USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, Ohio > Part 93
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In 1873, however, he determined to try his fortune in the new world and sailed from Bremen to the West Indies, but he did not find the oportunities which he there sought, and in the fall of 1874 he came to the Uni- ted States, landing in Brooklyn, New York, where he made his home for two years and was employed in a greenhouse. Later he spent about eighteen months in Louisville, and from that city, in the spring of 1878, he came to Xenia, which has since been the
place of his abode. llere he purchased a greenhouse of T. G. Wilson in the western part of the town and from a modest begin- ning he has steadily increased his business until it has now assumed extensive propor- tions. He has gained the reputation of be- ing one of the leading nurserymen of south- ern Ohio and at the same time has won sub- stantial success. His ground covers nine acres, upon which he has a modern two- story house, and he constantly employs three men to assist him in carrying on the business.
Mr. Engel was united in marriage to Miss Fredericka Siefirt, and unto them has been born one child, Georgia E. The family are identified with the Lutheran church and in his political views Mr. Engel is a stanch Republican. While in his native land he served for a year and a half in the Hessian army, participating in the Franco-Prussian war. He was under the command of Gen- eral Mantofel and met the enemy in several hard fought battles. His bravery and fidel- ity to duty were such as to secure him the respect of his comrades and the approval of his superiors, and at the close of the con- flict he was granted an honorable discharge -his discharge papers being still in his pos- session. In 1881 Mr. Engel became identi- fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Xenia and is still a worthy ex- emplar of that fraternity. He is also con- nected with the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Honor and belongs to the Im- proved Order of Red Men. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than real- ized. He found the opportunities he sought -- which by the way, are always open to the ambitious, energetic man-and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way
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upward. He possesses the resolution. perse- cemetery. For his second wife Mr. Hower verance and reliability so characteristic of people of his nation. and his name is now en- rolled among the best citizens of Greenc county.
SAMUEL HOWER.
The life record of Samuel Hower closed October 20, 1899. and in reviewing his his- tory we find that there is much in his career that is worthy of commendation. He lived an honorable, upright life and was consid- cred in all his relations with his fellow men trustworthy in business, and loyal and de- voted to his family. He was born in Mary- land, March 20. 1829, his parents being John and Mary ( Bovey) Hower, both of whom were natives of Maryland, and in the year 1834 came to Greene county. Ohio, casting in their lot amid its early settlers. They journeyed across the country and took up their abode near Trebein, where they lived in a little log cabin. experiencing all the hardships attendant upon pioneer life. Sub- sequently they removed to Beavercreek township just east of the home farm of Mrs. Jennie Hower. the widow of our sub- ject.
Samuel Hower obtained but a limited education for his services were needed upon the home farm. He lived with his father until his marriage, which important event in his life occurred on the 2d of December. 1858, the lady of his choice being Miss Bar- bara Hleddleson, a native of Beavercreek township. Her death occurred in 1877 and she was laid to rest in Union cemetery in Byron, Ohio. The children of that union arc John Lewis and Nettie, but the latter is now deceased and is also interred in Union
chose Mrs. Jennie Miller, their wedding be- ing celebrated on the 26th of January, 1882. She was born in Bath township, and is a daughter of Harrison and Eliza (Miller) Le Van. The parents were natives of Penn- sylvania, and at an early date came to this county. living in Bath township. and later in: Beavercreek, where they died. Unto them were born five children, the eldest being Mrs. Hower. of this review. The others are: Mabel, the wife of William Schaners, a resi- dent of Bath township: Samuel, who is liv- ing in Osborn: William, who resides in Beavercreek township: and Lee, who makes his home in Clark county. Ohio. The parents are both deceased and were laid to rest in the cemetery at Fairfield. Ohio. Through- out his life the father had carried on agri- cultural pursuits.
