History of Greene County, Ohio, Part 114

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

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For eleven years Charles L. Spencer re- sided with his parents on the little farin near Van Wert, Iowa, one hundred and fifty, pened to meet one of the professors, Dr. L. miles from the nearest railroad, with little or no educational advantages, being only able to attend school an average of one month a year for the twelve years prior to attaining his nineteenth year. Although lacking school privileges, he made the most of his opportunities and read every book lie could borrow within a radius of several miles in a sparsely settled neighborhood. In the meantime he worked on the home farm and for the neighboring farmers, sometimes receiving only seven dollars per month.

Among the books lie obtained was a little one entitled "Duties of Young Men," writ- ten by E. H. Chapin, then of Richmond, Virginia, afterward the noted Universalist preacher of Boston. This hie read and re- read until his desire for learning and culture became absorbing and he determined with all his innate powers to seek an education. He was then eighteen years of age. His parents being in limited circumstances, they could not send him to school but gave him his time to help himself, and during the en- suing year he worked for eighteen dollars per month, taking in payment for his ser- vices a colt, which he sold while in college for one hundred and twenty-five dollars.

At nineteen, through the kindness of an old aunt, Mr. Spencer borrowed one hun- dred dollars and started to Ohio with the hope of finding better opportunities than were afforded him in Iowa. His intention at that time was to spend a year or more in preparing himself to teach a common school. With little knowledge of what a university was or what a college stood for, in the fall of 1867 he reached Delaware, Ohio, and went up to the Ohio Wesleyan University. It was then vacation time and he found no one in the buildings, but fortunately hap- D. McCabe, on the campus, and introducing himself, he told the Doctor his simple story -tlrat he was a farmer boy from Iowa, who had never had a chance to go to school, was poor, having scarcely fifty dollars left, but wanted to better his education. Under the shade of a tree they talked for half an hour. Dr. McCabe advised him to begin there and to take the regular course in the preparatory department of the university, which would prepare him for a classical course in case he decided to go on. It was the best advice a

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young man ever received, and acting upon it Mr. Spencer entered with the opening fall term. Before a single term passed. he learned that active and ambitions young men had gone through college largely, if not wholly, by their own efforts, and he de- termined then and there to take the full course. lle remained five years, one in the preparatory department and four in the col- legiate department. In the meantime he boarde l himself, doing his own cooking for two years and two terms, and in a club for the remaining time, and he worked nights. mornings and Saturdays at whatever he could find to earn his living -- one year as janitor, building fires and sweeping rooms, while for three years he rang the college bell every three-quarters of an hour to an- nounce chapel service in the morning and the recitations during the day. Three win- ters, first fourth and fifth, he spent in teach- ing country schools, keeping up his studies at the university by extra work and passing the examinations on his return with his re- spective classes. Thus wholly withont as- sistance from home but by his own efforts. Mr. Spencer sustained himself and acquired his education. He was gra.luated from the Ohio Wesleyan University in June. 1872. in the classical course, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and afterward, in 1875. in cursu the degree of Master of Arts. . \ self-educated man he was henceforth en- tirely self-reliant.

Without means to take a course at law school, Mr. Spencer immediately began the study of law, without even a vacation, for the next week after his graduation we find him reading law in the office of Lorenzo English and J. W. Baldwin, a well known and leading law firm of Columbus, Ohio, and teaching a part of the day to maintain

himself. With the exception of four months while in charge of the village school at West Jefferson, near Columbus, he continued in their office until the fall of 1873, when he was made principal of the Xenia high school, where he engaged in teaching for two years. While thus employed Mr. Spencer devoted all his spare time to reading law, and at the close of school in 1875 went to Cincinnati, where he finished his law course in the office of Noves & Lloyd, the former an ex-gor- ernor of the state of Ohio, remaining with them until January. 1870. The previous October he had been admitted to the bar on examination before the supreme court of Ohio at Columbus, and in January. 1870, he was offered a partnership in Nenia by James E. Hawes, with whom he was associated in practice for one year. He was then alone until 1878, when he entered into a partner- ship with W. J. Alexander, which continued until 1884. and during that time he was clected and served in the years 1881 and 1882 as prosecuting attorney of Greene county. After the termination of that part- nership Mr. Spencer was again alone for two and a half years, when in the latter part of 1886 he became a partner of Hon. John Little, which relation continued until the latter's death, October 18, 1900. The firm. was connected with some of the most im- portant litigation in the courts of Greene county and southern Ohio. Practicing in the state and federal courts. Mr. Spencer has gained an enviable position at the bar, being widely known and recognized for learning and ability, and for his indomitable energy and the force of his logic. His per- sonal integrity, unwavering fairness, con- ciseness and clearness of statement of his cause of proposition and his persuasive reas- oning always command respectful and con-

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siderate attention of both court and adver- sary, and have greatly added to his success and won for him a high reputation as a law- yer and wise counsellor.

