USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, Ohio > Part 101
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On March 26, 1845, Mr. Leaman was united in marriage to Miss Joanna Gowdy Hivling. a daughter of his former partner. The lady was born July 22. 1815. and was one of a family of eleven daugh- ters and two sons. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Leaman have been born two children. Martha J. was married October 21. 1869. to Dr. Samuel M. Kelso, who was one of a family of twelve children born unto Benjamin Kelso, of Noblestown, Pennsyl- vania. Mr. and Mrs. Kelso had six children, three sons and three daughters, four of whom are still living. Sohpia was killed by the cars when twenty years oldl. after hav- ing graduated at the high school, and was one of Xenia's cultured young ladies, and Lytle died at the age of two years. Those living are Sara, wife of Rev. E. G. Bailey, of Belle Center. Ohio: J. Leaman, of Xenia ; Charles M .. of Dayton : and Joanna, at home. Dr. and Mrs. Kelso, together with their family, are members of the First United Presbyterian church. They reside with Mrs. Leaman, and the Doctor is one of Xenia's influential and leading citizens. In politics he is a Republican and stanchly advocates the principles of the party, but has never sought or desired office. Sally,
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the younger daughter of Mrs. Leaman, is now the wife of Rev. A. S. Zerbe, D. D., who is a professor in the Heidelberg Uni- versity of Tiffin, Ohio.
Mr. Leaman exercised his right of fran- chise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party and was a sup- porter of the Reformed church, with which his wife is identified. He was a director of the Woodland cemetery, and for forty-one years served as its treasurer. He also be- longed to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and largely assisted in the upbuild- ing of Xenia along many lines of develop- ment and substantial improvement. His co- operation was never sought in vain in sup- port of any movement or measure for the general good. For more than a half cen- tury he continued his residence in Xenia and belonged to that class of typical American citizens who, while advancing individual success, also contribute to the general prog- ress. His life record was characterized by many sterling qualities that constitute an upright manhood, and he thus enjoyed uni- form confidence and good will of those with whom he was associated. He passed away on the 16th of October. 1891. at the age of seventy-six years. His widow still sur- vives him and is yet living at their pleasant home. She is a well preserved lady for one of her years, for she has passed the eighty-seventh milestone on life's journey.
ALBERT ANKENEY.
Albert Ankeney is a well known factor in agricultural and church circles in Beaver- creek township and his influence in each is
marked and beneficial. He was born in Beavercreek township December 15, 1846. His father, Samuel Ankeney, was a native of Maryland, his birth having occurred near Hagerstown, his parents being David and Elizabeth Ankeney, both of whom were na- tives of Washington county, Maryland. where they were reared and married. In the year 1830 they emigrated westward, lo- cating near South Charleston. Ohio, and in August of that year the grandfather pur- chased a farm of about two hundred and ten acres near Alpha, which our subject now owns and on which he resides. When it came into his possession a log house con- stituted the only building, and almost the entire tract was covered with a dense growth of forest trees. David Ankeney was only permitted to enjoy his new home for a very short time, as he was called to his final rest on the 2d of November, 1830. He died in his chair while at the supper table, suffering from a paralytic stroke. He was then forty-two years of age and his wife passed away December 23. 1852, at the age of sixty-two years.
In their family were ten children, includ- ing Samuel Ankeney, who accompanied his parents to the west and was married in Greene county to Miss Margaret Gettard, whose birth occurred in Warren county, Ohio. They began their domestic life in a log cabin, but eventually built the brick house in which their son Horace is now living. Throughout his entire business career the father carried on ag- ricultural pursuits and his unflagging in- dustry and perseverance were the means of bringing to him creditable and desirable success. Both he and his wife were mem- bers of the Reformed church, took an active
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interest in its work and Mr. Ankeney served as an elder. His political views in early life were in accord with the principles of the Whig party and later he joined the ranks of the Republican party. His death oc- curred in 1867. when he was fifty-nine years of age, but his wife long survived him. pass- ing away in 1898. at the age of eighty-five. Both were buried in the Beaver cemetery. In their family were four children: Mrs. Joan Trebein : Elizabeth, the wife of Rev. W. G. Morehead. D. D., of Xenia : Albert. of this review; and llorace, who is a resi- dent of Greene county and is representing his district in the state legislature.
