USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, Ohio > Part 80
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118
JESSE S. PAINTER.
No history of Greene county would be complete without mention of the Painter family. . An entire century has passed since the first representatives of the name estab- lished a home in this locality. Great, in- deed, was the difference in the conditions
563
ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
of the county at that time than what it is at the present time. Its forests were uncut, the trees standing in their primeval strength. The streams were unbridged and there were few houses to indicate that the pioneer had made his way into this wild region to re- claim the land for purposes of civilization.
The great-grandparents of our subject were David and Patsey ( Faulkner ) Painter, who were probably natives of Virginia. Emigrating westward. they located in Waynesville, Warren county, Ohio, where together with other Quaker families they settled in the spring of 1802. They rode on horseback into the township of Caesars- creek and settled about one-half mile north of Paintersville, although there was no town there at that time and this entire portion of the country was known as the Northwest Territory. There in the midst of the forest the great-grandfather of our subject cleared a little patch of ground, planted potatoes and corn and built a cabin. In the fall the fa- ther and mother returned but left their chil- dren. Jesse and Hannah, in this county. It required a close watch to keep the Indians from stealing the girl because she was the first white child they ever saw. In the spring, however, the parents returned and spent their remaining days upon the old homestead which was here developed. Their children were Hannah, Jesse, Thomas and Jacob.
Jesse Painter, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Virginia and pursued his education in an old time log schoolhouse. He lived the life of a farmer and passed away upon the old homestead September 12. 1867. He it was who laid out the village of Paintersville, the place taking its name from its founder. As the years passed he
labored to cultivate and improve his land, and in course of time developed a good farm. Like his father, he had assisted in the work of improvement and progress at an early day and his efforts were of much avail in pro- moting the general improvement. He mar- ried Elizabeth Smith and unto them were born the following name 1: Rachel : David; Samuel, who is living in Henry county, In- diana, at the age of eighty-three years ; Martha: Mordecai: Rebecca; Theressa; Jo- seph, who is living in Newton, Kansas ; and Hannah, who married John Lewis and re- stdles in Clinton county, Ohio.
David Painter, the father of our subject, was born near the town of Paintersville, . Greene county. At the usual age he began his education and the temple of learning was a little log structure, but he mastered the branches of learning taught in such institu- tions and when a young man he became a teacher, following that profession until his marriage, being employed in this capacity in various parts of this county. He wedded Miss Mary Frazier and then turned his at- tention to farming upon the place which is now the home of his son. Jesse S. He erect- ed a house and barn, getting out the lumber for them himself. As the years passed his efforts brought to him an excellent return for his labor. He continued the work of plowing, planting and harvesting and in course of time his farm became a valuable property. In his political views he was a Republican and both he and his wife were identified with the Society of Friends or Quakers. In their family were eight chil- dren: Deborah S., who is the widow of Mordecai Walker and resides in Caesars- creek township: Berthena, wife of William Davis, of Marion, Indiana ; Lydia, deceased ;
564
ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Jesse S .: Mary Frances, the deceased wife of David Parlott; Moses F., who is living in Indiana; Martha, the wife of Samuel Faulkner, a resident of Caesarscreek town- ship; and David, who lives in Spring Val- iey township. The father died in 1863 at the age of forty-five years and the mother. long surviving him, passed away in 1897. at the age of seventy-seven years, their re- mains being interred in the family burying ground at the Friends' church, where the other members of the Painter family also lie buried. Throughout one hundred years con- nection with Greene county representatives of the name have been well known agri- culturists here, and their labors have re- sulted largely to the benefit of the general community as well as to their individual success.
Jesse S. Painter, whose name introduces this record, was born on the old Painters- ville road. December 11, 1850. and has al- ways resided in this county, living on the old homestead with the exception of one year. He pursued his education in the public schools and throughout his life has carried on farming. In 1874 he wedded Miss Lydia Faulkner, who died the following year and was laid to rest in Xenia cemetery. On the 25th of January, 1885. he wedded Irena McNair, a native of this county, and three children have blessed this union: Morris E., Roy D. and Bertha L. Both are mem- bers of the Methodist Protestant church at Paintersville, and in his political views Mr. Painter is a Republican, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. pre- ferring to give his time and attention to his business interests. Ile has eighty-five acres of fine farming land and continues its cul- tivation in addition to stock-raising. The
town of Paintersville stands as a monument to the enterprise of the family. Throughout an entire century the name has been closely interwoven with the county's history as the development from primitive conditions to the latter-day progress has been made. Mr. Painter is a worthy representative of the family, and his interest in all that pertains to the general good is manifested by his active co-operation.
