USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, Ohio > Part 97
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mained in the west but a year and after re- turning to Ohio located in Fairfield, where he conducted a hotel and handled fast horses. He next took charge of the Greenlawn Stock Farm, owned by Dr. D. W. Greene, of Day- ton, remaining there five years. He now re- sides in the old family home, where he is engaged in farming and in breeding and training fast horses, having gained more than a local reputation in this way. He is an excellent judge of a fine animal and al- ways has some splendid roadsters. In pol- itics he is a Republican and was appointed to fill a vacancy as township trustee, and has been twice elected, proving a capable of- ficer and public-spirited citizen.
WILLIAM L. HAGLER.
Upon an excellent farm about five miles southeast of Xenia resides William Leonard Hagler, who is accounted one of the progres- sive and wide-awake agriculturists of his community. He was born about a mile east of his present home in what is now New Jasper township, his natal day being May 8. 1827. His father, Samuel Hagler, was born in Hardy, Virginia, August 7, 1794. and after arriving at years of maturity he was married in Warren county, Ohio, to Anna Fudge. also a native of the Old Do- minion. He was of German descent and was a son of Leonard and Mary ( Peterson) Hagler, who had a large family. His wife, Anna Fudge, was born in Augusta county. Virginia, and was a daughter of Jacob Fudge. In early life he emigrated west- waril and cast in his lot with the early set- tlers of Warren county, Ohio. After a year or two he returned to Virginia and brought
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his family to the new home. His father, Leonard Hagler, died in 1834. He had but two sons, who reached years of maturity, Eli and Samuel. The latter, the father of our subject, at once began work here, and with characteristic energy cleared and de- veloped one hundred and fifty acres of land, placing the tract under a high state of cul- tivation. As his financial resources increased he also added to the property, and at the time of his death owned a valuable tract of two hundred acres, which each year returned to him golden harvests. His death occurred August 7, 1880, when he was eighty-six years of age, and his wife passed away in 1884, at the age of eighty-four, both being laid to rest in the family burying ground upon the home farm, where a fine monu- ment marks the place of their interment. Both were members of the German Re- forme 1 church, and Mr. Hagler was a Whig in his early political views, supporting that party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the Republican party. Unto them were born fifteen children: Elizabeth Ann, who became the wife of Mathew Smith, but both are now deceased: Mary Amanda, who is the widow of Gideon Spahr and resides in Bellbrook: Sarah Jane, who is the widow of Philip Sutton and makes her home near the powder mill in Xenia ; William Leonard, of this review; Henry Christian, deceased: Martha Eddy, the widow of William Sutton, of Jamestown ; Catherine Charlotte, the wife of Austin Long, of New Jasper township; John Mil- ton and Moses Allen, both of whom are de- ceased : Clarissa Rebecca, the widow of Dur- ban Long and a resident of Jamestown ; Hannah Minerva, who is the widow of David Dean, and is living in Xenia : Emily Louisa, who is the widow of John Dean and
resides in New Jasper township; Samuel Harrison, who died in childhood; Anna Samantha, who is the widow of Jacob Peter- son and makes her home in Xenia; and Harriett Rosaltha, who died in childhood.
William L. Hagler, of this review, re- ceived but limited educational privileges, at- tending to some extent the subscription schools near his home. His training in farm work, however, was not meager, for he early became familiar with the work of de- veloping and improving a farm. When twenty-six years of age he was united in marriage on the 24th of September, 1851. to Miss Mary Lyon Scroggs, who was born i: Belmont county, Ohio, January 4. 1831. a daughter of Alexander and Mary ( Lyon) Scroggs. Her father was a native of Penn- sylvania, and in his boyhood became a resi- dent of Jefferson, Ohio, and afterward re- moved to Belmont commty. In 1855 Mr. Hagler purchased the farm upon which he now resides, comprising one hundred and thirty-three acres. The barns and other out- buildings upon the place have all been erect- ed by him, and are indications of his life of activity, industry and usefulness. He also planted an orchard when he first located here, which is now in good bearing condi- tion. He has used excellent machinery in carrying on the farm work and is widely known as a progressive agriculturist, who in connection with the tilling of the soil is en- gaged in the raising of Jersey cattle and Poland China hogs, and also has fine black- top merino sheep.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hagler have been born seven children: Lottie Jane, the eld- est, is the wife of David Livingston, who resides near Columbus and is a member of the United Presbyterian church. They have five children-Paul, Ralph Hagler, Frank
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Alexander, Ella Nora and Jenette Lee. Mo- it was in that state that Joseph DeVoe, the ses Allen married Martha Wead and re- sides in Xenia township. Charles Franklin. also a resident of Xenia township. wedded Jennie Crawford and they have two living children-Mary Jane and Charles Crawford. George Mallow married Catherine Ruth . An- derson and their home is in Spring Valley township, where they reside with their six children-Joseph Lewis, Carrie Margaret. Ollie May, Albert Abijah. Fred William and an infant son. Emily is the wife of John Galloway, of Nenia, and they have one child. Mildred Hagler. William is deceased. Anna M. is the wife of Ralph Spahr and they reside on the old home farm, Mr. Spahr having the management of the farm work, which he ably conducts. Mr. Hagler has now passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey and receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded to those who have reached the evening of life, and whose record has ever been blame- less and honorable.
