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 80

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 80

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

546

CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.

courageously opposed to the liquor traffic and the licensed saloon. He was a member of the Friends church, and fraternally, a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America.

DAVID LIEURANCE.

David Lieurance, a retired farmer of Martinsville, Oblo, was born two and one-half miles west of New Antioch in 1852, the son of William and Mary ( Hall) Lieurance, both of whom are natives of Clinton county. Mr. Lieurance's maternal grandfather. Tilman Hall, was an early settler near New Antioch, but later removed to the Hoosier state and died. William Lieurauce was educated in the ploneer schools of Clinton county, and was a farmer all his life. He died when his son. David, was only five years old. There were three sons and one daughter iu the family. The mother lived until David was about twenty-five years old.

David Lieurance was educated in the old Gregory school, and began work early in life, helping to support the family. He and his brother. A. Plerce Lieurance, purchased eighty-one acres together and for some time farmed that tract of land together. After David married, the land was divided. He added to his portion a little by purchase. and started life for himself with forty-seven arces. For about five years before he pur- ebased the land. he worked by the month for eight and one-half dollars a month, the first year, and a little more each year afterward. From the time of bis marriage until the time of his retirement to Martinsville in the fall of 1911, David Leurance was engaged in farming. He still owns a farm of one hundred and one and ninety-two one-hundredths acres in Clark township. He also has an excellent house and lot in Martinsville where be and his wife and daughter live.

In 1877 David Lieurance was married to Sydney E. Hunt, daughter of Jacob Hunt. an early settler of Clark township and a farmer by occupation, to which union one child has been born, a daughter, Laurena Maude, who lives at home with her parents. The Lieurances are members of the Friends church. Various members of the family have been prominent in the society of Friends for many years in the religious history of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Lieurance are highly-respected residents of Martinsville, and are well known in that vicinity.

FRED G. WILLIAMS. D. D. S.

Among the professional men of Wilmington, this county, few occupy a bigber position in society, or in the ranks of the professions with which they are connected than the gentleman whose name the reader notes above. Born in this county. Doctor Williams has spent the greater part of his life here and has attained high rank in the difficult pro- fession to which he has applied himself with such conscientious devotion. Of recent years there has been a wonderful advancement in the science of dental surgery, modern research having revealed many things to emphasize the importance of the proper preserva- tion of the teeth, in consequence of which the public has been giving a degree of attention to dentistry that a generation ago hardly would have been thought of. This bas meant the most studious attention on the part of the dental surgeons to keep pace with the rapid progress of modern science, and those who thus have kept pace have become the lenders of their profession in their several communities, Without any violation of the strict code of ethics binding the men connected with the healing and restorative pro- fessions, It very properly may he said in this connection that Doctor Williams is Included among those who have kept fully abreast of the wonderful advances recently made in his chosen calling and is thus counted among the leaders in his profession in this part of the state, his extensive practice being regarded as conclusive of this.

Fred G. Williams was born in Blanchester. in Marion township. Clinton county.

547

CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.

Ohio, on August 9, 1870, the only child and son of Judge Ambrose N. and Martha E. (Ball) Williams, the former of whom was born in Perry township, Brown county, Ohio, on October 13, 1842, and died at his home in Wilmington, this county, ou July 7. 1896, and the Intter of whom was born at Pomeroy, this state, on August 13, 1844, and is still living in Wilmington.

Ambrose N. Williams was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth ( Robinson ) Williams, both natives of Harper, Pennsylvania. Samuel Williams was a noted school teacher in his day. In 1837 he came to Obio, locating in Brown county, where, for seven years, he taught school with much success, his useful career being cut short by death in 1844. His widow married, secondly, John Frazee, who located in Blanchester, this county, where for many years he served as justice of the peace. Both John Frazee and his wife were Baptists and were influential citizens of the Blanchester neighborhood. It was there that Ambrose Williams was reared and received his early education, learning the painting trade In his youth. In 1861, when nineteen years of age, he enlisted in the Union army for service in the Civil War, serving as first sergeant of Company C, Seventy-ninth Regiment. Ohlo Volunteer Infantry, and was with the army until mastered out at the close of the war, seeing much active service. Sergeant Williams was with Sherman's army on the celebrated march to the sea and participated in many desperate engagements, his regiment having been in the very thick of some of the hardest-fought battles of the war.