At the usual age .Albert Ankeney began his education, attending the district schools of the township, but later his preliminary mental training was supplemented by a course of study in the Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, where on the completion of a classical course he was graduated in 1868 with the degree of A. B. He then returned home and has since been a promi- nent and worthy representative of agricult- ural interests in this county. He follows general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of short horn cattle.
On the 5th of November, 1868, Mr. Ankeney was married to Miss Alice Stod- dard. a native of Butler county, Ohio, her parents being Professor O. N. and Eliza ( Wheeler ) Stoddard. Both are now de- ceased and were buried at Wooster, Ohio. The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with eight children, four sons and four daughters, but three of the number are now deceased. Those still liv- ing are Mary B., the wife of Dr. J. L. Phythian, of Newport, Kentucky: Horace Mclain, who married Myrtle Sayre, and
since her death has made his home with his parents : Helen, Josephine and Albert Stoddard, who are still under the parental roof.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Ankeney are mem- bers of the Reformed church and Mr. An- keney is serving as one of the elders in the congregation with which he is identified. He withholds his support from no move- ment or measure which is calculated to prove of general good along any lines of progress. He is a generous friend and warm advocate of those who are battling for the right and of principles and policies for the public good. He is recognized by those who know him as a man of most kindly heart, of sterling worth and honor, and pure and incorruptible in all his busi- ness and social relations.
WILSON COMPTON.
Wilson Compton is now a retired farmer residing in Spring Valley and well does he dleserve and merit the rest which he is en- joying. He was born about a mile and a quarter northeast of the village on the 7th of September. 1841, his parents being Henry and Catherine (Mock) Compton. The father was a native of North Carolina. and was seven years of age when he came to Greene county with his parents, Stephen and Dina ( Millhouse ) Compton. They journeyed there with wagons, crossing the mountains which at times were so high that though the sunshine was bright in the heavens they could sometimes see rain fall- ing below them because they were above the clouds, and they could also see the
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lightning and hear the thunder. The grand- father settled near where now stands the mill at New Burlington, and it was upon the farm there that Henry Compton grew to manhood. In his youth he obtained a good English education in the common schools and later followed farming. For his own convenience he also worked in both wood and iron, having much natural me- chanical ingenuity. He was twice married, his first union being with Mary Harner, by whom he had three children, all of whom reached mature years, were married and had families of their own, but Martin Comp- ton, of Earlham, Iowa, is the only one now living. By the second marriage there were four children, namely: Eber, who died in Spring Valley township: Amos M., who resides near the Richland church; and Cynthia, the widow of James Daugherty and a resident of Xenia. For some years after his marriage Henry Compton resided upon his father's land and then purchased one hundred acres, to which he afterward added until he owned more than two hun- dred acres in the homestead. He owned in all about four hundred and seventy-five acres in Greene county and six hundred acres in Fayette county, Ohio. His first tract was in the midst of the forest and was covered with a dense growth of trees, but he cleared and improved the land and trans- formed it into a good farm, thereon spend- ing his remaining days. He passed away in 1880. and the mother of our subject died about ten years later. His political sup- port was given to the Whig party, and upon its dissolution he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, but was never an office seeker, although ever a loyal and pro- gressive citizen. He was a birthright mem-
ber of the Society of Friends, and at one time his wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church.
Under the parental roof Wilson Comp- ton was reared to manhood and in the schools of the neighborhood acquired his education. He was married, January 10, 1867, to Miss Rachel A. Gaddis, who was born near Harveysburg, Clinton county, Ohio, her parents being Allen and Ann ( Mershon) Gaddis, the former a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and the lat- ter of Kentucky. With their respective par- ents they arrived in Ohio in childhood and were married in Kenton. They were both of the Baptist faith and enjoyed the high regard of all with whom they came in con- tact. Mrs. Compton was reared to woman- hood in Clinton county, and there acquired her education. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children. Rosa G., the elder. married F. B. Smith, of Spring Valley, and has one daughter, Rachel Smith, who was born in Spring Val- ley July 27, 1893. Birdie, the younger daughter, is still at home.
