History of Greene County, Ohio, Part 104

Author: Robinson, George F., 1838-1901
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 934

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In his political views Mr. Bankerd al- ways was a Republican and has been hon- ored with several local offices, the gift of his fellow townsmen, who recognized his worth and ability. For several terms he was supervisor and in 1896 he was appointed superintendent of the county infirmary by the infirmary board. During his incum- bency he has made many improvements. The main building is a large three-story brick structure with basement. It was be- gun and 1865 and completed in 1867. The. farm comprises one hundred and four acres and under the supervision of Mr. Bankerd has been placed in excellent condition. Everything about the farm in its neat and thrifty appearance indicates his careful management and sound judgment, and he has given excellent satisfaction to all con- cerned by his capable control of the in- firmary. Prior to being appointed to the- infirmary Mr. Bankerd had managed his father's farm, the senior Mr. Bankerd hav- ing practically retired from active labor.

Mr. Bankerd was married in 1867 to Miss Catherine Manor, a daughter of John W. and Catherine Manor. Her father is now deceased but her mother is living in Xenia. Five children have been born of this union, Rosa, who died at the age of eleven years: Esther. the wife of Parker J. Wilson, a resident of Xenia, by whom she has two children, Raymond and Frederick M .: Mary, who resides with her father ; Peter, who resides on the farin which once belonged to his grandfather, and who mar -- ried Belle McCarthy, by whom he has one child, Virginia C .; and Myrtle, the wife of Charles Faulkner, of Columbus, Ohio, and the mother of one daughter, Helen. The parents hold membership in the Ger-

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inan Reformed church and Mr. Bankerd takes an active and helpful interest in fra- ternal organizations, belonging to Lewis Post. No. 347. G. A. R., and to both the subordinate lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has filled all of the offices in these three or- ganizations and enjoys in high measure the regard of his brethren of the fraternities. Patriotism has ever been numbered among his salient characteristics. It was manifest upon the field of battle and has been dis- played by his faithful performance of pub- lic duty in civil life. He is a man of broad sympathies, of excellent executive and busi- ness ability and his worth is widely ac- knowledged throughout the county in which he is long made his home.

ADAM GERLAUGH.

One of the most highly respected citizens that has ever been connected with the agri- cultural interests of Greene county was Adam Gerlaugh, who, from pioneer times down through the greater part of the nine- teenth century, was numbered among the valued residents of his community. He was identified with agricultural pursuits and his life was so honorable and upright that his name is a synonym for integrity.

He was born in Beavercreek township upon the farm now owned by his brother. Arthur Gerlaugh, the date of his birth being August 6. 1814. His parents were Adam and Catherine ( Haynes) Gerlangh. The former was born in Washington coun- ty, Maryland, in 1786, and the latter, a native of the same county, was born a few days later. In 1807 Adam Ger-

laugh lecame a resident of Ohio, ac- companying his father, who also bore the name of Adam, to Beavercreek township, Greene county, settling upon the farm which is now the home of our subject. The fam- ily sent their goods down the Ohio river, while they traveled overland by wagons and teams, eight weeks being consumed in mak- ing the trip which led through the forests and over poor roads, which were often scarcely more than a trail. Some time prior to the arrival of the family, the grandfather, accompanied by Mr. Haynes, made a trip to Ohio. looking over the land, and after mak- ing purchases they returned to Maryland. The latter never afterward came to Ohio, but his family later removed to this state and occupied the land which he had pur- chased. Adam Gerlaugh, the grandfather, had become the owner of three-quarters of a section, securing a quarter section for each of his children. Upon the place he erected a log cabin and the family began their life in Ohio in that primitive dwelling. With char- acteristic energy he took to work, clearing the farm and developing the fields. The land was covered by a dense growth of tim- ber. Soon the woodman's ax awakened the echoes of the forest and in course of time the sunlight fell upon the plowed fields and the ripened grain which had there been planted by pioneer hands. Adam Gerlaugh bore an active part in the work of primitive development and progress and aided in lay- ing the foundation for the present advanced condition of Greene county, enabling it to take an important position in this great com- monwealth. lle died between 1820 and 1825, when about seventy years of age.

