USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, Ohio > Part 81
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there has been born two children : William, who wedded Stella Pennywit, by whom he has two children, Raymond and Leon, their home being upon his father's farm; and Charles Clifford, who died in his twenty- first year.
In his political affiliations Mr. Sims is a Democrat, voting for the party since cast- ing his first presidential ballot for Douglas in 1860. The fathers of both Mr. and Mrs. Sims were members of the Society of Friend, and our subject and his wife have become identified with the congregation of that denomination in Spring Valley. Mr. Sims belongs to Byrd Post, G. A. R., of Spring Valley. It was named for William H. Byrd, a brother of his wife's first hus- band, who was the first soldier of Spring Valley who was killed in the Civil war. Mr. Sims attended the National Grand Army encampment in Cincinnati and in In- dianapolis. He enjoys the good will and friendship of many of his comrades of the blue and is a citizen of worth who well de- serves mention in this volume.
ISAIAH HOLLOWAY.
The migratory spirit so strongly notice- able in many sections of the country is mani- fest in Ohio rather for its absence, for it is a remarkable fact that a large portion of the native born sons of this state have re- tained their residence within its borders throughout their entire lives. Such a one is Mr. Holloway, whose birth occurred in Jan- uary, 1824. in Madison township. Clark county, where he lived until he had attained his majority, acquiring his education in the
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log schoolhouse of that locality. His par- ents were Isaiah and Sarah ( McQuality) Holloway. The father was born in Vil- ginia, and when a young man came to Ohio, settling in Chillicothe, where he remained for a number of years. He then went to Clark county and carried on farming in Madison township. Ilis remaining days were spent in that county, where he passed away at the age of seventy-six years. His religious faith connected him with the Meth- odist church, while his political belief was in harmony with the principles of the Re- publican party. His wife survived him for several years and died on the old homestead in Clark county at the age of seventy-four years. She had belonged also to the Meth- oxdist church and was a lady who possesse.1 many excellent traits of character. Unto this worthy couple were born seven children, of whom two are yet living. Isaiah being the second in order of birth. His sister, Elizabeth, is now the widow of Levi War- ner, who was a resident of Cedarville, Ohio.
Mr. Holloway came to Greene county about 1865, and has since lived upon the farm which he yet owns and operates. He purchased one hundred and twenty-five acres of land which was then partially in- proved, but he afterward erected a good residence and barn and here he has since lived. The place is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences, and everything about his farm is neat and thrifty in appearance, thus manifesting the careful supervision of the progressive owner. Mr. Holloway has also purchased the old home- stead consisting of one hundred and thirty acres.
Mr. Holloway was united in marriage to Miss Mary Tindall, a daughter of Thomas
and Sarah ( Waller ) Tindall, who resided in Clark county, but both are now de- ceased. Her mother was a member of the Methodist church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hol- loway have been born six children, but Or- leans died at the age of fourteen years, and Clara died at the age of five years. Lander is a resident farmer of Nebraska. Howard resides upon the old home place in Clark county. Charles makes his home at Selma. lda is yet under the parental roof.
Mr. Holloway votes with the Republican party, but is content to end his political ac- tivity there, save that he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church and he is serving as one of its trus- tees. In his life he has manifested many of the sterling characteristics of his Scotch an- cestry, being thrifty, persevering and en- terprising, and to-day, as a result of these elements in his make-up. he is a well-to-do resident of Cedarville township, and has the respect of the leading people of the com- munitv.
JOHN D. STEELE.
The man of wealth is not the one whom the American citizens hokl in highest regard, but he who can plan his own advancement and accomplish it in the face of competition and obstacles that are always to be met in the business world. The "captains of in- dustry" are those whose business foresight can recognize opportunity and whose exec- utive force can utilize advantages which are not given to one alone, but perhaps encom- pass the whole race. The life history of John D. Steele is simply that of a successful
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business man who owes his advancement to close application, energy, strong determina- tion and executive ability. He has never al- lowed outside pursuits to interfere with the performance of business duties or the meet- ing of any business obligations, and thus he stands to-day one of the prosperous residents of Xenia, strong in his honor and his good name. He is the secretary and general man- ager of the Hooven & Allison Company, and many other enterprises of the city owe their successful conduct largely to his wise conn- sel and business judgment.