Mr. Compton inherited the old home- stead of two hundred and two acres and made that his home for some years. Many improvements he placed upon it, and his labors resulted in securing excellent har- vests. He also increased the boundaries of the farm by adding to it a tract of thirty- five acres. For many years he continued an active factor in agricultural circles, but is now living a retired life. In 1889 he pur- chased his present home, Oakhill, where he has made many improvements and has a very fine residence. Upon the place are two fish ponds, which he has stocked with fish, one with carp and the other with bass.
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In his political views Mr. Compton is a Re- publican and cast his first presidential vote for Lincoln in 1864. In 1800 he served as real estate appraiser in Spring Valley town- ship, but has never been an office seeker. His life has been characterized by principles of upright manhood, and throughout the county of his nativity he has a wide ac- quaintance and many warm friends, who esteem him highly for his genuine worth.
EBENEZER C. FLEMING.
If the history of this gentleman was to be read only by those personally acquainted with him it would be unnecessary to speak of his character, but in a volume which is to descend to future generations it is but just to give an account of not only his work, but of the salient features of an upright manhood. He made many friends by his straightforward conduct, his kindliness of heart and his interest in every good word and work, and it was for this reason that when the news of his death spread through Xenia it was met with expressions of re- gret from all with whom he had come in contact. To know Ebenezer C. Fleming was to honor and respect him. He had a very wide acquaintance, not only in Greene. but in adjoining counties as well, and was widely recognized as one of the leading merchants of this portion of Ohio. He achieved success in business, but his claim to respect is based upon the enduring qual- ities of character and the manner in which he adhered to an honorable career from the time of his settlement here until he was laid to rest.
Mr. Fleming passed away on the sixty- sixth anniversary of his birth. He first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 21st of February. 1836, in Westmoreland county. Pennsylvania. He was one of a family of six children, whose parents were Mr. and Mrs. Mathew Fleming. In his early youth he accompanied his mother and father to Carlisle. Ohio, where he acquired his early education, afterward supplemented by study in Lebanon, Ohio. When he had completed his education he engaged in teaching for a time. Three times he at- tempted to enter the Union army during the Civil war, but was rejected each time upon examination. His loyalty, however. was manifest. not only by these attempts to enlist. but also by every effort which he could make in behalf of the Union at home. In the fall of 1861 he engaged in the drug business at Franklin, and in the fall of 1863 he established a drug store in Xenia, where his active connection with mercantile inter- ests continued until 1902, covering a longer consecutive period than, that of any other merchant of the city. As a business man he was more than ordinarily successful, and left to his family a fine estate.
Mr. Fleming was twice married. He first wedded Miss Rachel Cory. the mar- riage being celebrated on the 16th of April. 1863. Unto them were born the following children: . M. C. Fleming, an attorney of New York: and Mrs. L. H. Brundage, of Xenia. In 1897 Mr. Fleming was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, and later he married Mrs. Georgia Bigger. This ceremony took place on the 7th of Decem- ber, 1901. The lady is the only living child of Amos B. Kingsbury, of Monmouth, Illi- nois. The family removed to the west from
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Vermont, and the father was a contractor and builder. He is now living with Mrs. Fleming, who is the only survivor of his six children.
Mr. Fleming was identified with the Presbyterian church and was widely known as a conscientious Christian man. During his business career in the city of Xenia his honesty was never questioned or his busi- ness methods called into account. He was a man universally respected and his death came as a shock to the entire community as well as to his beloved wife. He passed away on the 21st of February, 1902, and two days later the funeral services were held at the home of his son-in-law, Dr. L. H. Brundage. A large concourse of people in- dicated in what a high degree of respect he was held. He possessed in unusual meas- ure those traits of character which make one popular with both young and old. Ile was affable, generous and high minded, and no man could point to an unworthy act in his life. He was conscientious and his whole career was shaped by lofty principles.
DAVID ANKENEY.
