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 71
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Rev. Josephus Hoskins grew up on his father's farm in Green township and lived nt home with his parents until fifteen years of age, when he moved with them to High- land. Ohio, working in his father's store during their two years residence in that place. Afterwards he returned to a farm in Union township, buying eighty aeres of land and caring for his father and stepmother. He sold the farm in 1575 and purchased one hun-
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dred and eighty acres on the Port William pike In I'nion township, which he farmed anccessfully until 1909, when he moved to Wilmington. Since 1900 Mr. Hoskins bas been engaged in the real estate business.
On June 2, 1884, Josephus Hoskins was married to Emily J. Gallimore, who was a native of Wilson township, born on May 15. 1846. the daughter of Elisha and Eliza (Greer) Gallimore, both of whom were natives of County Down, Ireland. They were married in their native land and soon after their marriage Immigrated to America and settled in Wilson township. Clinton county, Ohio, Hving to ripe old ages, She was over ninety years of age at the time of her death. They had a large family of children and were active in the Methodist church. Mrs. Emily J. Hoskins was quite prominent in church work and was an elder in the Friends church. She died on July 8, 1915.
Rev. and Mrs. Josephus Hoskins have had eight children, as follow : Clarence, mar- ried Nettie Kider aud lives in Columbus, Ohio; Alma, married Jesse H. Starbuck and lives on a farm in the Dover neighborhood; Luella, decensed, married Albert Starbuck ; Minnie, is the wife of Carry Spears and lives in the Dover neighborhood; Elvin, lives on a farm in ['nion township: Walter H., whose sketch is presented elsewhere in this volume; Dora became the wife of Grant Conklin, of Liberty township, and Della, who married George Thatcher and lives on the old Hoskins home farm near Dover.
Rev. Josephus Hoskins is one of the best and most favorably known residents of Wilmington and Clinton county. He is an earnest, ardent. Christian gentleman, who recognizes fully his obligation as a citizen of a free country and a minister of the Christian religion. Modest and unassuming, he is dearly loved by hundreds of people who have come under his benign and inspiring influence.
MARION AUGUSTUS BALDWIN.
The Baldwin family of Clinton county has been notable for its public service. It Is a fact that the people of any community come to have established faith in certain characteristics that are found in certain families and that they always seek public servants from such characteristics. This has been notably true of the Baldwin family. and especially true of the subject of this sketch. Marion Augustus Baldwin, who is the present postinaster of Blanchester, Ohio.
Marion Augustus Baldwin was the son of Benjamin and Martha Ellen ( Henry ) Baldwin. Benjamin Baldwin was the son of Josiah Baldwin, who is mentioned else- where in this volume. Benjamin Baldwin was born in Blanchester on October 8, 1815. and died in 1897. He was a farmer of recognized ability, a Democrat in politics, and was elected to the position of justice of the peace by this party. He was a member of the I'niverslist church, His first marringe was contracted with Mrs. Hite, of Clinton county, Ohio, and to this marriage were born two children. William, who died in infancy. and Sarah L. After the death of his first wife he was married to Martha Ellen Henry. who was born at Pleasant Grove, in Warren county. on January 4. 1829, and who died in 1803. She was the daughter of John and Nancy ( Doctor) Henry. John Henry was a native of Virginia, and bis wife was also born in Virginia. They were early settlers in Warren county. where he died at the age of forty-seven. She died near New Vienna. Clinton county, at an advanced age. The following are the children of John and Nancy (Doctor) Henry : John Newton; Martha E., deceased ; Amelia. deceased ; Elizabeth, dereased ; Jane. dereased; Joseph and Allie. The children of Benjamin and Martha Ellen ( Henry) Baldwin were as follow : Lucius Henry, deceased ; Nettle E. and Marion Augustus, the subject of this sketch.
Marion Augustus Baldwin was reared in Blanchester where he attended the public schools and high school. Here he read law while quite a young man and was admitted to practice but he never engaged in the profession. He was engaged in farming and Raw- milling and was appointed postmaster of Blanchester in 1895 and served a term of four
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years, after which he engaged, for a short time, in the grocery business. He quit this to become manager of the Clinton Telephone Company, which position he held for thirteen yours, until he was again, on March 31, 1914, appointed to the position of post- master of Blanchester which position he still holds.
