History of Greene County, Ohio, Part 73

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

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ity and courtesy have gained for him the good will and esteem of the entire com- munity.

JAMES .A. GOWDY.

James .A. Gowdy, who resides on the upper Bellbrook road in Greene county, was born March 25, 1852, on this farm, which has been in the family for about one hun- dred years. In early pioneer times when Greene county was just emerging from its wild condition into the light of civilization, the Gowdy family came to Ohio. John Gowdy was born in Connecticut in 1747 and was of Scotch-Irish parentage. Ile married Abigail Ryan, who was of Welsh descent, and about 1782 emigrated westward, locat- ing first at the north bend of the Ohio river. Later owing to military troubles, he was compelled to remove to the military station at the falls of the Ohio and from there went to a settlement which afterward became MIt. Sterling, Kentucky. There the family lived until about 1809. when they came to Greene county, settling on a farm two miles west of Nenia on the upper Bellbrook pike. John Gowdy died about five years later, passing Robert Gowdy, the grandfather of our subject. married Nancy Mackey, the fifth child of Alexander and Jane Mackey, who were married in Scotland and on coming to the United States settled near Lexington, Kentucky. Mrs. Gowdy was born January I. 1785, and their marriage occurred Angust 26. 1806. On coming to Xenia they first lived in a stone house which stood on the southwest corner of Detroit and Third streets, where the coal yard of Eavey & Cozad is now located. Robert Gowdy was away November 7, 1814. His wife survived him for about twenty-four years and depart- ed this life on the 6th of May, 1838. They had eleven children. The eldest. James Gowdy, was married three times, his first wife being Joanna Townsley. his second Sarah Brown, and his third Jane Purdy. His children were John. James, George. Jo- anna, who became the wife of William L. Finley. Samuel and Philander. Samuel Gowdy. the second of the family, married. Isabelle Cowley and their children were a tanner by trade and conducted his busi- John Ryan, Abigail, Martha, Samuel, ness at the place of his residence, on the west

Frank, Robert Williamson and Diana Mel- vina. Jane. the third member of the Gowdy family, became the wife of Joseph Kyle and unto them were born the following named : Mary. Joseph Addison, Abigail, Catherine, John. James, Samuel, William and Martha. Martha Gowdy married John Jolly and their only child was James Gowdy Jolly. The next members of the family were Mary and Robert. John Gowdy, who followed in the order of birth, married Prudence Foglesong and their children were George Foglesong. Catherine. John. James. Charles. Sarah, Margaret, Albert and Thomas. Alexander married Eleanor Fitzgerreld and their chil- dren were John Ryan, Ellen, Abigail, Sa- rah. Cyrus and Mary. Abigail, the next member of the Gowdy family, became the wife of Robert Stevenson, and their children were John, Thomas, Rachel and Abigail. Ryan Gowdy was twice married, his wives being sisters-Diana and Nancy Morgan, and his children were John, Mary, Ryan, Adelaide and Nancy. Sarah. the youngest of this family, became the wife of Peter Ja- coby, and their children were Abigail, Mary, Jane. John, Ann, Henry. Rachel and Su- sanna.

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side of Detroit street, between Water street and Shawnee creek. He served as captain and major in the war of 1812 and afterward held the commission as colonel in the state militia. Their children were Ariminta, Jane Ryan, John Alexander, Martha, Mary. Eliza, Abigail. Robert, Nancy Ann, Sarah, James Marion and Isabella. Of this num- ber Ariminta died in 1831, and Martha, Nancy and James Marion died in infancy. Jane became the wife of .Amaziah Pilcher : John married Sarah M. Bradford : Mary be- came the wife of John MeBride: and Eliza of William V. Rhoades : while Robert mar- ried Emily Manor: and Sarah became the wife of John Lawrence Jolly : and Isabella of Jacob Fishell. Abigail was married to William Twiss. Robert Gowdy, the father of this family, died December 16. 1831, and his wife died during the cholera epidemic in 1849 on the 3d of August.

