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 72

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 72

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On February 8, 1%22 William B. Gallaher was married to Salle Sylvester, who am hon on December 2, 1%, the daughter of James Sylvester. Two children. Herman 8, and Frob Mek. have been born to this nalon. The former married Martha Hentes and lives at Sabon. "The latter lives at bonus with his father.

As n Republican, William B. Gallaher has served as township treasurer and as a mebiber of the shunt hard and secretary for six years, He was niso a men her of the corporation council. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a member of the Metbortist Protestant church.

MATTHEW ROMBACH

No history of clinton contaty would be complete without specific reference to the life and the series of the late Matthew Kombuch in this community. a man who did much in the way of developing the wonderful resources of this favored section of the Nime. Tenning in this county In INHA, Matthew Rombach at ones threw the weight of Its vigorous personality on the side of all good things hereabout and gaif the day of his death. hold a position as one of the lendire mon of affairs in Clinton county, Possessed of love will bounds energy and a fine conception of public service he tid well his part in the theme of things and for many years was recorded as one of the fallen duizend of this way of the state. A man of tongerale habits and of the utman + + + + and pre contentious pant upright. the

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CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.

months. He then crossed the Alleghany mountains and stopped at Lancaster, Ohio, where for nine months he was employed in the shop of another clockmaker. In the fall of 1831 he went to Cincinnati, where he conducted a boarding house until the dreadful cholera epidemic of the next year disorganized all business in that city and compelled the closing of bis modest hotel.

In July, 1832, Matthew Rombach was united in marriage, at Cincinnati, to Catherine Kautz, a native of Baden, Germany, and the devoted pair decided to leave the city and try their fortunes on the land. Going up river they settled in Brown county, this state, where they purchased a farm on which they were making a good start in life when, two years later, an offer of a good business opening in New Orleans caused Mr. Rombach to make preparations for removal to the latter city. Selling off his stock, he rented his farm to a responsible tenant and he and his wife departed for their prospective new home. ['pon arriving at Cincinnati, Mrs. Rombach interposed such effectual objections to the proposed change, that Mr. Rombach altered his business plans and the two turned their faces up state, bringing their household goods to this county and locating at Wilmington, where they ever after made their home. Mr. Rombach opened a hotel in Wilmington which he operated successfully for two years, at the end of which time he sold bis Brown county farm and bought a farm in this county, not far from the county seat. At the same time he opened a confectionery shop and bakery in Wilmington, which he conducted for several years, meanwhile becoming one of the city's most active traders, soon being recognized as one of the sbrewdest Investors in Clinton county. He possessed an apparently intuitive knowledge of values and his investments were placed with rare judgment : bank stocks, lands and glit-edged securities being his favorite forms of Investment, with the result that he presently was acknowledged to be one of the lead- ing men of affairs in this part of the state and remained a "captain of industry" to the time of his death. Matthew Rombach was one of the leading factors in the organiza- tion of the Clinton County National Bank of Wilmington in 1872, being the first vice- president of that old financial institution, and later was elected to the responsible posi- tion of president of the bank. His strong personal influence and high reputation for probity In this community were powerful factors in the rapid development of the inter- ests of that bank, an institution which, with its surplus exceeding its capital, is recognized as one of the foremost banks in Ohio, and it stands as a fitting monument to the financial skill of its late president.

By the wise exercise of indomitable will power and unbounded energy, Matthew Rombach emerged from his "day of small things" to a position of power and Influence in this community and the happy memories clustering about this grand old man long will be cherished hereabout. As was but fitting, his unusual aptitude and capacity for doing things were amply rewarded in a material way and he amassed a competence that placed him in the ranks of the foremost citizens of Clinton county, his ability having been generally recognized by his business associates, all of whom beld him in the highest esteem. 'The broad acres of grain and woodland and mendow which were left as a valu- able landed estate to his family, make a pleasing varintion in the landscape and the fine live stock, in which he took so much delight. was second to none in the land.

