright, the former of whom was born in Bedford county. Virginia, and who was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Wright. who moved from Bedford county, Virginia, to Columbiana county, Ohio. The father of Joseph Wright. Sr., was a large slave owner, but remarked that Joseph had gone to Ohto and joined the Quakers and "would not want my property," so Joseph. Sr., got none from his will. Hannah ( Gilbert) Wright, who was born in Louden county, Virginia, was the daughter of Joseph and Ann Gilbert, who removed from Louden county. Vir- ginia, to Columbiana county, Ohio, after Hannah was grown. John and Hannah (Gil- bert ) Wright were farmers and early settlers in Highland county, Ohio. John died about 1821, and after his death his widow married Samuel Coffin, both of whom lived to a good old age.

Henry and Eleanor ( Barrett) Cowgill, who were the parents of Miss Wright's mother. were both natives of Virginia, and married in 1794 in Franklin county, After their marriage they removed to Culpeper county. Virginia, and lived on a farm for thirteen years, after which they removed to Paint township. Highland county, Ohio. Miss Wright's mother was the youngest of ten children, all of the members of the family having been Friends.

John Wright, the grandfather of our subject, was a well educated and well informed mau, who taught school and preached in the Quaker church. He was also a farmer by occupation. Joseph and Lydia (Cowgill) Wright were married on July 1. 1841, and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on July 1, 1891. Joseph Wright was. five years of age when his parents removed from Virginia to Highland county, Ohio. He re-

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ceived a good education, having attended the Harveysburg high school, after which be taught school eight years in Highland county, Oblo. A farmer later in life, he pur- chased a farm located near Clear Creek, Oblo, and paid for it gradually. He was a stanch Quaker, and in 1855 was recorded as a minister by the Clear Creek monthly meet- ing. Later hundreds of people were converted as the result of his labors. He preached many funerals and married many couples, and was one of the founders of Wilmington College, of which for twenty years he was one of its board of managers. He preached regularly at his own meetings and in early life drew no pay for it, since the Quakers believed that the Gospel ought to be free.

Joseph and Lydia (Cowgill) Wright were the parents of seven children : Lindley Murrey died at the age of five years and four months; Henry C., who is deceased, was a dealer in vehicles in Hillsboro, Obio; Eleanor C., who is better known as Ellen, is the subject of this sketch; David S. lives at Cedar Falls, Iowa, where for forty years he bas been a teacher of mathematics in the Iowa State Teachers College; Jonathan B. lives in Wilmington, and for twenty years taught in Wilmington College, and later for sev- eral years in the Wilmington high school ; Elwood, who is deceased, was a farmer and owned a saw-mill; Emma married Alfred Hale, who died in November, 1914, and who was a farmer by occupation ; his widow, Mrs. Emma Hale, lives with Miss Wright in her home on Fife avenue, which Miss Wright built in 1894.

Miss Ellen Wright attended the public schools of Highland county, Ohio, and Inter Fariham College at Richmond, Indiana, which is a well-known educational institution maintained by the Friends church. Subsequently, she entered Wilmington College, which had just been opened, and four years later was graduated with the first class. During 1887 and 1xSS she was a student at Bryn Mawr College.

After Miss Wright's graduation from Wilmington College she began teaching in the college and has taught there ever since, a period of forty years. As heretofore noted, she occupied the chair of Latin, and is now the librarian of the college.

An ardent and faithful member of the Friends church, Miss Wright is also one of the most successful teachers who has ever figured in the educational life of Clinton county, and especially in the educational life of Wilmington College, Her good work during a period of almost a half century can scarcely be overestimated, yet there are scattered over this country thousands of young men and women who would gladly add their blessing to the beloved spirit which guided them in their younger days. Long popular with the faculty and the students, "Teacher Ellen," from standpoint of effective and useful service. is unsurpassed by any other person living in this county.

JONATHAN M. RICHARDSON.

Ohlo has been especially honored in the character of her industrial managers and directors. In every section of the state men have lived who were born to leadership in Industry : men who dominated because of their superior intelligence, natural endow- ment and force of character. It is always profitable to consider the careers of such persons, and to weigh their motives and to discover their Intimate interests. The Inte Jonathan M. Richardson, a man who forged his way to the front ranks in the industrial life of Clinton county, was broad-minded and liberal and never permitted his business to Interfere with his larger duties as a citizen. Successful in business as he was, he had other Interests to which he devoted a considerable portion of his time. In this county he will long be remembered as one of the earnest and intelligent collectors of pre-historic relics.