The parents of James A. Gowdy were Robert and Emily ( Manor) Gowdy. Ile was born on the Cincinnati pike and spent his entire life in Greene county, where he passed away in October, 1894. at the age of seventy-five years, his remains being in- terred in Woodland cemetery. His wife died in June, 1883. at the age of fifty-eight years. Mr. Gowdy voted with the Whig party in early life and afterward became a stanch Republican. He served for two terms as infirmary director and in all mat- ters pertaining to the general welfare he took a deep and active interest. Both he and his wife were members of the Presby- terian church, in which he served as a leader for many years. In their family were eight children: ' George E., a minister of the Presbyterian church, now living in Leba- non, Ohio: Elizabeth, the deceased wife of William Anderson. a United Presbyterian

minister; James A., whose name introduces this record: William F., a Presbyterian minister living at Pleasant Ridge: Charles B .. who for many years was secretary an! treasurer of the Nenia Shoe Company, and died in March, 1902: Luella, the wife of R. D. Williamson, of Cedarville township; Robert L .. an attorney of Nenia ; and Emily, who died at the age of six weeks.

LEWIS SMITIL

The board of county commissioners in Greene county has been composed of a num- ber of the leading citizens, men who have been unselfishly devoted to the welfare and progress of the community and who enjoyed the esteem and confidence of the best citi- zens of this portion of the state. Among the number who have capably served on the board was Lewis Smith. He came of an okl Virginia family, his paternal grandparents being Jacob and Nancy Smith, both of whom were natives of the Old Dominion. but at an early date they emigrated west- ward and in Greene county established their home, casting in their lot among the pioneer settlers. It was upon the ohl home farm here that James Smith, the father of our subject, was born August 4. 1810. He was reared in the usual manner of lads of that period. The country was will, the forest uncut, the streams unbridged and very little of the land was cleared. He assisted his father in the development and cultivation of the home farm until he decided to make some other pursuit his life work and learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for many years. He married Elizabeth Cane, who was born Jannary 8. 1816, a daughter

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of Robert and Sarah Cane. Mr. Smith died on the 28th of February. 1876, and his wife, surviving him for many years, passed away on the 20th of April. 1895.

Lewis Smith, whose name introduces this review, was born in New Burlington, Greene county, Ohio, May 5, 1837, and spent the days of his boyhood and youth there, obtaining his education in the public schools. Like his father he learned the blacksmith's trade and continued to work in the smithy until 1897. receiving a good pat- ronage on account of his excellent work- manship and his honorable business meth- ods. In the year mentioned he was elected county commissioner and served continu- ously in that office up to the time of his death, which occurred May 7, 1902. He was a member of the board that contracted for and built the new courthouse in Xenia at a cost of more than two hundred thou- sand dollars. He was complimented and commended for the active interest which he took in the welfare of the citizens of Greene county and his worth was widely recognized.

On Christmas day of 1860 was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Rachael Elizabeth Craft, a daughter of . \]- len Craft, who was a farmer but is now de- ceased. Unto our subject and his wife were born ten children, of whom nine are yet liv- ing, namely: Rena Bell, Minnie E .. Hattie 3 .. Wesley Allen, William Francis, Wayne Craft, Walter Le Roy. Harley Hays and Leslie Leonard. Socially Mr. Smith was connected with the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the family is identified with the Methodist Episcopal church of New Burlington. In his political views Mr. Smith was a stauch Republican, never swerving in his allegiance to the party whose principles he believed

contain the best elements of good govern- ment. His life was quietly passed in the faithful performance of each day's duties, and while there were no exciting chapters in his history it yet contains many lessons that are worthy of emulation.

F. E. McGERVEY.

The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has accomplished, and as taken in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, there is particular interest attaching to the career of the sub- ject of this review. since he is a native son of the place where he has passed his active life, and so directed his ability and efforts as to gain recognition as one of the repre- sentative citizens of Xenia. Ile is to-day connected with many business interests which are of value to Nenia through pro- moting its commercial activity, whereon rest the prosperity and upbuilding of every town or city. He is to-day cashier of the Citizens' National Bank and is also a representative of many other important business concerns.