Mrs. Hower was first married February 14. 1877. to Samuel Miller, a native of Bath township, who devoted his energies to agri- cultural pursuits. His parents were John and Ann ( Reece) Miller. The married life of the young couple was not of long dura- tion, for on the IIth of October_ 1877, Mr. Miller was called to; his final rest. One child was born of that union, Bessie, now the wife of Basil Greene, a native of Beaver- creek township and a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Hower) Greene, the latter being a sister of Samuel Hower whose name intro- duces this review. Michael Greene was a native of Greene county, Ohio, and was one of the pioneer settlers of this county. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hower was blessed with three children: Anna Laura, who is now attending the Beavercreek high school ; Samuel H., also attending school; and Jennie Belle, who completes the family. At the time of his marriage Mr. Hower
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took up his abode upon the farm where his widow now resides. He erected good build- ings there, made excellent improvements and dveloped a splendid farm, owning about five hundred acres of the rich land of this county. His labors were attended by a grat- ifying degree of success for his work was ever directed by sound judgment and strict business principles. He held membership with the Lutheran church and his life was in harmony with Christian principles and teachings. In politics he was a Republican, but never sought office, preferring to devote his attention to his business affairs. Well may he be classed among the self-made men of Greene county, for, dependent entirely upon his own resources from an early age, he steadily worked his way upward and his persistent resolution, combined with unflag- ging energy, made him one of the substan- tial residents of his neighborhood. He died October 20, 1899, and was laid to rest in Union cemetery, in Byron, Ohio. His widow is a member of the United Brethren church. She still resides upon the old home- stead in Beavercreek township and in that locality is widely and favorably known.
ALEXANDER C. KYLE.
An honored veteran of the Civil war and for many years a resident farmer of Greene county, now living a retired life, was born in Cedarville township, near the village of Cedarville, August 7. 1839. The family is an old and prominent one of this locality. having been established here in pioneer times. Samuel Kyle, the grandfather, was born near Harrisburg. Pennsylvania, and with his parents emigrated to Kentucky, the
family settling near Cynthiana. When about twenty-three years of age he was married to a Miss Mitchell and unto them were born six children. She died about 1813 and in 1815 Samuel Kyle married Rachel Jackson and fifteen children were born of this mar- riage. He followed farming and was one of the leading agriculturists of his commun- ity. Ile was also prominent in public af- fairs, filled the office of associate judge, and was the promoter of many movements for the general good. He gave the land upon which the school-house was built in which the subject of this review pursued his ed- ucation.
Joseph Kyle, the father of our subject, was born upon his father's farm in Cedar- ville township. June 10, 1809. He always followed farming and to some extent he en- gaged in stock-raising, his labors bringing to him a comfortable living. He was a strong Republican in his political sentiment and held some of the minor offices in his township. He was a member of the old Se- ceders church, afterward the United Presby- terian church, and for many years served as one of its elders. When about twenty- one years of age he married Ann Cassel, who was also a member of the Seceder church. She died about 1844, when forty .years of age, and the father of our subject clied August 28. 1881, upon the old family homestead where he had so long resided. Their burial place is in the cemetery of Xenia. In the family were five children, of whom three are yet living. Mary died at the age of seventeen years. Ruth Ann was married January 18, 1882, to A. R. Bickett, of Xenia township. Joseph is the next younger. Jane E. is the wife of J. W. Hicks, a farmer and stock-raiser of Mitchell county, Kansas, and they have five sons and
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one daughter. Samuel A., the youngest of the first family, enlisted in 1862 for service in the Civil war as a member of Company F. Thirty-fourth Ohio Infantry, and was taken prisoner at Cedar Creek in 1864. He was brought home by his father and died soon afterward, his death really resulting from starvation, because of lack of food in the southern prison. He was only twenty- one years of age when he thus laid down his life on the altar of his country. After the death of his first wife the father of our subject was married in 1849 to Mrs. Hadas- sah Hunter, nee Kennedy, a native of Ire- land. and they became the parents of four children: Joseph, who is now a professor in the Xenia Theological Seminary ; John K., who died upon the old home farm in 1877; Leah M., who died .August 10, 1881, at the age of twenty-five years; and Rachel, the wife of Andrew H. Cresswell, a farmer of Cedarville township. The mother of these children died June 14. 1898. at the home of her son-in-law, Mr. Cresswell.