In politics he is a Democrat, and was elected on this ticket to the position of city clerk which office he resigned to become postmaster. He is an active member of the Knights of Pythins lodge. His wife attends the Methodist Episcopal church of which she is a member.
Marion Augustus Baldwin was married on March 7, 1881, to Addie Byard, of Clinton county. who was a daughter of Thomas and Louisa Byard. They have had no children.
Mr. Baldwin's interest is always with his community and one can scarcely tell whether he or bis community has been most honored by his appointment to positions of service. These he has always filled with untiring zeal.
ROBERT CONARD, M. D.
Dr. Robert Conard, a well-known and successful physician of Blanchester, Ohio. is a graduate of the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati and attended Ohio State I'niversity for two years, During the Spanish-American War, he was attached to the hospital corps of the I'nited States army, and afterwards served as house physician at St. Elizabeth's hospital, at Dayton, Ohio. Locating at Blanchester, Ohio, in July. 1906. he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession at this place.
Robert Conard was born in Clinton county, Ohio, April 11, 1877, the son of Dr. George R. and Martha (Good) Conard, the former of whom was a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania. born on January 5. 1842, and the latter of whom was born in Highland county, Ohio, the daughter of Charles and Belsey (Moore) Good, who came from Pennsylvania in 1854, and who spent their last days in New Vienna. She died at the age of ninety years and her husband at the age of eighty-eight. They were members of the Friends church and of the Hicksite branch. Dr. George R. Conard, who is a pioneer physician in New Vienna, is the son of Benjamin and Eliza ( Roberts) Conard, the former of whom was born at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, September 14, 1810, and the latter of whom was born In Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 1810. Ben- Jamin Conard was the son of Cornelius and Susannah (Chalfont) Conard, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania and descended from an immigrant who settled In Pennsylvania, In 1625, after coming to America from Holland. The Intter was also a native of Pennsylvania, and spent her last days in the Keystone state. Corne- Hus Conard was a member of the Society of Friends, and lived at Valley Forge at the time Washington camped there. Eliza ( Roberts) Conard was the daughter of George and Allce (Fell) Roberts, both of whom were natives of Chester county. Pennsylvania. The former was of Welsh desrent. They were farmers by occupation, and when advanced In years removed to Wilmington, Delaware, where they died, he at the age of eighty-four and she at the age of eighty-six.
Benjamin Couard emigrated to Highland county, Ohlo, in 1850, and in 1865 moved to Hillsboro, where he engaged in the mercantile business. He retired from business at the age of eighty years, and died in November, 1902, at the age of ninety-two years Benjamin Conard was married three times, first to Mary Ann Moore; secondly to Eliza Roberts and thirdly to Mrs Elizabeth ( Hussey ) Johnson. Mrs. Eliza ( Roberts) Conard died in April, 1852.
George R. Conard attended the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, and graduated from Miami University in 1883. He enlisted in Company A, Forty-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on September 9. 1861. On account of wounds received at Shiloh, April 6, 1862, he was discharged July 11, 1862. After completing the course at Miami University, he entered the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati and was
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graduated In 1865. During the latter part of the Civil War, he was an army surgeon attached to the hospital corps of the United States army. For some time he practiced medicine at Peru, Indiana, but in 1875 located at New Vienna, where he has practiced ever since. He was married to Martha Good, February 28, 1866, and they have had five children : Helen, who lives at home; Harvey E., professor of higher mathematics at the Columbus high school of commerce; Elma, who died at the age of twelve years; Robert and William, twins, the former of whom is the subject of this sketch, and the latter of whom died at the age of three months. Mrs. Martha (Good) Conard died on May 1, 1877.
On September 24, 1879, Dr. George Conard was married, secondly, to Augusta Lacey, by whom he had one child, Jane L., of New York City. Mrs. George Conard died on March 26. 1885. Dr. George R. Conard is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Republican in politics and a member of the Masonic lodge.
Robert Conard was educated at New Vienna and was graduated from the high school. From 1895 to 1807, he was a student at the Ohio State University, taking a preparatory course for medicine. He entered the Medical College of Oblo, at Cincin- nati, in 1897, and was graduated in 1905. In the meantime, he was assigned to the hospital corps of the United States army in the Spanish-American War until the spring of 1902. From 1905 to 1906, he was the house physician of St. Elizabeth's hospital, Dayton, Ohio, and later located at Blanchester, Ohio. He is a member of the Clinton County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Association and is also # Fellow of the American Medical Association.