At the close of the war, Sergt. Ambrose N. Williams returned to Blanchester. resuming the peaceful occupation of painting for a time, and in 1887 began the study of law in the office of Judge Doan. I'nder this admirable old preceptor he made such excellent progress that he presently was admitted to the bar and soon began to attract the attention of other and older lawyers. He rapidly acquired favor with the public and in 1884 was elected to the office of probate judge of Clinton county. a position which he held through successive re-elections to the time of his death, in 1806, and in which be performed a most admirable service to the people of this county.

It was some little time after returning from the war that Ambrose N. Williams was united in marriage with Martha E. Ball, who was the daughter of Thomas and Lydia ( Morris) Ball, natives of Pennsylvania, who, in 1839, enie to Ohio, locating in the town of Pomeroy, whence, after a few years, they moved to Warren county. this state, later coming to Clinton county, locating in Blanchester, where the rest of their lives were spent. Thomas Ball was a school teacher in his younger years, but later became a painter and was thus engaged during his long residence in Blanchester, where he became one of the best-known men in that neighborhood. He and his wife were devout members of the Friends church and exerted a wide influence for good in their community. They were the parents of five children, two sons and three daughters. Thomas Ball died at the age of sixty, his widow surviving him many years, she living to the ripe old age of eighty- three. Judge Williams was a member of the Baptist church and took much interest In the affairs of the congregation to which he was attached, having been for many years a trustee of the church. Upon his election to the office of probate judge. he moved to the county sent and the rest of his life was spent in Wilmington, he becoming a man of large influence there. His death, in 1996, was widely mourned, for he was a good man and had done well his part in life.

Fred G. Williams received his elementary education In the public schools of Blan- chester, completing his common school education in the Wilmington schools, after which he took a course in Wilmington College. Following this he entered upon the study of dental surgery in the office of Dr. W. R. Hale, at Wilmington, and after two years of close application there attended the Ohio Dental College for one year, at the end of which time he entered the Cincinnati Dental College, from which he was graduated in 1892. Upon receiving his diploma, Doctor Williams returned to Wilmington and in 1893

518

CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.

opened an office there for the practice of his chosen profession, remaining there until 1004, in which year he went to Jamestown, this state, where he practiced until the year 1910, returning in that year to Wilmington, where he ever since has been very successfully engaged in practice.

On October 6, 1897, Dr. Fred G. Williams was united in marriage to Genla Walker, who was born in Highland, Highland county, Ohlo, daughter of Bruce M. and Catherine ( Hickson ) Walker, both of whom are still living, Bruce M. Walker being the agent of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Lancaster, Ohio. To the union of Fred G. and Genia (Walker) Williams two children have been born, Kathryn, born on August 23. 1898, and Winifred, January 30, 1901.

Doctor and Mrs. Williams are members of the Baptist church and their children have been reared in that faith. Doctor Williams gives much and intelligent attention to Sunday school affairs and is secretary of the Baptist Sunday school. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and takes a prominent part in the local affairs of that popular organization. Doctor and Mrs. Williams are deeply concerned in the welfare of the community and are to be found among the foremost promoters of all movements designed to further the common good hereabout. A leader in his profession. publie spirited and enterprising, Doctor Williams occupies a position of importance in the community to which he has for years given his best endeavors and is held in the highest regard by all who know him.

CHARLES T. PAVEY.

The name heading this sketch belongs to a gentleman who sprang from good old pioneer stock, and who has always displayed the same degree of energy that has ever been a prominent characteristic of bis ancestors. He takes a great interest in the study of agriculture, and is also especially interested In stock-raising. At one time he made a specialty of saddle horses, but this branch of his vocation has been discontinued, no doubt due to the advent of the automobile. It is a wise man who knows when to cease following a trail when it begins to lend him from the main road to success, and it behooves each and every one of us to be on the lookout for for these false trails, which can only end in failure.

