USA > Ohio > Fayette County > History of Fayette County, Ohio : her people, industries and institutions > Part 41
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72
433
FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO.
Joseph Y. Stitt, the popular pharmacist of Bloomingburg, Fayette county, Ohio, was born on June 8, 1860, on a farm near the town where he now resides. He is a son of John and Eliza ( Holland) Stitt, the former of whom was the son of Luke and Jane ( Young) Stitt. Luke was a native of the Emerald Isle, born in county Down. When quite a young man he emigrated to the United States in search of greater opportunities, and finally located in this state, being one of the first settlers in this section. He ob- tained government land, all of which was in a primitive state, and by his own unaided efforts reclaimed the broad and smiling acres from the grasp of the wilderness. This necessitated many years of hard work, with the limita- tions and privations of the early settlers, but he lived to see conditions greatly changed and his children enjoying opportunities undreamed of in his young manhood. His son John, who was the father of the immediate subject. was one of the first white children born within the bounds of this county.
The subject was one of a family of six children, being the fifth child in order of birth. Eleanor J., the oldest of the family, is dead, as is also John W., the fourth child. Jantes H. resides at Jamestown, this state, and Charles L., who married Hattie Van Pelt, now deceased. They have one child. Georgia. Hugh, the youngest of the family, makes his home in Elgin, Illi- nois. During his earlier years, the subject attended the school of Bloom- ingburg and, when older, went to Lebanon, Ohio, where he took the normal course of training. He labored earnestly to fit himself for the profession of teaching and succeeded well in his undertaking. For six years he was engaged in teaching and also operated a farm at the same time. However. he was not thoroughly satisfied with the life of an instructor of youth and began thinking seriously of entering the retail drug business. He secured a position in a drug store, and has been engaged in that line ever since.
In August, 1882, Mr. Stitt was united in holy matrimony with Mattie Morris, daughter of Robert and Ellen ( Miller) Morris, whose death oc- curred on May 14, 1906. Mrs. Stitt was a woman who had a great many warm friends who well knew her excellent qualities. She was a devoted wife and mother and a faithful member of the Presbyterian church. She was laid to rest in the Bloomingburg cemetery and the influence of her life still goes on through the lives of her husband and children. She was the mother of two children, Howard, a practicing physician located at Washing- ton C. H., whose wife is Margaret McClure, and Ursel G., who remains at home with the father. Mr. Stitt is an earnest member of the Presbyterian church and his fraternal affiliations are with the time-honored body of Free
436
FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO.
and Accepted Masons and the Knights of Pythias and in the work of these local organizations he takes a commendable interest.
Mr. Stitt's entire life has been passed in this locality, where he is known and respected by all, and since engaging in his present business he has enjoyed a liberal and constantly growing patronage. He carries a well selected stock with all accessories usually found in such a store and because of his correct business methods, uniform courtesy to his patrons and his evident desire to justify the confidence placed in him, he has long enjoyed his full share of the business in this line. He understands thoroughly every detail of his business and intelligently supplies the needs of his patrons. Mr. Stitt is accounted among the best citizens of this locality, being ever desirous of con- tributing his share toward the moral, social and material growth of the community.
FRANK DILL.
Though more than a decade of years has elapsed since Frank Dill was transferred from the life militant to the life triumphant, his personality is still fresh in the memory of his many friends who remain in Fayette county. where for so many years he was regarded as one of its leading citizens. Because of his many excellent personal qualities and the splendid and defi- nite influence which his life shed over the entire locality in which he lived so long and which he labored so earnestly to upbuild in any way in his power, it is particularly fitting that specific mention should be made of him in a work containing the biographies of the representative men of his county. A man of high moral character, unimpeachable integrity, persistent industry and excellent business judgment, he stood "four-square to every wind that blew," and throughout the locality where he lived he occupied an enviable position among his fellow men. A glance at the beautiful surroundings of his home is sufficient to convince anyone that the pride of his life and the desire of his heart was for his family. His home life was beautiful and he planned daily to make those dependent upon him comfortable and happy, and it can be truly said of Frank Dill that he loved his wife and children, and to him home was the dearest place on earth.
