USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, Ohio > Part 103
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and his wife were born nine children; two sons and seven daughters. The eldest, Mary A., became the wife of J. W. Perryman, and is now deceased. Our subject is the second in order of birth. Eli died of typhoid fever when about twenty-seven years of age. Hen- rietta is living in Xenia. Ann R. is deceased. Magdaline is also living in Xenia. Sarah E. became the wife of D. R. Sinnard, and died leaving two children-Marietta and Anna Jane. Eliza A. is the wife of J. A. Stillings, a resident of Xenia, by whom she has four living children. Nancy .\. is the wife of W. L. Fulkerson, a resident of Xenia township. and they have six children. Mr. Krepps, the father of our subject, was a life-long Democrat in his political views, and while he never sought office he was earnest and loyal in his support of the party. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and took a strong interest in its work and served as class leader and trustee. When about seventy-two years of age he was called to his final rest and his remains were in- terred in the Xenia cemetery by the side of his wife, who had passed away in 1856. Al- though he had received only a common school education he had become a well in- formed man, and was a valued citizen of his community.
Mr. Krepps, whose name introduces this record. spent his boyhood days under the parental roof. He received but a limited ed- ucation, his privileges being few in that re- spect, for at the early age of twelve years he began working in his father's blacksmith shop. He was then so small that he had to stand upon a three-inch platform in order that he might be tall enough to strike the anvil. But always being strong, at eighteen years of age he was able to do a man's work. He had determined to stay with his father
until he had attained his majority and had told his father of his resolution. The latter about that time had decided to abandon blacksmithing, however, and did so when our subject was twenty years of age. they then removing to a tract of rented land, and later the farm was purchased by Mr. Krepps. The son then continued with his father until he was twenty-five years of age, assisting in the work of field and meadow.
At that time Mr. Krepps was united in marriage to Miss Diana Moore, of Grant county, Indiana, who was born in Spring Valley, Ohio, and was a daughter of John and Lana (Quick) Moore. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Krepps have been born four children : Emma, who became the wife of David An- derson, and died leaving a daughter, Ber- tha ; Nancy Olive, the wife of L. J. Crumley, a resident farmer of Spring Valley town- ship. by whom she has one child. W. Albert ; Lana, the wife of L. L. Hickman, who re- sides upon a farm in Jay county, Indiana; and Diana C., who died in infancy. After the death of his first wife Mr. Krepps was again married, his second union being on the 31st of March, 1866, when Miss Har- riet A. Stillings became his wife. She was born and reared in Greene county and is a daughter of James and Lana ( Fisher ) Stil- lings. She pursued a common school educa- tion and remained at home until her mar- riage. She is now the mother of two chil- dren-Ada J., the wife of G. W. Fudge, who resides upon her father's farm, their chil- dren being three in number-Lela, Erma Mildred and Everet K. : and Marietta, who- married Joseph E. Lyle and also resides upon the old homestead. They have one child. Laurence Edgar.
After his marriage Mr. Krepps took his bride to his father's farm and there remained
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until about 1892, when he removed to his present place of residence in Xenia town- ship. Here he has about two hundred acres of land, upon which are good buildings, in fact. he has one of the model farms in this portion of the state, the place being connect- ed with the city by telephone, while all mod- ern cquipments and accessories are found in the home and in the fields, thus facilitating the labor of cultivating the soil. Mr. Krepps was in early life a Democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Pierce, in 1852, but in later life has become a Prohibitionist, having been identified with the latter party for the past twenty years. He and his wife have long been members of the Methodist Episco- pal church, his relations therewith continu- ing since he was fifteen years of age, while his wife became a member at the age of sev- enteen. She was first identified with the Methodist Protestant church, but after her marriage changed her membership to the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Krepps has served as class leader and Sunday-school superintendent and is now steward of the church at Richland. By his life he indi- cates his Christian faith and belief. At all times has he been deeply interested in every- thing pertaining to man and to the benefit of the race. As a citizen he is also inter- ested in all movements calculated to promote the general welfare. His upright career has won for him the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances.