Mr. Steele is a native of Greene county. having been born in Alpha. November 4. 1855, his parents being David and Mary ( Harbine) Steele. His paternal grandia- ther was John Steele, of whom mention is inade in the historical section of this work. He was born in Virginia in 1809 and with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ebenezer Steele. came to Greene county as early as 1830. the family settling in Beavercreek township. where the grandfather of our subject en- gaged in farming. John Steele also began life as a farmer, but after some years be- came interested in an oil mill as a member of the firm of Steele & Kershner. They car- ried on an extensive business in the manu- facture of linseed oil. After a time Mr. Kershner sold his interest to John Har- bine, the grandfather of our subject. and the firm style of Steele & Harbine was then assumed. This relation was maintained 1111- til 1871. when the senior partner retired and removed to Xenia, where he became one of the directors of the First National Bank of that city. In his political views he was first a Whig, supporting the party until its dis- solution, when he joined the ranks of the new Republican party. He held member-
ship in the Reformed church and was one of its elders. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Ankeney, and was a daughter of one of the pioneer settlers of Greene coun- ty. In the year 1882 John Steele departed this life and his wife passed away in 1889.
Their only child, David Steele, acquired a public-school education, and afterward »pent two years as a student in Oxford Col- lege. at Oxford, Ohio. In early manhood he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Elizabeth Harbine, and soon afterward they located in Bloomfield, Davis county, Iowa, taking up their abode there in 1856. Mr. Steele was interested in farming in the west until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he offered his services to the govern- ment as a defender of the Union catise, en- listing in the Third Iowa Infantry, in which he was made first sergeant. After two years' service he was discharged on account of ill health and returned to Greene county. Ohio. About six weeks later, when he had sufficiently recuperated. he organized what became Company E. of the Ninety-fourth Ohio Volunter Infantry, and was commis- sioned its captain. With his command he went to the front and at the battle of Stone River, on the 15th of December, 1862. he was wounded and died from the effects of his injuries on the 15th of January. 1863. His wife had passed away about 1859. leav- ing two children: John D., of this review, and Augusta F .. now the wife of W. T. Poague.
John D. Steele, having been left an orphan, made his home with his paternal grandparents, and in the common schools he pursued his preliminary education, which was afterward supplemented by study in the high school of Xenia and in the Uni-
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ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
versity of Wooster, at Wooster, Ohio, where he was graduated in the class of 1877 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He also took a business course, and later in the same year he entered the office of his uncle, J. H. Harbine, a dealer in grain and flour in Xenia, remaining with him until April, 1881. At that time Mr. Steele entered upon an independent business venture, purchasing the interest of M. C. Allison in the whole- sale house of Allison, Eavey & Carson, at which time the firm name was changed to Eavey, Carson & Steele. Another change oc- curred in July of the same year. when the business style of Eavey & Company was as- sumed, Mr. Steele remaining as an active member of the house. An extensive and successful business was carried on, to which result Mr. Steele contributed his full share until July, 1888, when he sold his interest and became a member of the Hooven & .\1- lison Company, of which he was also one of the incorporators. He was elected as sec- retary and general manager and also became a member of the board of directors. This company was incorporated for three hundred thousand dollars and purchased the old plant on West Second street. The business of manufacturing cordage was then begun. The new company also bought out what was known as the plant of the Chio Cordage Company and also enlarged and increased its capacity. The plant of the Venia Cord- age Company was also added to their enter- prise and the company is now operating it as a successful commercial twine mill. In the various plants employment is furnished to about five hundred people-the largest number of employes in the service of any one company in Greene county. Thus a very successful and extensive business has
been carried on, the trade constantly increas- ing, while the output is sent into all sections of the country. The main office is located in Xenia, with branch offices and warehouses at Kansas City and Minneapolis. The firm is represented by local agents at different points. U'ntil 1901 a factory was also con- ducted in Zanesville, Ohio, where one hun- dred operatives were employed. Mr. Steele has extensive business interests in other lines. In 1889 he organized the Steele, Ilop- kins & Meredith Company, incorporated, and bought the old business of B. F. Funk & Company, of Springfield, Ohio, since con- (lucting a successful business there as whole- sale grocers. He is also connected with the Electric Light Company, and in 1896 he erected the finest office building in Xenia, known as the Steele block. It is a fire proof, steele structure, built in the most modern style of architecture and with all of the latest improvements and accessories. Three of its floors are devoted to office purposes, while the fourth and fifth floors have been leased to the Masonic fraternity. This building is a credit to the city as well as a monument to the business ability of the owner.
