USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, Ohio > Part 91
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
On the 31st of December, 1846. Mr. Drees was united in marriage to Miss Maria Ilypes, who was born in Xenia April 25. 1825. a daughter of Henry and Sarah ( Wright ) Hypes, who came to Greene county from Virginia in ISHI. He was born in the latter state, June 11. 1775, and was one of six children born to Nicholas Ilypes.
who came to the United States in 1760. When he emigrated to Ohio Greene county was considered a far western district, on the very border of civilization. Hle seenred some unimproved land, a part of which is now included within the city limits of Xenia. There he carried on general farming and in due course of time, owing to the growth of the county, as well as to the improvements placed on the farm, the land became very valuable. The journey westward had been made overland to the Ohio river, then by ilat boat to Cincinnati, and thence to Greene county. Upon his one hundred and twenty- five acre farm he erected a log house for himself and family and made it his home for several years. He was a progressive agriculturist, advocated the introduction of modern machinery and did much to promote farming interests in this portion of the state.
When only eighteen years of age Mr. Hypes married Patience Reynolds, of Vir- ginia, who died in 1823, leaving six sons and two daughters, all now deceased. Later he wedded Miss Sarah Wright, a daughter of George and Sophia Wright, who removed from Brunswick county, Virginia, to Xenia. Four children were born of the second mar- riage of Mr. Hypes, of whom two are living : Maria H., the widow of Mr. Drees; and Samuel H., who is engaged in the fire in- sttrance and real estate business in Kenia. The others were W. L., who was pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church; and Fletcher, of the same denomination. Mr. Hypes cast his first vote for the Democratic party. To his surprise that party elected to the legislature a man who could neither read nor write. This displeased Mr. Hypes so much that he became a Whig. He was a strong and active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died October 1. 1854,
663
ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
in his eightieth year and his death was deep- ly and widely mourned. He had long been a valued citizen of this county and had en- cleared himself to many friends.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Drees were born six children who came to maturity. Charles W. has for twenty-eight years been a mis- sionary of the Methodist Episcopal church in Mexico, South America and Porto Rico. Ernest K. is now located in the auditing department of the Missouri Pacific Rail- rad Company at St. Louis, Missouri, hav- ing filled the position for eleven years : Jen- nie is the wife of William A. Aiken, who is a civil engineer and spends most of his time in New York city. Frank B. is connected with the Xenia Shoe Factory. Sarah C., is now the widow of Edward C. Nesbitt of Xenia. Wilbur F. is also a resident of Xenia.
To whatever position Mr. Drees was called he gave to it his conscientious atten- tion, and his word was considered as good as his bond. He took a lively interest in the growth and development of his adopted city. and was foremost in encouraging the enter- prises tending to this end. He served in the city council two terms, and officiated as a member of the school board. In all the re- lations of life he preserved the same equable temperament which constituted him a kind husband and father, a hospitable neighbor and a man who never failed to respond to the call of distress or aid a philanthropic enterprise that sought his assistance. . \1- though born and reared in the Roman Cath- olic faith, he became converted under the preaching of the Rev. John W. White and at once united with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which for nearly fifty years he was conspicuous as a wise leader. liberal sup- porter and an exemplary Christian. There
was no self-reliance, no boasting of great attainments, but rather a uniform piety, working out practical results, producing genuine fruits, forming the character, regu- lating the life. His pleasant home was open night and day for the entertainment of min- isters. As an official member of the church. holding at various times the offices of stew- ard, trustee, class leader and Sunday-school superintendent, he was always in his place. shirking no duty, cheerfully meeting every responsibility. To the great doctrines of the Bible as expounded by Wesley, he gave whole hearted assent. and though by no means a narrow sectarian he was very strongly attached to his own denomination. Hle was not ordinarily very demonstrative in his religions life, but there were times when his prayers and his testimony were accom- panied by an unction that was quite remark- able. As he consciously drew near to the end of his pilgrimage, his testimony in the classroom and prayer meeting was given with increasing assurance of faith and more and more in the tone of a victor. He passed away April 19. 1889, but the influence of his life is yet a potent factor with many who knew him. Along material and moral lines his efforts were of great good to the com- munity and his memory remained as a blessed benediction to those who knew him well.