SAMUEL THOMAS MITCHELL, A. M.
Samuel T. Mitchell, who became well known in educational circles and whose work was of great benefit, especially to the colored people, attained distinction in the line of his chosen profession and was known as a man of strong force of character as well as of marked individuality and superior intellectuality. He was born September 24. 1851. in Toledo, Ohio, his parents being David and Nancy A. Mitchell. Between the ages of six and thirteen years he pursued his education in the public schools of Cleve- land. Cincinnati and Walnut Hills. On the 4th of October, 1864, he entered Wilber- force University and on the Ist of Febru- ary, 1865. he became converted and from that time forward devoted much of his time to the advancement of the cause of Chris- tianity. He aided in organizing and nam- ing the Sodalian Society, and advancing in his studies he at length became a teacher in the university. He attained his education in the face of many difficulties and obstacles. In order to meet the expenses of his college course he worked upon the farms in the vicinity, but was at length graduated with the highest honors on the completion of the course in June, 1873.
S. T. MITCHELL, LL. D.
567
ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
For two years thereafter Professor Mitchell engaged in teaching in Wilming- ton, Ohio, and subsequently became princi- pal of the Lincoln Institute at Jefferson City. Missouri, where he was paid two thousand dollars annually. He aided in organizing the Colored State Teachers' Association and was its first president. He also drew up and secured the passage of a bill which opened the doors in St. Louis, Kansas City and elsewhere to colored teachers. In 1875 Professor Mitchell was licensed by the AAfri- can Methodist Episcopal church to preach and gave considerable time to the work of the ministry in addition to his labors in the school room. For five years he served as principal of one of the schools of Spring- field, Ohio. His work as an intellectual and moral educator was so closely interwoven from this time forward that it is almost im- possible to speak of one without the other. He served as a lay delegate to the general conference at Baltimore, in 1884, and was the author of the Endowment Day and gen- eral educational scheme under which the African Methodist Episcopal church Con- nection has since operated. In 1884 he was also elected president of Wilberforce Uni- versity and filled that position continually- for about sixteen years. He saw the insti- tution double its attendance and also its property value, while the endowment was likewise largely increased and the annual in- come became a gratifying one. Professor Mitchell planned and secured under statute the organization of the state normal and the industrial department at the university, which receives liberal support from the state of Ohio.
In 1881 the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon Professor Mitchell by his alma mater and he received the honor of
having the Doctor of Laws degree conferred upon him by the State University of Ken- tucky in 1880. He was also oppointed by United States Commissioner Harris as a vice-president of the Educational Congress at the Columbian Exposition. Under his direction Wilberforce University was repre- sented at New Orleans, at the New Orleans Exposition ; at the World's Fair in Paris; and at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where a special award was given him. He was president of the National Colored Teachers' Association at the time of his death. In June, 1900, on account of his health he resigned the presidency of the Wilberforce University. He had accumu- lated an estate valued at about eighteen thou- sand dollars although he started out in life a poor man, working his own way through school and through the world. He had to borrow money to buy a suit in which to ap- pear at the graduating exercises, but lie possessed strong determination and indom- itable courage and steadily he advanced. Al- though a very generous man, giving freely to many causes each year, he acquired a good home and his progress was continuous along lines of intellectual and moral develop- ment.