On the 18th of January, 1893, Mr. Steele was united in marriage to Miriam E. Yockey, of Xenia, a daughter of the Rev. S. B. Yockey. now pastor of the Eighth Avenue Reformed church, of Columbus, Ohio. Unto our subject and his wife have been born three children: John Daniel; Mar- gare Elinor ; and Florence Miriam. Mr. Steele belongs to Xenia Lodge, No. 49, F. & A. M .: Xenia Chapter, R. A. M., and to the Reformed church of Xenia, in which he is serving as an elder. In politics he has always been a stanch Republican, but would
34
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ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
never consent to hold office. He has had no taste for political life, even if his business interests would permit him to enter it, but during his active career he has held many important relations to the public interest. through the business enterprise he has con- (lucted. He has never sought to figure per- sonally before the public in any light or in any relation, but has always been deeply interested in the social, moral and industrial movements of the community.
CAPTAIN MOSES WALTON.
1 new chapter has been added to Amer- ican history at a recent date and one which reflects great credit upon the nation. It chronicles the military and naval strength of the country and shows that the United States has 'won a place among the great powers of the world. This result comes from the aggregate endeavor of many brave men who at their country's call went forth to aid in carrying out the doctrine which says that no foreign power shall encroach upon the liberties of the people of the new world. Captain Walton certainly won dis- tinction through his military service which was of great benefit to his native land.
Ile was born in what is now the village of Spring Valley, December 27. 1846. his parents being Moses and Rachel (Ragan ) Walton. His boyhood days were spent in the village, the father owning a farm there upon which the Captain was reared. After acquiring his elementary education in the district schools he later became a student in Spiceland Academy of Henry county. Indi- ana. an institution which at the present time
is conducted under the supervision of the Society of Friends. After years there passed Captain Walton returned to his home and a few months later he and his father es- tablished a mill for the manufacture of flax tow in 1866. The following year he and his father established a mercantile store and also continued the manufacture of tow. In 1869 they extended the field of their labors by engaging in the manufacture of bagging. successfully conducting all three enterprises. From 1868 until 1891 he and his brother were also interested in the pork packing busi- ness in connection with their father and Mr. Barrett. In 1872 they closed their store and in 1881 the bagging mill was destroyed by fire, and they did not again assume busi- ness along that line but continued to engage in pork packing. In 1883. however. Cap- tain Walton withdrew from the business and went to Trebein to take charge of the wheat department until 1887. In that year he pur- chased the oil mill in Spring Valley, con- ducting the same until 1897. when he ac- cepted a clerkship in the office of the post- office inspector at Cincinnati. He was em- ployed in that capacity until the 25th of May. 1898. when he was appointed captain in the quartermaster's department of the First Brigade. Second Division, First Army Corps, for service in the Spanish- American war, and was at Chickamauga and at Camp Poland, Knoxville, Tennessee. When the army was re-organized he was made quar- termaster of the First Brigade of the First Division of the First .Army Corps. In Oc- tober the brigade was ordered to Cancti Spiritus. Cuba, and he was the first quar- termaster located in the Santa Clara province, where he remained for three months. The brigade was then broken up
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ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
and he was ordered to Cienfuegus as assist- ant of the chief quartermaster of the province of Santa Clara and Matanzas, un- der General John C. Bates, After five months there passed Captain Walton was ordered to New York city to go on a trans- port as captain, quartermaster and commis- sary. He was in the transport service for two years, first as quartermaster on the Dixie, on which he made a trip from New York to Matanzas, Havana and Cienfue- gus, returning thence to New York. Later he was transferred to the transport Burn- side, which was the only large prize captured from the Spaniards, it formerly having been the transport Rita. He has a very interest- ing relic captured from the Spaniards at that time which was found in the vessel. Ile was on the transport at the time when the teachers in Cuba were brought to Boston and in his possession has a diary which was kept on the voyage by the superintendent of the model schools of Ceinfuegus-Sanfrisco Castro-which was written in Spanish, but has been translated into English. Captain Walton paid the teachers at Cienfuegus for two months' services. This was the first money they had received for a period of three years and three months, and the money which was given them on the ist of March, 1899, was gratefully received. They were paid in greenbacks, which was the first money of the kind they had ever seen.