In 1007, Robert Conard was married to Margaret E. Thompson, of Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Franklin P. and Catherine (Joyce) Thompson. Mrs. Conard was a teacher in the Cincinnati public schools. They have no children.
Doctor Conard is a member of Masonic Lodge No. 101, Free and Accepted Masons, of Chapter No. 153, Royal Arch Masons, and was formerly a commander of Company E .. First Ohio Infantry. He is now first lieutenant In the medieal corps, Ohio National Guard, with the First Ohio Infantry. Doctor Conard was reared In the Friends church, and Mrs. Conard is a member of the Episcopal church.
RAYMOND WATKINS, M. D.
Not only is Dr. Raymond Watkins a well-known young physician of Blanchester, Ohie, descended from a line of physicians who have occupied a conspicuous place in the history of the medical profession In southern Ohio, but he is likewise descended on his maternal side from one of the very oldest families of Clinton county. His father, who was a well-known practicing physician and teacher of medicine, was one of the pioneers in the Eclectic medical movement of the Oblo valley and his grandfather was also a physician.
Raymond Watkins was born in Blanchester, Ohio, on October 22, 1858. the son of Dr. Lyman and Lydla (Baldwin) Watkins, the former of whom was a native of Blan- chester, born on May 1, 1554. The paternal grandparents of Doctor Watkins were Dr. Jonas and Anna (Hocket) Watkins, who were pioneers in Blanchester.
Raymond Watkins was educated in the public schools of Blanchester, Ohio, and. after graduating from the high school and the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati in 1911, engaged in the practice of medicine In this city. He is one of the young phy- siclans practicing in this section of the state and has already built up a flourishing practice. A member of the Clinton County and Ohio State Medical Associations, Dr. Raymond Watkins is also a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which his father took high rank. He is a member of the Universalist church. He is unmarried.
Reverting to his paternal ancestry, Dr. Lyman Watkins, who died at Seton hos- pital. Cincinnati, Ohio, on Sunday, January 21, 1912, of diabetes, was the son of Dr.
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Jonas and Anna ( Hocket ) Watkins. Dr. Jonas Watkins received his medien! educa- tion at the Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, but soon after his graduation, became a convert to Eclecticism and became one of the pioneers in that movement. The ancestral record of the Watkins family shows a large number of physicians.
Lyman Watkins was educated in the public schools of Blanchester, Ohio, and for some time was a telegrapher. In 1874 he entered Ohio Wesleyan University at Dela- ware, Ohio, and from Ohio Wesleyan came to the Eclectic Medical Institute and was graduated in the spring of 1877. Upon his graduation, he entered into practice with his father. Dr. Jonas Watkins, at Blanchester. In 1888 he was elected secretary of the Ohio State Eclectic Medical Association and the following year was made president. He also at the same time was successively secretary and vice-president of the Cincin- nati Eclectic Society. In 1590 he entered the faculty of his alma mater to teach bis tology and microscopy. In 1891 he was promoted to the chair of physiology and in ISON was made professor of pathology as well as physiology. For about ten years of his early connection with the college, he practiced in Cincinnati, but subsequently returned to Blanchester, where he held an extensive practice. Until the end of the year 1911. he filled his chair regularly at the Eclectic Medical Collge. In 1895 Dr. Wat- kins wrote "A Compend of the Practice of Medicine." He was a member of the L'hiver- solist church, a member of the Knights of Pythias and a thirty-second degree Masm. He was also a valuable member of the National Eclectic Medical Association and # leader in that body.
On April 7. 1877. Dr. Lyman Watkins was married to Lida Baldwin, the daughter of Jonathan B. and Clorinda (Covalt) Baldwin, the former of whom was an agri- cultural implement dealer and a farmer of Blanchester, who was born on August 30. 1421, and the latter born in Brown county. Ohlo, They were married in 1846 and to them were born the following children: Maria M., Lida C., Stephen B .. Frank G., John A., Hugh, William J. W., and Mary I. Both Jonathan B. Baldwin and wife died In Blanchester. Ohto, Jonathan B. was the son of Jonathan. Sr .. and Harriet (Blut- vett) Baktwin, the former of whom was the first settler in Marion township. It was a son of Jonathan nud Harriett (Blancett Baldwin. Benjamin by name. born on October 17, 1815, who was the first white child born in Marion township. Clinton county.