Charles T. Pavey, general farmer and stockman, Richland township, Clinton county, Ohio, was born on November 21, 1853, in Fayette county, Ohio. He is a son of William Pavey and Jirdena (Johnson) Kirby-Pavey. His early education was received at the public schools, and as a young man, he purchased, on March 10, 1873, his present farm of eighty-eight acres in Richland township, and started on his career as a farmer, dividing his time and attention between general farming and stock- raising. His investment in saddle horses proved a losing business, and he abandoned it for something more to his profit and benetit. He has lived on his present place ever since he bought it, except three years, which he spent at Sabina.

William Pavey, father of our subject, was born in Highland county, Oblo. He . was married twice, first to Ann Johnson, and the second time to Jirdena (Johnson) Kirby, widow of William Kirby. His early life was spent in a log cabin In High- land county, and from this place he went to Fayette, where he was married. He was a man of grent energy and preserverance, kind-hearted and accommodating to his neighbors, even to his own disadvantage, as he met reverses twice because of going security for a friend. Still, by his great strength of willpower and determination, he was again well established in this world's goods at the time of his death. He was a member of the Methodist church. To Mr. Pavey and his first wife, Ann John- son, were born the following children : Isaac, William, Mary, George, John, Sophia. Henry, James E., and Eliza. After the death of his first wife, he was again married,

MR. AND MRS. CHARLES T. PAVEY.

Digitized by Google

549

CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.

to Mrs. Jirdena Kirby, by whom he had the following children : Charles T., our subject, Thomas A., Kitturah, Gilbert A. Mr. Pavey died in June, 1862. Mrs. Jirdena Kirby had three children by her first husband, who was a Civil War soldier, and died in the army. Their children were: Mary Ann, Eliza Jane and Milton.

The paternal grandfather was Isaac Pavey, a native of the state of Delaware, moving at an early date to Kentucky, thence he made an effort to locate in Ohio, but the Indians proved so troublesome that he returned to Kentucky, remaining there three years longer, when he brought his family and settled in Highland county, where he spent the last years of his life. His death was caused by being thrown from a borse. He was one of the true old pioneers, and fought the hardships bravely.

Charles T. Pavey was united in marriage to Catherine Lappe, in December, 1872. She was born in Germany, in June, 1854, and was a daughter of Louis and Catherine (Cook) Lappe. They have had one child, Leonard M., who died at the age of twenty- one. The wife and mother died on January 22, 1011.

CHARLES ALLEN RANNELLS.

Among the men who have played a large part in the development of the varied interests of the city of Wilmington, this county, few are better known than the gentleman whose name beads this interesting biographical review. Born in this county, Mr. Rannells bas been a witness of all the marvelous advances which have been made along the way during the past half century and has been a no small contributing factor in the various movements which have promoted such advances. Laying the groundwork of his successful career by acquiring a liberal education in his youth, Mr. Rannells for a time served most acceptably as a teacher in the Wilmington public schools and in 1882 entered upon his business career, serving for a time as a clerk in the clothing store of his brother, in Wilmington, later buying a half interest in this store, the firm being continued as a partnership for some years, after which he purchased his brother's interest and until 1911 conducted the business alone. Upon selling his store in that year, Mr. Rannells retired from business and since that time has been living very comfortably and happily in his fine home in Wilmington, enjoying fully the ample rewards of his active life of useful and painstaking endeavor.

Charles Allen Rannells was born on a farm in Union township, Clinton county, Ohio, on August 17, 1859, son of Thomas G. and Massle ( Wiley) Ranuells, the former of whom was born In Washington county. Pennsylvania, in 1810, and died at his home in this county in 1884, and the latter of whom was born near Barnesville, Ohio, in 1820. and died in 1892.

Thomas G. Rannells, who was the son of Willlam and Leah Rannells, Pennsylvanians, of Scottish descent, was four years of age when his parents emigrated to Ohio in 1814. They settled in this county, entering a tract of land from the government, covering about one hundred and twenty-five acres, two and one-half miles northeast of the present city of Wilmington, the present county seat town at that time consisting of but one dwelling house and a blacksmith shop. William Rannells became one of the leaders in the pioneer community and exerted a wholesome influence during the formative period of that now rich and prosperous section. He and his wife were members of the Christian church and were among the most active workers in that communion, the power of their influence ever being thrown on the side of all good works thereabout. Both lived to good old ages and their memorles are cherished among all persons of pioneer descent in that community.

