USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, Ohio > Part 85
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Fraternally Mr. Ellis is a member of Morris McMillan Post. G. A. R., of Wil- mington, Ohio, and Port William Lodge, K. P. Politically he is a Republican and his religious faith connects him with the Meth- odist Episcopal church. The Ellis family is one of prominence in the community where they reside and they enjoy the high regard of many friends. For the past two years the representatives of the name have held family reunions, the first being held August
29. 1900, when two hundred were present. The second was held September 4. 1901. when three hundred and fifty were present. The last runion was held upon our subject's farm, where his grandfather. Christopher Ellis, had settled in 1807.
JOSEPH WARREN KING.
No history of Xenia or indeed of this section of Ohio would be complete without mention of Joseph Warren King. He be- longed to that little group of distinctively representative business men who were the pioneers in inaugurating and building up the chief industries of this section of the coun- try. He early had the sagacity and pre- seience to discern the eminence which the future had in store for this great and grow- ing country, and, acting in accordance with the dictates. of his faith and judgment, he garnered. in the fuffness of time, the gener- ous harvest which is the just recompense of indomitable industry. spotless integrity and marvelous enterprise. He also labored] for the good of the community and his ef- forts contributed in no small degree to pub- lic progress and substantial improvement.
Mr. King was a native of Connecticut, his birth having occurred in Suffield, on the 31st of August. 1814. his parents being John Bowker and Hannah ( Newton ) King. His mother was a lineal descendant of Peter Brown, who crossed the Atlantic on the Mayflower. On the paternal side Mr. King was of English lineage, the first of the fam- ily coming to this country prior to 1672 as he was then a resident of Ipswich. Massa- chusetts. There were two branches of the
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family founded here, one being established in the south, white James King settled in Suffield, Connecticut, in 1678. John Bow- ker King was descended from James King. through grandfather and father, both of whom bore the name of Joseph. Joseph King, grandfather of our subject, was a Revolutionary soldier as was also John New- ton, the maternal grandfather. John Bow- ker King was a man of good business ability, a substantial farmer and an upright man. He died May 30. 1853.
Joseph Warren King spent his boyhood days upon his father's farm and in early youth attended the district schools near his home. He acquired a liberal education for those days in different schools in that part of the country and before attaining his ma- jority desired to start out in life for himself. but according to the laws of Connecticut his father had a right to his services until he was twenty-one years of age. He therefore bought his time of his father and entered upon his business career as a book agent, in which he was quite successful. After a short time he sought a home in the west, locating first in Westfield ( now Leroy). Medina county, Ohio.
In 1838 Mr. King returned to Connecti- cut and was there married to Betsey Ken- dall, of Suffield, a daughter of Captain Simon Kendall and his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Kent. The latter was a lineal descendant of Governor William Bradford, who came to this country in the Mayflower and also of Major John Mason, who won fame in the Pequot war and who was to the Connecticut colony what Miles Standish was to the Plymouth colony. After their marriage Mr. King and his bride made their trip to their western home by way of
the Erie canal and Lake Erie, and began their domestic life in a small house, a part of which was built of logs. In this they had the first cooking stove ever brought to the county and it excited much curiosity throughout the countryside. Thus amid pio- neer conditions and enduring many of the trials which constitute the lot of the settler on the frontier, Mr. King got his start in the west. In Westfield he opened a general store, carrying all kinds of goods that were in demand by the settlers of those days. His business ability was soon manifest and brought him success, and he was considered one of the most prominent men of a wide territory.