Dr. Lyman and Lida (Baldwin) Watklus were the parents of three children, unmely ; Anna C., who is now Mrs. J. M. Hudson : Baldwin, deceased; and Raymond, the subject of this sketch, Mrs. Watkins, the mother of these children, is still living in Blanches ter. Ohio,
At the time of the death of Dr. Lyman Watkins, there was published the following tribute in the Edertie Medical Journal under date of March, 1912: "Dr. Watkins was a congunionable man, and was alike popular with students and doctors. He was of medium height, had gray hair and eyes, an ereet carriage, and a countenance showing contentment and optimism. His happy disposition, especially in teaching, made his work unusually fruitful, and in medical convocations bis humorous handling of topies gave derided pleasure to his fellow-members. He was quick at debate, always sound. and most generally carried his point by both philosophical reasoning and humorous de- livery. He had a marvelously retentive memory, being able to recite pages verbatim upon a single reading. As a teacher he was thorough and exacting. His society pa- pers were far above the average, and his contributions to journals, usually short. were models of direct thought In well-chosen words, and often elegant. Men past the meri. dien of life are usually wedded to the past, but Ductor Watkins was an exception. for while giving true value to what had been wrought in departed years, especially in Ede ticism. he was decidedly progressive. He was quick to see values and was not easily milsted by the ourush of the new and novel, Int weighing caludy and Judiciously be kept abreast of the best in medie progress. Such a discriminating progressiveness mr: de him a valued teacher and a force in Eclecticist."
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WILLIAM B. GALLAHER.
It is the honorable reputation of the man of standing and affairs more than any other consideration, which gives character and stability to the body politie. While advancing his personal interests, William B. Gallaher has never lost sight of his obliga- tions to the community at large, where for many years he has beld a high place in the popular confidence and esteem as a cashier of the Sabina Bank. He entered this institu- tion thirty-five years ago as a bookkeeper and ten years later was elected cashier, the position which he still holds.
William B. Gallaher was born on February 4, 1859, at Port William, Ohlo, the son of James and Maria ( Mills) Gallaher, the former of whom was born on December 5, 1829, near Sabina in Clinton county, and the Intter of whom was born on July 12, 1827, the daughter of Daniel and Mary Mills. James Gallaher was the son of Charles and Eliza- beth (Douglas) Gallaher, the former of whom was born in 1500 near Lebanon, Ohio, and the latter of whom was born in Columbiana county. Ohio. Charles P. Gallaher was the son of JJames Gallaher, who was born in Monmouth county. New Jersey, on the site of the battle ground of Monmouth, In 1764, and who had two brothers who took part In that battle. In 1575, just after reaching his majority, he immigrated to Allegheny county. Pennsylvania, where he lived until 1797, when he moved to Hamilton county, Ohio. There he remained for two years and then moved to Warren county, Ohio, and located near Lebanon. He assisted in building the first court house at Lebanon. In 1514 he moved to Richland towuship, Clinton county, where he remained until his death. He bad a family of six daughters and two sons ..
Charles P. and Elizabeth Gallaher were prominent in the life of Richland township. He was educated in the common schools of Lebanon, Ohio, and when a young man taught school in Rlebland township, Clinton county. He came with his parents to Richland township, In 1814, and later became a farmer, owning three hundred and sixty acres of land. He also practiced law for some time before justices of the peace and he became n justice of the peace In Richland township and served in this capacity for about twenty- five years, After coming to Sabina, Ohio, he served as mayor for two terms, It was about 1963 that he retired from the farm and moved to Sabina, where the remainder of his life was spent. He was an ardent Republican. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Protestant church. They had eight children : James, Mary, Leah. Martha. Thompson, Charles L .. Elizabeth and Milo A.
Of these children. James was the father of William B. Gallaher. He was educated In the commen schools of Clinton county and when a very young man, began farming in Liberty township. In 1:43 be moved to a farm in Richland township and after the dose of the Civil War. moved to Sabina. During the Civil War, he served as a member of Compeux B. One Hundred and Forty-ninth Regiment. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was a wwend Bentenant. Although enlisted for only ninety days, he participated in the battle of Monosery Junction.