.Adam Gerlaugh, the father of our sub- ject, became familiar with pioneer experi- ences for his youth was largely passed in Greene county before the work of progress

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and civilization had made great changes. He married Catherine Haynes in the winter of 1807-8. She had come with her brother and his family to the county in 1807, making the trip on horseback from Maryland. They set- tled upon the land which had been purchased by her father sometime before when he had come to Ohio with the grandfather of our subject. Mrs. Gerlaugh was born April 22, 1788, and her death occurred on the 19th of April, 1852. She and her husband had lived together as man and wife for forty years until death separated them, their mutual love and confidence increasing as the years passed by. Mr. Gerlaugh belonged to the German Reformed church, while his wife held membership in the Lutheran church. Several years after her death lie went to Minnesota to visit a son and while on the return trip was taken ill in Warren county, Illinois, and there died in the home of an- other son, in 1856, when seventy years of age. This worthy couple were the parents of ten children, eight sons and two daugh- ters : David, now deceased, is mentioned on another page of this volume. Jacob has also passed away and his history forms a part of this work. Otho and Adam have departed this life. Robert lives in Warren county, Illinois. Arthur is a farmer of Beavercreek township, whose name appears on another page of this volume. Jonathan is deceased. Frances is the wife of Benjamin Clark, a resident of Montgomery county, Ohio. Henry is deceased. Mary Jane, now Mrs. Hawker, resides in Dayton, Ohio.

Adam Gerlaugh pursued his education in the early schools of his district and worked upon his father's farm, devoting his time be- tween the duties of the schoolroom and the labors of the field, also enjoying the pleas- ures that the playground afforded. On the

25th of January, 1848, he was united in marriage to Eliza Dutoid, who was born in Indiana, a daughter of Eugene and Lydia (De Fray) Dutoid, both of whom were na- tives of Switzerland. In order to give their children better educational advantages they removed to Dayton and the father purchased a farm in what is now called East Dayton, between Third and Fifth streets. He made it his place of residence until his death which occurred about 1868. when he was seventy- six years of age. His wife survived him about eleven years, passing away at a very advanced age at her home in Shakerstown, Ohio. Both were interred in Woodland cemetery.

After his marriage, Mr. Gerlaugh of this review, rented a farm from Mr. Harshman and continued its cultivation until 1857. He had inherited a part of the old homestead and from the other heirs he purchased their interests and made his home upon that place throughout his remaining days. The barn there was built by his father, but the present fine residence which stands upon the place has been erected by Mrs. Gerlaugh, since her husband's death. Six children were born unto our subject and his wife. Lydia be- came the wife of George Buvinger, a resi- dent of Dayton, and their children are: Perry. Ruth, Edith, John, Lydia, and Aaron. Catherine is the deceased wife of Horton Tippy, a resident of Fairfield, Ohio, and their children were: Everett, Pearl and Ralph. Eugene, who is living in Montgom- ery county. Ohio, married Elizabeth Tippy, and they have four children-Laura, Lucy. Adam and Daniel. Charles is a resident of Clark county, Ohio. Charlotte is the wife of William H. Lenz, who is operating the home place for her mother. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, March 13, 1852, and is a

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ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

son of William and Elizabeth ( Kline) Lenz. in this volume in connection with the life both of whom were natives of Germany, and history of her honored husband. Adam Ger- laugh. died in Dayton. Unto William H. Lenz and his wife have been born three children : Ber- tha, the wife of Andrew O'Hara, of Alpha. Ohio, by whom she has two children. Lenz WILLIAM DODDS. and Mosco; Elizabeth, the wife of Rush Huston, a resident of Sugarcreek township; and May Flora, at home. Phoebe Ellen, the youngest of the family, is the wife of John J. Reeder, a resident of Dayton, and their chil- dren are Fred Wells and Robert.