On the 24th of June, 1876, Professor Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Malvina Fairfax, and to them were born six children: Mrs. Ethel McGee, who has one child, Juanita: Charles F., a corporal in the Twenty-fifth Volunteer Infantry, of the Philippines ; Lottie P .; Bessie Irene; Sam- uel L., and O'Neil T. Mrs. Mitchell was educated in Avery College in Pennsylvania. and at Wilberforce University, and while there she married Mr. Mitchell. For about nine years she was a teacher. Professor Mitchell passed away April 11, 1901, and
568
ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
was laid to rest in Tarbox cemetery. His life was a noble and upright one, helpful in its influences and leaving its impress upon many with whom he came in contact. His aid was ever given to movements for the general good and for the uplifting of human- ity and his entire life was devoted to work which proved of great benefit to others. Well does he deserve mention in this vol- mme and with pleasure we present to our readers the life record of one whom to know was to respect and honor.
BISHOP BENJAMIN F. LEE, D. D.
This eminent scholar and divine. the son of Abel and Sarah Lee, was born in Gould- town, New Jersey. September 18, 1841. He attended the public schools of his native town, where he finished a primary educa- tion. In 1865 he made his appearance at Wilberforce University in search of further knowledge. Being poor, he did not enter as a regular student, but received private in- struction from the faculty, in the meantime supporting himself by working the univer- sity land and taking care of the horses. He was a member of the first theological class organized in connection with Wilberforce, and after a severe and prolonged struggle with poverty and its concomitant hindrances graduated in the theological department in 1872 as valedictorian of his class. During his entire course he mainly supported him- self alternating his efforts between manual labor and teaching.
He joined the African Methodist Epis- copal church in 1862 : was licensed to preach in 1868 by the Xenia. Ohio, Quarterly Con-
ference: was ordained a deacon in 1870 and was ordained an elder in Shelbyville, Ken- tucky. Thursday, October 3. 1872. The or- dination sermon was preached by Bishop J. 31. Brown from second Corinthians. fifth chapter and twentieth verse. It was an able and forceable presentation of the nature. duty and responsibilities of the ministerial office. Benjamin F. Lee. Thomas Duneghy and Silas Crawford were ordained elders and Robert Turner and Charles B. Harris were ordained deacons.
In 1873 he married Mary A. Ashe, of Mobile, Alabama, who graduated with hon- ors in that year from Wilberforce Univer- sity. In 1873 he was appointed to the chair of pastoral theology, homiletics and ecclesi- astical history in Wilberforce made vacant by the resignation of Professor T. H. Jack- son. This position he held until 1876. when. upon the resignation of Bishop Payne as president of Wilberforce University, and on the recommendation of the general con- ference, which met in Atlanta, Georgia. 1876, he was elected by the trustee board in June, president, which office he held until June. 1884. His administration was wide. humane and successful. It was an era of peace and goodwill between the faculty and students, and no time in the history of the university has it enjoyed a greater success than during the administration of Benjamin F. I.ee.
He was a member of the general con- ference in 1876 and 1880 and at the general conference, which assembled in Baltimore. May. 1884. was elected editor of the Chris- tian Recorder. He made an excellent re- port at the general conference of 1888. at Indianapolis. Indiana, and was re-elected and continued to edit the paper and reported
569
ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
at the general conference in Philadelphia, May, 1892.
In 1880 he was associated with Dr. J. G. Mitchell and Rev. R. A. Johnson to bear the fraternal greetings of the general con- ference of the African Methodist Episcopal church to the general conference of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was also elected by the general conference of 1880 a delegate to the Ecumenical conference of Methodists, which met in London, England, September Ist. and was chosen by the west- ern section of the general Ecumenical com- mittee of 1884, embracing the American con- tinent and islands, a member of the per- manent committee of arrangements. His literary productions have been extensive. He contributed an article to the "Wesley Memorial Volume," a work edited by Rev. J. C. A. Clark, D. D., published by Phillips & Hunt, of New York. He has also written an introduction to "Outlines of our History and Government." by Rev. B. T. Tanner. D. D. As a linguist, he is the best produc- tion of the church's intellectual development, being acquainted with six different lan- guages.
