USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, Ohio > Part 99
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DANIEL H. BEAM.
Daniel H. Beam, deceased, was for many years a leading and representative citizen of Caesarscreek township, where his birth oc- curred on the end of February, 1833. his parents being Daniel and Anna (Haines) Beam. The father was born in Pennsylva- nia and the mother in Augusta county, Vir- ginia, where their marriage was celebrated.
They became residents of Caesarscreek township, settling near the stream which gives the township its name, and there they remained throughout the residne of their days, the father carrying on agricultural pursuits. In their family were seven chil- dren, but Mrs. Jane St. John is the only one now living. Daniel H. was the fifth in order of birth. The others were: William, Silas, John, Mary and Julia, all of whom died with typhoid fever in 1846. as did the fa- ther. the six deaths occurring within five weeks. The mother long survived her hus- band, passing away in 1882 at the age of eighty-one years.
Daniel 11. Beam, whose name introduces this record, had such educational priv- ileges as the common schools of that day afforded and at the early age of thirteen years the burden of the responsibility of the care of the family devolved upon him, owing to his father's death. Throughout his en- tire life he carried on agricultural pursuits and was a progressive and enterprising farmer, whose well directed efforts returned to him a good income. lle became quite well-to-do, owning three hundred and fifty acres of land at the time of his death.
On the 21st of December, 1854, Mr. Beam was united in marriage to Miss Susan Keiter, who was born in Caesarscreek town- ship, and was a daughter of Frederick and Mary ( Weaver ) Keiter, both of whom were natives of Hampshire county, Virginia, where their marriage was celebrated. They came to Greene county, Ohio, taking up their abode on the Wilmington pike in Caesars- creek township, where they spent their re- maining days, Mr. Keiter passing away .August 10, 1870, at the age of seventy-five years, while his wife died December 18, 1876, also at the age of seventy-five. Both
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were devoted members of the Baptist church and took a very active part in religious work. In their family were twelve children: Eliz- abeth. Harrison and John, all now deceased : Mary, the wife of B. Middleton of Jowa; Margaret, the wife of Elisha Bales of Sil- vercreek township; Nancy, deceased : Mrs. Beam: George, of New Jasper township; Jane. the wife of Joseph Buckwalter of Ce- darcreek township: James and Edward. twins, the former in Arkansas, and the lat- ter in Clinton county, Ohio: and Sarah, the wife of Asa Haines of Caesarscreek town- ship.
By their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Beam became the parents of eleven children, but their first born died in infancy. William. the second, resides in Clinton county, Ohio. He married Sarah Peacemaker and they have two children, Clyde and Jennie. H. Alva. born August 12, 1858, was educated in common schools and resides on the home farm. Emma is the wife of Charles Hurley of Sugarcreek township and has one child. Leona. Addie died at the age of eight years. Luretta is the wife of Thomas Boyd of Spring Valley township and has three chil- dren, Mary, Ruth and Samuel. Frank, of Clinton county, married Elizabeth Johnson and has five children, Paul, Edith, Howard. Alva and Flora. Mary is the wife of Frank Woods of this county and has four children. Opal, Beam, and Clarence and Clark, twins. Frederick died in childhood. Albert Dean, born March 2, 1873, resides on the home farin and is now serving as justice of the peace of Caesarscreek township, being the youngest man to hold that office in the coun- ty. Flora is the wife of Clarence Mckay of Clinton county, Ohio, and has two chil- dren. Albert and Eva.
Mr. Beam was called to the home beyond
September 27. 1893. at the age of sixty years. He belonged to the Methodist Epis- copal church, took an active part in its work and served as steward. His wife is also identified with the same denomination. In politics he was a Republican and was ever loyal and true to the principles in which he believed. He was widely known for his un- swerving integrity and strong purpose, for his fidelity to the duties of home and citi- zenship, and wherever known he was held in high esteem.