As before stated Alexander C. Kyle pur- sued his education in a school standing upon land given by his grandfather for the pur- pose. His business training was that of the farm, where he early became acquainted with the duties of field and meadow. He continued upon the old homestead until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when on the 25th of July. 1861, he enlisted in Com- pany F, Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, with which he served for three years. Ile then re-enlisted in the United States Volunteer service, continuing with the army until December 22, 1865. He was in the department of West Virginia, participating in the Lynchburg campaign in 1864. In May, 1862, at Princeton, West Virginia, he was wounded, but except when injured he
was always found at his post of duty, val- iantly defending the nation's starry banner.
After the close of the war Mr. Kyle re- turned home but a little later went to Kan- sas, where he remained until 1878. when he again came to Ohio, where he has since lived. In Cedarville township. Greene coun- ty. he operated a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, until within the last two years, when he retired, having put aside the more arduous duties of field and meadow, and built him a pleasant home in Cedarville. where he now resides.
On the 25th of November. 1896. at Ce- darville, Mr. Kyle was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah J. McCollum. a daughter of Samuel and Eliza Cresswell. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kyle are members of the United Presbyterian church and throughout the community they are held in warm regard by reason of their sterling worth. Mr. Kyle is to-day as true to his duties of citizenship as when he followed the stars and stripes upon southern battlefields, and is deeply in- terested in all measures tending to promote the welfare and improvement of his county.
WILLIAM A. SHAPPEE, M. D.
In tracing the career of a successful physician it is usually found that he pos- sesses certain· marked characteristics in ad- dition to having a thorough knowledge of the healing art and good financial ability. There must be a ready sympathy and the power of entering into the feelings of others. united to that self-poise and conscious strength which naturally cmanate from a strong self-reliant soul. Dr. Shappee is for- tunate in being gifted with many of the qualities of the capable physician and his
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cheery helpful optimism is a source of help and comfort in many a home shadowed by sickness and suffering. For twenty-seven years he has practiced in Xenia, where he has obtained a high reputation in his chosen calling.
The Doctor's father. Thomas B. Shap- pee, was born and reared in the state of New York, where he followed farming for a livelihood, for a number of years, passing away there about 1897. Ile married Julia Ameigh, and they became the parents of seven chiklren, of whom the Doctor is the eklest. He, too, was born in the Empire state on the old homestead near Elmira, his natal day being June 14, 1848. In the com- mon schools he acquired his early education and when but a boy of sixteen years he en- listed for service in the Union army as a member of Company A, Eighty-first Penn- sylvania Volunteer Infantry. He had been at the front a little less than a year when he lost his right leg at the battle of Farmville, Virginia, and on this account was honor- ably discharged, June 18, 1865.
Immediately after the Doctor entered the State Normal school in Mansfield, Pennsyl- vania, where he was graduated and later he pursued a course in the scientific department of the same institution, completing his stud- ies by graduation in 1872 with the degree of B. S. He then engaged in school teach- ing, which he followed for a few years with good success, giving his leisure time and evenings to the study of medicine until he was at length graduated in 1875 from Pulte Medical College, Cincinnati. He afterward made his home with Dr. J. E. Lowes of Dayton, Ohio, and in 1875 he took up his abode in Xenia, where he has been engaged in practice continually since. In 1889 and again in 1891 he pursued a post-graduate
course in Chicago and has ever kept in touch with the progress made in the profes- sion. He is a member of the American In- stitute of Homeopathy and the Ohio State Homeopathy Society, the Miami Valley Medical Society and the Dayton Homeo- pathic Medical Society, and through the interchange of thought which is one of the features of these institutions, he keeps thor- oughly informed concerning the advance- ments that are being continually made by members of the medical fraternity.