F. E. McGervey was born in this city on the 21st of January, 1856. his parents being James and Caroline ( Brown) Mc- Gervey, the former a native of Pennsylva- nia and the latter of New Hampshire. it is supposed that the MeGervey family is of Scotch-Irish origin. The parents of James McGervey died during his infancy and he was reared by a Pennsylvania Dutch family. In early life he learned the saddler's trade and in 1828 he emigrated westward, travel- ing by stage coach and becoming a resident of Xenia, which was then a thriving little

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village. For more than sixty-seven years he conducted a harness shop in this place, continuing in business up to the time of his death. Ilis excellent workmanship. his hon- orable treatment of his patrons and his un- remitting diligence brought to him success and he gained, as result of his labors, a com- fortable competence. He was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Brown, who had three sisters, and all of them, like Mrs. Mc- Gervey, celebrated their golden weddings, and each sister with her husband attended the celebration of the fiftieth wedding anni- versary of all the others. The father of our subject passed away in 1895 at the advanced age of eighty-five years and his wife was seventy-nine years at the time of her death. They were the parents of eight children, but three of the number died in childhood. The others are as follows: Harriet is the wife of J. D. Watt, of Scotia, Nebraska. Mrs. Sarah M. Myers, now a widow. is the prin- cipal of the Woman's College at Fredericks- burg. Maryland. James L. is connected with the firm of Jobe Brothers, merchants of Xenia. William R., who now resides in Kansas City, was the organizer of the Citi- zens' National Bank in 1881, and served as its cashier until 1896, when his health failed him and he removed to Kansas City, where he has since made his home. The youngest member of the family is the subject of this review.

Frank E. McGervey is indebted to the public school system of Xenia for the edu- cational privileges which he enjoyed. lle entered upon his business career when only ffteen years of age, being first employed as bookkeeper and when seventeen years of age he was head bookkeeper of a large mercan- tile concern. Since that time he has been en- gaged in clerical work, although he has not

given his entire attention to it. In 1876 he entered the office of the county treasurer as deputy and filled that position for eight con- secutive years. In 1884 he was elected county treasurer and served for two terms in that capacity. On the expiration of that period he entered the insurance and real estate business and is still a member of the hrm of MeGervey & Le Sourd. In 1897 he entered the Citizens' National Bank of Xenia as cashier and has since continued in that position, the success and high standing of the institution being attributable in no small degree to the efforts of the popular and efficient cashier. Ile also has other in- terests, being connected as a stockholder with leading enterprises here. Ile is the secretary and treasurer of the Gas Company and of the Electric Light Company.

On the 29th of January, 1880. Mr. Mc- Gervey was united in marriage with Miss Julia Dean, a native of Greene county and a daughter of David Dean of Xenia. She is the younger of two children, her brother, D. C. Dean, being the superintendent of the Xenia Gas Company. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McGervey were also born two children, but the daughter died in infancy, Walter E. is now acting as bookkeeper in the bank. Mrs. McGervey belongs to the United Presby- terian church and our subject holds mem- bership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has been chorister for a quarter of a century. He has always been identified with the musical circles of Nenia and is the director of the Association Chorus of this city, comprised of one hundred and twenty- five members. In politics he is a stanch Re- publican but has never consented to hold office, save that of county treasurer. He also belongs to the Young Men's Christian AAssociation and for fifteen years has been

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an active member of its board. taking a deep interest in all that pertains to the moral de- velopment and mental culture of the city as well as to its material upbuilding. His ad- vancement has been continuous, his promo- tion coming to him in recognition of his capability. efficiency and accuracy. Well merited success now crowns his efforts, and he is honored and esteemed by all who know him.

JASPER N. WILSON.

Jasper N. Wilson. who follows general farming in the southeastern part of Bath township, was born May 28, 1850, in this township, and is a son of William and Eliz- abeth E. ( Watts) Wilson. The father's birth occurred in Bath township October 14, 1812, his parents being William and Cather- ine ( Heffley ) Wilson. The former was a native of Kentucky and about 1800 came to Greene county, Ohio, while the grandmoth- er arrived five years later, coming from Maryland, her native state. Soon after reaching Ohio the grandfather entered land from the government, thus becoming the owner of a tract in the eastern part of Bath township, which he at once began to im- prove. He was called out in service in the war of 1812 and there contracted disease which terminated his life. After his death his wife left the farm and made her home with her husband's father, Michael Wilson. There she died six months after the birth of her son William.