Like his father, Albert D. Beam is a Re- publican and in the year 1900 was elected justice of the peace so that he is now serving in that office and in the prompt and faithful discharge of his duties he has won high commendation. He is also active in relig- ious work and is serving as trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church. Having re- ceived a good practical educatior he success. fully engaged in teaching school for six years, and he is a well known and highly esteemed young man. In connection with his brother Alva he is now operating the home farm, which comprises four hundred acres of valuable land. The house was erected in 1878 by their father and is a large and attractive residence. They are exten- sively engaged in stock-raising and dealing. The family needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for through many years it has been a prominent one and those who bear the name ever sustain the family reputation for allegiance to all that is honor- able and upright.
EDGAR ADDISON STORY.
Edgar Addison Story is identified with the building interests of Bowersville and with real estate dealing there. He is a rep-
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resentative of that class of citizens who. while advancing individual success, also promote the public welfare. He was born in Jefferson township. Greene county, about one mile southeast of the village in which he makes his home, the date of his birth be- ing May 16, 1857. His parents were Henry and Ann Eliza ( Brown) Story. The fa- ther was born in Jefferson township. August 9, 1835, and died of heart disease the ist of March, 1898. His parents were Alfred and Elizabeth Story, natives of Virginia, whence they came to Ohio in the year 1835. arriving in Greene county in the month of August. after an overland trip. They settled in the southeastern part of Jefferson townhip near where our subject now resides. The grand- father purchased two hundred acres of tim- ber land for fifty cents per acre and at once began to clear away the meadows and plant the fields. It was an arduous task to cut down all of the trees and prepare the land for cultivation and so dense was the for- est that he even had to fell some trees be- fore there was space enough in which to build a cabin home. He erected what is called a double log house and upon the farm which he there developed spent his remain- ing days, being one of the substantial and respected agriculturists of the community. Both he and his wife were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, their re- ligious belief forming part of their daily lives and molding their relations with their fellow men. In the early days Alfred Story was a Democrat in his political views, but just prior to the Civil war when the De- mocracy largely favored secession he joined the ranks of the Republican party which stood as the defender of the Union. In his family were ten children, seven sons and three daughters.
Henry Story, the father of our subject, was the youngest of the family that reached mature years. His birth occurred a few days after the arrival of his parents in this county, and here he spent his entire life. The children all died under the age of twenty-six years, with the exception of Rob- ert, who was the eldest of the family, and Henry. The former died in Greenfield, Ohio, in March, 1896. In the common schools of Jefferson township Henry Story pursued his education, although his privil- eges in that respect were somewhat limited, as his services were needed upon the home farm. he being there employed until his marriage. On the 2d of June, 1856. he was joined in wedlock to Miss Ann Eliza Brown, and unto them were born five chil- dren: Edgar .A., whose name introduces this review: Walter G., who for fourteen years has been in the employ of the Meth- odist Book Concern in Bellevue, Kentucky; William .) .. who is a bookkeeper in the employ of the Union Central Life Insurance Company of Cincinnati, Ohio: Elmer E., a school teacher, having for eight years had charge of the children's department of the Greene County Infirmary; and Clara Ro- berta, who married Harry Wilson, an en- gineer on the Cincinnati & Muskingum Val- ley Railroad, now a part of the Panhandle system, residing in Lancaster, Ohio. When the father of our subject was married the grandfather gave him a small tract of land and upon it he began his domestic life, add- ing to it as the years passed until at one time he owned one hundred and eigliteen acres. This he cultivated and improved until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he could no longer content himself at home, his country being endangered. Accordingly in August, 1861, he enlisted at Xenia, Ohio,
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ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
in Company A. Ninety-fourth Ohio In- fantry, as a private, to serve throughout the entire year, or for three years. In 1864 he was honorably discharged in Columbus, having faithfully aided the Union troops through three years. He then returned to his home and remained upon the old home place until 1875. when he sold that prop- erty and purchased another farm that is now owned by G. N. Perrill. This he op- erated until 1891. when he soll his land and removed to Lancaster, Ohio, which was his place of residence until September, 1896. At that date he came to Bowersville, where he spent the residue of his days, passing away on the ist of March, 1898. In pol- itics he was a Republican, and had served as trustee and in other township offices. An earnest Christian man, he was a very active and influential member of the Meth odist Episcopal church and had filled many of its offices. His widow still survives him and is living in Bowersville at the age of sixty-five years. She was the daughter of William G. and Elizabeth Brown, natives of Virginia, where Mr. Story was also born. Her father and his family came to Clinton, Ohio, about 1838, and the following spring took up their abode in Jefferson township. where Mr. and Mrs. Brown remained until they were called to their final rest, the for- mer passing away in 1884, at the age of eighty-two years, while his wife died in 1862, at the age of sixty-one years.