Aside from his profession, Mr. Spencer was for several years secretary and assist- ant manager of the Field Cordage Company' a large manufacturing concern not now in existence : is now a director of the Buckeye Shoe Manufacturing Company ; and was for many years a director and secretary of the Miami Telephone Company.

On the 24th of December. 1885. Mr. Spencer was united in marriage to Miss Louie M. Currie, a daughter of .A. H. and Lavina Currie, of Xenia. Ohio, who are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer have one daughter. Anna, born October 2, 1801. They are active and leading members of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Xenia, in which Mr. Spencer has been an official for many years. His labors have been very ef- fective in promoting the upbuilding of the church, and for many years he has been a valued teacher in the Sunday school. In his political views he is a Republican but has never consented to become an office seeker outside of the line of his profession, al- though requested at times to do so. In the early part of his professional life, because of his experience as a teacher, he was ap- pointed and served as city school examiner and for nine years was county school ex- aminer. He has always taken a deep and helpful interest in matters pertaining to the material, intellectual and moral development of the community, and his efforts have been both effective and appreciated in that re- spect. He is a man of strong character, as is proved by the manner in which he ac- quired his education, and his life history illustrates fully and forcibly the possibilities

that lie before young men, proving the truth of the adage that "success is secure to him who labors and waits," and that such close application and ability both deserve and find their reward. Ile may well be accounted a representative citizen of Xenia.

GEORGE C. SMITH.

One of the well known farmers of Bea- vercreek township is George C. Smith, who was born at the place of his present res- idence September II. 1864, his parents be- ing Benjamin G. and Sarah A. (Yingling) Smith. His paternal grandfather, Benja- min Smith, was the first of the family to lo- cate in Ohio, bringing his wife and children to Cincinnati, where he lived and died. It was in that city that Benjamin G. Smith, the father of our subject, acquired an educa- tion. Upon coming to Greene county he settled upon a farm upon the banks of the Indian Riffle, in the southern part of Bea- vercreek township, and there devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits for many years. Indolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature and his labor brought to him prosperity as the years passed by. . At the time of his death he owned about two hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, and also city property in Dayton, Ohio. He was a self-made man for he started out upon his business career without a dollar. He re- alized the value of industry and persistence in the active affairs of life and along the lines of legitimate labor he won his success. He had three children, the eldest being George Crawford Smith of this review. The second son, Benjamin Grant, wedded Mary, Munger, and is now employed in the mail

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service, his home being in Dayton, Ohio. John William, the youngest son. married Flora B. Greenwood, and they, too, reside at Dayton. . After the death of her first hus- band the mother married again and is now the widow of Oliver Moler, and resides in Dayton. Mr. Smith, the father of our sub- ject, was a Republican in his political views and was a very active and influential mem- ber of the Presbyterian church at Bellbrook. He served both as a deacon and elder in the .church and put forth every effort in his power to advance the cause of Christianity in his community. He passed away upon the home farm June 5. 1887, and was laid to rest in Mount Zion Park cemetery. Thus a most useful and honorable life was ended but his memory is still enshrined in the hearts of his family and of his many friends.

Mr. Smith, whose name introduces this review, gained his education in the town- ship schools near his home and later pursued his studies in the high school of Xenia, Ohio. but before the date of graduation he was forced to relinquish his text books in order to assist his father who was failing in health. He has also pursued a commercial course in Dayton, Ohio, and throughout the years of his active business career he has carried on farming. To-day he is intrested in and op- erates one hundred and sixty-six acres of land. The old home has been destroyed by fire, and in its stead he has erected a fine, large residence which is one of the most at- tractive country seats in this portion of the township, and has the other equipments and accessories that go to make up a model farmi of the twentieth century. In addition to the cultivation of cereals best adapted to the soil and climate he is engaged in stock-rais- ing. making a specialty of the breeding of

Jersey cattle, having several head of regis- tered cattle in his herd.