From Westfield Mr. King removed to Lima, Ohio, seeking a broader field of labor, and there be carried on business on a more extensive scale. He not only engaged in general merchandising, but also organized the firm of King & Day, to engage in the business of pork-packing. They were among the pioneers in inaugurating this in- dustry in Ohio and were very successful in the new enterprise. In Lima Mr. King also attained to an enviable position in commer- cial and financial circles, but again he sought a broader field. and about the middle of the century took up his abode in Xenia, where he entered into partnership with Alvin Aus- tin, under the firm name of Austin, King & Company, in the establishment of a powder manufactory. Of this Mr. King afterward became sole proprietor, purchas- ing Mr. Austin's interest. He then incor- porated the business under the name of the Miami Powder Company and for more than twenty years was the president. Under his capable direction the business constantly in- creased, making necessary the erection of
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an extensive plant in order to meet the grow- ing demands of the trade. At length he dis- posed of his first plant and in 1878 incor- porated King's Great Western Powder Com- pany, of which he was the president. The plant was located at King's Station, and the volume of business there carried on con- stantly increased. Mr. King remained an active factor in the conduct of the enter- prise until his death. A man of resourceful business ability, he was quick to recognize a favorable business opportunity and his de- cision of character led him to take advantage of these undeterred by tardy action. He be- came an active factor in financial circles, re- alizing the need of money exchanges as an aid to the business of this section. He was one of the organizers of the Citizens Na- tional Bank, of Nenia, became its first presi- dent. and continued in that position until his death. He was also the owner of the Merchants & Manufacturers Bank, of Co- lumbus, Ohio, and was its president until his life's labors were ended. Many other enterprises of importance profited by his financial co-operation and wise counsel. He was connected with pork-packing houses in Lima and with iron and paper manufac- tories. Intricate business propositions and problems he seemed to comprehend at a glance, and his judgment was rarely, if ever, at fault. Like all who are connected with important enterprises furnishing employ- ment to many operatives and promoting the commercial activity of the community. his labors were of widespread benefit to his fel- low men.
Five children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. King during the course of their happy married life. Helen, now deceased, was the
wife of the Rev. Dr. Morehead ; Mary is the wife of G. M. Peters, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Elouisa is the wife of C. C. Nichols, a banker of Wilmington, Ohio; and Isadora and Emma are at home in Xenia. The fa- ther died July 8, 1885, and the mother, on the 3d of March, 1896. Both were earnest and active members of the Baptist church. Mr. King took a very prominent part in its work and was its main support for many years. Together with another he gave the parsonage which is now a part of the church property, and he usually bore one-third or more of the expenses of the church. For many years he was superintendent of the Sunday-school, and his influence was ever on the side of justice and the right. His wealth was so honorably won and so worthily used that the most envious could not grudge him his success. He started out as do the majority of young men of the country -- without capital-and prospered because he had the force of character, the steady application and the energy which con- quer all obstacles and steadily advance even in the face of opposition. His life work was indeed of value to his section of Ohio, and as he mastered and controlled extensive lyisiness interests he also won the confidence and respect of his employes and the warm friendship of many whom he met in busi- ness as well as social life. Kindness was one of the motives of his life. He had a well spring of affection and a quick and generous sympathy which increased by giv- ing, and the many who looked up to him and respected him realized as fully as did his most intimate friends and family that when death claimed him a true man had fallen.
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JACOB BATES.
For sixty-one years Jacob Bates traveled life's journey and throughout the entire period was known to the residents of Greene county, being one of the prominent agri- culturists of Beavercreek township. He was born in an old log cabin in this township on the roth of March, 1827, his parents be- ing Jacob and Margaret Bates. The father died when our subject was only eight years of age, and as the family was in somewhat difficult straits our subject had to start out in life for himself when but a boy, and this of course cut off his educational privileges. Throughout his entire life he carried on farming and prospered in his undertakings, for he manifested marked diligence in his work. From early morning until late at night he could have been found in the fields caring for his crops from the time of the early spring planting until after the har- vests were garnered in the autumn. In later years, when he had attained a consid- erable degree of success, he was enabled in some measure to retire from farm work and left the more arduous duties of the fields to others.