Jonathan M. Richardson was born in Dayton, Ohio, in July, 1826, and died on June 6. 1907. He was a son of Dr. Jacob and Henrietta ( Harwood) Richardson, the latter of whom was born in England, and who, when a child, was brought to America

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by her parents. She died in Dayton, Ohio, when Jonathan M. was a mere lad. Jacob Richardson was born in Fredericktown, Maryland, and was of English descent. He was graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, but after his graduation left the naval service and studied medicine. He began the active practice of his profession at Chillicothe, Oblo, where he remained only a short time. He was a physical giant, six feet two inches tall in his stocking feet. After leaving Chillicothe Doctor Richardson practiced his profession at Dayton, Ohio, for several years, and after the death of his wife married, secondly. Jane Johnson, subsequently moving to Waterloo, Fayette county, Indiana. In this Intter county he owned a large saw mill, as well as a large farm. Later he moved to Wilmington, Ohlo, and purchased a drug store on the site of what is now Farquhar's grocery, and divided his time between conducting the drug store and the practice of his profession. He also Hved at Sabina, Ohlo, for a short time. and later removed to Grant county. Indiana, where he purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land, continuing, however, the practice of medicine. He also prac- tieed In Nashville, Tennessee, and later at Bainbridge. Ohto, near which city be owned a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, He died at Carrytown, Ohlo, many years ago.

The late Jonathan M. Richardson studied medicine under his father's direction and assisted him in operating the drug store in Wilmington. He practiced medicine for a year, but did not like the practice and later attended an architectural school at Cincin- nati, becoming a contractor and builder in Wilmington. He erected the main building of Wilmington College, the First National Bank building. the Catholic church, and prac- tically every large dwelling erected in Wilmington while he was engaged in business. His home was in a magnificent brick house on West Locust street, built in 185. He was the first man in southern Ohio to engage in the wholesale hardwood-Inmber busi- ness and owned and operated at one time six portable saw-mills. He sawed timber throughout this country and had three lumber yards, in which he handled fancy timber and veneer goods. Abont 1894 he retired from active business life, being streeded by his sons. Few men have hobbies in which they are able to accomplish so much as the Inte Jonathan M. Richardson accomplished as a collector of Indian and cave-dwellers' relies. He is said to have bad the best collection of any person living in Ohio. With the resistance of his sous be explored many mounds throughout Ohio and obtained a wide variety of interesting refies. In 1879 Mr. Richardson, In collaboration with Dr. I. B. Welsh. published "An Illustrated Description of Pre-Historie Relies Found Near Wilmington, Ohio," a nine-page pamphlet. in which are described several tablets found in the Sparks mound, located on the road leading from Wilmington to Harveysburg. The various tablets found by Mr. Richardson, together with the charges of fraud made against similar discoveries, provoked him to say in this pamphlet : "We do unhesitatingly say that in these tablets the fact is well established that pre-historie man upon this continent possessed a written language: not a pictorial language. but a language com- posed of different distinct charneters, well and plainly written."

Jonathan M. Richardson was one of a family of four children. and was the second in order of birth. His elder brother. John W .. was a physician in Wilmington and other places. His Aster. Clarinda, married Morris Green. a wagon-maker and painter. of Clinton, Illinois, Harwood was a farmer in Greene county, Ohio, where he died. He lied lived in Wilmington for twenty-five of thirty years before moving to Greene county.

Jonathan M. Richeirdson was married to Mary Jane Davis, who was born near the Cumberland mountains in Tennessee in 1529, and died in 190%. She was a daughter of James Davis, a native of Tennessee and a former by occupation, who moved to this county, where he lived for a short time, and then located in Howard county. Indians. where he owned and operated a farm. He and his wife were members of the Quaker church. At the age of eighty-two. he fell off a fuet log over a slonth and wrs drowned.

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To Jonathan M. and Mary Jane (Davis) Richardson were born two sons, James E. and Frank.

James Richardson was born in what is now Wilmington, Ohio, but in a part of the city which was, at the time of his birth, outside the corporation limits, on the old plank road, on June 20, 1859. He attended the public schools of Wilmington and Wilmington College. When a young man he became a timber buyer for his father. Finally he and his brother, Frank, were taken into the lumber business with their father under the firm name of J. M. Richardson & Sons, and carried on a wholesale hardwood-lumber busi- ness, handling fancy lumber for a number of years. When the father retired from busi- ness the two sons continued under the old firm name. Jonathan M. Richardson owned two hundred acres of land at the edge of Wilmington, and his sons, who inherited the farm jointly, manage it together, as well as the lumber business.

In August. 1777. Frank Richardson was married to Jessie Crute, who was born at Waverley, Pike county, Ohio, daughter of James and Ruanna Crute, both of whom are deceased, and to this union two children have been born, Nellie, who married George Preston, and Mary, who is living at home with her parents. Frank Richardson is a Republican and served four years as a member of the Wilmington city council. Fra- ternally, he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.