The late Frank Dill was born December 13. 1857, about three miles south of Bainbridge. Ross county, Ohio, and died at his beautiful home in Jefferson township. Fayette county, Ohio, September 22, 1902. He was the son of William and Mary ( Kelly) Dill, natives of Ross county, and the
-
437
FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO.
parents of eight children: Elisha, Maggie, Ella, Frank, Lewis, William, Robert and Edward. The father of William Dill was a native of Vir- ginia and an early settler in Ross county, this state.
Frank Dill received a good common school education in the schools of his native county, and later attended Salem Academy at Chillicothe, this state, where he completed his education. He then took charge of the home farm and a few years later came to Fayette county, where he purchased a farm in Jefferson township and started in to farm for himself. He proved to be a very successful farmer and year by year added to his land holdings until at the time of his death, in 1902, he was the possessor of five hundred acres of fine farming land in this county. He placed extensive improve- ments upon his farm and because of his home being surrounded by beau- tiful maple trees, he christened his homestead "Maple Hill." and by this name it is known throughout the county. He was one of the most extensive farmers and stock raisers of the county and marketed his stock by the car load every year. About two weeks before his death he went to Kentucky to buy cattle for his farm and while away from home became ill and yet con- tinued at work, hoping to wear off the effects of his illness, but was finally compelled to return home, when it was found that he was suffering from typhoid fever, and within ten days he was removed from the land of the liv- ing. He was a man of sterling business qualities and his business, next to his family, received untiring attention. He was honest in all of his dealings and in every transaction his word was never called into question at any time. While his material accumulations were considerable, yet his methods were always honorable and his integrity and uprightness were never questioned.
Mr. Dill was married December 19, 1888, to Letitia Hays, the daughter of Morgan and Eliza (Larrimer) Hays, and to this union were born four children : One who died at the age of ten months; Hays, who graduated in June, 1914, at the Ohio State University ; Claire, who died at the age of thirteen, and Dorothy, who is now twelve years of age. Hays is a finely educated young man and immediately after his graduation took charge of the home farm, in which he is showing marked skill in managing.
Fraternally, Mr. Dill was a member of the Knights of Pythias. His life was indeed a busy one, his private affairs and his home making heavy de- mands upon his time, yet he never allowed it to interfere with his Christian obligations or the faithful performance of his duties. Always calm and straightforward, never demonstrative, his life was a steady effort for the welfare of his fellow citizens. He had the greatest sympathy for his fellow
-
FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO.
438
men and was always ready to aid and encourage those who were struggling to aid themselves. When he believed he was on the right path, nothing could swerve him from it. His home life was a sacred trust and his friendships were inviolable. He commanded the respect of all classes by his exemplary life and his memory will long be revered by his many friends and acquaint- ances.
WILLIAM WALLACE JANES.
The biographies of the representative men of any county bring to light many treasures of mind, character and courage which may well arouse the pride of their families and of the communities where they lived. The late William Wallace Janes was distinctively one of the leading citizens of Fay- ette county. Ohio, and as such made his influence felt among his fellow men. A man of quiet and refined disposition, yet his very integrity and strength of character forced him to the front in such a way as to cause him to be recognized as a leader in the community and a man who always commanded the respect of his contemporaries. The good that a man like Mr. Janes can do in the course of an active life is incalculable and cannot be measured in metes and bounds. He lived an unselfish, helpful and altruistic life, and his fellow citizens were made better by having come into contact with him in his daily life.
The late William Wallace Janes was born May 8, 1850, in Jefferson township, this county, and died May 20, 1909, on the farm where he was born. He was the son of George and Elizabeth (Carr) Janes, his father having been born on the same farm. George Janes was the son of William Janes, a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, and was a prominent farmer of Jefferson township, and reared a family of children who were a credit to his good teachings, James, William Wallace, Catherine, Albert, Frank and Thaddeus.