Mr. Gerlaugh was a Republican in his political views, and he served as trustee for a number of years. He regarded a public office as a public trust and was therefore ever loyal and faithful to his duty. Ile owned and operated one hundred and sixty acres of good land, carrying on general farming and stock-raising and by the care- ful control of his business affairs he won creditable success, becoming a well-to-do cit- izen. He passed away in May, 1883. and was laid to rest in Mount Zion cemetery. Throughout the community his loss was widely and deeply mourned for he had many friends. He was a loyal and progressive citizen and a devoted husband and father, and although he never sought public honors or notoriety he yet won that unqualified re- gard which is freely accorded to sterling worth in every land and clime. Mrs. Ger- laugh still resides upon the old home place. and in 1887 she erected a fine farm residence there. She is a member of the German Re- formed church and is a most estimable lady. enjoying in a high degree the esteem and confidence of those with whom she is asso- ciated. So long has she resided in this coun- ty that she is known either personally or in- directly to most of the citizens of this sec- tion and well does she deserve representation

Greene county is fortunate in having a good class of men in her offices, men who have a deep interest in the county and its welfare, and who do not sacrifice the pub- lic good to seli-aggrandizement. Among this number is William Dodds, who is auditor-elect and who has filled other posi- tion in a creditable and able manner. Mr. Dodds is a native of Scotland, his birth having occurred in that country on the 6th of June, 1850. He is the youngest of the six children who were born unto George and Isabel ( Taylor) Dodds, also natives of Scotland, where the father followed farm- ing for a livelihood. He died when his youngest child was but an infant and the mother passed away a few years later. so that our subject was left an orphan when quite young.

William Dodds acquired his early edu- cation in the schools of his native land and completed his studies in night schools of this country. When sixteen years of age, in company with a sister and his oldest brother, Andrew Dodds, he embarked for the United States, landing in Xenia in the fall of 1866. It was here he learned the trade of marble cutting, being employed by his brother, the business relation between them being maintained until 1882 when our subject was induced to join the fire depart- inent. but after three months he again be- came connected with the marble business. Later he became a member of the police

WILLIAM DODDS.

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force and continued in that position until appointed court bailiff. He afterward served as deputy sheriff under Mr. Linkhart, and in the year 1890 his previous faithful ser- vice secured his election to the office of sheriff of Greene county. In that capacity he remained for four years, having been re-elected in 1892, discharging his duties without fear or favor. In September, 1895, he returned to the police force, where he re- mained until February 26, 1901. About that time he was nominated and elected auditor of Greene county by a large major- ity, which office he will enter in October. 1902. He has always been a warm advo- cate of Republican principles and has la- bored for their adoption, but has friends in the ranks of the opposing party.

Mr. Dodds was united in marriage to Mary E. Knox, a daughter of Brice Knox, formerly a resident of Xenia, where he car- ried on the harness and saddlery business. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dodds has been born one child, Oliver A. Mr. Dodds and his son, under the firm name of Dodds & Son, are the owners and proprietors of one of the most complete livery stables in the city, hav- ing a fine brick stable on Whiteman street between Main and Market streets. The family are identified with the Presbyterian church and he has always contributed to the support not only of religious work but of all interests tending to benefit the com- munity and upbuild the county in which he makes his home.

CHARLES C. SHEARER.

Charles C. Shearer is actively connected with the profession which has important bearing upon the progress and stable pros- 45

perity of any section and community. This profession, when clothed with its true dig- nity, purity and strength must rank first among thie callings of man : for law rules the universe. The work of the legal profession is to formulate, to harmonize, to regulate, to adjust, to administer those rules and princi- ples that underlie and permeate all govern- ment and society and control the varied rela- tions of men. There is no profession which demands closer application, stronger mental- ity. keener insight and clearer judgment, than does the legal profession, and therefore when one attains prominence in its ranks it is an indication of ability which enables the possessor to pass from the ranks of the many to stand among the successful few.

Judge Shearer was born in Xenia, Greene county, and is a son of John and Mary Ellen ( Fuller ) Shearer, the former a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, the latter of Clinton county, Ohio. The Shearer family is of German lineage and the great- grandfather of our subject was Solomon Shearer, who came from Germany to the new world, establishing his home in Frank- lin county, Pennsylvania, at an early period in its development. He was a farmer by oc- cupation. After taking up his abode in the Keystone state he was married and his son Abraham was one of thirteen children, ten sons and three daughters. Abraham Shear- er was the grandfather of the Judge. He followed farming throughout his entire life and married a Miss Myers. They became the parents of two sons and two daughters, of whom John Shearer was the eldlest. After arriving at years of maturity he married Miss Fuller, a daughter of William Fuller and a granddaughter of Benjamin F. Fuller, who was a Revolutionary soldier. The Ful- ler family is of English origin, but repre- sentatives of the name removed to Dublin,