On the 25th of October, 1848, Mr. Bates was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Snipe, who was born in Beavercreek town- ship July 15, 1830, a daughter of Solomon and Mary Ann ( Frost) Snipe. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, who, when but eighteen months old, was brought to Ohio by his parents, Rynehart and Susanna Snipe, the former of French descent, and the latter a native of Pennsylvania and of German lineage. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bates was blessed with nine children : Samuel, a resident of Montgomery county,
married Alice Finafrock and they have three children-Samuel, Sally and William. Mar- garet is the wife of Jacob Goldshot, a resi- dent of Beavercreek township, and they have a family of eight children-Emma. Frank, Charles, Annie, Margaret. Jacob, Etta, and Harry, who was drowned. Jacob, a resident of Dayton, married Ann Hotop. and has four children-Edward, Viola. Ben- jamin and Harry. Franklin P. resides with his mother. Catherine is also living on the old homestead. David married Nancy Mar- garet MeCausland and they have four chil- dren -- John William Le Roy. David Elmer, Albert Edward and Joseph Oscar.
After his marriage Jacob Bates was en- gaged in farming on rented land for a time, and in 1850 he purchased one-half of the present farm upon which his widow is now living, and the other half he inherited from his father's estate. His purchase was a tract of woodland, upon which scarcely an improvement had been made. Later he added to his property a tract of nineteen acres, so that the farm comprises one hun- dred and seventy-nine acres. For a time Mr. and Mrs. Bates resided in a log cabin, living in pioneer style, but as his financial resources increased he made improvements upon his property, erected a house, built a barn and added other necessary buildings for the shelter of grain and stock. He built his house during the time of the Civil war at a cost of about two thousand dollars, se- curing the timber upon his own land and hewing it by hand. His marked energy and careful management made his farm a good one, which returned a goklen reward for his labors. As his financial resources in- creased Mr. Bates also invested in city prop- erty in Dayton, but this has been sold since
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his death. He started out in life a poor boy. working as a farm hand for a time. and at length rented land until he was enabled to purchase for himself. His life history proves that energy and determination are effective factors in winning prosperity.
Mr. Bates died July 2. 1888. He was a member of the German Reformed church. in which he held many offices and took an active part in the work. In politics he was a Democrat, but never sought office as a re- ward for public fealty, preferring to devote his time and attention to private life, pro- viding for his wife and children. His was an active and useful career and therefore his memory is cherished by his family and many friends. Mrs. Bates still resides upon the ofd homestead. She was an able assist- ant through all the years of their married life, and he freely acknowledged his indebt- edness for her aid. She carefully managed the affairs of the household and reared her children, and now she receives the love and considration of her sons and daughters.
GEORGE M. HAGLER.
Among the farmers of Spring Valley township accounted representative citizens of Greene county is George Mallow Hagler, who was born in the township of Xenia on the 9th of August. 1858, his parents be- ing William and Mary ( Seroggs) Hagler. His boyhood days were spent upon the home farm and in the district schools he acquired a fair English education. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until he had attained his majority, when he began working as a farm hand by the month.
and after one season had passed he engaged in farming on his own account on land be- longing to his paternal grandmother. He had good success in the undertaking and won a fair start in that way.
On the 21st of December, 1882, Mr. Hlagler was united in marriage to Miss Ruth C. Anderson, of Spring Valley, a daughter of Joseph and Matilda ( Steinfield ) Ander- son. For a year after their marriage they remained upon his grandmothers's farm and then Mr. Hagler rented the St. John farm on the Burlington pike. continuing its culti- vation for five years. He then removed to the place upon which he now resides, leas- ing it for a term of five years, and on the expiration of that period he purchased the farm, becoming the owner of one hundred and thirty-three acres. He has a good house, substantial outbuildings and many modern improvements and equipments. He has placed about fifteen hundred rods of tiling upon his land, transforming it into a very rich and arable tract, upon which he produces excellent crops. In 1902 he ex- tended the boundaries of his place by add- ing a tract of sixty-one and one-half acres adjoining the original purchase. In his farming operations Mr. Hagler is prosper- ous, his well directed efforts bringing to him good harvests, and in the town markets he finds a ready sale for his products.