JOSEPH DEVOE.
Joseph DeVoe, who is engaged in gen- eral farming and stock raising. owns and cultivates a farm of one hundred and eight acres in Caesarscreek township. He was born in Jefferson township. Greene county. March 7, 1850, and is a son of David and Mary ( Ary) DeVoe. The paternal grand- parents were Joseph and Abby ( Oglesbee) DeVoe, and the former was a son of David De Voe, who was of French descent. His father died in his native land. France, but the mother afterward came to this country. David De Voe spent his days in Virginia and
grandfather of our subject, was born and reared, spending his youth near Winchester. He married Miss Abby Oglesbee, also a na- tive of that locality, and about the year 1817 he sought a home in Ohio, taking up his abode near what is now the village of Paintersville. In his political support he was a Whig. and both he and his wife were Meth- odists in religious faith. In their family were six children : David J .. now deceased ; Evaline, who is the widow of John Ary and resides in Caesarscreek township: George W .: Ephraim, who has passed away : Sarah Jane, who became the wife of Nathan Fisher, but both are now deceased: and Asa, who has also departed this life. Joseph DeVoe. the grandfather of our subject and the fa- ther of this family, was called to his final rest in 1860, and his wife passed away in 1858. Both were laid to rest in the Salem burying ground.
David DeVoe, the father of our subject. was born in 1822. and after arriving at years of maturity he wedded Mary Ary, who was born August 13, 1825. The marriage was celebrated in Jefferson township, and in 1868 they removed to Paintersville, where the father of our subject purchased a farm, upon which he spent his remaining days, passing away on the 23d of January. 1899. at the age of seventy-six years. His widow still survives him and is now living in Paint- ersville. Like her husband, she belongs to the Methodist Protestant church. He was a Republican in political views and as a busi- ness man was reliable and energetic, while as a citizen he was ever loyal to the best in- terests of the community. Unto him and his wife were born eleven children: Eliza Jane, the wife of Thomas Bone, of Illinois : Sarah, the wife of William A. Powers, of
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Jefferson township: Lucinda, the wife of L. V. Johnson, of Jefferson township: Joseph. our subject ; William, who is living in Jef- ferson township; Aaron, a resident of Caesarscreek township: Margaret. David 'and George, who died in childhood ; Eliza- beth, the wife of I. Mason : and Jesse. a resi- dent of Xenia township.
In the public schools of Jefferson town- ship Joseph De Voe was reared and educated. He lived with his father until his marriage. which occurred March 28, 1872, the lady of his choice being Miss Caroline Faulkner, a daughter of David and Emily J. ( Musset- ter) Faulkner. Her father was born near Paintersville, October 7, 1819, and his par- ents were Thomas and Mary ( McGuire ) Faulkner. He was educated in the district schools and remained upon the home farm until September. 1838, when he was mar- ried. He then rented land from his father for a time and afterward purchased a tract. carrying on agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death. lle had become the owner of one hundred and nine- ty-four acres of well developed land, im- proved with all modern accessories and equipments, and in his business undertak- ings he was quite successful. Seven chil- dren were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Faulk- ner, all of whom are yet living, namely : Mary. the wife of Francis Linkhart, of Venia, by whom she has four children : Har- vey C .; Caroline, now Mrs. DeVoe; Sam- nel P., who married Martha Painter ; Elijah B., a resident of West Carlton, Ohio; Har- riet M., who became the wife of Thomas B. Linkhart, a resident of Lumberton, Clin- ton county, Ohio; and Elizabeth Catherine. the wife of John Anderson, a resident of Clinton county, Ohio. The parents held membership in the Methodist Protestant
church, and for many years Mr. Faulkner served as a class leader. He took a deep interest in religious work and labored earn- estly and effectively for the upbuilding of the cause of Christianity. His political sup- port was given the Republican party, and for several terms he served as trustee of his township. His death occurred in 1896 and his wife passed away in 1900, being laid by his side in the cemetery at Jamestown.