David Ankeney, now deceased, was a self-made man, who through resolute pur- pose and untiring industry became the owner of a fine farm. He was born in this county upon the farm now owned by Albert Ankeney, near Alpha, Ohio, his natal day being June 8. 1831. His parents were David and Elizabeth Ankeney, both of whom were natives of Washington coun- ty, Maryland, where they were reared and married. In the year 1830 they emigrated westward, locating near South Charleston,
Ohio, and in August of that year the grand- father purchased a farm of about two hun- dred and ten acres near Alpha, upon which Albert Ankeney now resides, paying nine hundred and forty-six dollars and sixty-six cents for the property. Upon this place he and his wife spent their remaining days. When it came into his possession a small log house constituted the only building and al- most the entire tract was covered with a dense growth of forest trees. David An- keney was only permitted to enjoy his new home for a very short time, as he was called to his final rest on the 2d of No- vember, 1830. He died in his chair while at the supper table, suffering from a para- lytic stroke. He was then forty-two years of age. His wife passed away December 23, 1851, at the age of sixty-two years. In their family were ten children, including David Ankeney.
Our subject was educated in the com- mon schools of Beavercreek township and remained at home until his marriage, which was celebrated on the 22d of August, 1852, the lady of his choice being Elizabetlı Var- ner, a daughter of John Varner, a repre- sentative of an old pioneer family of this county, who came to this county irom Washington county, Maryland. Her par- ents died during her early girlhood. She was born and reared in this county and after her marriage accompanied her hus- band to the farm which is now occupied by Daniel Oberholser. There they lived for about twenty years. Mr. Ankeney pur- chased two hundred and ten acres of land. where his widow now resides, the greater part of which was then covered with a dense growth of forest trees, but in the course of time the monarch of the forest
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fell before his sturdy strokes and the land was cultivated and improved. He also added to his property from time to time un- til at his death his landed possessions com- prised about six hundred acres. Unto our subject and his wife were born two chil- dren. Alice Elizabeth became the wife of Lawrence F. Beck and lives with her moth- .er. She has two children, Franklin and Charles. Edward H., who makes his home west of .Alpha, where he carries on farm- ing, married Rosa Ashbaugh, and they have one child. Lena.
Mr. Ankeney died June 15, 1898, and was buried at Woodland cemetery. Xenia. He gave his political support to the Repub- lican party from the time that John C. Fre- mont was its first presidential candidate un- til his death. He took an active part in pub- lic affairs, served as trustee of his township. and also as the clerk of the school board. During the last few years of his life he lived retired in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He had started out in life on his own account as a poor man, but he be- came a well-to-do citizen, prospered in his undertakings, and gained an excellent com- petence and also an untarnished name. He left to his family a fine home and a well im- proved farm. He was honest and upright in all his dealings, reliable in all transac- tions, was faithful in friendship and a de- voted husband and father.
HARLEY W. OWENS, A. M.
The true measure of success is deter- mined by what one has accomplished and. as taken in contradistinction to the old ad- age, that "a prophet is not without honor.
save in his own country," there is partic- ular interest attaching to the career of the subject of this review. since he is a native son of the county where he has passed his entire life, and so directed his ability and energy as to gain recognition as one of the representative citizens of Xenia. He is ac- tively connected with lines of industrial ac- tivity, having important bearing upon the improvement and stable prosperity of the community. His popularity in business cir- cles is well deserved as in him are embraced never flags. He is also public-spirited and the characteristics of an unbending integ- rity, unabating energy . and industry that thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the moral. intellectual and mate- rial welfare of the city.
Mr. Owens was born March 1. 1858, in Xenia township, the home place bordering the Wilmington pike. He is a grandson of Thomas C. Owens, who bore a very prom- inent part in the pioneer work of this county, filling many public offices in a most creditable manner, and also conducting his private business affairs in a way that added to the general advancement and prosperity of this portion of the state. He came to Ohio from Virginia and located near Union church, in Greene county. For many years he filled the office of county surveyor and for a long time was county recorder and county auditor. The trust reposed in him was never betrayed in the slightest degree and he proved a most reliable public serv- ant. A devout and active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, he was en- gaged in local ministerial work, and did everything in his power to promote the cause of Christianity and secure its adop- tion in this locality. He was widely known throughout the county, with whose history
H. W. OWENS.
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he was so closely identified and well does he deserve mention among the honored pioneers.