'Though never seeklug political preferment, Matthew Rombach took a keen interest in local politics and was recognized as one of the leaders in the cause of good government In Clinton county. On national issues his political preferences were expressed in favor of the Democratic party. In his religions faith he was a Catholic, which was the faith of his fathers, but his broad charity and libernl views gave him a religious tolerance which caused him to be a generous contributor to the various causes of all the churches In his home city. Nor were his benefactions restricted to this line along, for all move- menta designed to promote the general good had his sanction and support. and he looked with pleasure on the rapid development of the best Interests of his town and county.

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To the union of Matthew Rombach and Catherine Kautz there was born but one child. a daughter, Louise C., who married Gen. J. W. Denver, of Wilmington, and who, with her children and grandchildren. survives to cherish the memory of a good futber and a devoted grandfather, a man who had been proved true in all the relations of life.

ALFRED JOHNSON.

Among the well-known retired farmers of Sabina, this county, and numbered among the splendid citizens of that town is Alfred Jobnson, who was born in Richland town- ship, Clinton county, Ohio, on April 21, 1847.

Mr. Johnson's parents were Stephen R. and Jemima ( Hoover) Johnson, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and died in 1862, and the Intter of whom was born in New Jersey, the daughter of Jacob Hoover. John Johnson, father of Stephen R., came to Ohio from Pennsylvania about 1800. Stephen R. Johnson was educated in the public schools of Clinton county. He took up farming when a young man and pursued this vocation in this county all his life, having been actively engaged in general farming and stock raising. He was one of the pioneers of this section and owned eighty acres of land in Richland township at the time of his death.

Stephen R. and Jemima (Hoover) Johnson were the parents of seven children, nainely : Louisa J., who married A. H. States; Lewis, who never married, was a mem- ber of Company G. Seventy-ninth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War, having enlisted in 1862, and was killed in the battle of Peach Tree Creek on July 20, 1864; Amos, who married Elizabeth Waltmire, also was a soldier in the Civil War and served in the same company and regiment as his brother Lewis: Henry C., who married Amanda McGuire; George M., who never married, was a member of Company K. Sixtieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor in 1865, and died in a hospital at Philadelphia on April 12, 1865; Alfred, the subject of this sketch, and Mina, who married D. W. Terrell. For many years Stephen R. Johnson was an elder in the Christian church. Politically, he was a Republican.

More than a common-school education was considered unusual during the boyhood and youth of Alfred Johnson, but he not only was able to complete the common school course in Richland townabip, but attended the normal school at Lebanon, Ohlo, for six months and later taught in the common schools of Clinton county for ten years, during this period of his life also being engaged in farming. In 1877 be quit teaching and after that devoted his entire attention to farming in Richland township. In 1952 he moved to Wayne township. In this county, and two years later returned to Richland township. In 1891 Mr. Johnson moved to Perry township, in Fayette county, and there engaged in farming and fruit raising. After living there for six years he returned to Richland township, this county, and settled on a farm, from 1897 to 1906 being actively engaged in farming there. He then moved to Sabina, where he engaged in the grocery business until 1009. since which time he has been living retired. He owns a farm of one hundred and sixty-seven acres of fertile land in Richland township, which is eulti- vated by tenants. He also owns two pieces of property in Sabina.

Alfred Johnson was united in marriage to Amelia B. Cline, who was born on June 11. 1856, the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth ( Haines) Cline, and to this union three children were born, namely: Walter C., who died at the age of fifteen; Edward O .. who married Creola B. Haines and has one child. Walter C .. and Ethel Viola, who mar- ried J. W. Vanpelt and has one child, Eugene.

During almost all the time Mr. Johnson lived in Richland township he served as a school director. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the members of the family are indentifled with the Meth- odist Protestant church.

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LEWIS E. WHINERY.

It seems fair to judge the status of an individual in a community by the estimation in which he is held by his neighbors and fellow townsmen. They see him at his work, in his family circle, in his church at his devotion, bear his views on public questions and witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of life. They are therefore competent to judge his merits and demerits. Lewis E. Whinery, the cashier of the National Bank of Sabina, is a life-long resident of Clinton county. The people have bad an opportunity to learn what manner of man he is. The responsible position which he holds is important evidence with regard to his standing as a business man and citizen.