The latter lived with his grandparents in the old homestead until he was seventeen years of age. He then learned the black- smith's traile at Byron, of Jacob Greiner, and after he had mastered the business he worked for one year as a journeyman. He

then purchased the shop and tools of his em- ployer and conducted business there for eighteen years, after which he sold out and bought a little farm near the town, continu- ing its cultivation until 1855. He then trad- ed the property for a larger farm about two and one-half miles from Byron and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1872. In May, 1834, he had married Eliza- beth Watts, and unto them were born ten children, but only one of the number is now living. These were: William W .; Sarah. who died in infancy: Jacob, who was a member of the One Hundred and Tenth Regiment of Ohio Volunteers in the Civil war : Catherine, the wife of Jacob Wolf, but both are now deceased: Susan. the wife of Henry Coines, and they have also passed away: Elizabeth, who became the wife of John Lowe. and, they, too, are deceased : Mary Elizabeth. the wife of James Ross ; Virginia Alice : Jasper ; and Annette, the widow of F. B. Bryan. The mother of this family died March 13. 1877. The father was a member of the Re- formed church for nearly half a century and was one of the loyal adherents to the cause of Christianity. He held the office of jus- tice of the peace at Byron for nearly two years and then resigned on account of the demands of his private business. In poli- tics he was a strong Republican and in his farming operations and other pursuits he was very successful. After 1872 he lived a retired life in Fairfield until called to his final rest in 1881. Both he and his wife were buried in the cemetery at Byron.

Jasper N. Wilson was educated in the district schools, but when still quite young began to assist his father in the work of the field and meadow and was thus engaged un- til he was twenty-seven years of age. In the

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spring of 1882 he removed 'to his present farm. In the meantime he had married, having in the spring of 1871 wedded Miss Ellen K. Hetsel, who is now deceased. Their children were: Bertha and Charles, who have passed away: Bessie, the wife of John Kendig of Bath township, by whom she has two children-Fay and Frank; William. who married Hattie Dillinger, by whom he has one child, Mabel, and their home is in Bath township; Clelland, who married Laura Reed: Ettie, now deceased; Susie, who is living with her brother-in-law. Mr. Kendig: and Lura. also deceased. The mother died in 1888 when about thirty-eight years of age and was laid to rest in the By- ron Union cemetery. She was a consistent Christian woman who hell membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. On the 16th of August, 1892, Mr. Wilson was again married. his second union being with Mrs. Mary ( Henman) Hansel, who had one child. Jesse, by her former marriage. By the present union there were three chil- dren: Ralph, who died in infancy: Ray- mond and Leslie, who are still with their parents. The family home is upon a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which Mr. Wilson is carrying on general farming and stock-raising. Ilis fields are well tilled and annually he gathers good harvests. In his pastures are found goo:l grades of stock and his business is carefully managed, so that he is to-day one of the prosperous and substantial citizens of his community.

MANSEL J. HARTLEY.

ments, but rather to leave the perpetual rec- ord establishing his character by the con- sensus of opinion on the part of his fellow men. That Mr. Hartley occupies a notable position among the able lawyers of Ohio is shown by the many times his professional associates have honored him with official preferment in their fraternal organizations; and that the public accords him prominence is demonstrated by the liberal clientage which he now enjoys. It is therefore fitting that he be numbered among the leaders of the bar of Greene county, where for twenty- one years he has practiced continuously.

Mr. Hartley was born in Guernsey coun- ty, Ohio, on the oth of August, 1853, his parents being William P. and Eleanor F. (Johnson ) Hartley, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Ohio. It is believed that the Hartley family is of Eng- lish lineage but for many generations repre- sentatives of the name have resided in Amer- ica. the original ancestor having come to the new world with William Penn. The Ilartleys are still found in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. They were worthy people, identified with the Society of Friends, and their lives were in consistent harmony with the teachings of that sect. William P. Hartley came to Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1837. and is now residing within a mile of Quaker City. Throughout his active busi- ness career he has followed farming and now he is living in practical retirement at the age of eighty-one years, while his wife has reached the age of seventy-one years. They became the parents of three children, of whom two are yet living-Mansel J. and Anice H., the latter the wife of S. F. Mc- Burney of Quaker City. Ohio.