The home of our subject and his wife has been blessed with five children : Joseph Lewis, who was born in Jasper township; Carrie Mi., born in Xenia township; Ollie May. also born in Xenia township; and Al- bert .A. and William F., who are natives of Spring Valley township. The family is well known in the community, and the hospitality of many of the best homes is extended to
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them. Mr. Flagler is a supporter of the Republican party. having been identified therewith from the time he cast his first presidential vote for James AA. Garfield in 1884. He has never sought or desired of- fice, however, preferring to give his time and energies to his business affairs. His farm is the visible evidence of his life of in- dustry and earnest toil, and as the architect of his own fortunes he has certainly builded wisely and well.
ANDREW BISINE.
Andrew Bisine, one of Xenia's highly respected citizens, has for many years been a respected resident of this place and hi , life history illustrates the possibilities that las before young men of foreign birth wh) seek homes in the new world. If they pos- sess energy, determinati m and enterprise they will reap an abundant harvest for their hbors. This Mr. Bisine has done and is now enjoying a richly deserved rest su :- rounded by all the comforts secured to him through the fruitful outcome of his former toil.
He was born in Hesse, Germany, June 22, 1820, and is one of a family of four children, whose parents were Conrad and Elizabeth ( Ilull) Bisine. His father was born, lived and died in Germany and there engaged in farming for twenty years. He was also a soklier of his native country and died when comparatively a young man, pass- ing away at the age of forty-two. In the schools of his native country Andrew Bisine obtained his education and upon his father's farm was reared, working in the fields and
meadows as the years passed by. In 1839. when nineteen years of age, he determined to seek a home and fortune in the "land of the free." for he had heard favorable re- ports concerning business opportunities here. Crossing the Atlantic, he landed in Balti- more, where he ren ained for a short time, working at anything that would yield him a good living. He afterward resided in Pittsburg and Cincinnati, where he was sim- ilarly employed, and from the latter city he removed to Dayton, but not finding profit- able work there he came to Nenia, walking a distance of more than fifteen miles. He did rot know the English language and Ger- man residents of Xenia were at that time ien, but he was resolute, ambitious and de- termined, and these qualities aided him in overcoming obstacles and winning success. Ile foun H employment in the Grand hotel. where he remained for five years, and dur- ing that time he became familiar with the English tongue. Hle afterward engaged in clerking in a general store for John Ewing for ten or twelve years, but when the Civil war was declared he could not content hin- self to rent in at home while the Union was in danger and enlisted at Richmond as a member of Company F. One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, under Colonel Kiver. in 1862. The regiment went into camp at Piqua, Ohio, and from there proceeded to Parkersburg, and on to Clarksville, going there to New Creek and afterward to Win- chester. Virginia, where the army remained for six months. There Mr. Bisine assisted in guarding the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Ile was in the important battle of Gettys- burg, taking part in the thickest of the fight. and there he saw half of his regiment cap- tured and destroyed. the wounded and killed
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amounting to about five hundred. He. how- ever. made his escape from the enemy and proceeded to Harper's Ferry, where he joined the Union army. He afterward participated in many skirmishes and then returned in New York city, where he remained for three weeks. On account of wounds he had previously sustained he was obliged to go to Alexandria and enter the hospital, where he laid for four months in a critical condi- tion. In November, 1863. he was honor- ably discharged on account of disability and returned to Xenia. From that time until 18go he was an active factor in business circles in this city, and through his enter- prise and capable management won a hand- some competence, which enabled him to put aside business cares in 1890 and retire from active pursuits.
Mr. Bisine was married, on the 28th of March, 1843, to Miss Susie Carr, who was born in Hesse. Germany. Their union was blessed with three children, but all are now deceased, and on the 28th of March, 1888. Mr. Bisine was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. He and his family were all members of the Methodist church, and he is still identified with that denomination. He resides in a pleasant home at No. 123 West Market street and has many friends in Xenia, who admire him for what he has accomplished in life and respect him for his genuine worth. He has now passed the eighty-second milestone on life's journey. and his has been a useful and honorable ca- reer. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought .- which, by the way. are always open to the ambitious, en- ergetic man .- and making the best of these
he has steadily worked his way upward. He possesses the resolution, perseverance and reliability so characteristic of people of his nation, and his name is now enrolled among the best citizens of Greene county.