William W. Janes attended the district schools of his immediate neigh- borhood and from his earliest boyhood days assisted his father on the home farm. He continues to live at home until his marriage, after which he began to farm a part of the old home farm. He prospered exceedingly and was enabled to augment his possessions from time to time until at the time of his death he was the owner of four hundred and twenty-five acres of fine land in Jefferson township. His farm was one of the best improved in the county, and was a tribute to his skill as a farmer and his good management as a business man.
439
FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO.
Mr. Janes was married January 16, 1884, to Emma Glaze, the daughter of Adam and Lucy ( Baughn) Glaze. Adam Glaze was born in Rocking- ham county, Virginia, and when a youth came to this county with his parents. George and Catherine (Turnipseed) Glaze. who brought their family from Virginia in 1815, and settled on Paint creek. To Adam Glaze and wife were born eight children, Mrs. Catherine Fultz, Mrs. Elizabeth Seymour, Mrs. Samantha Engle, Mrs. Drusilla Boyd, Mrs. Emma Janes, Mrs. Ella Squier and Chandler. Three of these children, Samantha, Drusilla and Ella, are deceased.
Mr. Janes and his wife reared a family of three children, Fred C., Thomas and Frank. Fred C. married Mary Allen and has three children, Marion, Ellen and Susan : Frank is a graduate of Ohio State University and is now engaged in the fruit business. The other son, Thomas, was a student in Ohio State University and is operating the home farm.
Politically, Mr. Janes was a life-long Republican and was frequently honored by his party by being elected to positions of trust and responsibility. He served as trustee of Jefferson township, and for many years was a mem- ber of the school board. serving as president of the board of education of Jefferson township. He was a man of high civic ideals and a warm sup- porter of all measures and enterprises tending to advance the general wel- fare of his community. Always calm and dignified, never demonstrative, his life was a persistent plea, more by precept and example than by written or spoken words, for the purity and grandeur of right principles and the beauty and elevation of wholesome character.
WILLIAM A. THARP.
The career of William A. Tharp extends over a period of half a century, practically all of which has been spent in Washington C. H., where his long residence and extensive business career have given him a wide acquaintance throughout the county. He is one of the substantial and enterprising busi- ness men of the city, who, from a small beginning, has built up a constantly enlarging trade. He is a fine example of a successful, self-made man, who is not only eminently deserving of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens, but also possesses those necessary qualities which fit him to dis- charge the duties of any responsibility with which he may be entrusted. He comes from an old and highly respected family and was reared under ex-
440
FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO.
cellent home influences, the result being that he is an ideal American citizen and stands for the best things in civilization.
William A. Tharp, of the firm of W. A. Tharp & Company, clothing merchants, was born in Wayne township, Fayette county, Ohio, July 13, 1864. His parents, William A. and Sarah Ellen (Davis) Tharp, were also natives of this county and reared a family of five children: William A .; Benjamin M., of Dayton, Ohio; Charles D., of Washington C. H .; Frank E., of Dayton, and Lizzie, the wife of Frank McCoy, of Akron, Ohio.
William A. Tharp, Sr., was reared in this county and spent his whole life within its limits. He was a stock buyer in Washington C. H. during his active life and handled thousands of head of cattle during his life time. His death occurred when about fifty years of age. His wife was about the same age at the time of her death. He was a member of the Episcopalian church, while his wife adhered to the Methodist faith. William A. Tharp,
Sr., was the son of Daniel and (Stoops) Tharp, natives of High- land county, this state, and early settlers in Fayette county. Later in life Daniel Tharp and his family returned to Highland county, where they lived to an advanced age. He was an extensive farmer and for many years man- aged a tavern at Samantha, Ohio. Daniel Tharp and wife reared a large family of children, William A., James, John, Eli, Mrs. Alva. Johnson and Mrs. Brown Moore. The father of the wife of William A. Tharp, Sr., was Jacob Davis, who, with his wife, were natives of Virginia and pioneer set- tlers in Wayne township, this county, where they spent the remainder of their days. Jacob Davis and wife had a family of five children. Nancy, Benjamin, Jacob. William and Sarah Ellen, the wife of William A. Tharp, Sr.