Trou moving to Sabina. James Gallcher engaged In the clothing business for three years and then returned to his farm in Rietiand township. Frein 1>69 to 1STD he lived on the fun and then returned to Sabina, where he lived until his de th, December 24. 1912. He was a Republican in politics and a member of the Methodist Protestant church. J, mes rud Maria Gallher had three children: Frank, wro married Mbmnie Sass and lives in lowa, where he is a farmer: Louie, who married Musgrove Daughters. now de wasel, and Ilves in Idaho; and William B., the subject of this sketch. The mother of these children died on Match 13. 1509.
Willem B. Gelipher wax educated in the public schools of Sabin and when a young man. worked on the form. On December 9, 10, he emierel the Sabini Berk as bent :- kreper end ten vers Irter, In 1900, was elected to the postlon of cashier la the sime
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bank, which position he still holds. Mr. Gallaber also owns a farm in partnership with G. A. Pavey in Fayette county, Ohio. This farm consists of two hundred and sixty-two acres and is cultivated by a tenant.
On February 9, 1882, William B. Gallaher was married to Sallle Sylvester, who was born on December 26, 1858, the daughter of James Sylvester. Two children, Herman S. and Frederick, have been born to this union. The former married Martha Haines and lives at Sabina. The latter lives at home with his father.
As a Republican, William B. Gallaher has served as township treasurer and as a member of the school board and secretary for six years. He was also a member of the corporation council. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a member of the Methodist Protestant church.
MATTHEW ROMBACH.
No history of Clinton county would be complete without specific reference to the life and the services of the late Matthew Rombach in this community, a man who did much in the way of developing the wonderful resources of this favored section of the state. Coming to this county in 1834, Matthew Rombach at once threw the weight of his vigorous personality on the side of all good things hereabout and until the day of his death, held a position as one of the leading men of affairs in Clinton county, Possessed of indomitable will, boundless energy and a fine conception of public service he dil well his part in the scheme of things and for many years was regarded as one of the foremost citizens of this section of the state. A man of temperate habits and of the utmost probity of conduct, energetic and persevering, conscientious and upright, the integrity of his motives was above suspicion, and at his death the community was unantinous in the declaration that his life had been a model for any American to follow.
Matthew Rombach was born at Neunkirchen, in the Schwarz Wald of Baden, Ger- many. on October 11. 1811, the youngest of four children born to Charles and Francesca Rombach. Charles Rombach was the son of a holder of Inrge landed estates and in the earlier years of his manhood was employed in various offices of trust recognized by the German government, pertaining to the management of a German country seat. Follow- ing his marriage at the age of forty-two. Charles Rombach became a successful mer- chant and manufacturer and when his son Matthew was sixteen years of age the latter was placed in a clock factory, where he remained for two years, at the end of which time he and two or three companions decided to try their fortunes in the promising land across the sea. At the last moment Matthew Rombach's companions abandoned the venture and the young clockmaker's father withdrew the consent he previously had given for his son to go to America, declining his permission for the lad to make the trip alone. Having fully decided his course, however, Matthew Rombach was not to be daunted by paternal opposition, and thus gave a characteristic example of the energy and persever- ance that dominated his entire life. Borrowing the sum of four hundred marks (one hundred dollars) from a friend. Matthew Rombach began his toilsome journey to America, walking from his home in Baden, through France to the English channel, a dis- tance of six hundred miles; living on two meals a day and covering from thirty-six to fifty miles a day, constantly buoyed up by his determined resolution to make a place for himself In a country which seemed to offer boundless opportunities. Arriving at the coust, Matthew Rombach took passage on a sailing vessel, paying twenty-one dollars for his passage and an additional twenty-one dollars for the privilege of joining in the saflors' mess. For ninety days this vessel breasted tempestuous seas, but finally came safely into New York, from which city the young voyager proceeded to Philadelpha, arriving in the latter city with but seven dollars in his pocket. He found work in Phila- delphin in the shop of a German clockmaker, a former resident of Baden, to whom he had been recommended before his departure from home. and there he remained for six
CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.
Munk, which position the still holds. Mr. Galinher also was a farm in partnership with G. A. Paver in Fasetip mmmty, Ohio, This farm colisists of two hundred and sixty two apres and is quint ated by a tenant.
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