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Ireland, and thence came to America. Will- iam Fuller, the grandfather of our subject. served under General Jackson in the war of 1812. belonging to a Tennessee regiment. They were within sound of the guns when Jackson won the battle of New Orleans. John Shearer learned the trade of cabinet- making and followed that pursuit for many years in connection with the undertaking and furniture business. He was for many years an active factor in industrial and com- mercial circles in Xenia, having become a resident of this city in 1834 when twenty- two years of age. He continued business until about ten years prior to his death, which occurred on the 23d of May. 1899, when he was eighty-seven years of age, his death being the result of an accident caused by slipping and falling. Unto him and his wife were born four children, of whom three are living, the eldest being Judge Shearer of this review. Frank, the second son, became first sergeant of Company H. Ninety-fourth Ohio Infantry, during the Civil war and died at the battle of Resaca. Georgia. Al- bert E. is an attorney of Cleveland, Ohio: and Mary Elizabeth is the wife of the Rev. Dr. Watt. pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Columbus, Ohio.

In the schools of Nenia Judge Shearer acquired his education and at the age of twenty-two years he entered the office of Hugh Carey, under whose direction he read law for a time. When his money was ex- hausted he became bookkeeper and accoun :- ant in a large general store and after thus replenishing his exhausted exchequer. he once more took up the study of law and on the 26th of May. 1866, was admitted to the bar. Soon afterward he entered upon prac- tice and his advancement was continuous and creditable. He began the work for

which the previous years of study had been a preparation, becoming a member of the bar where sham reputation and empty pre- tense were of no avail in the forensic com- bats. The young lawyer, in his contests with okler and experienced men, whose rep- utation and patronage were already assured. found it a hard school, but it afforded ex- cellent training, and as he measured his strength with the best his mind was devel- oped. his intellectual powers were quickened and strengthened, and he acquired a read- iness in action, a fertility of resource and a courage under stress that have been essential factors in his successful career.

On the Ist of January, 1870, Judge Shearer entered into partnership with Hon. John Little, a relation which was maintained until the ist of January. 1887. when their relation as members of the bar was discon- tinved but a financial partnership existed be- tween them until the summer of 1898.

On the 3d of January. 1867. Judge Shearer was united in marriage to Miss Margery Buchanan Dunlap, of Utica, Ohio. She died February 25. 1869, and on the 22d of February, 1872, the Judge was again married. his second union being with Miss Emma Juliet Weakley, of Dayton, a daugh- ter of the Rev. Dr. Weakley, a presiding elder of the Methodist Episcopal church. They had two children : Helen, born on the 5th of June, 1873. is now the wife of the Rev. Charles Thomas Walkley, assistant rector of Grace church. New York, whom she married on the 22d of April. 1896: and Frank Wayne, who died March 27. 1892. Mrs. Shearer departed this life on the 9th of April. 1901, and was laid to rest in Wood- land cemetery. The Judge has a large cir- cle of friends throughout Greene county. and this portion of the state, and is an exem-