On the 16th of November, 1886. Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Belle Brown, who was born in Sugarcreek township, and is a daughter of Adam and Sarah ( People ) Brown, both of whom are now deceased. Four children have been born of this union, but the eldest died in in- fancy. The others are: Crawford Brown; Sarah M .: and Margaret Lucile. The par- ents hold membership in the Reformed church, and Mr. Smith has served as clerk of the church for fourteen years, and also filled the office of deacon. He votes with the Republican party, and for about eight years has been a member of the school board. the cause of education finding in him a warm) friend. He is a popular citizen, for his ge- nial manner and friendly spirit have gained him the regard, good-will and confidence of all with whom he has been associated.

WILLIAM B. HARDIE.

William B. Hardie is a native of Xenia township, his birth having occurred on a farm upon the Columbus pike, March 17, 1825. His parents were William and Isa- bella ( Buick) Hardie, both of whom were natives of Scotland and in that country they were reared. educated and married. In 1820 they bade adieu to home and native land and sailed for the new world. taking up their abode in Xenia township. Greene coun- ty. The father was a weaver by trade and followed that pursuit in Scotland and for some years after his arrival in America. Later, however, he turned his attention to

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farming, purchasing a small tract of land in Xenia township upon which the subject of this review was born. About 1833 the father removed from that farm and located in Caesarscreek township, where he pur- chased a tract of one and twenty-six acres of partially improved land. He at once be- gan its further development and cultivation, and made his home thereon until he retired from active business life. He then removed to Xenia, his death occurring in that city in 1860, when he was seventy-three years of age. His wife survived him for a number of years and departed this life in Bellefont- aine, Ohio, at the age of eighty-three years, her remains being interred in the cemetery near Jamestown. Both were loyal and de- voted members of what was known as the Associate church, and in his political views Mr. Hardie was a Whig and always en- dorsed the men and measures of his party. In their family were six children: Eliz- abeth, who was born in Scotland. is the widow of Isaac H. Fichthorn, and resides in Bellefontaine, Ohio, where her husband died. Jane became the wife of Jolin Gallo- way and is now deceased. James died at the age of fifteen years. William B. is the fourth in order of birth. Margaret is the deceased wife of James Miller, and Mary is the wife of Samuel Finley, of Akron, Ohio.

William B. Hardie of this review spent the first eight years of his life on the old home farm where he was born, and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Caesarscreek township, now New Jasper township, where he was reared to manhood. He obtained his early education in the dis- trict schools of that township, the temple of learning being an old log building such as was common at that day. Through the

months of summer he assisted in the work of field and meadow and continued to labor upon the old homestead until he was twenty- six years of age, when he was married. He- then rented a part of his father's farm, which he continued to cultivate for a year, after which he purchased one hundred and twenty-five acres of improved land in New Jasper township. For twenty-three years he made his home upon that place, and then removed to his present farm, on the Colum- bus pike, in Xenia township, where he owns two hundred and sixty acres of rich and arable land, all under cultivation. He is. engaged in general farming and stock-rais- ing. devoting his attention to the crops best adapted to the soil and climate as well as the raising of horses, cattle anc iiogs. He- has erected all of the buildings upon his place, including a large and beautiful res- idence, commodious barns and other neces- sary outbuildings.

On January 29, 1852, in Caesarscreek. township, Mr. Hardie was united in mar- riage to Elizabeth Dean, a daughter of Rob- ert Dean, who was an early settler of Greene county. His father came from Ken- tucky when he was a young man, and Rob- ert Dean and his wife, Elizabeth ( Camp- bell) Dean, spent the remainder of their lives in Greene county, Ohio, where he de- voted his energies to farming. Here he died when about sixty-three years of age, and his wife when about forty. Their daughter, Mrs. Hardie, was born in this county and is widely known as a most estimable lady. By her marriage she has become the mother of six children, and the family circle yet re- mains unbroken by the hand of death. Laura Isabelle is at home; Mary Etta is the wife of J. Wilson Liggett, a farmer of Union county, Ohio, and their children are:

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Raymond, Clarence, Bruce and Dwight ; Annie Nora is the wife of A. M. Stout, who is connected with the Toilet Supply Com- pany, of Columbus, Ohio; Robert Harvey married Miss Mattie Rogers, by whom he has one son, William Roy, and their home is in Nebraska : Ida L. is living with her sis- ter in Columbus, Ohio: William Clark, who was born in this county and was ed- ucated in the high school of Xenia, is now engaged in farming upon the old home place.

