USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, Ohio > Part 95
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cause of the persecution of the Quakers in that country, and when the Comptons left the south it was because they were opposed to slavery.
Samuel Compton, the father of our sub- ject, was a Whig and a very strong anti- slavery man, whose home became a station on the underground railroad, and thus he often assisted the refugees on their way to freedom. He was a native of South Caro- lina, born in 1796, and with his father, Amos Compton. came to Ohio in 1805. The grandfather took up his abode on the west bank of Caesars creek across the road from where another Amos Compton now resides. He secured land, comprising a part of the military tract, at a very low figure, having nearly four hundred acres, and upon that place he spent his remaining days, develop- ing a good farm. He married Rebecca Millhouse, who was born August 11, 1767. Both were natives of South Carolina and were married in that state. Amos Comp- ton passed away September 14, 1824, at the age of fifty-four years, his birth having oc- curred on the 9th of July. 1770. In the family of this worthy couple were eight chil- dren : Betty, born in South Carolina March 3. 1794: Samuel, the father of our subject ; Mary, born December 21. 1798; Rebecca, born November 6, 1800: Lydia, born Jan- uary 20, 1803: Sally, who was born in South Carolina February 13. 1805. and died August 31. 1823; John, who was born in Greene county, Ohio, March 1, 1807, and died March 26, 1893, at the age of eighty- six years and twenty-five days; and Ann, born January 13, 1812.
Samuel Compton, the father of our sub- ject, was only about nine years of age when he accompanied his parents to Ohio. Here he married Allie Thatcher, a native of Vir-
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.ginia, whence she came to the Buckeye state during her early childhood to make her home with her grandmother at Wilmington. It was there that the parents of our subject became acquainted. Samuel Compton re- moved to the western portion of his father's farm, where he built a hewed-log house and log barn. The former is still standing. but is weather-boarded and transformed into a modern dwelling. Throughout his remain- ing days he carried on agricultural pursuits and as the years passed transformed his farm into a very valuable property. His death occurred March 12, 1861, and his wife, who was born March 10, 1804, died August 14, 1885. at the advanced age of eighty-one years. In their family were eight children : Jesse : Rebecca, born October 8, 1826: Nancy, who was born October 2, 1828, and died May 2, 1899, at the age of seventy years and six months ; Amos, born Decem- ber 19, 1830: John M., who was born May 6, 1833, and died on the 9th of August fol- lowing: Samuel T., who died in infancy; Martha who was born April 1, 1840, and died on the 22d of December. 1841; and Lydia. born December 16, 1842, and now ceccased.
In his youth Jesse Compton acquired a common-school education and remained at home until his marriage, which occurred when he was about twenty-three years of age, the date of this important event being October 12, 1848. He married Esther Spray, who was born near her present home in Clinton county, a daughter of Jesse and Mary (Cook) Spray. Her parents were na- tives of South Carolina, but came to Ohio with their parents and were married in this state. All were by birthright Friends. Her mother was a daughter of Charity Cook, who was born July 28, 1799. Her son,
Joseph Cook, a preacher in the Friends so- ciety, made a number of trips back to Eng- land. Mrs. Spray was born June 3, 1803, and died May 4, 1844. Mrs. Compton's fa- ther, Jesse Spray, was a son of Samuel Spray, who was born in Pennsylvania, re- moved to South Carolina and afterward to Ohio. Jesse Spray was born February 5, ISO1. and lived to be almost eighty years of age, while his wife was only about forty years of age at the time of her death. The grandfather, Samuel Spray, was a recorded minister of the Friends church, born March 23. 1758, while his death occurred on the zoth of March, 1836.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Compton were born seven children: Uriah, who was born in Greene county, September 1, 1850, was mar- ried to Samantha Harris, and lived in Ashland, lowa, until his death. He left five children. Martha, born in Warren county, Ohio, April 13. 1852, is at home. John, born in Greene county July 7, 1854. married Jennie Morris and lives in Spring Valley township. They have one child. Mary A., born in Clinton county, Ohio, Aut- gust 12, 1856, was married May 21, 1879, to John M. Hill. Lydia J., born in Clinton county November 28, 1858, became the wife of Joseph H. Hill and has one child, Jesse E., born in Greene county April 8, 1887. Elizabeth A., born August 21, 1869, married Oscar Shambaugh, of this county, and has two children. Miriam N., born January 30, 1877. is the wife of Earl Steele, of Minne- apolis, Minnesota.