After his marriage Joseph DeVoe re- moved to the farm which is now his home. He has erected all of the buildings upon the place and they stand as monuments to his enterprise and capable management. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and the well tilled fields return to him a golden harvest for his labors. He is ener- egtic, progressive and persevering, and the success which he has acquired is the ulti- mate result of these characteristics.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. DeVoe has been blessed with three children: Annie B .. the wife of Stacey Wilson, of Caesarscreek township, by whom she has one child, Goldie: Mollie, the wife of James Sessler, of Silvercreek township; Ida May, the wife of Oscar Gordan, of Caesarscreek township, by whom she has two children, Forrest and Everett J. Elmer Strickle, a son of Mollie by a former marriage, is also a member of the DeVoe household. Mr. DeVoe exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and upon that ticket he has been elected to the office of township trustee and to other local positions. In the Methodist Protestant church he and his wife hold membership. and he is also serving as one of the trus- tees of that organization. In manner he is courteous and pleasant, winning friends by his genial disposition and honorable char-
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acter which commands the respect of all. He is public spirited in an eminent degree, and through all the years of his life has given his support to whatever is calculated to promote the general welfare.
IRA W. BALDWIN. M. D.
Dr. Ira W. Baldwin devoted his life to a profession calling for much self-sacrifice. as well as for strong mentality, close appli- cation and unflagging energy, but in the rank of his chosen profession he won dis- tinction and throughout the county in which he made his home he was widely and fa- vorably known. His birth occurred on a farm in Greene county on the Clifton pike. October 11, 1838. There were two children born unto David P. and Julia Baldwin, of whom he was the elder. His early educa- tion was acquired in the common schools and later he continued his studies in Antioch College. His leisure time was given to the study of medicine, and he afterward entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, where he completed a course by graduation in the year 1867. Immediately afterward he located in Enon, Ohio, where he opened an office and remained for two years. He then removed to Clarksville, lowa, where he practiced successfully for the same length of time, but having a stronger preference for his native state than the one of his adoption he returned to Spring Valley, Ohio, and thence came to Xenia. He afterward spent eight years as a medical practitioner of Yellow Springs, and also engaged in farm- ing, but his last days were passed in Xenia. where he died on the 2d of February, 1902.
The Doctor was a very prominent and influential man, whose many excellencies of
character were worthy of commendation and of emulation. He was a member of the Six- ty-sixth Illinois Infantry during the Civil war, but owing to disability he received an honorable discharge. Later, however, he re- enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty- third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. For nine years he was identified with the United States pension board of Greene county, and for four years he served as postmaster at Yellow Springs, having been appointed u11- der President Cleveland, his administration being highly satisfactory to all concerned. The Doctor was also actively and prominent- ly connected with journalistic interests for a considerable period. He was the founder of the Greene County Democrat and after- ward purchased the Xenia Democrat News, consolidating the two papers, both of which have since been merged into the Xenia Her- ald. He was the founder of the Saturday Morning Post and continued his newspaper career until 1882. He was one of the most prominent and influential Democrats in the county and his labors were effective in pro- moting the growth and success of Democ- racy. He believed most firmly in the prin- ciples of the party and his influence was ever exerted on its behalf. It was in the year 1899 that he returned to Xenia, continuing his residence in this city until called to the home beyond.