Mr. Story, whose name forms the cap- tion of this record, pursued his studies in the district schools of Jefferson township. until he had mastered the common branches of English learning and in 1875 he ma- triculated in the Western University at Delaware, Ohio, where he remained for a year. He then returned home, living with
his parents until 1880, when he made prep aration for a home of his own by marriage, the lady of his choice being Anna S. Wil- son, one of the native daughters of Jeffer- son township. Her parents, David L. and Mahala ( Aldridge) Wilson, both died in the village of Bowersville. The home of our subject and his wife have been blessed with six children: Fred Rosebrook, Jessie. Audra. Paul and Harry, all of whom are under the parental roof, and one child now deceased.
In the fall of 1875 Edgar Addison Story began learning the carpenter's trade and has followed it continuously since, being now actively associated with building interests in Bowersville. He has erected a number of houses here and also a business block in the town, and deals extensively in real es- tate. He buys land on which he erects a residence, then sells the property. In this way he has contributed to the improvement of the village as well as to his individual success. In politics he is a Republican, and at the time of the incorporation of Bowers- ville, he was elected its clerk, which posi- tion he has since filled. A member of the Odd Fellows' Society, he has three times filled all of its offices. His wife belongs to the Methodist Protestant church, and both are widely and favorably known in the community. Mr. Story belongs to one of the oldest pioneer families of the county. Two-thirds of a century ago his grandfa- ther became identified with the work of progress and improvement here, and this work is now carried on by our subject, who is known as a reliable and honorable busi- ness man, having a good knowledge of the vocation which he has chosen as a life work and living faithfully up to the terms of his contract.
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ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
CLINT F. LOGAN.
Clint F. Logan, who is filling the posi- tion of city clerk in Nenia and is a popular resident of this place, was born in Poland, Ohio. April 26, 1849. The family is of Scotch-Irish descent and the paternal grand- father of our subject was born on the Emer- ald Iste, but when a young boy he left that land and, with an older sister and her hus- band, took passage on a westward bound sailing vessel. from which he landed on American shores. His brother-in-law then bound him out until he became of age, and after he had attained man's estate he fol- lowed farming for a livelihood, making that pursuit his chief occupation until his death.
His son, William Logan, the father of our subject, was born in Virginia, May II. 1806, and when he became connected with the business world he followed contracting on an extensive scale, making a specialty of the construction of large buildings, such as courthouses and churches. He gained a wide reputation for his skill and ability along those lines and many important struc- tures in Ohio were erected by him. He was brought to this state by his parents when only six years of age, the family locating in Poland, where he spent many years. He married Miss Mary Ann McKnabb, a daughter of Patrick McKnabb, who was born in Scotland and died in the United States. The father of our subject departed this life in 1890 and the mother passed away the following year. In their family were ten children, of whom five are still living.
Born and reared in Poland, Ohio, Mr. Logan of this review there acquired his edu- cation, and being anxious to earn his own livelihood he accepted a clerkship in a hard-
ware store in Youngstown, Ohio. He after- ward worked for the Illinois Central Rail- road Company, remaining in that employ until 1869. when he became connected with the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Rail- road Company as telegraph operator at Hub- bard, Ohio. After a year, however, he turned his attention to the coal business in Kentucky, where he remained for three years, and in 1877 he took up his abode in Xenia, Ohio, where he has remained since. He engaged in the plumbing business as a member of the firm of Karons & Logan, a partnership which existed until 1891, when Mr. Logan was elected city clerk on the Re- publican ticket. He is still serving in that capacity and his course has been one which has gained for him high commendation. He was also tendered the position of secre- tary of the Woodland cemetery by the board of directors and accepted it, and he is like- wise secretary of the workhouse.