JAMES B. GREGG.
Upon a farm, the patent of which bears date 1800, and in a stone house which was erected in 1832, James B. Gregg is now liv- ing. This farm, from the time of its trans- fer from the government's possession. has been owned by representatives of the Gregg family. It was upon this place, which is situated in Cedarville township, that our subject first opened his eyes to the light of day. on the 26th of March. 1838. He is a son of John and Mary Isabelle ( Brown) Gregg. His grandfather, John Gregg, was a native of Ireland who came to the United States prior to the Revolutionary war and when the colonists, attempting to throw of the yoke of British oppression, were engaged in the Revolutionary war, he joined the army for independence and served for seven years with the rank of lieutenant. His brother was also in the service and they were mustered ont at Philadelphia. On that dlay they separated and never heard from each other afterward. The grandfather of our subject soon went to Kentucky, where he remained for some years, and about 1804 removed to Ohio, purchasing from the gov- ernment the tract of land upon which our subject now resides. His original purchase comprised six hundred acres. Here he built a log cabin and made a home for himself and family, spending his remaining days upon
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this place, which he developed into an ex- cellent farn. His death occurred when he had reached the advanced age of eighty- seven years. He was an eller in the ok! Seceder church of which the Rev. Arm- strong served as pastor. His political sup- port was given the Whig party. He was one of the prosperous men of his community and an influential and upright citizen.
John Gregg, the father of our subject. was also born upon the old homestead which is now occupied by his son James B. In the district schools of the neighborhood he acquired his education and throughout his entire life carried on general farming and the raising of stock, never leaving his birth- place. He held membership in the United Presbyterian church and died upon the old home farm at the age of seventy years. His wife survived him for many years, passing away in 1898, at which time she was also interred in the Woodland cemetery of Xenia. In their family were five children : David A., a retired farmer living in Xenia : James B. : Mary Jane, who became the wife of James .A. Turner, of Miami township, and died fifteen years ago: Margaret, the wife of I. N. Langhead. of Illinois; and John C .. who is engaged in teaching in the pub- lic schools of Brazil, Indiana.
James B. Gregg was educated in the common schools near his home. He was early trained to farm work, so that when lie began work upon his own account prac- tical experience enabled him to carry on his labors profitably. As a companion and help- mate for life's journey he chose Mary A. MeCollum, their wedding being celebrated on the 20th of August, 1868. The lady is a daughter of James MeCollum, of Xenia township, who was a native of Ireland and
came to the United States in 1856, accom- panied by his family. Choosing Greene county as a desirable place of residence, he located on a farm in Xenia township, where he died at an advanced age. His wife is also deceased. When he crossed the At- lantic to the new workl he was accompanied by his wife and their eight children. The former, also a native of the Green Isle of Erin, bore the maiden name of Margaret Wright. Mr. McCollum was fifty-five years of age at the time of the emigration, his birth having occurred in July, 1800. The family home was three miles from Cedar- ville, where Mr. MeCollum purchased a par- tially improved farm of seventy-three acres, upon which he lived for ten years. On the expiration of that period he removed to a farm in Venia township, consisting of two hundred and ten acres. There he erected a large farm house, good barns and other outbuildings and continued to engage in the cultivation of the soil until his death, which occurred July 10, 1875. He was a member of the Reformed Presyterian church, of Cedarville, to which his wife also belonged. She died in 1894 at the age of eighty-one years, and both were buried in Massies- creek cemetery near Cedarville. In their family were ten children, of whom five are yet living. and with one exception all were born in Ireland.
Throughout their married life Mr. and Mrs. Gregg have lived upon the old family homestead of one hundred and eighty-two acres which he now owns. It has never been out of possession of the family since and is endeared to our subject from the associa- tions of his boyhood as well as because it has been the residence of his later years. In politics Mr. Gregg is a Republican, and
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