Dr. C. S. Smith says, when we come to measure the mental calibre of Bishop Lee. present and prospective, we must first take into account the massiveness of his brain, which in size and weight is far above the average and marked by great frontal ex- pansion and prominence. His brain fibres are of great firmness and contain but little of the sensational elements, while the cells of the hardier and more compact form, which evolve thought processes slowly but substan- tially. His intellect is of keen, penetrating kind that pushes beyond the surface into the depths of things, and that strips the
plants of speculative inquiry of their fasci- nating exterior and foliage and grasps for the root and ground of their foundation. lle is a persistent and profound thinker. He is strong in logic, clear in analysis, and Tucid, though somewhat verbose in expres- sion. A wider contact with the keen, cutting activities of busy, outside life will give him greater terseness of speech. In these whirl- ing circles he will acquire the power of contraction, which is necessary to balance that of expansion, which he now possesses. His intellectual development has taken place under rather peculiar circumstances. He has been measurably shut in from the larger scenes and activities of life. He has been confined within a circle too narrow to ad- mit of a broad unfolding of the genius and strength of his native mental endowments. The giant forces of his intellect will not ap- pear until they have heard the tap of the drums that resound in the widening circles of inspiring, associated forces. Like the resurrected Lazarus, his friends need to "louse him and let him go."
The development of his moral conscious- ness has been along the line of true manly instincts, and the highest and purest teach- ings of moral ethics. He has taken on all those higher virtues and moral forms that are embraced in the one word-Purity. Hence his character is unassailable and above reproach, and he is a model of chaste and upright conduct.
His social manner is uniformly affable and courteous. He is easily approached ; of a gentle disposition, somewhat passive; a ready and interesting conversationalist, and always instructive. As a man, a scholar, a Christian and a toiler for the elevation of the race no words of praise can be bestowed
570
ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
-
on him that are not deserved. To the young and aspiring he is a noble example of what can be accomplished by the sheer force of- I will. After years of conflict with extreme poverty and want, and with nothing but his own stout heart and implicit confidence in God to cheer and strengthen him, he has turned the oasis of adverse circumstances into a place that is now fragrant with the aroma of his well achieved laurels. It was said of President Garfield that he went "from the tow-path to the White House." and it may be said of the subject of our sketch that he went from an hostler's place to a college president's chair, where he sat for eight years the Nestor of all active, col- ored, American, Christian educator: distin- guished in position : sublime in modesty.
Such was the tribute of Dr. C. S. Smith in 1884, and we heartily endorse all that has been said and trust that the admonition and advice to the young will be heeded, and call attention to the prophetic portion of the tribute paid him. From personal knowledge we know that he has more than filled the mould during his services as editor of the Christian Recorder, and by the success that has attended his episcopal labors. No words of praise can add to his statue of worth either as a Christian, educator, reformer or Bishop.
.At the general conference, which met in May, 1892. Philadelphia, he was elected bishop, May 14, and ordained May 19, 1892. by Bishops D. A. Payne. W. J. Gaines and Abraham Grant, assisted by Ellers W. J. Johnson, of Ohio. J. B. Stansberry. of Phil- adelphia, T. 11. Jackson, W. H. Brown, of Pittsburg. T. C. Denham, of Texas, and .A. . A. Williams, of Arkansas, and was ap- pointed to the tenth Episcopal district. com-
posed of the Texas, west Texas, northeast Texas, central Texas. Louisiana, north Louisiana and California conferences, and by the authority of the general conferences organized the Puget Sound annual confer- ence. These conferences covered the states of Louisiana. Texas, California, Washing- ton, Oregon, Nevada and Idaho, and a por- tion of British North America. This dis- trict embraced more territory than the king- dom of Solomon, and God gave the bishop health and strength to visit his work during the Quadrennimm. By his instructive lec- tures and gospel preaching he aroused the people to take a deeper interest in the cause of education and temperance, and induced many to join the army of right against wrong. The presiding elders were to him what Aaron and Hur were to Moses, they held up his hands while executing the law. while the pastors walked with him up the mount of Transfiguration, where the law. gospel and prophet met together, and the voice from the cloud of history were heard in say: "These are my beloved sons in whom I am well pleased."
Paul Quinn College had the benefit o. the experience of the presiding bishop. The theological department was organized, and a system of theological correspondence. cor- responding with the Itinerant course con- stituted.