ARTHUR L. FISHER.
Arthur L. Fisher, cashier of the Bow- ersville Bank at Bowersville. Greene county, is one of the native sons of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Clinton county, near Wilmington, in 1858. He is a son of Jacob and Delphia ( Smoke) Fisher, both of
·664
ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
whom were natives of Virginia, but were married in Clinton county, Ohio. The fa- ther became a resident of that county when but a boy. He was educated in its public schools, worked upon the home farm in his youth, and when in his 'teens started out in life for himself, working as a farm hand until he came to Greene county, Ohio, in the year 1859. When the subject of this review was three months old the father brought his family to Greene county, set- tling in Caesarscreek township, about one mile east of Paintersville. There he pur- chased seventy-five acres of land, which he still owns and upon this farm he has re- mained continuously since, being now one of the venerable and respected residents of the community. In his family were eight children, of whom four are living: Ellen, who is at home with her father; Thomas and Catherine who died in childhood ; James. who married Fannie Henry and died leav- ing a son, Russell, who is living with his mother in Clinton county, Ohio; Arthur L. and Arbelle L., twins, the latter of whom died at the age of nineteen years; Jennie. who is living at home with her father; and Frank, who married Miss Lydia Faucett. and for the past four years has represented the Milwaukee Harvesting Machine Com- pany in Nenia. The mother of this fam- ily died in July, 1901, at the age of seventy- five years, and was laid to rest in Wilming- ton, Ohio. The father has long been a stanch Democrat, but has never consented to accept office, preferring to give his atten- tion to his business affairs. He was for- merly identified with the Methodist Epis- ·copal church, but is now holding member- ship relations with the Methodist Protest- ant church. Having been born in October. 1819, he is now almost eighty-three years of
age. His has been an honorable and an up- right life and his example is in many re- spects well worthy of emulation.
Arthur L. Fisher pursued his early ed- ucation in the schools of Paintersville, and later in the Fancett district in Jefferson township, continuing his studies there until twenty-two years of age. In 1882 he be- came a student in Wilmington College and in 1883 he began teaching in Jefferson town- ship. Greene county, at the Thomas school, continuing his work as a teacher in Greene county for thirteen years. In December. 1896, he was elected cashier of the Bow- ersville Bank at Bowersville, the only bank in the village, one year after its organiza- tion. He has since filled that position with credit to himself and satisfaction to the institution. A general banking business is carried on and already the enterprise has won success that many an older institution might well desire.
On the 14th of June, 1887. Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Carpenter, a daughter of Nathan Carpenter, who resides in Jefferson township, and they now have one son, Herbert. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fisher belong to the Methodist Epis- copal church of Bowersville, taking an ac- tive and helpful part in its work and for the past thirteen years he has been super- intendent of the Sunday school. During the erection of the new church in 1902 he was one of the building committee, and is also one of the trustees of the church. He also belongs to the Odd Fellows' Society and has passed all of the chairs, being now the clistrict deputy for his district. He was elected clerk of his township in April, 1888. and held that office for three consecutive terms, while in 1899 he was elected town- ship treasurer and is still filling that posi-
665.
ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
tion, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. He votes with the Democracy in general elections. In 1900 he was elected a member of the town council, in which he is serving for the second term. Mr. Fisher is well known in this county, having come here at an early day. Ile is regarded as reliable and trustworthy in business, while in social circles his friendly and genial na- ture has made him popular.
GEORGE R. GORDON.
There is particular satisfaction in re- verting to the life history of the honored and venerable gentleman whose name init- iates this review, since his mind bears the impress of the historical annals of the state of Ohio from the early pioneer days, and from the fact that he has been a loyal son of the Republic and has attained to a posi- tion of distinctive prominence in the thriv- ing county where he was born and where he has retained his residence until the pres- ent time, being now one of the revered pa- triarchs of the community.