HENRY S. BUCKLES.
Among the eminent men of Greene coun- ty whose life record forms an integral part of the history of this portion of the state,
was Henry S. Buckles. In his death the community lost one of its most prominent business men and loyal citizens. As the day with its morning of hope and promise, its noontide of activity, its evening of completed and successful effort ending in the grateful rest and quiet of the night, so was the life of this honored man. His career was a long. busy and useful one, marked by the utmost fidelity to duties of public and private life. His name is now interwoven with the annals of Greene county, with its past development and its stable progress, and his memory is cherished as that of one who has made the world better for his having lived. He was born in this county in the year 1815 and re- sided here continuously up to the time of his death, with the exception of the period of his residence in Urbana, Ohio, from 1848 to 1865, and his remains now rest in Wood- land cemetery.
Mr. Buckles was one of nine children born unto John and Elizabeth Buckles, both of whom were natives of Virginia. In the year 1804 they emigrated westward. taking up their abode in Greene county, Ohio, where they spent their remaining days. Henry S. Buckles was reared to manhood amid the scenes of pioneer life, for this por- tion of Ohio during the period of his youth was just emerging from frontier conditions. He bore all the hardships and trials which fell to the lot of the early settler and also enjoyed many pleasures which were common at that time but are unknown at the present day. He acquired his education in the early schools and became widely and favorably known throughout the county as a reliable and public-spirited man. He was also a suc- cessful mechanic who spent the greater part of his early life in the village of Bellbrook, after which eighteen years were passed in
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Champaign county, and on his return to this county he resided in Xenia. Throughout the years of his manhood he followed car- pentering and building and attained to pron- inence along this line, His excellent work- manship and fidelity to the terms of a con- tract won him a liberal patronage and he thus became interested in the erection of many of the finest structures of the county.
In the year 1837 Mr. Buckles was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Thomas, a daugh- ter of Archibald and Catherine Thomas. who were also natives of Greene county. Eight children were born of this union, but four of the number are now deceased, name- ly : James W., Mary E .. Archibald T. and Navinah P. Those who still survive are Eliza J., William M., Emma V. and Arthur S. Mr. Buckles was a man who enjoyed to a very high degree the confidence and re- spect of those with whom he was associated. His high moral and religious character was well worthy of emulation. He endorsed every movement and measure which he be- lieved would contribute to the general good and promote the development of his fellow- men. He was identified with the Independ- ent Order of Good Templars and with the Methodist Episcopal church of Xenia. He served as one of the class leaders of his church and in his life exemplified his Chris- tian faith. Although he never sought dis- tinction along political lines he yet won prominence through his business ability and through the possession of these sterling characteristics which in every land and in every clime command respect. He was also an honored pioneer who witnessed much of the growth and development of his county from primitive times to a period of modern improvement and progress. He left to his family the priceless heritage of an untar-
nished name and the memory of his upright life still exerts an influence over those who knew him well.
William M. Buckles, a son of Henry S. Buckles, is now a leading citizen of Zenia where he is occupying the important posi- tion of chief of the fire department. He was born in Champaign county, Ohio, on the 11th of March, 1850, and his education was received in the public schools there. For eighteen years he has been identified with the Xenia fire department, his connection dating from 1884. In April, 1898, he was elected its chief and has since served in that capac- ity. The department is well organized and is doing effective work under his supervi- sion.
On the 20th of October. 1869. Mr. Buck- les was united in marriage to Miss Isabella Knox. a daughter of Brice Knox, and unto them has been born one child. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Buckles is a very prominent Repub- lican, now serving as chairman of the Re- publican central committee of Greene coun- ty. He takes a very active interest in polit- ical affairs and his efforts in that direction have been effective in promoting his party's welfare. He has numerous friends, both in and out of the party because of his amiable disposition and genial manner. qualities which make him popular with all classes.
IDA C. WOOLSEY, M. D.