Mr. Compton has always given his po- litical support to the Republican party. Throughout his entire life he has resided in this portion of Ohio, and those who know him are familiar with his honorable record. He has always been a man of strong prin-
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ciples, marked individuality and force of character, and throughout his entire life. covering more than seventy-seven years, he has ever commanded and enjoyed the re- spect of his fellowmen.
REV. DAVID MACDILL. A. M., D. D .. LL. D., L. H. D.
No compendium such as the province of this work defines in its essential limitations will serve to offer fit memorial to the life and accomplishments of the honored sub- ject of this review-a man remarkable in the breadth of his wisdom, in his indomit- able perseverance and his strong individual- ity, and yet one whose entire life has not one esoteric phase, being an open scroll, in- viting the closest scrutiny. True his have been "massive deeds and great" in one sense, and yet his entire life accomplishment but represents the result of the fit utilization of the innate talent which is his, and the di- recting of his efforts in those lines where mature judgment, rare discrimination and a broad view of life has led the way. Throughout the years of his manhood his efforts have been given to the uplifting of his fellowmen, to the dissemination of truth and to the study of the laws of life and of eternity that he might be a power for good in the world and yet his acts have ever been in harmony with the mandate "Let your light shine before men that others seing your good works may glorify your Father, which is in Heaven."
Dr. MacDill was born August 10. 1826. in Preble county, Ohio, and completed his literary education in Center College, of Ken- tucky, in the class of 1849. He studied
theology at Oxford and Allegheny, and was licensed to preach on the 7th of April, 1852, by the First Ohio Presbytery, being or- (lained at Chillicothe September 8, 1853. In early manhood, in fact in the year of his or- dination, he was married to Miss Martha E. Gordon, of Xenia, and the years have wit- nessed their co-operation in a work for their fellow men that has had a most widespread influence for good.
In September. 1853. Dr. MacDill ac- cepted the pastorate of the church of his de- nomination at Cherry Fork, Ohio, where he remained until June 1. 1876. He was then in charge of the church in Henderson, Illi- nois, from March 3. 1877, until June 1. 1884, and in the meantime he had become an active factor in the work of Christian edu- cation. He served as professor of philos- ophy in Monmouth College, of Monmouth, Illinois, from the Ist of September. 1876, until 1885, and has been professor of apolo- getics and homilectics in Xenia Theological Seminary since September. 1885. He has not only engaged in pastoral and educational work, but is also widely known as an author of works bearing upon theology. His first publication, however, issued in 1863. was a Life of Judge Morrison. In ISSI he brought forth a volume entitled Secret Societies and afterward The Bible, a Miracle. Among his more recent publications are Mosaic Authorship of the Pentateuch, Pre-Millen- ialism Discussed, and Common Sense and Logic Applied to Darwinism and Theology. So varied has ben his work, so extended its influence that it is almost impossible in a brief review to give a complete idea of the extent and scope of his labors. He is a man of strong force of character and en- (lowed with rare qualities of leadership. He. has long been a leader along reform lines ..
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He was a pioneer worker in his denomina- tion in the matter of conducting series of meeting's in order to win men to the church and to Christ. He believed that some such preparation was necessary before the pente- cost could come. In the days when many public debates upon religions questions were held he did his full share of that work, and while never seeking a contest of any kind he did not hesitate when called upon for such a labor, and his strong logie, sound rea- soning and incontrovertible evidence were the means many times of not only setting at naught the defense of his opponent, but also of convincing many auditors.