Lewis E. Whinery was born at Morrisville, this county, on October 26, 1873, the son of Warren F. and Mary E. ( Hunt) Whinery, the former of whom was born in 1837 in Cnas county, Michigan, and died in 1868, and the latter of whom was born in this county, the daughter of Jacob Hunt. Warren F. Whinery' father. John V. Whinery, was married three times. During the early part of his life he taught school and later he became a merchant at Morrisville, and still later a successful farmer.

The late Warren F. Whinery had little opportunity to obtain an education, but sup- plemented the brief period which he spent in the public schools with home study and became a well-informed man. He came to Clinton county, Ohio, about 1852, when he was only fifteen years old. A little later he began teaching school and taught school off and on all his life in Clinton county. He was also a registered pharmacist at Sabina and postmaster of the town at the time of his death. Warren F. and Mary E. (Hunt) Whinery were the parents of three children, Eva, Lena L., and Lewis E., the subject of this sketch.

Warren F. Whinery was a vallant soldier in the Civil War, having served about a yeur as a first-lieutenant of Company D, One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Regiment Oblo Volunteer Infantry, and after the close of the war was a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Politically, he was a Republican and served as township assessor for several years. He was also corporation clerk of Sabina and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Lewis E. Whinery was educated in the public schools of Sabina, this county, and was graduated from the high school with the class of 1892, after which he attended a business college at Oswego, New York, for one year, and upon his return from business college accepted a position with a canning factory at Sabina, later being employed by W. H. Stanage & Company, of Cincinnati. Upon returning to Sabina from Cincinnati he became a partner of S. W. Doan in the clothing business and did business for three years under the firm name of Doan & Whinery. Mr. Whinery was assistant postmaster of Sabina. under W. B. Woodmansee. for three or four years, after which he was employed by the Sabina bank for four years. From the Sabina bank he went to Cedar- ville. Ohio, as assistant cashier of the Exchange Bank of that place, and upon the organization of the First National Bank of Sabina on November 1, 1906, became its cashier, a position which he has held ever since. Mr. Whinery is also a director in the Sabina Building and Loan Company.

On June 6. 1900, Lewis E. Whinery was married to Winona Harris, the daughter of George W. and Rose Harris, to which union one child has been born, a daughter, Rose Elizabeth, born in 190S.

Fraternally, Mr. Whinery is a member of the blue lodge of Masons at Sabina and of the chapter of that order at Wilmington. He is likewise a member of the Independent Onder of Odd Fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Whinery are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is a Republican.

The First National Bank of Sabina has enjoyed a most satisfactory growth since

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its organization in 1906, and no man has had more to do with Its growth than its casbier, Lewis E. Whinery, a man in whom the public places unqualified confidence and who is popular with the other officers, directors, stockholders and patrons of the bank.

MRS. MARY WALKER.

Among the women of Clinton county who have exerted a wide and beneficent influence upon the community, few are better known or held in higher esteem throughout the county than is Mrs. Mary J. (Patterson) Walker, widow of Abel Walker, in his day one of the best-known men in the county. Mrs. Walker's life has been full of good works and, in the beautiful evening of a ripe old age, she is living happily and comfortably in her pleasant home in the city of Wilmington, enjoying the confidence and esteem of her large circle of acquaintances, her home being the center of much genial hospitality.

Mary J. Patterson was born in Greene county, Ohio, in 1844, the daughter of Thomas and Rebecca ( Hummer) Patterson, the former of whom was born in Greene county, this state, in 1815, and died in 1874, and the latter, born in Frederick county, Virginia, In 1812, and died in 1898.

Thomas Patterson was the son of John and Elizabeth ( McFarland) Patterson, Penn- sylvanians, who emigrated to Ohio shortly after the close of the Revolutionary War, settling near Jamestown, where they bought a farm and spent the remainder of their lives, becoming recognized as among the leading pioneers of that section. They were members of the ['nited Presbyterian church and were netive in promoting all good causes thereabout. John Patterson was a son of John Patterson, a soldier in the patriot army during the War for Independence and a man of much force of character. At the close of the war be, with his son, emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio, settling on a farm near Jamestown, in Greene county, where the rest of his life was spent.