His eldest son, Alfred H. Owens, was born May 31, 1835, in Greene county, near Xenia, and reared upon the old home farm. He continued to engage in agricultural pur- suits for a few years after attaining his ma- jority. He then began contracting and building, making his headquarters in Xenia, and for about twenty years continued his connection with mechanical work. He be- longed to the First Methodist Episcopal church of this city, and his character and ability were appreciated to such a degree by his fellow townsmen that they bestowed upon him various official positions in the township. He wedded Miss Mary J. Eichel- berger, who was born in Germantown, Ohio, January 10. 1839, the only daugh- ter of Henry and Sarah Eichelberger. This worthy couple became the parents of seven children : Harley W. of this review ; Charles S., born May 12, 1861; Thomas C., born July 24, 1864 ; Laura B., born February 27, 1867; Pearl E., born March 8, 1872; Ralph A., born August 4, 1876; and Maud E .. born June 16, 1879. The father continued business as a contractor and builder up to the time of his death and was very success- ful in his undertakings. For many years he was assistant county surveyor and was also road superintendent for many years. He passed away October 10, 1879, and his wife died on the 13th of March, 1883.
After acquiring his preliminary educa- tion in the schools of the neighborhood Har- ley W. Owens of this review continued his studies in Xenia College, in which he won the degree of Master of Arts, in 1876. After leaving the school room he engaged with his father in contracting and after his
death, in 1879, continued the business alone. He has greatly extended the field of his op- erations, and now does the largest business in contracting in the county. He has taken and executed contracts for many of the most important ,structures erected in the county in recent years, and fine buildings stand as monuments to his enterprise and thrift. He has shops and yards at No. 333 South Detroit street, where he makes a specialty of plans and specifications. He has erected numerous buildings in and around Xenia, and it was under his super- vision that the Allen block was built. His wood-working shop is splendidly equipped with the latest improved machinery for turn- ing out high-grade work and he employs fifteen men in the mill, turning out a busi- ness annually that amounts to fifty thousand dollars.
At the home of the bride, near Xenia, on the 16th of June, 1880. Mr. Owens was united in marriage to Miss Anna L. Saylor, a daughter of John S. and Isabella Saylor, who in early girlhood was brought to this place, where she grew to maturity, obtained an excellent education and has won many friends by her graces and virtues. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Owens have been born seven daughters and a son, as follows: Lorena May, born May 3. 1881 ; Lulu Jane, January 31, 1883 ; Ida Mabel, August 9, 1885 ; Hazel Kirke, November 11. 1887; Harold Mun- ger, November 19, 1890; Marguerite Al- len, February 23, 1894; Isabel Ruth, No- vember 23, 1896; and Janice Helen, March 12. 190I.
In 1901 Mr. Owens served as land ap- praiser of three of the city wards of Xenia, and in 1902 he was made the candidate of the Republican party, with which he has al- ways affiliated, for the office of director of
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the county infirmary. He thoroughly en- joys home life and takes great pleasure in the society of his family and friends. Ile is always courteous, kindly and affable and those who know him entertain for him high regard. A man of great natural ability, his success in business has been uniform and rapid. He has persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and has gained the most satisfactory reward.
ISMIMII MASON.
The pleasant home of Isaiah Mason is situated one mile southeast of Paintersville in Caesarsereck township, Greene county, Ohio. He is one of the native sons of this county, his birth having occurred July 7. 1856. His parents were Gideon and Han- nah ( Mullen) Mason. The father was born near Flushing, Belmont county, Ohio, and was a son of John and Mary ( Bivens) Mason. The Mason family is of Scotch- Trish extraction. The grandfather was a captain in the war of 1812. With his wife he removed from Winchester, Virginia, where they were married, to Belmont coun- ty, Ohio, where they resided until 1840. when they came to Caesarscreek township. Greene county. They were the parents of eight children : Owen and Stacey, both de- ceased: David, who lives in Warren coun- ty, Ohio, at the age of eighty years : Lydia. who became Mrs. Jacob Ellis, but is now deceased : Gideon, the father of our sub- ject, but who has passed away; Catherine. who married Elisha Beal: John B .; and Susan, who married Jacob Seamans and re- sides at Wilmington, Ohio. The father of
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