Thomas G. Ruunells was reared on the paternal farm, growing up amid pioneer conditions that would seem harshly beset by hardships to young people of the present generation, and upon reaching his majority bought a small farm of his own, this original purchase consisting of sixty neres near the old homestead at "Deserted Camp" corners.

550

CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.

To this purchase he gradually added, as prosperity attended his efforts, until presently he was the owner of two hundred and forty-eight acres and was accounted one of the substantial citizens of the county. Mr. Rannells was a Republican and took an active part in local politics, constantly exerting his strong personal influence in behalf of public improvements and the general uplift of the community, his efforts in connection with the elevation of educational standards thereabouts being especially well remembered. Good roads was one of the phases of early public improvement that he worked for most sedulously, and it is recalled that it was he who was mainly instrumental in securing the first "pike" roads through that part of the county. His wife, who was Massle Wiley, whose parents, natives of eastern Ohio, earnest Quaker folk, came to Clinton county at an early day in the settlement of the same, was an ever-present helpmeet, aiding bis efforts in every good way and was a woman of large and beneficent influence in her day. Both were active workers in the Christian church and their children were reared con- scientiously in the faith of that communion. Thomas G. Rannelis was one of the best farmers in his neighborhood and did very much to bring about improved conditions in farming in his section of the county. He made a specialty of raising a fine grade of hogs. and found this phase of farming quite profitable, his example in this respect being followed with profit by many of his neighbors.

To Thomas G. and Massle ( Wiley) Rannells were born seven children, namely : William Harvey, a well-known retired merchant, of Wilmington, this county ; Mrs. Sarah Hildebrant, now deceased ; Mary E., residing in Wilmington; Leah L., also of Wilming- ton ; John L., who now owns and makes his home on the old homestead in Union town- ship; Charles A., the Immediate subject of this sketch ; and Etta, who lives in Wilmington.

Charles A. Rannells was reared on the home farm, attending in his borhood what was known as the "Dutch" district school In that neighborhood. He then attended the Wilmington high school and was graduated from the same in 1880, following which he took a course at Butler University at Indianapolis. Upon completing this course he was offered and accepted a position as teacher in the Wilmington grammar school. He retained this position for but one year. the promise of a commercial career appealing to him with force, and he entered the clothing store of Rannells & Dunham, the senior member of this firm being his brother, William H., who presently purchased his partner's interest in the store and was the sole owner, his brother retaining his position as clerk until 1889, in which year he bought a half interest in the store. Rannells Brothers con- tinved this arrangement until 1804. Charles A., in that year. buying his brother's interest, the latter retiring from business. From that time until In September. 1911. Charles A. Rannells conducted the popular clothing store alone and was very successful in his business operations. In the year last named he sold the store to the present owners, Champlain & Mitchell, and retired from the cares of an active business life. He oversees his fine farm of one hundred and thirty-eight acres on the outskirts of Wilmington.

On September 6. 1852, Charles A. Rannells was united in marriage to C'lora Kirk, who was born in Wilmington, this county, daughter of the late John M. Kirk, a former prominent attorney of Wilmington, and his wife, Emily Kirk, and to this union three children have been born. Edith, Sarah Wiley and Mary Emilie. Edith Rannells mar- ried Robert L. Lewis, a brick manufacturer. of Athens, Ohlo, and has two children. Allen Rannells and Robert Ellis. Sarah Wiley Rannells married Rendal H. Terrell. a well-known young farmer of this county, and has two children, Charles David and Rendal Rannells. Mary Emilie Rannells is a student in the Wilmington high school.

Mr. and Mrs. Rannells are members of the Walnut Street Christian church at Wilmington. Mr. Rannells serving the congregation of that church In the capacity of a deacon. He is a Republican and for years has taken a prominent part in the delibera- tions of the party managers in this county. For some time he served on the city school board and has also given the public excellent service as a member of the city council.