Thomas Patterson was reared on the paternal farm near Jamestown and upon reach- ing' manbood began the manufacture of brick, using the sun-drying process, and operated a large brick-yard on the edge of the city of Xenia. In 1854 be came to this county. locating in Wilmington, where for a year he operated the old hotel, known as the Hale House, after which he engaged in the livery business, also being Incidentally engaged in farming. He married Rebecca Hummer, daughter of John and Eunice (Green) Hum- mer, pioneers of Greene county, this state, though both were born on Apple Pie ridge, Virginia. John Hummer was a soldier in the War of 1812. Thomas Patterson and his wife were members of the Baptist church, Mr. Patterson being one of the trustees of the church at Wilmington, and they were prominent in all good works in that community.

To Thomas and Rebecca ( Hummer) Patterson were born eight children. namely : Nancy, who married C. P. Stryker and lives In Jamestown, Ohlo; Abbie, who married Nathan Wood, and both are now deceased; Susan. deceased: John, decensed ; Mary Jane, the immediate subject of this sketch, who married Abel Walker; Sarah, who married John Smith and lives in Xenia, Ohio: Thomas, how deceased, who for years was a prominent resident of Washington C. H., Ohio: and Rebecca, who died unmarried.

Mary Jane Patterson spent her girlhood in Xenia, receiving ber early education in a select school. When she was ten years of age, her parents came to this county, locating at Wilmington, where she continued her education in the public schools. For several years she conducted a private school in Wilmington and during the Civil War period was the teacher of the school in district No. 11, in Union township.

On March 31, 1869, Mary Jane Patterson was united in marriage to Abel Walker. who was born near Wilmington. Obio, on July 28, 1819. the son of Azel and Hannah (Jackson) Walker, natives of Frederick county, Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Walker emi- grated to Ohio In 1803, first locating in Waynesville, where they remained until 1804 In which year they came to Clinton county, settling on a farm in Union township, on

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the Port William pike, two miles from Wilmington, where they bought a quarter section of land. Azel Walker's brother. Mordecal, and two sisters settled in the same neighbor- hood at the same time, the Walkers becoming reckoned as among the most substantial and Influential pioneers of that section of the county. They were Hicksite Friends and ever were found on the side of moral progress.

Azel and Hannah (Jackson) Walker were the parents of ten children, of whom Abel was the ninth born, the others being, in order of birth, William, Jackson, Loula, Joseph 8., Rachel, Ruth, Elijah, Elizabeth Ann and Samuel. Abel Walker received his early education in the little log school house near Wilmington and was reared to become a farmer. When a young man, he bought a small farm of fifty acres and to this he gradually added, as prosperity attended his efforts. until he became the owner of a con- siderable farm, being recognized as one of the most substantial farmers of that part of the county. Not only was he an enterprising and progressive farmer, but be took a warm interest in several other enterprises. He was one of the founders and owners of a private bank, which was later merged into the Clinton County National Bank of Wilming- ton. which he helped organize and of which he was a director, his stock in that old financial institution still being retained by his widow. Mr. Walker's death. on February 20, 1897, was widely mourned throughout the county, for he long had been regarded as one of its most able men. He was a man of stanch Integrity, sterling character ankl exemplary worth as a citizen; a true friend to his fellowmen, whose passing left a vacancy not only in his home, but in the hearts of many, which would not easily be filled. He was a member of the Hicksite Friends church. Mrs. Walker, her forefathers and her family were all life-long members of the Baptist church and in the building of their new church in Wilmington, she was one of the largest contributors and has always been an active worker in the church.

To Abel and Mary Jane (Patterson) Walker were born five children, namely : Han- nah Mary, who died at the age of seventeen years; Tacy Patterson, who married Dr. Austin Robinson, of Baltimore, Maryland : Sarah Hummer, who married Frank I .. Miller, of Wilmington, this county: Louise Denver, who remains with her mother, and Eliza- beth Jackson, who died in 1910.