In 1869 the Doctor was united in mar- riage to Miss Josephine Allen, the only daughter of the late John C. Allen. Unto them were born three children: Benjamin, John and Minnie, who are still at home with their mother. Mrs. Baldwin was also one of a family of three children, but is now the only survivor. Her parents were J. C. and Mary ( Arnold) Allen, the latter a daughter of Jesse Arnold. Mr. Allen was one of
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ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Greene county's well-to-do and progressive farmers and died in Greene county July 4. 1890. His wife had passed away when Mrs. Baldwin was only five years of age.
For many years Dr. Baldwin was identi- fed with the Methodist church as a leading and faithful member. He also served as one of its trustees, filling that position at the time of his death. He took a very deep and active interest in church affairs and his ef- forts for the upbuilding of the church were not without results. In manner he was genial and jovial, and his personal character- istics were such as to make him a popular citizen. Public spirited, he co-operated with every movement for the general good and Uved an upright, honorable life commending him to the confidence and respect of all. The funeral services were held in the First Meth- odist Episcopal church and conducted by the Rev. . 1. C. Turell, assisted by Rev. Ilamil- ton, of Cedarville, and Rev. Elliott, of Yel- low Springs, the remains being interred in Woodland cemetery.
"Ilis youth was innocent, his riper age
Marked with some acts of goodness every day,
And watched by eyes that love him, calm and sage,
Faded his late declining years away.
Cheerfully he gave his being up and went To share the holy rest that waits a life well spent."
WILLIAM H. LUMPKIN.
William H. Lumpkin, who is engaged in the operation of the Mendenhall farm in Spring Valley township two miles northeast of New Burlington, was born in Wayne
county, Indiana. September 6, 1862. his par- ents being Silas 11. and Sarah E. ( Thorn- burg ) Lumpkin. When our subject was but six years of age the father removed to Dal- las county, Iowa, where the family lived for ten years and then took up their abode in the town of Stewart, Guthrie county, Iowa. It was there that William H. Lumpkin was reared to manhood.
He acquired a fair common-school ed- ucation and afterward worked as a farm hand by the month. When but twenty years of age he secured a position in a round house at Stewart and on attaining his majority he received an offer from Edward Walton, who owned land in Iowa, to come east and en- ter his employ. This Mr .. Lumpkin agreed to do. and for three years remained in the service of Mr. Walton. . At that time he be- came acquainted with Miss Amy B. Men- denhall, and their friendship ripening into love, they were married September 28. 1886. The lady is a daughter of John and Eunice ' Compton ) Mendenhall, both of whom are living in Spring Valley township. For a year after his marriage Mr. Lumpkin re- sided in Spring Valley, and then began farming in the township upon land owned by Mr. Anderson. He continued its culti- vation for four years, but for the past de- cade has resided upon the Mendenhall farm, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation.
Five children have been born unto our subject and his wife: Albert J .. born in Spring Valley township February 14, 1888, Edward R., who was born in the same town- ship June 16, 1890, and Lawrence, born No- vember 17. 1901, are still living, while two children are deceased, Elmer T., who died at the age of one year and nine months, and Mabel, who died at the age of one year and
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five months. The parents hold membership with the Society of Friends, and since 1884 Mr. Lumpkin has supported the men and measures of the Republican party, but has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to give his time and attention to his busi- ness affairs, in which he is meeting with creditable success.
WILLIAM D. PETTIGREW ..
William D. Pettigrew, now deceased, was born in Mount Vernon, Ohio, June 17, 1832, and was one of the four children of William and Margaret ( Carruthers) Petti- grew that reached years of maturity. In the country schools he acquired a good prac- tical education, and when a young man he learned the trade of carriage painting, which he followed for a number of years. At the time of his father-in-law's death he assumed the management of the undertaking business which had been established by Mr. Metsker, and was connected with that enterprise until his life's labors were ended.
Mr. Pettigrew was united in marriage to Miss Metsker. a daughter of David M. Metsker, who came of a family of German lineage. His parents were Joseph and Eliz- abeth (Templeton) Metsker, who were farming people. respected for their genuine worth. Mr. Metsker, the father of Mrs. Pettigrew, became one of the foremost citi- zens of Xenia and possessed many character- istics that endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pettigrew were born six children: Eliza- beth, now the wife of N. Snider: Mrs. 11. C. Carr, of Dayton, Ohio: Carrie, the wife of Mr. Bebb, of Xenia; Elsie, the wife of
H. Jobe, of Greene county : and William D. and Sarah, who resides with their mother.
Mr. Pettigrew affiliated with the Repub- lican party and kept well informed on the is- sues of the day, but never sought or desired office. He was a Mason in high standing, having taken the degrees of the command- ery, in which he was made a Knight Temp- lar. His death occurred at his home at No. 21 Church street, April 16. 1891, and his remains were laid to rest in Woodland cem- etery. His entire life was passed in this state and he was widely known as a man who could be trusted, who was reliable in busi- ness and honest in all his relations with his fellow men.