In July, 1900. Captain Walton was transferred to the Sedgwick and was in command until the 21st of October of the same year, when he was transferred to the Buford, remaining in charge of that trans- port until the ist of May. 1951. He crossed the ocean to Gibraltar, made his way to the Island of Malta, to Port Said, and through
the Suez Canal, thence on to Colombo and the Isle of Ceylon. A Singapore the ves- sel did not anchor because of cholera at that place. but continued on to Manila, the trip consuming fifty-one days. Captain Walton spent over two months in Manila and then returned on the Buford. bringing with him the Twenty-seventh United States Regiment to San Francisco. Going out, he never lost at man. At San Francisco he gave up his command and went to Washington in order to work upon his papers. If the history of his naval service was toll in detail it would furnish many an interesting and exciting chapter. He is thoroughly familiar with the modern methods of naval warfare and proved himself a most loyal sollier.
On the 25th of September, 1867, the Captain was united in marriage to Miss Ellen B. Hepford, of Spring Valley. She was born in Dayton, a daughter of J. W. and Elizabeth ( Hess ) Hepford. They now have seven children : John Edward, a farm- er of Spring Valley: Bessie R., the wife of E. C. Van Winkle, a teacher in the public schools of Spring Valley: J. T., who in 1899 became justice of the peace, being the youngest incumbent that has ever filled that office in Ohio: Rosella, the wife of .I. E. Wright, of Dayton ; Samuel M., a student in Dayton ; Joseph H .. who is attending school in Spring Valley; and Mary L., who com- pletes the family.
The Captain has been a stanch Repub- lican since casting his first presidential vote for Grant in 1868, and has served as a member of the city council of Spring Valley. He is a member of the Society of Friends, and his people all adhere to that faith. Such in brief is the life history of Moses Walton. In whatever relation of life we find him-in
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ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
the government service, in political circles, in business or in social relations-he is al- ways the same honorable and honored gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly given him.
FRANCIS GRINNELL.
Francis Grinnell is one of the early set- tlers and leading and influential citizens of Miami township, and as the qualities of an upright manhood are numbered among his salient characteristics he well deserves men- tion among the representative men of Greene county. He was born in New Bed- ford, Massachusetts, November 5. 1821, a son of Cornelius and Eliza ( Russell ) Grin- nell. The father was also born in New Bed- ford and there spent almost his entire life with the exception of a few years, during which he was engaged in business in New York. Ilis father was a captain in the mer- chant marine service and Cornelius Grinnell also engaged in shipping and in the whaling trade. He died at the comparatively early age of forty years. The mother of our sub- ject had passed away previously and the fa- ther had married a sister of his first wife. The Grinnell family in religious faith were originally Friends.