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plary member of the Masonic lodge of lectual endowments, with a thorough under- Xenia, in which he served as master for five standing of the law. patience, urbanity and industry. the Judge took to the bench the very highest qualifications for the most re- sponsible office of the state government, and his record as a judge has been in harmony with his record as a man and a lawyer, dis- tinguished by unswerving integrity and a masterful grasp of every problem which has presented itself for solution. years. He has also taken the degrees of the chapter, council and commandery, being a Knight Templar of Reed Commandery, of Dayton. He was formerly a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and of the Knights of Honor. Many important busi- ness concerns have enjoyed the benefit of his wise counsel and sagacity in business affairs. He was one of the incorporators and organ- izers of the Xenia Paper Company, now ex- tinct, and served as its secretary and treas- urer. He also occupied similar offices with CONRAD GILLAUGH. the Field Cordage Company, which has likewise gone out of business. However, he Conrad Gillaugh was born in Germany on the 24th of August. 1824, but from the age of five years has been a resident of the United States, having come to this country with his parents, Albert and Catherine ( Mil- ler ) Gillaugh, both of whom were natives of the fatherland. The former served as a sol- dier of the German army and upon coming to the new world he took up his home in Cumberland county, Maryland, about thirty miles from Baltimore. There he worked in the mines for a year, after which he turned his attention to farming, which he followed for a number of years in that county. There his death occurred when he was seventy- three years of age and his wife passed away in the same locality. is also a stockholder in many business en- terprises here, was secretary and treasurer of the Miami Telephone Company in the '80s. and in January, 1901, was elected president of the Xenia National Bank, and has since been at the head of that institution. In poli- tics he has always been a Republican but has never sought or desired office outside the direct line of his profession. For five years in the '7os he was prosecuting attorney of Xenia and in the fall of 1886 he was elected to the bench of the second Ohio circuit, where he served for twelve years. He was presiding judge of the court for six years and chief justice of the state for two years. During that time the suit that rose out of the controversy between the liberals and se- Conrad Gillaugh well remembers the voyage to America, which was made upon a sailing vessel, twelve weeks having passed ere anchor was dropped in the harbor of Baltimore. He lost his mother when about ten years of age. His education was pur- sued in the schools of Cumberland county, Maryland, and in his youth he worked upon a farm in the home neighborhood. About fifty-three years ago he came to Ohio, first ceders of the United Brethren church came up before him and his decision was sustained by the supreme court. This case excited considerable attention throughout all parts of the United States and Canada. Judge Shearer has made the practice of law his real life work, and at the bar and on the bench he has won marked distinction. A man of unimpeachable character, of unusual intel-

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settling in Clark county, near Springfield, where he was employed as a stone quarry- man and in the lumber districts. He after- ward engaged in farming near Osborn. Twenty-three years ago he took up his abode in Cedarville township. Greene county. where he purchased forty acres of land on which he has since made many improve- ments. There he engaged in general farm- ing and stock-raising. continuing upon that place until about seven years ago when he removed to the town of Cedarville in which he is now living a retired life. His business career has been one in which he has closely followed honorable principles, manifesting marked diligence and perseverance in all his work.

Mr. Gillaugh was united in marriage to Ann E. Alexander, who was born in Penn- sylvania, October 22, 1825, and died August 30. 1870, upon the home farm in Greene county. Eight children were born of that union. Kate is the wife of Charles W. Crouse, a butcher, of Cedarville, Ohio, and they have two children : Charles and Ethel, the latter being the wife of Sydney Smith, who is employed in the paper mill at Cedar- ville. John .A .. the second member of the family, is a resident farmer of Greene coun- ty. lle is married and has three children : George D) .. Anna and Lawrence. Ella, the third in order of birth, is deceased. Horace. who resides upon the old home place, mar- ried Sarah MeKay. Emma Jane is the wife of Fred Fraver, of Xenia. Ohio, and their children are: Nellie, William and Dora. Sallie is the wife of Wallace Barber, a car- penter of Dayton. William is in the employ of the freight house at Xenia. Charles is engaged in the grocery business at Cedar- ville and married Rosa Hoover, by whom he has two children, Pauline and Hubert.

For his second wife Mr. Gillaugh chose Mrs. Mary Kramer, widow of Peter Kra- mer, of Clark county, by whom she had one chill. Sarah Ellen, now the wife of Oscar Raber, of Springfield, Ohio. She had pre- vously been the widow of Jacob W. Leffel. and by her first marriage she had six chil- dren : Daisy, Harry, Cleve. Lula. Lawrence and Henry. By his second marriage Mr. Gillaugh has one son. Frank, who is en- gaged in the grocery business with his brother.

In his political views Mr. Gillangh is a Democrat and in religious faith is connected with the German Reformed church. There is no native born citizen of America who is more loyal to the interests of this land than our subject, who throughout the years of his residence here has taken a helpful interest in many measures for the general good. He has also improved his business opportunities and enterprise and determination have been strong characteristics of his successful career.

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History of Greene County, Ohio, Part 104

Author: Robinson, George F., 1838-1901 Publication date: 1902 Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Publishing Company Number of Pages: 934

Author: Robinson, George F., 1838-1901
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 934