551

CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.

Mr. Rannells is a prominent Mason, his blue lodge being No. 52, chapter No. 63, council at Xenia, and commandery No. 37; and he is a past master, past high priest and past commander.

Though retired from business life, Mr. Rannells continues to take a warm interest in public affairs and no man in the county is more deeply concerned in civic advance- ment than he. Ills long connection with the commercial circles at the county seat gives force to his judgments on local matters and bis associates hold him in the highest con- fidence and regard.

CALEB B. CLELAND.

Caleb B. Cleland, who is descended from distinguished American families on both the paternal and maternal sides of his family and who himself is a prosperous farmer of Clark township, this county, where he owns a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres, was born on January 5, 1849, near Blanchester, this county, the son of James and Phoebe (Brown) Cleland, the former of whom was born near Weston, in Harrison county, West Virginia, on December 2, 1802, and the latter of whom was born at Plattsburg. New York, on July 5. 1869. They were married on September 16. 1827, and lived together for fifty-six years before death broke their union.

James Cleland was the son of Larkin and Sarah (Philips) Cleland, the former born on August 23. 1778, and the latter on June 6, 1778. Larkin Cleland was a native probably of Harrison county, West Virginia. He purchased a military claim in West Virginia, but an older claimant appeared and Larkin was compelled to pay off the claim. Subsequently. another claimant appeared, and still another, after which he abandoned the claim and emigrated to the Hoosier state, settling near Sulphur Springs, in Henry county, where for many years he was engaged in farming, and where he and his wife died. They were the parents of ten children, of whom James, father of Caleb B., was the eldest. Eunice was born on June 11. 1804; Susanah. August 15. 1806: Ann, February 14, 1808: Sarah. January 27, 1810; Mary. July 22, 1812; John. the twin brother of Mary, July 22. 1812; Barbara. November 15, 1815; Maria Ann, September 20, 1818. and Larkin P., Septem- ber 11. 1820.

The paternal grandparents of Caleb B. Cleland were Caleb and Mary. (Adams) Brown, the former of whom was born on October 23. 1784. very probably near Plattsburg. New York. He was a manufacturer of nails In New York state when nails were still headed by hand. He remained In New York state until about 1821, when he removed to Warren county, Ohio, and there engaged in farming. near Goshen. until his death. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. His wife was born near Plattsburg. New York, on April 17. 1788. They were married March 26, 1807, and had ten children. all now deceased, of whom Phoebe, the mother of Caleb B. Cleland, was the eldest. Elizabeth was born on April 28. 1811; Katherine, March 30. 1813; Melissa, April 8. 1815; Caroline, February 16, 1816: Sarah Ann, October 4, 1818; Jane. September 22. 1820; Mordecai, April 27. 1822; Henry, November 13, 1824, and Martin, December 7, 1826.

The late James Cleland received a limited education in the crude pioneer schools of the Old Dominion state, attending school in a log school house, which had a fire pince at one end. He did not accompany his parents to Indiana, but emigrated to Warren county, Ohio, before his parents removed to Indiana. He was married in Warren county and purchased a farm three miles east of Blanchester, in Clinton county, about 1835. He first purchased one hundred acres of land, and gradually added to his original holdings until he owned one hundred and fifty acres, which he cleared and Improved and on which he lived for nearly fifty years. He made a considerable deposit of money which he applied on the purchase of his land by working In the neighboring grist-mill. In 1878 he retired to Martinsville, where he and his wife died. They were the parents of eight children, of whom Caleb B., the subject of this sketch, was the youngest. The

552

CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO.

others were Sarah, born on August 24, 1828; Mary, May 31, 1830; Larkin. December 19, 1832; Eliza Jane, October 2, 1834; Martha E., April 30, 1840; John H., January 23, 1844, and Susan, February 13, 1847. Of this family Caleb B. Cleland is the only living member. Mr. Cleland's mother was the daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Green) Brown, the former born on June 3, 1750, and the latter on August 7, 1761. They were married on August 28, 1781, and were the parents of ten children.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 80

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