James E. Richardson, who was born on April 20. 1850, attended the public schools of Wilmington, and learned the carpenter's trade after finishing his education. He became a lumber buyer for his father under the firm of J. M. Richardson & Sons, and is now in joint partnership with his brother. Frank, In the management of the farm which they inherited from their father, on which they keep some splendid draft horses and also raise Wilkes-bred trotting horses, and are accustomed to sell the colts at n good profit. The Richardson brothers also raise Poland China hogs and registered Jersey cattle.

James E. Richardson was married on February 7. 1889. to Minnie Ferguson, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, daughter of James and Anne (Seamman) Ferguson. both deceased. Mir. and Mrs. James Richardson have bo children.

Frank Richardson lives in the brick house on West Locust street, In Wilmington. which his father built, and which is a splendid example of his wonderful workmanship. It is finished in fine cherry, mahogany and black walnut, all woods having been taken from Clinton county's forests. The Richardson family is rightly held in high esteem in Clinton county where the various members of the family are well known. For genera- tions representatives of this family have been highly educated. cultured and refined people, men who have taken a commendable part in the development and progress of this great county.

J. WARREN GUSTIN.

It is a happy day when farm and city work In unison and produce lives of helpful- service. J. Warren Gustin, the subject of this sketch, was a good farmer who came to the city and proved sufficiently his worth to the people that they elected him to their highest office, mayor of their city.

J. Warren Gustin was born in Warren county. Ohio, on September 25, 1847. He was the son of Samuel and Hettie ( Freiberger) Gustin, both natives of Warren county. Samuel Gustin was born in Warren county in 1511, and died there in INS at the ripe age of eighty-seven years. He was the son of Abiel and Mary Gustin who were natives of Virginia but came as early pioneers to Warren county. Ohio, where they lived the rest of their lives. Hettie ( Freiberger) Gustin was born In Warren county, Ohio. In 1917. and died in Blanchester. in Clinton county. in 158]. She was the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Freiberger, early ploweers of Warren county. Ohio. Samuel Gustin was a

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Republican in politics, and an active member of the Free Will Baptist church. To him and Hettie ( Frelberger) Gustin were born the following children : Sallie; Rebecca, deceased : J. Warren, the subject of this sketch; Carrie; Elma, deceased; Luella, and William 8.

J. Warren Gustin was reared on his father's farm. He was educated in the public schools of that county but was not satisfied with only this amount of an education so he attended Goshen Seminary in Clermont county and afterwards the Nelson commercial school of Cincinnati, Ohio. His parents were strong advocates of education and J. Warren Gustin had one brother and three sisters who were teachers in the public schools. but he, after his education was secured, went back on the farm where he worked until In 1885. He then came to Blanchester to engage in the hardware business, in which business he continued until in 1907. He is now secretary of the building and loan association of Blanchester and still continues to own and conduct his farm in Warren county.

Mr. Gustin is a Republican and has been a member of the city council and city treasurer and was elected to the office of mayor of Blanchester and took this office, which he now holds, on January 1, 1914. He is a member of the Masonic order and is a Knight Templar.

J. Warren Gustin was married in 1875. to Ella Rice, of Clinton county, who was n daughter of John W. and Martha ( Trickey) Rice, both of whom are now deceased. To this union were born two children : Harry, who is now with the Brownwell Brush and Wiregoods Company, at Baltimore, Maryland, and Lney, who is the wife of Edward W. Hawk, who is assistant manager of the New Gibson House, of Cincinnati, Ohio.

ANDREW JACKSON WILSON.

Among the men who have been largely Instrumental In bringing Clinton county to Its present sound and substantial financial status few are better known thronghont the county than the gentleman whose name is noted above. Mr. Wilson is not only a banker of rare judgment and discretion, but as a farmer he ranks among the best in the county. having for many years been regarded as one of the most substantinl and progressive farmers in this part of the state. Though for some years practically retired from the active personal direction of his large agricultural interests, Mr. Wilson still is deeply concerned in all that affects the farmers of this county, and no one hereabout is better verved in the various problems confronting the modern agrieniturist than is he. Mr. Wilson has been prominently identified with the banking and financial interests of Clin- ton county for many years and has a thorough and most comprehensive grasp of condi- tions affecting the welfare of the whole community. Beginning as a director of the First National Bank of Wilmington, in the year 1879. Mr. Wilson was advanced to the post of vice-president of that old financial Institution in 1889, and in 1895 was made president of the same, a position which he since has filled with the utmost satisfaction, not only to the stockholders, but to the depositors, all of whom have the most implicit confidence in his judgment and sagacity.

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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 69

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