There is no field of intellectual activity into which woman has not made her way. demonstrating her ability to cope with man in the "learned professions." She has asked for no assistance because of her sex
IDA C. WOOLSEY, M D.
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ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
but has proven that the most strenuous de- mands made upon the representatives of the different callings she can meet. She has been particularly successful in the practice of medicine, her ready sympathy, delicacy of touch and quick insight, supplementing her intellectual strength in such a way as to render her services of great benefit in the medical profession. Dr. Woolsey of this review is the only lady physician in Greene county and the extent and importance of her patronage is an indication of the confidence reposed in her.
The Doctor resides with her sister Mar- tha and is highly esteemed in social as well as medical circles. She is one of the nine children born unto William M. and Hannah ( Hall) Woolsey, but only herself and sister are now living. Her paternal grandfather was Jeremiah Woolsey. Her maternal grandmother. Mrs. Elizabeth Hall, was one of the founders of the Cincinnati Orphan Asylum and was widely known for her be- nevolent and helpful spirit. The Doctor's father belonged to one of the most prom- inent families of Trenton, New Jersey, and there he spent his boyhood days, supple- menting a thorough classical education by the study of medicine. After receiving the diploma which entitled him to practice, he opened an office in New Jersey, where he remained for several years and then came to Hamilton, Ohio, where he conducted a drug store in connection with his medical practice. After a time he sold his store there but re-entered the drug trade in Cin- cinnati, where he was connected with mer- cantile pursuits until his death, which oc- curred in 1883. His wife survived him about four years.
Dr. Woolsey of this review was born in
Evansville, Indiana, in December, 1852, where she remained until her father em- barked in business in Cincinnati, when the family removed to that city. She acquired her preliminary education in the common schools and afterward took up the study of medicine, reading broadly and assimilating what she read. Afterward, in 1892, she was graduated in both the regular and homeopathic departments of the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, where she spent four years, making a specialty of the treat- ment of diseases of women and children. Immediately thereafter she began practice in Xenia, where she has since remained and she has the distinction of being the only lady physician in Greene county. She now has a large general practice as well as along the line of her specialty and is accorded a place in the foremost rank of the capable and successful physicians of the county. She keeps thoroughly informed concerning the latest theories and discoveries in con- nection with the profession and her efforts toward alleviating human suffering have been of marked benefit. She is identified with the Second Presbyterian church and her residence and office are located at No. IIS W. Main street.
JOHN KYNE.
John Kyne, a progressive farmer living on the Cincinnati pike where he has fifty acres of land, is one of the leading agricul- turists of this portion of the state. His land- ed possessions aggregate altogether about seven hundred acres lying in Spring Valley and Sugarcreek townships. Mr. Kyne is
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one of the worthy citizens that Ireland has that property. It was the first farm that he furnished to America. He was born in ever operated in Greene county and upon which he made his home for a number of years. His next investment brought to him one hundred and thirty acres and later he bought eighty acres and again one hundred acres in Sugarcreek township. In April, 1901, he again purchased the old home place which he had first owned and where he now resides. Owing to the ill health of his wife he removed to Spring Valley and there she (lied in January. 1898. her remains being in- County Galway, in September. 1824, his parents being John and Nora ( Flynn ) Kyne. The former died when our subject was a young lad and the mother died when he was about twenty-one years of age. Upon the home farm, John Kyne was reared while in the public schools near-by he acquired an ed- ucation, but believing that he might have better business opportunities in the new world, he sailed for America in November. 1848. in a vessel which weighed anchor in . terred in the Catholic cemetery in Nenia. Liverpool. In the following January he landed at New Orleans. The trip was a most stormy one and the vessel was driven out of its course as far as the West Indies.