The education of William A. Tharp, Jr., was received in the schools of Washington C. H., and when sixteen years of age he began clerking in the clothing stores of this city. He was an efficient clerk and in this way ac- quired all of the details of the clothing business, so that when he embarked in the same line of activity for himself in 1898 he was capable of making his business successful from the beginning. He organized a company in 1898 under the firm name of W. A. Tharp & Company, and for the past six- teen years has conducted a successful clothing establishment in this city. He has a well appointed and up-to-date store and carries a large stock of the latest style clothing and wear for men and boys of all kinds.
Mr. Tharp was married August 2, 1885. to Minnie E. McKee, the daughter of John L. and Lena (Schumm) McKee, and to this union there have been born six children. Minetta L., Edwin M .. Robert B., Lora Ellen,
441
FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO.
Wilma Marie and Charlene. Edwin M., who married Irene Curtis, and has a daughter. Marjorie, is a newspaper reporter and editor of the Ohio State Journal, at Columbus; Minetta L. married Richard Ramsey and lives in Washington C. H., while the other children are still unmarried and living with their parents.
Mr. Tharp is independent in politics, preferring to cast his ballot for the best citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He and his wife are loyal members of the Episcopal church.
MAYNARD W. ECKLE.
Prominent as a successful farmer, public official and progressive citizen of Madison township. Fayette county, Ohio, is Maynard W. Eckle. He is a man of great energy and determination and has attained a definite degree of success along agricultural lines. As trustee of Madison township, he is giving his fellow citizens conscientious and efficient service and is attending closely to all of the details of this office. Mr. Eckle has an interesting side line from which he derives no small part of his annual income. For several years he has followed the auctioneering business throughout his county and neighboring counties, and has met with a marked measure of success along this particular line of activity.
Maynard W. Eckle, the son of William and Clara ( Holland) Eckle. was born in Marion township, this county, July 26, 1880. His father was a native of Highland county, this state, and was the son of Jacob and Ellen ( Hudwell) Eckle. He came to Fayette county when a young man. Jacob Eckle and wife always lived in Highland county, where they are now buried. William Eckle is a prominent retired farmer now living in Union township, this county, near Washington C. H. He and his wife reared a family of five children: Ernest, who married Mattie Stewart: Pearl, who married Margaret Fulton ; Ora, who married W. E. Gwinn, now deceased : Hazel, who is still living with her parents, and Maynard W., whose history is here presented.
Maynard W. Eckle was educated in the district schools of Union town- ship, and later attended school in Dayton, Ohio, where he completed his educational training. He married at the age of twenty, and at once began
442
FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO.
farming for himself on a farm of one hundred and forty acres six miles northwest of Bloomingburg. As a farmer he is one of the most progressive in the county and divides his attention between the raising of crops and the handling of live stock, with the result that he has the satisfaction of seeing his farm yield satisfactory returns each year. During the spring and fall he acts as auctioneer for farm and stock sales of all kinds throughout this and adjoining counties. He has met with a degree of success along this line, which indicates that he is a man of ability as an auctioneer.
Mr. Eckle was married July 12, 1900, to Ona Grimm, the daughter of James Madison and Alice ( Beal) Grimm. Her parents were killed in a rail- road accident January 28, 1913, at Haines' Crossing. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Eckle, Clarence, Opal, Louis and Leo.
Politically, Mr. Eckle is a stanch Republican and has always been inter- ested in local politics. At the present time he is the trustee of Madison township, as well as clerk of the White Oak school board, and in both capac- ities he renders efficient service to those he serves, and is well deserving of the high regard which is accorded him by his fellow citizens. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and he and his family are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Eckle is a young man of great promise and is a valuable asset to the community in which he lives. He lends his hearty influence to all worthy measures and thus is eminently de- serving of a place among the representative men of his township and county.
NATHAN C. WILCOX.
As long as history endures the American nation will acknowledge its indebtedness to the heroes of sixty-one, who fought for the preservation of the Union and the honor of that starry banner which has never been trailed in the dust. Among those whose military records as valiant soldiers during the War of the Rebellion reflect lasting honor upon them and their descendants is Nathan C. Wilcox, retired merchant of Jeffersonville, Ohio. All of his active life has been spent in mercantile pursuits and upon his re- tirement from active business cares, about ten years ago, he was regarded as one of the most substantial business men of his city.