JOHN Q. COLLINS.
When the rebellion in the south threat- ened the stability of the Union, there flocked to the standard of the nation men from all walks of life. They came from the workshops, the counting rooms, the offices and the fields, all permeated with the one unconquerable determination to save the Union at the cost of their lives if need be. Among the loyal men of Ohio who wore the blue was John Q. Collins, who experienced many of the hardships of war but never fal- tered in the performance of duty until wounds unfitted him for further service. He is now numbered among the enterpris- ing farmers of Spring Valley township, liv- ing on the lower Bellbrook pike, four and a half miles southwest of Xenia.
Mr. Collins was born in Xenia township, six miles north of the city. April 4. 1841, a son of Samuel and Rebecca ( McClellan) Collins. The father, born in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1804, came to Greene coun-
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ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
ty with his parents in early boyhood. The Williamson, of Cedarville; and Anna Re- grandfather, William Collins, settled on becca, the wife of R. W. Moore, of Xenia. Massies creek, and after a few years removed to the locality in which our subject was born. He spent his remaining days upon a farm and was one of the worthy pioneer settlers of this portion of the state. He had ten children, all of whom reached ma- tuire years, and reared families of their own with one exception. The family is of Scotch lineage but representatives of the name re- moved to Ireland and thence to America.
Samuel Collins was the fifth in order of birth in his father's family. He acquired a good common-school education and for one year engaged in teaching. In 1836 in Spring Valley township he was married at the home of John McClellan, the father of the bride, and the next day the young coup- le went to the home of Mr. Collins' father, where a reception was held, and on the same day Mr. Collins' sister was married. The mother of our subject carried all her possessions to her new home in saddle bags. The father had already purchased a piece of land and had erected a stone house, a part of which is still in use. It was in that house that our subject was born. The father suc- cessfully followed farming for many years and at the time of his death owned over five hundred acres of land. He died sud- denly of apoplexy at the age of fifty-four years. He was a Whig and strong anti- slavery man; was a warm friend of the cause of education, and was a consistent worker and faithful member of the As- sociate church. In his family were eight children : Nancy E., who became the wife of John H. Jobe, and died in Greene county : William H., of this county; John Q .: Ly- dia, deceased : James Martin, of this county ; Mary Jane, the wife of John D. M. Stew- art, of Xenia; Isabella, the wife of S. K.
On the old homestead farm John 1. Collins spent the days of his boyhood. at- tending the district schools of the neigh- borhood in the winter months and working in the fields through the summer. He was twenty years of age at the time of the out- break of the Civil war and on the gth of October, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry. After about two months' drilling in the camp at Xenia the regiment went to Camp Chase and in .April. 1862, proceeded to Nashville, taking part in the battle of Stone River on the 31st of December of that year. There Mr. Collins had the bone in the left lower limb shattered. He was soon afterward taken prisoner and remained in the hands of the rebels from Wednesday until the following Monday, when the Confederates retreated and left him to the Union sokliers. He re- mained in the hospital at Murfreesboro for about three weeks and on the 21st of Jan- uary. 1863, on account of his injuries, was honorably discharged and returned home. For six months thereafter he was confmed to his home and for a number of years was lame.
On the 6th of March, 1866, Mr. Collins was married in the First United Presbyte- rian church in Xenia, to Harriet .A. Far- quer, a native of Greene county, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Sarah ( Finney) Farquer. Her mother died in 1863, her father in 1865, and thus she was early left an orphan. John Farquer was a native of Kentucky, born April 5. 1790, and removed with his parents to Warren county, Ohio, when quite young. In 1813 he enlisted for service in the war of 1812 and after being discharged resumed farming in Warren county. He later removed to Xenia, Ohio,
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