In the dark days of the Civil war Dr. MacDill had more than one opportunity to display his loyalty and courage. Although he was not found upon the battle-field he was a most earnest worker for the Union cause at home, and spoke in behalf of the Union when it had many enemies north of the Ohio and denounced slavery when the system had its advocates and apologists north as well as south of the Mason and Dixon line. When the invasion by south- ern troops was threatened he was made lieu- tenant of the home guards in his commu- nity, and when the famous Morgan raid actually occurred the Doctor was taken pris- oner and saved the life of a friend and neighbor at that time by resolutely refusing to disclose his hiding place. The man in question had fired on the advance guard of Morgan's men and had he been caught would doubtless have been executed without trial or ceremony. But neither threats nor cajolling could induce Dr. MaeDill, while a prisoner, to betray his friend, and Dick Mor- gan found that at least one man in Adams county could keep a secret. Truth telling has ever been a fixed habit with him, but
he felt that there were certain questions which he had no right to answer before such a court of inquiry. Release followed before he had long been a prisoner, and the Doctor returned home with honor unsullied to glad- den the hearts of anxious friends aud parishioners.
But the time came ere long when the community realized that Dr. MacDill be- longed to the whole church and to the coun- try as well as to Adams county. A man with his gifts could not long keep in the background, so after more than a score of years spent in his quiet country home, de- voted to the work of the church and to broad and comprehensive study he was called to occupy the chair of philosophy in Monmouth College, and from that intel- lectual center his fame spread abroad. Hle remained in Monmouth until the demand for his services in a more important field were made, he being called to the chair of homileties and apologetics in Xenia Theo- logical Seminary. In his present position his business is chietly to defend the Bible, and few men are better prepared for the work. He has not only been a close and discriminating student of the Word, but also of the history of the countries with which had to do at the time of its compilation. Not only have students profited by his lec- tures upon the subject, but as an author he has published some valuable works along those lines, which have caused deep thought among student and which present incontro- vertible fact and logie that is unanswerable.
But while Dr. MacDill has ever shown forth strong intellectual and remarkable mental strength in his work it is probably his characteristics of kindliness, charity, helpfulness and brotherly love that have so endeared him to those with whom he has
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come in contact. His talents are crowned with character. He holds friendship and confidence inviolable and has the ability of readily understanding the disposition and situation of others, and thus is enabled to extend to them the counsel of help needed. He has passed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten, but the evening of life is not to him a period of inactivity. His labors are yet felt as a moving force in the realm of thought, his usefulness has in- creased rather than diminished. As he ad- vances he seems to see more clearly the great principles which govern life and to under- stand more thoroughly the great plan of Christian salvation. "to feel eternal spring within his heart." and to give more freely out of the rich stores of his learning and experience.
Dr. MacDill received the degree of A. M. from Center College and also the degree of LL .. D., while Miami University con- ferred upon him the degree of L. H. D., and Monmonth College the degree of D. D. He has been honored by the ministry of his church, being elected moderator of the sec- ond synod of Ohio and as moderator of the genral assembly which met in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, in 1892. and he has taken a prominent part in general assemblies held in different parts of the country from the east to Oregon. His influence is always found on the side of progress and his voice did much toward bringing about a change in the church laws, allowing instrumental music in the churches. Under Governor Mckinley the Doctor was appointed a trus- tee of Miami University and re-appointed under Governor Nash, each term being for nine years, and he will deliver the charge to Dr. Benton when he is inaugurated presi-
dent of Miami University September 9. 1902.
We hereby acknowledge our indebted- ness for most of the material for this sketch to Dr. Scouller's Manual of the United Pres- byterian church.