The specific and distinctive office of biog- raphy is not to give voice to a man's modest In the public schools of Quaker City, estimate of himself and his accomplish- Mr. Hartley of this review obtained his

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early education and afterward engaged in prises. He is a director of the People's teaching for four years in the district Building and Savings Company of Xenia; is a director of the Xenia. Cedarville, James- town & Wilmington Traction Company and its attorney; and is also attorney for the Springfield & Xenia Fraction Company. schools during the winter months, while in the summer season he worked upon the home farm. Not content, however. with the educational privilegs previous- ly accorded him he resolved to pur- On the IIth of September, 1884. Mr. Hartley was united in marriage to Miss Laura H. Coffman, of Dayton, Ohio, and theirs is one of the hospitable homes of the city. Their circle of friends is very exten- sive and is continually growing as the years pass by. Mr. Hartley has been called to many positions of public trust and since 1881 has served continuously as school ex- aminer of the city of Xenia. In 1879 he re- ceived from the state board of examiners a life certificate for Ohio. For two years. from 1889 until 1891, he was trustee of the Ohio Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home, having been appointed to that position by Governor Campbell. In 1892 he was nom- inated for a presidential elector on the Dem- ocratic ticket but there was a Republican landslide in Ohio that year. He was United States commissioner of the circuit court for the southern district of Ohio and in every position which he has been called upon to fill he has proved his loyalty to his country and his fidelity to the trust reposed in him. . 1 very prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, he has been a mem- ber of its grand lodge since 1888; is now one of its trustees and is an ex-officio trustee of the Odd Fellows' Home at Springfield. He also belongs to Xenia Lodge, No. 49. F. & A. M., and for four years was worshipful master. His wife belongs to the Baptist church and to its support he contributes lib- erally. In the line of his profession he is connected with the State Bar Association of Ohio. He has made a close study of law, sue a more advanced course and when twenty years of age he entered the fresh- man class of Bethany College of West Vir- ginia, where he completed a classical course and was graduated in 1877 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He was then chosen superintendent of the schools of Quaker City, where he remained for a year, and in 1878 was elected superintendent of instruc- tion in the Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home in Xenia, serving in that capacity until 1880. While engaged in teaching he took up the study of law under the direction of Charles Darlington of Xenia, and in April, 1881, he was admitted to the bar. where he has practiced continuously since. He entered into partnership with B. Nesbitt. a relation that was maintained from 1886 until 1892, when on account of his age. Mlr. Nesbitt practically retired and died shortly afterward. With the exception of that period of six years Mr. Hartley has always been alone in practice and the success that he has achieved is the merited recognition of his ability. He is well informed concern- ing the various departments of jurispru- dence. The people do not trust their legal business in unskilled hands where they risk losing that for which they are in litigation. and when one secures a large clientage it is an indication that the people have faith in his ability. AAlthough Mr. Hartley has made the practice of law his chief vocation he has also been identified with several cor- porations and important business enter-

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never losing sight of any detail having bear- ing upon his case, and at the same time he gives to the more prominent points due im- portance. His knowledge of the law is ex- act, his preparation of the cases painstaking and his power before the judge and jury is acknowledged by all. Ile is a gentleman of very modest manner, yet of pleasing person- ality and his uniform courtesy and genuine worth have made him a great favorite in social as well as professional circles.

JOHN H. WOLFORD.

John H. Wolford is the honored mayor of the village of Cedarville and for many years has been identified with its industrial interest, conducting a blacksmith and car- riage-making shop. He is a native of Washı- ington county, Maryland, where his birth occurred December 27, 1848, and is a son of John and Mahala ( Brewer) Wolford. The father was also a native of Washing- ton county, where he lived and died. He was a shoemaker by trade and followed that pursuit throughout his entire business car- ecr. He died at the age of sixty-two years, his death occurring in 1884, and his wife passed away in 1873. Eleven children were born unto them, seven of whom are yet liv- ing, and all are natives of Maryland. In that state the subject of this review pursued his education and made his home until he was seventeen years of age, when he came to Greene county, Ohio, settling in Xenia, in 1866. There he continued to reside until 1882, since which time he has made his home in Cedarville.

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History of Greene County, Ohio, Part 73

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