Soon after reaching the Crescent City. Mr. Kyne made his way north to Ohio and for a time was employed in Clark county by the month. For five years he followed farm- ing in that way. during which time he gained some capital. He was married on the 4th of April. 1853. to Miss Elizabeth Byron, who was born in county Limerick, Ireland, and came to America with her brothers and sisters. She was a daughter of Anthony Byron. Soon after their marriage Mr. Kyne purchased five acres of land upon which his house now stands. At that time there was a log cabin upon the place which is yet a feature of the landscape. For sev- enteen years he resided here and during that time followed various occupations that would yield him an honest living. Saving his money he added a tract of sixteen acres to his original purchase. Finally he sold THOMAS KYNE. and bought one hundred and one acres near Paintersville, making his home thereon for Thomas Kyne is the owner of an excel- lent farm in Spring Valley township and monuments to his enterprise and capable four years. Hle afterward purchased one hundred and forty acres west of the village many of the improvements thereon are as of Spring Valley and is still the owner of
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kyne have been born six children, of whom four are still living : Thomas. William and Charles. all of whom are resident farmers of Spring Valley ; and Frank, who is married and resides with our subject. Mr. Kyne was reared in the Cath- olic faith and was confirmed in Ireland by Bishop Kale. In politics he is independent. voting for the men whom he thinks best qualified for office without regard to party ties. His life history proves most conclus- ively what excellent opportunities are afford- ed in the new world to young men of energy, strong purpose and resolute will. He came to this country empty handed and during his early years here his life was one of arduous toil. Economy and industry at length brought to him some capital and through judicious investments he has since added to his property until his landed interests are now very extensive and valuable.
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management. He was born near his present home, May 31, 1854, his parents being John and Elizabeth ( Byron) Kyne. He spent his early boyhood days upon the home farm near the village of Spring Valley and attended the school at Gladys. When about sixteen years of age his father removed to Need- more, on Caesars creek, where he purchased a farm, making it his home for four years, and during that time our subject attended school through the winter months. When about twenty-two years of age he began to earn his own living, working as a farm hand by the month for two years in Spring Valley township. Saving his money, he then pur- chased a team and rented land of his father in order that he might begin farming on his own account. For seventeen years he leased land and then with the capital which he had acquired through his own efforts, purchased one hundred and fourteen acres in Spring Valley township on Caesars creek in what is known as the McKnight settlement.
As a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Mr. Kyne chose Miss Mary Andrews, of Jamestown, near which place she was born. The wedding was celebrated in Xenia, October 12, 1881. The lady is a daughter of Patrick and Winifred ( Man- gan) Andrews. Her father died near James- town, September 23, 1889. at the age of sixty years, and his widow is still living in that neighborhood, at the age of sixty-five years. Both were natives of Ireland and the former had attained to man's estate when he came to America, while the latter was about twelve years of age when with her parents she crossed the Atlantic. Mrs. Kvne ac- quired a good common school education. By her marriage she became the mother of two children: John Francis, who was born in Spring Valley township, August 26,
1882; and Mary Pearl, born in the same township, December 13, 1886.
In the year 1896 Mr. Kyne became the owner of the farm upon which he now re- sides. He has ninety-one acres here and a tract of fifty-three and one-half acres in an- other farm which he and his brother pur- chased in 1900. He carries on general farm- ing and also makes a specialty of the raising of tobacco. His enterprise and industry are bringing to him creditable success.
Politically Mr. Kyne is a Democrat who has supported the party since casting his first vote for Tilden in 1886. He has served as a school director and is a warm friend of the cause of education. He has, however, never been an aspirant for political honors or offices, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business affairs. Both he and his wife belong to the Catholic church and were confirmed in the same class by Rev. Thomas Blake, Mr. Kyne being six- teen years of age and his wife fourteen. They are worthy people, enjoying the warm regard of many friends, and throughout the community are widely known.
HAL HUMSTON.
Hal Humston, a member of the firm of IIumston & Grottendick, of Xenia, proprie- tors of a livery stable here, was born in Greene county, Ohio, on the 22d of May, 1868. and is a son of Harvey and Ellen ( Powers) Humston, both of whom were na- tives of Ohio, the former born in Clinton county, the latter in this county. Through- out the greater part of his life the father followed the occupation of farming, but is now living retired in Xenia. He and his
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wife are well known people of the city and enjoy the high regard of many friends. They have two children, the younger being Jessie L .. the wife of E. A. Thomas, of the Beehive store of Xenia.