A native of Sugarcreek township, Greene county, George R. Gordon was born there upon his father's farm October 11, 1815. He is the second son in a family of eight children, whose parents were George and Agnes (McDonald) Gordon. The family was of Scotch-Irish ancestry. The great- great-grandfather McLean, whose grand- daughter Mary became the wife of George Gordon, the grandfather of the subject of this review, had obtained considerable knowledge of the sea, in fact, he was so well versed concerning differ- ent channels leading from England to
various sections of the world that the. discovered that when in mid-ocean that the captain of the vessel in which he had taken passage for America was not following the- American course and. believing that he in- tended to take the passengers to the Medit- erranean and sell them to the Turks, ordered the captain to change his course if he did not want to be killed. At the same time Mr. McLean drew his sword and forced the captain to remain in the hold of the ship. until it had reached the American harbors. George Gordon, the grandfather of our sub- ject, was numbered among the soldiers of the Revolutionary war. He removed from Kentucky to Ohio in 1802 and settled in Warren county, where he died at the age of seventy-one years.
George Gordon, the father of our sub- ject. was born in Pennsylvania in 1786 and came with the family to Ohio in 1813, ar- riving in Greene county, in the month of March. Through the succeeding for- ty years he carried on agricultural pur- suits in this county and in 1853 he took up his abode in Xenia, locating in the residence. in which our subject now makes his home. Ile first resided in Sugarcreek township. which was then an almost unbroken wil- derness, inhabited by Indians, the work of progress and civilization having been scarce- ly begun. After removing to Xenia Mr. . Gordon lived a retired life until called to his final rest in December, 1879. His wife. had passed away in the year 1860. Their oldest son, John M., devoted his life to the work of the gospel as a minister and died at St. Louis Springs, Michigan, in December, 1871. The maternal grandfather of our subject, John McDonald, was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war, holding the rank of lieutenant colonel. Although he
666
ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
served throughout the entire struggle he did not receive a scratch, but afterward lost an eye through an accident, being hit with a spike by his brother.
In the primitive schools which existed in Greene county in pioneer days George R. Gordon pursued his early education, com- pleting his studies in Xenia. When he had attained to man's estate he began farming on his own account and later he engaged in teaching school in Xenia and in the district schools as well from 1840 to 1847. He was employed as a salesman in a general store in Xenia, and then with the money which he had saved from his earnings he embarked in general merchandising on his own account in connection with his brother William I. This partnership was maintained from the fall of 1852 until the summer of 1858, when Mr. Gordon of this review withdrew from the firm and resumed farming, which has claimed his attention continuously since. At one time he and his brother made a special- ty of the cultivation of potatoes and in a single season sold between eight and ten thousand bushels. Mr. Gordon has led a very busy, useful and active life, and although he is past the eighty-sixth milestone on life's journey in the year 1901 he put in fifty acres of wheat, as well as the cultivation of other fields, and also gave his attention to the care of three horses. Old age is not neces- sarily the synonym of weakness or inactiv- ity, and it need not suggest, as a matter of years, helplessness or want of 'occupation. The business career of Mr. Gordon should put to shame many a young man of much younger years who relegate to others the burdens that he should bear. As the years have passed Mr. Gordon has prospered and has ever been accounted one of the most honorable and straightforward farmers of
this portion of the state. He comes of a long-lived race and one that has every right to claim honesty and industry as among their sterling characteristics. Mr. Gordon has never failed to vote for a president since attaining his majority, and has always been a stanch advocate of the Whig and Repub- lican parties. He is identified with the United Presbyterian church, to which he contributes generously and at all times he has been in hearty sympathy with move- ments and measures which contribute to the general good. For eighty-seven years he has been a witness of the progress and development of this portion of the state. In his youth he experienced the hardships and privations of pioneer life incident to the establishment of a home on the frontier. As the years have passed great changes were wrought and in the work of progress he ever bore his part as a good and faithful citizen. To-day he is respected and es- teemed for his sterling worth and his life history well deserves a place in the annals of the county.