The Doctor was married to Miss Har- riet Close, a daughter of Peter Close, who belonged to a prominent Pennsylvanian family. Her mother bore the maiden name of Lucinda Holmes and by her marriage be- came the mother of eight children. The Doctor and his wife have a pleasant resi- dence at No. 127 East Main street, where his office is also located. He affiliates with the Republican party and socially he is con- nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Repub- lic. He and his wife are very devout and active members of the Methodist Episcopal church and in their lives exemplify its teach- ings and beliefs. Ile is a man of broad hu- manitarian principles and readily responds to every call for his services even when he knows that no financial return will be re- ceived. He has spared neither time nor ex- pense in perfecting himself in his chosen calling. His offices are equipped with all modern devices known to the medical pro- fession and he has himself invented a num- ber of useful instruments that have proven of value in the medical practice. His pat- ronage is now very extensive and is con- stantly increasing and widely is he recog- nized as a most prominent and capable prac- titioner of Greene county.
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LAWRENCE H. McCARTNEY. D. O. odist Episcopal church and he gives his po-
Among the worthy citizens that Penn- sylvania has furnished to the Buckeye state is Dr. Lawrence II. McCartney, of Xenia. He is the only child of John Il. and Marada ( Graham) McCartney. His father was also a native of the Keystone state but removed to Kansas, where for a number of years he successfully followed farming, carrying on agricultural pursuits, and where he still lives. Mrs. McCartney died in 1892.
The Doctor was born in Mercer county. Pennsylvania, February 17, 1874, and ac- quired his literary education in the schools of Kirksville, Missouri, where he was grad- uated. He afterward engaged in teaching with good success for three years but did not find that profession entirely congenial and took up the study and practice of osteo- pathy, entering the American School of Os- teopathy at Kirksville, from which he grad- nated in the fall of 1898 and upon receiving his diploma in August of that year imme- diately located in Xenia, where he began practice, continuing until May, 1899. . At that date he removed to Kansas but after a short time returned to Xenia in the spring of 1900, and has since been a practitioner of this place. Deep research and numerous experiments concerning the cause and cure of disease led to an understanding of the profession of osteopathy and it is sufficient to say that no discovery connected with the healing art has been more widely accepted cr been of greater benefit than this in recent. years. Dr. McCartney now has a very large practice, which indicates his success.
July 9. 1899, was celebrated the mar- riage of the Doctor and Miss Eva Percival. a daughter of William O. Percival of Kan- sas. They are members of the First Meth-
litical support to the Republican party. On the 7th of December. 1901, he was elected treasurer of the Ohio Osteopathic Society. which was recently incorporated. His office comprises a suite of two rooms and is lo- cated in the Steele block.
CHRISTIAN S. WEAVER.
That so many of her native sons have continued their residence in Greene county. is an indication that this portion of the state affords good opportunities for business ad- vancement. Mr. Weaver is among those who, born here, have always lived within the borders of the county and by the exer- cise of good busmess ability and sound judg- ment, he has advanced to a position among the successful agriculturists of his commun- ity. He was born in Caesarscreek township, January 29. 1840. his parents being George and Hannah ( Fout ). Weaver, who were na- tives of Virginia and became early settlers of this locality. In their family were seven children, of whom six are yet living, as fol- lows: John Il., a resident of Indiana: Christian S .: James H., who makes his home in Illinois: Robert. of Caesarscreek township: Mary, the widow of Joseph Whit- ungton, of the same township: and Frank. who resides in Bellbrook.
To the district schools near his home Christian S. Weaver is indebted for the ed- ucational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth and which fitted him for life's prac- tical duties. He was married on the 23d of March, 1866, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Powers, a native of Caesars- creek township and a daughter of Alfred
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and Susan ( Burrell) Powers. Her father is the wife of Jasper Thomas of Jefferson was born in Clinton county, Ohio, and dur- township and has one child. Myrtle; Wil- bar, Bud. Walter and Clara, all at home. ing his early boyhood came to Greene county, where he met and married Miss Burrell, whose birth here occurrel. They had six children: Allen, who resides in Tennessee: Mrs. Weaver: Aniel, a resident of Caesarscreek township: Ellen, the wife of Harvey lumston, of Xenia, Ohio; Har- land, now deceased; and Eli, a resident of Dayton, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Weaver began their do- mestic life upon a farm adjoining their pres- ent home, and when a number of years ha 1 passed came to the place which is now their residence. Their home is one of the largest and most attractive in this portion of the county ; the farm comprises one hundred and sixty-four acres of rich land and each spring the fields give promise of golden har- vests. In the pastures are found good grades of stock and upon the place are all modern equipments and accessories which facilitate farm work and result in bringing a greater financial return. Industry and en- terprise have ever been numbered among the sterling characteristics of Mr. Weaver, who is accounted one of the leading agriculturists of central Ohio.