Mr. Humston, whose name introduces this review, attended school in Caesarscreek township and later was a student in Kenia College. Afterward he entered the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, and after completing his education embarked in the lumber business in Caesarscreek town- ship, where he conducted a sawmill for eight or nine years. On the expiration of that period he began training horses and break- ing colts, conducting a public training sta- tion, in which business he continued for a number of years. In fact he has been an .excellent trainer of horses from boyhood. and is a lover of fine stock. On the 9th of November. 1901, he entered into partner- ship with Mr. Grottendick and purchased the livery business of Frank Paukett, which they have successfully conducted, also having a sale stable and feed yard. They have a lib- eral patronage and their business is proving a profitable source of income.
On the 11th of February. 1892, Mr. Humston was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Semans, of Clinton county, Ohio, a daughter of Jacob Semans of the same coun- ty, who had formerly resided in Greene county. Mr. and Mrs. Humston have one child. Glenn, who was born August 9. 1893. and is now in school in Nenia. Socially he is identified with Nenia Lodge, No. 52. I. O. O. F., and with Shawnee Encampment, No. 20, of the same order, in both of which he has passed all of the chairs. He is a pro- gressive and enterprising young man who
has already won success in business and who will doubtless advance still further on the road to prosperity in the future.
HENRY C. BANKERD.
There is no resident of Greene county who is more widely or favorably known. who more greatly deserves the esteem of his fellowmen than does Henry C. Bankerd, an honored veteran of the Civil war who is now serving as superintendent of the coun- ty infirmary. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland. September 17. 1846. his parents being Peter and Hannah (Griner) Bank- erd. The father was born in Morgan coun- ty. West Virginia, in 1816, and his wife was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1818. Her father was a native of Germany, while his wife was born in Boston. Peter Bank- erd became a glass blower by trade and when our subject was still a young man the father removed with his family to Lenox. Massachusetts, where he continued to fol- low his chosen pursuit until 1863. That year witnessed his arrival in Greene county. Ohio, and he purchased a farm in Xenia township, near the city of Xenia, on which he took up his abode. In 1864. however, he returned to Lenox, where he worked for a year at his trade and in 1866 he removed to New Albany, Indiana, where he occupied the responsible position of manager of a large plate glass factory for a year. On the expiration of that period he returned to his farm in Nenia township, where he has since remained and he has now attained the very advanced age of eighty-five years. His wife is also living and is now eighty-three
3
H. C. BANKERD.
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years of age. Four of their children also survive: Margaret. the wife of D. S. Heath, a resident of Missouri; Henry C .. of this review: Mary, who married John C. Andrews and resides in Xenia; and Georgia, the wife of Joseph S. Wade, of Xenia township. The father of this family is a Methodist in religious faith and in his political views is a Republican.
Henry C. Bankerd accompanied his par- ents to Massachusetts and in that state he acquired a portion of his education, while for one year he was a student in the acad- emy at Claverick, New York. He remained in the Bay state until eighteen years of age and then came with his parents to Xenia township. Greene county, Ohio. He had previously learned the glass-cutter's trade in Massachusetts, but now a differ- ent line of work claimed his attention. He had hardly taken up his abode here when he joined the brave boys in blue that Ohio sent to defend the Union. In February. 1864, he enlisted as a private for one year's ser- vice in Company D, One Hundred and Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, go- ing with the command to Georgia. He as- sisted in garrisoning the towns that were captured during the Georgia campaign, and was mustered out of service at Nashville, Tennessee, in February, 1865.
Mr. Bankerd then returned to Xenia and went with his father to Massachusetts where he worked at the trade of glass-cut- ting until the removal of the family to New Albany, Indiana. He was also employed in a similar line of work in that place for a year, since which time he has made his home in Xenia township, Greene county, and for sometime was associated with agri- cultural interests.
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