WILLIAM H. BICKETT. -
Upon a farm two miles east of Xenia on the Jasper pike William Harvey Bickett now resides, there carefully carrying on agricult- ural pursuits, whereby he is winning a most comfortable competence. He is a worthy representative of an honored family of Greene county and well deserves mention in this volume. His birth occurred December 6. 1835. on the old family homestead, just a short distance north of his present place of residence, his parents being William R. and Isabella (\lexander) Bickett. He be- gan his education in the subscription schools, such as were common at that day, and later continued his studies in the free district schools of the county. His training at farm labor was not meager, for he early began the work in the fields and continued at home with his parents until the Ist of May, 1864, when in response to his country's call for aid lie offered his services to the government and joined the boys in blue of Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. He was mustered in at Camp Dennison, went to the front, and for four months was engaged in defending the old flag. largely in garrison duty. On the expiration of that period he was mustered out at Camp Dennison and after his return he served out his time in the National
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Guards, having previously enlisted for five years in that military organization. Like the other members of the family, he per- formed his share of the farm work, and the practical experience which he gained in his youth has been of value to him in the con- duct of his own farming interests in later life
On December 9, 1868, Mr. Bickett was joined in wedlock to Miss Margaret J. Stoops, a native of this county and a daugh- ter of John and Betsey ( Simpson) Stoops, Mrs. Bickett being their only child. The mother died and was buried at Monmouth. Illinois. Mr. Stoops was a native of Vir- ginia, but at an early day came to Ohio. He was three times married, and by his first union had four children, while of the third marriage there were two children, but both died in early life.
Mr. and Mrs. Bickett began their do- mestic life upon a farm located between Jas- per and Jamestown pikes, where they re- mained for about fifteen years. On the ex- piration of that period our subject purchased his present farm about 1883, and has erected all of the buildings upon it. This includes a fine modern residence, large barns and all the necessary shelter for grain and stock. He also has the latest improved machinery, has had many rods of ditching dug and his entire place of eighty-three acres is well im- proved.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Bickett has been blessed with four children. Frank Simpson is a bookkeeper of Xenia. He was educated in the township and public schools of Xenia and is not only a successful busi- ness man. but is very prominent in church work. He is the secretary and treasurer of the Sabbath-school of the Second United Presbyterian church of Xenia, having filled
those offices for a number of years. James R .. the second son, operates the home farm and makes a specialty of the raising of Lin- colnshire sheep, having taken many prizes. at county and state fairs. Jennie May died at the age of two years. Warren, who completes the family, is attending school in Xenia.
In politics Mr. Bickett is a Republican, and both he and his wife are members of the Second United Presbyterian church of Xenia. Their two eklest sons belong to the Young People's Society of that church, of which Frank is now serving as correspond- ing secretary, while James is serving on the membership committee. The name of Bickett has never been associated with any- thing dishonorable, but is synonymous with good citizenship and with upright conduct in all the walks of life.
ARCHIBALD J. MCELROY.
" Archibald J. McElroy has reached the eighty-third milestone on life's journey. He. is a native of Ross county, Ohio, his birth having occurred on the 14th of July. 1819. His grandfather, Daniel McElroy, was a native of Ireland and on coming to the United States became one of the early set- tlers of Virginia, where he spent the re- mainder of his life. The parents, Daniel and Grizelle (Johnson) McElroy, came to Greene county about 1824 and settled on land about two miles east of Cedarville. The father was a native of Virginia and removed to Ohio when a young man. He was a millright by trade and followed that busi- ness until middle life, when he turned his attention to farming, and his last days were.
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spent upon the farm on which he located on coming to this county. He owned one hun- dred and twenty-three acres of land, which for many years was known as the McElroy farm. He served in the war of 1812 and at all times was as loyal to his country as when he wore the nation's uniform. His wife, who was born in Nova Scotia, in 1794. died upon the old homestead in Cedarville township, at the age of fifty-five years. By her marriage she became the mother of ten children, five of whom are yet living.
In a log school house of Cedarville town- ship Archibald J. McElroy pursued his edu- cation, while his business training was re- ceived on his father's farm, where he re- mained until about 1860. He then removed to a farm just north of Cedarville, where he remained for a short time and then pur- chased a farm south of the town, compris- ing one hundred acres of improved land, on which he lived for six years. His next home was in the village, but after a short time he purchased his farm at the edge of the town, consisting at first of thirty-two acres, to which he has since added until he now has fifty-two and a half acres. Upon this he has since lived and here he has al- ways engaged in general farming and stock- raising from the time he first made the place his home.