The home of our subject and his wife has been blessed with eleven children : Charles, who married Sylvia Turner, and resides in Caesarscreek township; Alfred. of New Jasper township, who married Ida Thomas and has two children, Floyd and Cleavill ; Samuel, a resident of Missouri ; Harland, who married Luella Smith and with their daughter Elma resides in Caesars- creek township ; Lodema, deceased ; Ann and Effa, twins, the former the wife of Walker Fugat, of Clinton county, by whom she has two children-Ralph and Fred, while Effa
Mr. Weaver espoused the cause of the Democracy and his fellow townsmen, recog- nizing his worth and ability, have several times elected him to the office of township trustee. Though always a man of activity, he is thoroughly domestic in his tastes and is not identified with any clubs or societies. To every enterprise' calculated to advance the prosperity of Greene county he gives his strong endorsement and is accounted one of its popular citizens.
CHARLES E. WILLIAMSON.
Charles E. Williamson is engaged in the operation of a good farm situated on the Dayton and Waynesville pike in Sugarcreek township. Greene county. He was born on the farm which he now owns and thus it is endeared to him by the associations of his boyhood as well as those of later years. His birth occurred December 7, 1865. his par- ents being Joseph C. and Mary Eleanor ( Cramer ) Williamson. The father was born in the same township in the year 1827 and died January 10, 1898, at the age of seventy-one years. His wife passed away in the same year when about the same age. The Williamson family was founded in Ohio by Eleazer Williamson, the grandfa- ther of our subject, who was brought to Ohio by his parents when a small boy. For a time the family lived in Cincinnati, or upon the site of the present city, for at that time the metropolis of to-day had hardly been es- tablished. Subsequently both the grandfa- ther and the great-grandfather of our sub-
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ject came further north. The former was married in this state and settled near the place upon which Charles E. Williamson now lives. Later he removed across the line into Montgomery county to the farm upon which Alexander Williamson is maintaining his residence and there he died at the age of sixty-seven years, his remains being in- terred in Bellbrook cemetery.
For a time Joseph C. Williamson. the father of our subject, resided in a log house. but about 1864 the pioneer dwelling was re- placed by a good frame residence. He car- ried on agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life. In his political views he was a Republican but was never an aspirant for office. He belonged to the Presbyterian church and was most loyal to its teaching and belief. In the family were six children : William Calvin, who lives in Sugarcreek township; Robert E .. who married May Al- len and resides in Montgomery county, Ohio; Joseph A., a resident of Montgomery county, who married May Elliott : Charles E., the subject of this sketch : Thomas E., who married Jennie Bradford and makes his home in Montgomery county; and Maggie E., who became the wife of Howard Wood, and died in Montgomery county, leaving a son, Herman W.
Upon the old home farm in the county of his nativity, Charles E. Williamson was rcared, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He acquired a fair common school education and assisted his father until he had attained his majority, when he started out upon an independent business career. He then rented land of his father and has since devoted his time and energies to the cultivation of the crops best adapted to this soil and climate. He now owns the
old homestead of one hundred and five acres, a part of which he inherited, while he pur- chased the remainder of the other heirs. The fields are well tilled and bring to him a gold- en tribute for his labors. His efforts are of a progressive and practical nature and as the years pass he is enabled annually to add to his competence.
On the 22d of February, 1893. Mr. Williamson was married in Spring Valley to Miss Nellie Z. Fulkerson. a daughter of .Amos and Susan (Beck) Fulkerson. She was born and reared in Spring Valley and pursued her education in its schools. By her marriage she has become the mother of one son, Nevin Amos, who was born on the home farm. December 24. 1894. Mr. Will- iamson exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Re- publican party, but is not an active political worker, giving his entire attention to farm- ing interests. He is widely known through- out the county of his nativity and his warm- est friends are those who have known him from boyhood.
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