Nathan C. Wilcox, the son of Dr. Joseph and Mary J. (McClanahan ) Wilcox, was born March 13, 1845, in Noble county, Ohio. His father was a native of Maryland and his mother of Ireland, being born in the northern
443
FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO.
part of the island near Londonderry. Doctor Wilcox and his wife were early settlers in Noble county, Ohio, and later moved into Vinton county, this state, where they lived the remainder of their lives. Doctor Wilcox was a prominent physician of Vinton county for many years, and retired about fifteen years before his death, which occurred at Allensville, Vinton county. Doctor Wilcox and wife were the parents of eight children, Jane. Robert S., Mrs. Mary L. Cooper, Mrs. Isabel Miller, Mrs. Anna Wilson. Nathan C., John W. and Mrs. Alice Paine.
Nathan C. Wilcox received his education in the common schools of Allensville, Vinton county. this state. His father had a general store in the town and from his boyhood Nathan clerked in his father's store. During the summer of 1864 he worked for three months as a teamster for the government. In August of that year he enlisted for the one-hundred-day service in Company C, One Hundred Seventy-eighth Regiment Ohio Volun- teer Infantry. He served until the end of the war and then returned to Vinton county and engaged in the mercantile business with his father. After his father's death he continued to manage the store in Allensville until he went to Marysville, Ohio, where he managed a store for four years, and in 1883 located in Jeffersonville, this county, where he engaged in business until 1904, when he retired from active life and is now living quietly in Jeffersonville surrounded by all the comforts and conveniences of modern life.
Mr. Wilcox was married in 1859 to Margaret E. Culy, the daughter of Dr. David and Elizabeth (Dean) Culy, of English descent and early settlers in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox reared a family of four children to lives of usefulness and honor, Charles R., Grace, George H. and Leo. Charles R. married Grace Mock, and has three children, Roy, Earl and Doris, and is living in Traverse City, Michigan; Grace is the wife of David S. Craig, of Washington C. H., and they have three children, Christina, Marvin and Margaret; George H. married Viola Schath: Leo married Amy Hindman. and they have a family of four children, Maurine, Margine, Hubert and Robert.
Mr. Wilcox has been a life-long Republican, but his mercantile interests have demanded so much of his time and attention that he never took an active part in political affairs. At present he is a member of the school board of Jeffersonville and deeply interested in the welfare of the school system of his town. Fraternally, he is a member of the time-honored order of Free and Accepted Masons and has attained to the degree of Knight Templar.
44+
FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO.
He is a member of the Grand Army post of Jeffersonville and takes an active interest in the annual meetings of the old veterans of the county. He is one of those men who has not only been successful in his own private affairs, but has, when called upon by his fellow citizens, been a prominent factor in contributing to the general welfare of the community in which he has resided for so many years.
WILLIAM S. HUCHISON.
One of the families of Fayette county whose history presents many fea- tures of unusual interest is the Huchison family. William S. Huchison, whose history is presented in this connection is one of the most substantial farmers of Union township. He is a man of progressive ideas and has attained a success which stamps him as a man of keen business ability and good management. While devoting himself primarily to his own interests. yet he has not neglected his larger duties to the community life and has so conducted his life as to be a type of the community in which he resides.
William S. Huchison, son of Richard and Zipporah ( Hanna ) Huch- ison, was born November 27, 1853, in Ross county, Ohio. Richard Huch- ison was born in Noble county, Ohio, and was the son of James and Jane (Wood) Huchison. Zipporah Hanna, the wife of Richard Huchison, was born March 10, 1832, and died December 4, 1905. She was the daughter of Matthew and Mary Ann ( Orr) Hanna, natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers in Harrison county, Ohio, where Zipporah was born. Matthew Hanna and wife reared a family of twelve children, Robert, Mrs. Jane Turner, Mrs. Zipporah Huchison, James, Mrs. Sarah Harley, William, Mary, Matthew, Odessa, Martha, John and Watson. All of these children are now deceased except Robert, William, Matthew and Watson.
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.