In 1855 Mr. McElroy was married, near Xenia, to Miss Mary Ellen Little, a daugh- ter of John and Mary ( McCoy) Little, na- tives of South Carolina, who came to Ohio at a very early day in the history of this county and spent the remainder of their lives near Xenia. Her father was a promi- nent farmer, but both are now deceased. Mrs. McElroy was called to her final rest in 1881, when about fifty-five years of age. She was a member of the Reformed Pres-
byterian church and a most estimable lady. and though her remains were interred in Massies Creek cemetery her memory is still enshrined in the hearts of all who knew her. She left two sons. John R., the elder, is a stationary engineer residing in Dayton. Ohio. He married Miss Morris, of Illinois, who died leaving one child. Daniel, and later he wedded Miss Minnie Cline, of Cedarville, by whom he has a son, Kenneth. Daniel W., born August 20, 1861, in Cedar- ville, was educated in the schools of Cedar- ville and in the collegiate institute in Pax- ton, Illinois. He has engaged in farming upon the home place all his life and is a progressive and practical farmer. He be- longs to the Reformed Presbyterian church.
It is in that church that Archibald Mc- Elroy hokls membership, and its principles have been the guiding spirit of his life. In his political views he has always been a Democrat. He has witnessed the marvelous growth and development of Greene county through many years, and his aid and co-op- eration have never been withheld from any movement or measure which he believes will contribute to the general good. He has now reached the evening of life, but he yet main- tains an active interest in public affairs. His honorable career, embracing the strong traits oi an upright manhood, have gained for him respect and veneration in his declining years.
C. W. McBEE.
With the farming interests of Sugar- creek township C. W. McBee is identified. having purchased his present home in 1887. He here owns sixty-eight acres of land, which he has placed under a high state of
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cultivation, and its neat and thrifty appear- ance indicates his careful supervision. Mr. McBee is a native of what is now Grant county, West Virginia, but was then Hardy county, his birth having occurred on the 3d of July. 1852, his parents being William and Mary ( Gouldizen ) McBec. His boyhood days were spent upon the mountain farm where they raised cattle and sheep. and thus he became familiar with the best methods for caring for stock, spending many a day in herding. He acquired a fair common- school education and in January, 1873. came to Greene county, being then a young man of twenty-one years. Here he worked as a farm hand by the month for a short time. after which he returned to West Virginia. where he continued for a year and a half. but, believing that he might have better bus :- ness opportunities in the Buckeye state, he again came to Greene county in March, 1875. Seeking employment as a farm hand, he worked by the month until his marriage, which important event in his life occurred on the 27th of December, 1876, the lady of his choice being Miss Jane Turner, who was born in New Jasper township. Greene coun- ty, a daughter of Elijah and Frances ( Bales) Turner, also natives of this county. She acquired a good common-school education and has proven an able assistant to her hus- band on life's journey.
Mr. and Mrs. McBee began housekeep- ing on land which belonged to Mr. Turner, remaining there for about three years, after which they went to Clinton county and pur- chased land. Eight years were passed in that locality, at the end of which time Mr. McBee sold his property there and in 1887 returned to Greene county, since which time he has resided upon his present farm, a tract of sixty-eight acres, which is well improved
and there are good modern buildings upon the place, together with the machinery which facilitates farm work.
Two children have come to bless the home of our subject and his wife: Bertha. who was born on the 11th of April, 1878. and Raper, born July 19. 1875. Both are still with their parents. Mr. McBee votes for the Republican party. He faithfully performs his duties of citizenship and is in- terested in public measures tending to ad- vance the general welfare. His chief at- tention, however, is given to his business af- fairs and his labors have brought to him creditable success. All that he possesses is the result of his own efforts, and as the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well.
ROBERT LYTLE.
There may be found in almost all Amer- ican communities quiet. retiring men who never ask for public office or appear promi- nent in public affairs, yet who nevertheless exert a wilely felt influence in the commu- nity in which they live and help to construct the proper foundation upon which the social and political world is built. Such a man is Robert Lytle, who is now engaged in the real-estate, loan and insurance business. His enterprise, ambition, activity and resolution, as manifest in his business career, are most commendable characteristics, and have brought to him the prosperity which he is now enjoying.
Mr. Lytle is a native of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, his parents being James and Fannie ( Smart) Lytle, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state.
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