Mr. Logan was united in marriage to Miss Amber R. Barnes, a daughter of Henry Barnes, of Xenia, who was a promi- nent and influential citizen. He served for four years as county treasurer and four years as sheriff of Greene county. The wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Logan was cele- brated November 18, 1879, and four daugh- ters have been born unto them: Mary R., who in June. 1901, became the wife of C. Wharton; Henrietta T .; Sabra M. and Elizabeth J. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and have a pleasant and attractive home at No. 4. Col- umbus avenue. Fraternally Mr. Logan is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protec- tive Order of Elks and the National Union. In his political affiliations he is a Repub-
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ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
lican, and warmly endorses the principles of the party. It was on that ticket that he was chosen to his present position as city clerk, in which capacity he is now capably serving, discharging his duties with prompt- ness and fidelity.
ADONI JONES.
Adoni Jones, a well known farmer of 'Spring Valley township, residing on the Cincinnati pike, was born in Colerain town- ship, Hamilton county, Ohio. November 2. 1846. On the paternal side he was of Welsh and German lineage. His parents were William F. and Ann ( Heath) Jones, the former born in Butler county, Ohio. March 13. 1809, and the latter in Leicester- shire, England, April 12, 1820. Mrs. Jones was a maiden of twelve summers when her parents. William and Sarah Heath. crossed the Atlantic to America. taking up their abode in Hamilton county, Ohio, where she became acquainted with Mr. Jones, their marriage being celebrated in October. 1841. The father of our subject was a cooper by trade and followed that pursuit for some years, but subsequently abandoned it and purchased a farm in Hamilton county. there spending his remaining days.
Upon the old homestead in that county the subject of this review was reared to manhood, assisting in the labors of the fields and meadows during the periods of vacation, while in the winter months he at- tended the common schools. In 1881 he came to Spring Valley township and was here married on the 24th of May, of that ycar. to Miss Esther Ferguson, the esti-
mable daughter of Edward and Ann M. ( Medskere ) Ferguson. Her father was born in Frederick county. Virginia, June 2, 1809, and when twenty-one years of age came to Greene county in company with his parents, Samuel and Mildred ( Garri- son) Ferguson. The grandfather of Mrs. Jones, Samuel Ferguson, was a native of Scotland, and at an early date located in Virginia. His wife was of Irish extrac- tion. Mrs. Jones was born and reared in Spring Valley township, and the farm upon which she and her husband are living was left to her by her aunt Esther. or Hettie. as she was usually called. She had mar- ried Ivy Mendenhall, who died September 20, 1875. leaving no children. Mrs. Men- denhall reared a sister of Mrs. Jones, Lu- cinda C. Ferguson, who became the wife of Thomas Worley and now resides near Mound Valley, Kansas. For some time Mrs. Jones made her home with her aunt, and upon the death of the latter inherited the old homestead according to the terms of the will. Mr. Jones has since remodeled the barn, has erected other buildings and has enclosed the place with a modern iron fence. Neatness and thrift characterize everything about the farm and indicate the careful supervision of our subject.
Three children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Jones: Pearl Anna, who is a student in Jacob's Commercial College in Dayton : Myrtle M. and Iva Luella. The parents are members of the Baptist church at Mercer's Run, and Mr. Jones is serving as one of the deacons. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party. Both he and his wife are held in high es- teem throughout the community, for their
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lives have ever been such as to commend them to the confidence and good will of all.
WILLIAM C. CLINE.
William C. Cline. now deceased, was one of the well known farmers of Beaver- creek township, his home being near AAlpha. He spent almost his entire life there, and his splendid characteristics won him the re- spect of all with whom he came in contact. He was born in Beavercreek township De- cember 20. 1829. his parents being Adam and Barbara ( Herring) Cline. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, while his mother's birth occurred in Germany. They became pioneer settlers of this county. tak- ing up their abode just north of Alpha on the farm that is now owned by Mrs. Cline. the widow of our subject. There they spent their remaining days and were laid to rest in the Beavercreek cemetery. They held membership in the Reformed church, and died in that faith, the father passing away February 2, 1854, while the mother's death occurred on the 7th of May. 1865. at the age of sixty-nine years.