Mr. Hardie has been honored with some local offices. He filled the position of town- ship treasurer for some twelve years, and his long service indicates his fidelity to duty. In politics he has always been a Re- publican, unwavering in his loyalty to the party and its principles. Both he and his wife are devoted and consistent members of the Second United Presbyterian church of Xenia, and he has long filled the office of deacon, serving in that position near James- town and in Nenia, Ohio. Mr. Hardie has a wide acquaintance in the county of his na- tivity, and his many friends know him as a man of reliability and sterling worth, who, in the conduct of his business affairs, has gained well merited success by reason of his honorable dealings and indefatigable en- ergy.

CORNELIU'S BROWN.

Cornelius Brown, who is residing in Bea- vercreek township, where he is devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits, is a rep- resentative of one of the old families of the county and since pioneers days has been identified with the improvement and prog- ress here. Mr. Brown was born upon the

farm where he now resides, his parents be- ing Jonathan and Polly ( Harshman ) Brown. His father was born in Berks county. Penn- sylvania, May II. 1805, a son of John George and Catherine ( Hermerbegerin + Brown. The former was born August 6, 1763, and was a soldier of the Revolution- ary war. His wife died in Pennsylvania. In their family were: Philip : George : Will- iam: Catherine, the wife of George Harsh- man : David ; and Jonathan. After the death of the wife and mother. John George Brown came with his children to Greene county. Ohio, about the year 1823, and located on land in what is now the Shakertown pike. He purchased about one hundred and forty- four acres from one of the John boys, who had entered the land from the government prior to the year 1800. There was a small log cabin upon the place and the family be- gan life in Ohio in true pioneer style. Later the sons purchased the land from their fa- ther and he lived with them until his death, which occurred at the home of his son George, in Sugarcreek township, February 22, 1847. his remains being interred in Mount Zion cemetery.

Jonathan Brown, the father of our sub- ject, received but limited school privileges. and his educational training was obtained in the German language. for he lived in a Ger- man community in the state of Pennsylva- nia. He came to Greene county when eight- een years of age, and at that time could not speak a word of English. He started out in life for himself, and for many years fol- lowed the plasterer's trade, but in later life gave his attention to farming. For a num- ber of years prior to his death, however, he was an invalid and was unable to engage in any kind of work. He started out in life for himself without a dollar, but he accumu-

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lated considerable property, owning a fine June 27, 1880. Catherine, born August 3. farm and a very comfortable home, the house standing to-day as it was built by him fifty-one years ago. Jonathan Brown was married January 18, 1832, to Polly Harsh- man, who was born in Beavercreek town- ship, Greene county, in 1810, a daughter of the pioneer settlers, Philip and Frances ( Dumbaugh) Harshman. On both sides she comes from prominent pioneer families. The Dumbanghs were all buried in what is known as the Harshman & Zimmerman cemetery, one mile north of Zimmerman- ville. They became very extensive land own- ers and have a large number of descendants still living in the county. Philip Harshman, the maternal grandfather of our subject. was born in Frederick county, Maryland, January 18, 1777, and was a son of Chris- tian and Catherine Harshman, both of whom died in Frederick county, Maryland. never coming to this state. At the age of seventeen Philip Harshman was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade to serve for a term of three years. He worked at his trade for a number of years in Maryland. and was there married to Frances Dum- baugh. In 1806 they emigrated to Greene county, Ohio, coming by wagon, and for three weeks they lived in the wagon until a cabin could be erected. They, too, took up their abode near Zimmermanville. Mr. Harshman opened a shop and worked at the blacksmith's trade, being one of the pioneers in that line of business in the com- munity. He died March 18. 1845, and many years before his first wife passed away, her death having occurred January 4. 1829. They were the parents of six children : George. the eldest, was born January 18. 1804: John C., born February 7, 1807. died