Francis Grinnell spent the entire period of his minority in the place of his nativity. lle was educated in the academy at South Kingston. Rhode Island, and afterward at Cambridge, Massachusetts, and for one year was a student at Well College at Jamaica Plains, near Boston. After completing his echication he entered the counting room of his brother at New Bedford, but remained only a short time, after which, until twenty-
one years of age, he traveled from place to place, being employed in various ways. On attaining his majority he purchased a farm near New Bedford. This had formerly been an island, but was dyked in by his fa- ther, who purchased the land in 1812. Mr. Grinnell of this review remained upon his farm and continued its cultivation until 1855. when he sold that property and came to Ohio with his family, settling at Yellow Springs, in Miami township. For two years he resided there and then purchased a tract of land of one hundred and sixty-eight acres in Miami township. This he improved. plac- ing it under a high state of cultivation. He then purchased one hundred and forty acres more and added to the farm from time to time until he now owns something over three hundred and fifty acres. In 1862 he purchased of Mathew Conny the gristmill which he now operates. It was built in 1821 and is therefore one of the landmarks of the community. Mr. Grinnell has operated the mill and engaged in farming ever since he made the purchase of the property, and is a worthy representative of the agricultural and industrial interests of the community.
In 1846 in Washington, D. C., was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Grinnell and Miss Marian Gales Johnson, a daughter of Robert and Winifred ( Gales) Johnson, the former a native of North Carolina. Mrs. Grinnell was a devout member of the Epis- copal church and a most estimable lady. She died upon the home farm in Miami township in 1893. leaving a family of eight children, while one had previously passed away. Cornelius H .. who owns a large ranch and is extensively engaged in raising cattle in Sheridan, Wyoming, married Miss Sabiton and they have three children : Ma-
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rian W., now deceased: Joseph and Law- rence. Alt ma Holstein became the wife of Bailey Willis, a son of N. P. Willis, the poet, and died leaving one child. Hope. Robert J., who is engaged in milling in South Carolina, is married and his children are: Burard. Kate, Reginald, and Ernest. who is deceased. Frank, who was born in Massachusetts on the home farm, came to Greene county with his parents, and here resided until 1901, when he removed to Ken- tucky, where he is now engaged in farming. He married Miss Minnie Robinson, and they have one child. Catherine Winifred. Gales M., who follows farming in Miami township, wedded Millie Goe and they have one child. Bailey W. Ernest, born in Miami township, is married and resides in Sheri- dan, Wyoming. Nellie W. is at home. William L., of Portland, Oregon, married Ethel Galloway and their children are: George and Francis M. Morton R. is as- sisting his father on the home farm. He married Esther Kolp and their children are Marjorie, Malcolm M., Ralph and Harold. For almost a half century Francis Grinnell has resided in Greene county and is well known to many of its citizens. He has al- ways been an industrious, energetic man and in his business affairs has manifested the strictest integrity and fidelity to commercial ethics. Throughout the community he is held in high regard, and as one of the early settlers of Miami township he well deserves mention in this volume.
SAMUEL M. ALLISON.
Samuel M. Allison, now deceased. was one of the most distinguished business men of Xenia. He was a representative of that
type of American citizens who contribute to the general prosperity while promoting in- dividual success. Through the establish- ment of important business interests he gave employment to a large number of workmen and thus the commercial activity was ad- vanced. He possessed untiring industry, was quick of perception, formed his plans readily and was determined in their execu- tion. He was energetic, prompt and notably reliable, and his popularity was well de- served, for in him were embraced the char- acteristics of an unbending integrity, un- abating energy and industry that never flags. Few men could be more widely missed than Mr. Allison, of Xenia, whose long and hon- orable connections with business interests made him of value here.
Samuel McNair Allison was born in Shelby county, Ohio, in May. 1836, his parents being Samuel and Mary Allison. His early life was spent upon the home farm near Sidney and' in the district schools ot the neighborhood he acquired his early education, which was later supplemented by study in Sidney. His father died when he was a mere boy, and as soon as he was able to take his place in the business world he contributed largely to the support of his mother and sisters. He has three surviving sisters: MIrs. Rebecca Hench, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania: Margaret R., who resides with her brother: and Hester. the wife of J. S. Armstrong, of Xenia. William, who was a well known insurance agent of Xenia. recently died.
On the 15th of March, 1851, when not yet sixteen years of age, Mr. Allison secured employment as a clerk in the store of Alli- son & Townsley, the senior member being his brother. James Allison, while the junior
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