The men of the district, the people of the district had a higher conception of their duty than they ever had before. The fra- ternal relations between the denominations were cordial and pleasant. Conference reci- procity was exchanged by bishops and con- ferences, and the seed sown during his Quadrennium will yield a rich harvest for God and the race.
571
ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
The Harper Institute at Baton Rouge made a noble fight and succeeded because the ministers and members of the Louisiana conference resolved that it shouldl succeed and not be lost.
He is now president of the board of trus- tees of Wilberforce University. president of Payne's Theological Seminary and president of the Corresponding School of Theology of the church, also president of the board of education and is now directing and control- ing the moral and religious forces of more men, women and children than any man of the race. His past record is a prophecy for the future success of the trust reposed upon him by the general conference. If he re- ceives the hearty co-operation and support, Payne's Theological Seminary will wield an influence in the future beyond the most sanguine expectation of its founder and benefactor.
At the general conference in 1896. held at Wilmington, North Carolina. he was ap- pointed to the third Episcopal district, con- sisting of the Ohio, North Ohio and Pitts- burg annual conferences. It was in this border that the first resolution looking to an educated ministry was ever passed by an annual conference. It was in this celebrated district that the first school and manual labor farm was purchased and organized in 1845 near Columbus, Ohio. It was in this dis- trict that Bishops Payne, James A. Shorter aud Dr. John G. Mitchell laid the founda- tion of our magnificent educational system by the purchase of Wilberforce University. It is fortunate we have one at the head of our educational work and who was raised and trained by the leaders of the church and race, one who has been able to take the principles of African Methodism, and whose
very being is saturated with the hopes of our future and inspired by their lives to triumph over every opposition and bear the standard of manhood Christianity on to cer- tain victories.
J. C. SIMS.
After many years of honorable and active connection with agricultural pursuits J. C. Sims is now living retired in Spring Valley. He was born in Mount Holly, War- ren county, Ohio, December 8, 1839, his parents being George and Sarah E. ( Buckles ) Sims. The father, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, came with his parents. John and Elizabeth Sims, to Ohio. the family becoming early settlers of War- ren county. They located upon a farm on which George Sims was reared, but in early life he learned the cooper's trade in Mount Holly, and there carried on business for many years. Ile also engaged in huckster- ing at the same time. He lived to be more than seventy years of age and throughout his long life commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow men. In his fam- ily were fourteen children, all of whom reached years of maturity and twelve are still living. Those who have passed away had married and reared families.
J. C. Sims, whose name introduces this record. attended the public schools in early life, and when about fourteen years of age began working in his father's shop, where he was employed until twenty-two years of age. From the time of his marriage in 1861 until 1864 he was employed in the extensive coopering department of the large factory of Barrett & Walton. In the latter year.
572
ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
however, he put aside business cares and personal considerations and joined the one- hundred-day men, enlisting in Company G. One ilundred and Fifty-fourth Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. The command took part in the battle at New Creek, but during that engagement he was sent to a block house to guard a bridge. After about four months at the front he returned to Ohio and again entered the employ of his former firm, re- maining there for three years. With the capital he had thus acquired through his in- dustry and economy he invested in land, be- coming owner of seventy-five acres, which is still in his possession.
On the 12th of May, 1861, Mr. Sims was married to Miss Nancy Ellen Smith, of Spring Valley, and unto them were born two sons. George, who married Alice Under- wood, by whom he has three children, is a printer by trade, and resides in Spring Val- ley. Morris, the younger son, married Min- nie Riley, by whom he has one child, and their home is also in Spring Valley. In February, 1870. Mr. Sims was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. He was again married, on the 16th of February. 1871. his second union being with Mrs. Frances ( Sanders) Byrd, a daughter of Jesse and Cassandra ( Bell) Sanders. She was born in Bellbrook June 8. 1835, and was first married to Jackson Byrd, by whom she had three children: George, of Dayton. wedded Elizabeth Smith and has six chil- dren : Flla M. is the wife of Thaddeus Al- ien, of Spring Valley, by whom she has two children: and Mary B. died February 23. 1888. Mr. Byrd died in Callaway county. Missouri, in 1860. having removed to that place in 1855. After his death his widow returned to Ohio. By the second marriage
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.