Mrs. Walker, though now journeying toward the sunset of her useful life-for she has passed the traditional three-score-and-ten-mark-retains the livellest Interest in cur- rent affairs and still is busily engaged in promoting such measures for the general good as may conveniently be given her personal attention. She is honored and respected by all who know her and occupies a firm place in the regard of the entire community.

DANIEL A. J. ROBINSON.

Daniel A. J. Robinson, the subject of this sketch, who is now derensed. was one of the highly-respected citizens of Clinton county. He was a man of exceptional char- acter and sterling qualities, and is greatly mourned by a host of loyal friends.

Daniel A. J. Robinson was born in Susquehanna county, Pennsylvania. on Decem- her 22. 182s, and died in Clinton county on August 9. 1909. He was the son of John and Sarah ( Rider) Robinson, who came to Brown county, Ohlo, In 18333, and located on n farm in Perry township, and lived there until his death on October 27. 1558. His wife dled on September 24. 1.9. He was a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife were both members of the Baptist church. They were the parents of the following children : Elizabeth. Martha, Briant. James, Jobn. Joseph, Daniel A. J., who is the subject of this sketch. Sarah, Bley. Frances, Marcena and Levi Benjamin.

In 1456. Daniel A. J. Robinson, with his wife, went to Rochester. Illinois, and engaged in farming, which occupation he carried on until the Civil War broke out. On Angust 12. 1862. he enlisted in Company G. One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment. Ilinois Vol- unteer Infantry, in which he served with honor until the close of the war. After the war

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be returned to Clinton county, Oblo, where be remained until his death on August 9, 1909. He was first a member of the U'nited Brethren church, but he and his wife later became Baptists and remained so. Most of his life, after the war, was spent near Blanchester.

On November 1, 1855, Daniel A. J. Robinson was married to Catherine Adair, who was born in Highland county, Ohio, on November 19, 1833, a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Swadiy) Adair. Samuel Adair was a native of Virginia and was born on July 5, 1793, and his wife was born on April 2, 1800. She was a daughter of Nicholas Swadly, a pioneer of Highland county, Ohio. Samuel Adair was a son of Samuel Adair, who was born on March 12, 1754, and died on September 19, 1826, and whose wife, Sarah Adair, was born on July 17, 1770, and died on September 15, 1843. Their children were as follow : Hugh, Hannah, Samuel, James, Sarah, John, Andrew, Phebe, Isibel, Alex- ander, Joseph and Harvey. Samuel and Catherine (Swadly) Adair were the parents of the following children : Sarab, Samuel, Andrew, Phoebe, Nicholas, Mary, Harvey, Cath- erine, Joseph, Jane and Margaret.

To Daniel A. J. and Catherine (Adair) Robinson were born the following children : Emma, Harvey (deceased), Frances, Arthur, Joseph, Charles, William (deceased), and Edna. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson lived together to enjoy their golden wedding, and Mrs. Robinson is still living at the age of eighty-two. She is In possession of considerable property in Blanchester, and lives with her youngest child. Edna, who bas an excellent education and who for some years was a teacher In the public schools.

DARIU'S H. MOON.

Ohio has been particularly fortunate in the character of her citizenship. In every county, there have been conspicuous men who by force of personality have naturally risen to leadership in vocational and professional life. A business man of superior ability, a man of prominence in military affairs, and a citizen of integrity and honor, Darius H. Moon has made an Impression on the life of this state of which he is a distinguished son. Hle is a native of Martinsville, Clinton county, Ohio. having been born there on September 5, 1837, the son of Henry H. and Mary ( Paxton) Moon, the former of whom was born in Tennessee on July 14, 1508, and the latter of whom was born in Champaign county. Ohio, on February 27. 1816.

The paternal grandparents, William and Mary ( Hudson) Moon, traversed the wilder- ness on their way from Tennessee to their new home In this county during Its early days, and lived here the remainder of their lives. The maternal grandparents, Dr. Reuben and Mary ( Hoffman) Paxton, were natives of Virginia, but came from Champaign county. Ohio, to Greenfield, where after useful careers they died.

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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 72

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