William C. Cline pursued his education in the common schools of his native town- ship and early was drawn to the work of the farm, remaining with his parents until his marriage, which important event in his life occurred on the 3d of August. 1858. the lady of his choice being Miss Nancy Ann Harner, who was born in Beavercreek township October 12. 1834, and is a daugh- ter of John and Magdalene ( Haines ) Har- ner. Her father was a native of Bath
township, Greene county, while her mother was born in Beavercreek township. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Cline were John and Sarah ( Koogler) Harner. Their son, John Harner, pursued his education in Bath township, and for a time resided in that locality, but after his marriage re- moved to Beavercreek township, where he spent several years. He afterward resided for several years near the village of Bell- brook, Ohio, and the last few years of his life were passed in Beavercreek township. Both he and his wife were laid to rest in Beavercreek cemetery. His death occurred on the 6th of April. 1873, when he was sixty-seven years of age, while his wife was called to her final home on the 6th of June, 1876, at the age of sixty-eight years.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Harner were born twelve children, of whom six are now liv- ing: Simon, who resides in Michigan; John, who makes his home near Xenia ; Cal- vin, who is also living in Michigan; Mrs. Margaret Wolf, who makes her home in Bath township; Nancy, the widow of Will- iam C. Cline: and Miss Catherine Harner, who resides with her sister, Mrs. Cline. The parents were consistent Christian peo- ple. holding membership with the Reformed church, and Mr. Harner was a Republican in his political views. One of the brothers of Mrs. Cline, William Harner, was a mem- ber of the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, becoming an officer in that division of the army. Hle proved a loyal soldier, and at length he laid down his life on the altar of his country, being killed in the battle of the Wilderness.
After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cline they began their domestic life upon the farm north of Alpha, where they re-
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ROBINSON'S HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
mained for a number of years, and in 1868 they took up their abode in the village. where Mr. Cline lived a retired life through- out his remaining days. He had purchased a nice home in Alpha and there he enjoyed a well earned rest. For a number of years he was actively associated with agricultural pursuits and through his careful manage- ment and unfailing diligence he won a com- petence which enabled him to put aside busi- ness cares. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Cline was blessed with the following named children : Lina, who married Horace Ankeney and has seven children, Florence, Samuel, Alfred, Elizabeth, William M., Herman C. and Rachel H .; Jessie, the de- ceased wife of Lewis Ankeney, by whom she had six children, Fred C., William Nel- son, John Blaine, Catherine, Lewis and Jessie L. : Maggie, the wife of Thomas Leh- man, a resident of Dayton, Ohio, by whom she has three children, Jonathan Cline, Honora and Thomas C .: William, who re- sides with his mother and married Miss Flora Routzong: Maud, also at home: and John, who has departed this life.
At the time of his death Mr. Cline owned about five hundred acres of valuable land. He was very successful in business affairs and was thus enabled to leave his family in comfortable circumstances. He died October 6. 1875. when more than sev- enty-five years of age, his birth having oc- curred December 20. 1829. He was then iaid to rest in Beaver cemetery. In politics he had been a Republican, and had ever been an upright, honorable man who en- joyed in a high measure the warm regard of his friends. The estate is still owned by Mrs. Cline, who capably superintends her business affairs. She is a member of
the Reformed church and is widely and fa- vorably known in Greene county. The life record of Mr. Cline proves that success is not a matter of genius, but can be won through earnest and indefatigable effort. His example is one well worthy of emula- tion and his life record well deserves a place upon the pages of the history of his native county.
JAMES L. RANEY.
After years of activity and honorable connection with agricultural interests James L. Raney retired to private life and took up his abode in Xenia, where his last days were passed. He was one of a family of ten children born unto James and Martha (Siler ) Raney. His birth occurred in Vir- ginia, but when only a year old he was brought by his parents to Greene county. Ohio, the family settling near Cedarville. where the father died. In his youth our subject worked in the fields through the Summer months and in the winter season attended school. His childhood was passed on the home farm, and after he had com- pleted his education he engaged in teaching school, a profession which he followed for two and one-half years after his marriage. He then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and in addition to the cultivation of the crops best adapted to the climate he engaged in raising stock. In all his busi- ness undertakings he was enterprising and progressive, and he also possessed strong resolution and untiring energy, which en- abled him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he commenced. In
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