1808, died December 5. 1833. Polly, the mother of our subject, was born January 23. 1810, and died March 22, 1899. Elizabeth, born September 28, 1813, became the wife of John Sipe, and died on the 3d of Sep- tember, 1898. Jacob, born August 21, 1817, died April 20, 1861. Philip Harshman, the father of this family, chose for his second wife Ars. Evanna Fielden, whose maiden name was Hull. They were married in the early part of 1838 and had two sons,- Philip, who was born January 22. 1839, and is living in Beavercreek township: and William A., born August 6, 1844, and now a resident of Zimmermanville. Mrs. Evanna Hrashman died December 4, 1882.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Brown were born seven children, Elizabeth, the eldest, is now Mrs. lare, a resident of Beavercreek township. Mary became the wife of Henry A. Dalhimer, and lives with her brother Cornelius. She had two chil- dren,-Frank: and Mrs. Sarah M. Clay- man. George, a resident of Montgomery county. Ohio, wedded Mary Fox, and their children are Mrs. Amanda Leman, Mrs. Flora Smith, John, William, Mrs. Ada Gregg, Ray and Edith. John married Bar- bara Parson, and resides in Warren county, Ohio. Their children are Clement V., Charles, Mrs. Clara Cramer, and George. Philip, the fifth member of the Brown fam- ily, married Emma Eckman, and died No- vember 5. 1898, at the age of fifty-five years, but his widow is still living in Bea- vercreek township. Their children are Min- nie MI .. Martha E. and Edward F. David, who is living in Montgomery county, wed- (led Mary Ellen Garner and they have five children : Harry, Harvey. Lewis, Hattie and

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Marie. Cornelius Brown is the youngest member of the family and is living upon the old homestead. The father died August 31. 1878, and his wife passed away March 22, 1899. their remains being interred in Mount Zion Park cemetery. In politics he was a Democrat and both were members of the Reformed church. They were people of the highest respectability, known and hon- ored in Greene county from pioneer days down to the time of their death.

B. FRANK HAWKINS.

.A well known representative of the agri- cultural interests of Greene county. B. Frank Hawkins was born on the old Hawkins homestead on the .Ankeney road. December 12, 1841, and has always lived in that neighborhood. llis paternal grandfather, Mounce Hawkins, was one of the honored pioneer settlers of this portion of the state and became an extensive land owner and prominent and influential citizen, aiding largely in the early development of the county. He was an own cousin of David Crockett, the famous scout and explorer. Leaving his old home in the Shenandoah valley of Virginia he came to Greene coun- ty, Ohio, in 1814. and settled in Xenia town- ship, together with his father-in-law. Davis Allen, who had purchased one thousand acres of land, paying for the same five thou- sand dollars. This tract was originally cov- ered with timber but he cleared away the forest trees and developed a very valuable farm. Mounce Hawkins wedded Mary Al- len, a daughter of Davis and Elizabeth (.\n- trim ) Allen, who were also from Virginia,

and they spent the remainder of their lives in this county.

Reuben Hawkins, the father of our sub- ject, removed from the old home place to a farm upon the Hawkins road. upon which he lived until his death, his attention being given to the cultivation of the fields and to stock-raising. He was a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Xenia and his life was in consistent harmony with his religious faith. In his political views he was a Democrat in early life, and later joined the ranks of the Republican party, with which he continued to affiliate until his (leath. For sometime he served as a school director and took an active interest in pro- moting the cause of education and advanc- ing every movement for the general good. He was indeed a public-spirited and pro- gressive citizen and was accounted a valued and representative resident of his commun- ity. He died in 1870, when about sixty years of age, and his remains were interred in Woodland cemetery, in Xenia. His wife passed away in 1894. She bore the maiden name of Lydia Fallis, and was born in Clin- ton county, Ohio, a daughter of Jonathan Fallis, who came to this county at an early period in its development and settled in Xenia township. He afterward removed near the East Point school house in Cedar- ville township and there carried on farming for many years. He finally purchased prop- erty below Clifton and built what was called the old Fallis mill, which he operated for a number of years. When he disposed of his milling interests in this county he removed to Indiana, settling near the Wabash' river, where he engaged in the lumber business. Later he resided in Attica, Indiana, where he conducted a flouring mill, but his last days were passed in Dowagiac, Michigan,

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History of Greene County, Ohio, Part 114

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