SIMION SPARKS.
The subject of this review is a self-made man who, without any extraordinary fam- ily or pecuniary advantages at the com- mencement of life, has battled earnestly and energetically and by indomitable courage and integrity has achieved both char- acter and fortune. By sheer force of will and untiring effort he has worked his way upward and is numbered among the leading business men of Dayton, Ohio.
For some time Mr. Sparks was asso- ciated with the business interests of Bell-
667
ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
brook. Greene county, and is a native of this county, his birth having occurred on his fa- ther's farm a few miles from the village of Bellbrook on the 24th of April. 1832. His parents were Ephraim and Mary ( Ehwell ) Sparks, in whose family were eight chil- dren, all of whom reached maturity, namely : Simion: Abigail: Hannah: John: Sarah Ann : Lydia : Ella, and William E., who was state senator from Dayton two terms. In 1806 the family was established in this por- tion of the state. the name figuring on the pages of Greene county history from pioneer times. The father of our subject was born only a few miles from Bellbrook in 1809. and in early life learned the blacksmith's trade but devoted the greater part of his time and attention to agricultural pursuits. The mother, though born in New Jersey. came to Greene county when a small child in company with her parents and located near Yellow Springs, in the Jersey settle- ment.
On the old family homestead Simon Sparks of this review was reared and in his youth he assisted in the labors of the fields. He received but six years education and dur- ing that time mastered such branches of learning as were taught in the little log school house near Clifton, Ohio. On leav- ing the parental roof at the age of nineteen years he went to Springfield. Ohio, where he learned the machinist's trade in the threshing machine shop of John .\. Pitts, and remained there until coming to Dayton in 1852 with the railroad company, being in their employ until 1861. During the fol- lowing twelve years he was superintendent of the Robinson Machine Works at Rich- mond, Indiana, and also did the drafting and planning for that company. M -. Sparks
was superintendent of the Woodsum Ma- chine Company of Dayton, Ohio, for twelve years and then formed a partnership with J. F. Perrine in 1883 and purchased the shop and machinery at Dayton, Ohio, which is still owned by them, business being carried on under the firm style of Dayton Engine Works. Their plant is located on New- market street, between Sears and Webster, and is a large shop, occupying the full space between those streets. It is supplied with the latest improved machinery both for mak- ing traction engines, which are their spe- cialty, and also portable and gas engines. The firm also does the usual repair work connected with a large shop, including the repairing of locomotives. Mr. Sparks is superintendent of the works as well as a member of the firm, being a practical ma- chinist, and the success of the enterprise is principally due to his well directed and ener- getic efforts. The firm stands prominent among the leading representatives of indus- trial interests in Dayton and the volume of their business is now extensive. Certainly our subject deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, for he started out on his own account when young without cap- ital, placing his dependence only upon the substantial qualities of determination, laud- able ambition and perseverance.
On the 25th of December. 1855 Mr. Sparks was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth J. Wiggim, who was born and reared in Dayton, Ohio. Her father, Hugh Wiggim, was a native of Ireland, but dur- ing his infancy was brought to Dayton, where he became a prominent business man. carrying on a steam cooperage. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Sparks was blessed with six children, but two died in infancy. Those
668
ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
living are Albert F., now general manager and superintendent of the James Leffel Wheel Company of Springfield, Ohio; Rose, the wife of H. K. Smith, of Dayton ; Grace, now Mrs. J. O. Foss, of Dayton ; and Frank S .; of Springfield. The wife and mother passed away on the 8th of May, 1890.
Mr. Sparks holds membership in St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church of Day- ton, of which he was one of the founders, and has been steward since its organization and recording steward of the quarterly con- ference for twelve years. He is associated with both branches of the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows, belonging to Wayne Lodge, No. ro, of which he is past grand, and is also past chief patriarch of the en- campment No. 2, and was president of the Odd Fellows Aid Association for many years. He is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, and has been president of the Gem City Bellbrook Club from the time of its organization. His political sup- mit is given the Republican party Mr. Sparks has always taken a deep interest in Bellbrook affairs and has in his possession many historical papers, including the first rough map of Bellbrook. He has written many able articles on both the Odd Fellows society and the sports of the countryside. Throughout life he has made good use of his opportunities, has prospered from year to year, and has conducted all business mat- ters carefully and successfully, and in all his acts displays an aptitude for successful man- agement. Ile has not permitted the ac- cumulation of a competence to effect in any way his actions toward those less success- ful than he, and has always a cheerful word and pleasant smile for all with whom he comes in contact. He has passed into his
seventy-first year, yet is in good physical condition ; was never sick until the last two years. Being a strict temperance advocate he attributes his long life and good health to adhering to these principles. He was made a member of the old original Wash- ingtonians in 1840, and to this day has never violated its pledge to abstain from all spirit- ual liquors as a beverage.
RICHARD GALLOWAY.
Richard Galloway is an honored veteran of the Civil war and a native son of Greene county, where he has spent his entire life. with the exception of the period passed upon- the battlefields of the south in defense of the. Union. He was born on a farm in Xenia township, now included within the city lim- its of Xenia, June 7. 1830, and remained at home until after he had attained his major- ity. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Collins) Galloway, both of whom were de- scendants of Scotch ancestry, their respec- tive families having been founded in Amer- ica at an early day. The father of our sub- ject was a native of Kentucky and came to Ohio in 1797, before the admission of the state into the Union. He took up his abode in Greene county and as a pioneer settler aided in laying the foundation upon which has been builded the present prosperity and progress of this portion of the state. He en- gaged in farming and milling for many years, but at length his mill was destroyed by fire. It was one of the early milling plants of the county and settlers came for miles to secure his services in grinding their grain.
In early manhood Samuel Galloway was.
1
RICHARD GALLOWAY.
671
ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Collins, who was a native of Pennsylvania and came to this county in 1816. For more than half a century the father resided in this county, passing away in 1851, at the age of sixty- six years. His widow, long surviving him. passed away January 29, 1885. at the ad- vanced age of eighty-nine years. They were members of the United Presbyterian church and respected people of the community. The father was a hard-working, energetic man. He took an active interest in all public im- provements tending to benefit the county and became one of the first stockholders of the Little Miami Railroad. In his church he filled the office of deacon and when his country became engaged in the second war with England he joined the American army. serving with the rank of corporal. In his family were five children: Richard, of this review; Lydia, who became the wife of A. A. Gordon, of Holton, Kansas, and died leaving one child, George A .. who is now extensively engaged in stock-raising in Hol- ton : James C., who died of scarlet fever, in Xenia, at the age of four years ; Rebecca. who lives with her brother Richard; and one that died in infancy, unnamed.
In his youth Richard Galloway attended the public schools and assisted in the work of the home farm until after the beginning of the Civil war, when aroused by a spirit of patriotism he responded to the call for aid and enlisted in September, 1862, as a mem- ber of Company D, Seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry, with which he remained for five months. He was wounded at the battle of Stone River and so disabled that he was honorably discharged on the 28th of Feb- ruary. 1863. He is now a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
After receiving his discharge Mr. Gal-
loway returned to his home in Xenia, where he has resided continuously since. The first year after his return he was elected county treasurer of Greene county and discharged his duties so acceptably and promptly that he was re-elected and filled the position for a second term. He retired from office as he had entered it-with the confidence and good will of all concerned-and when his of- ficial service was ended he turned his atten- tion to farming and also engaged in the lum- ber business in connection with Captain A. McDowell, but after continuing in that line of commercial activity for some years he finally sold out to his partner and is now living a retired life at his pleasant home upon the old family farmstead. The present large house was erected by him in the fall and win- ter of 1858.
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.