USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County : together with historic notes on the Northwest, and the state of Ohio, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and all other authentic sources > Part 47
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also participating in the battles of the Atlanta campaign, and was discharged in 1865. In 1866 he obtained a position as fireman on the railroad, serving in that capacity for five years, and then took charge of an engine on the Little Miami Railroad, holding that position for six years. In 1875 he located in Xenia, and was given his present position. In 1872 he was married to Ann A. Matthews, by whom he has had two children, Nettie E. and William D. Mrs. Drake was born in Franklin County, in 1847. Politically, Mr. Drake is a Republican.
John S. Eavey, farmer, deceased, was born near Boonsborough, Maryland, January 14, 1814, and died September 30, 1879, being the second son of Margaret and Jacob Eavey. He received a liberal education for that day, passing his early youth and manhood with his parents. His father was the owner of an extensive mar- ble quarry on. Beaver Creek, near Boonsborough, Maryland. The subject of our memoir was engaged in the sale of marble from early manhood up to the time of his marriage, which was at the age of twenty-four, to Miss Margaret Kanode, daughter of John and Margaret Kanode, who resided near Hagerstown, Maryland- Mr. Kanode being an extensive farmer. In the third year of his married life, Mr. Eavey and his estimable wife immigrated to this state, settling on land near Xenia, granted him by his mother, and by industry and prudence he became one of Greene County's most wealthy citizens. Honorable in all the relations of life, taking a creditable interest in many of the enterprises of the county, he was admired and respected by all who knew him. . The result of his marriage was five sons and one daughter-one of his sons dying in infancy-Arthur W., Henry HI., John K., Joseph E., and Susan A. Arthur W. purchased, some years since, a large farm in the State of Mississippi. Henry H. is well known as a wholesale dealer in groceries in Xenia. John K., and Joseph E., are both enterprising farmers in the vicinity of Xenia. Susan A. is living near the city of Xenia, with her husband, J. F. G. Bell, son of George Bell, one of the earliest pioneers of this county, and whose biography, with his wife's, will be found on another page of this history. His grandmother was a neice of General Metzinger, of Holland, and is thereby a legal heir of the Metzinger estate of sixty-five million dollars.
John Ewing, retired merchant, was born in Campbell County, Kentucky, the 6th day of January, 1800, and is a son of John and
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Margaret Ewing, who were raised in York County, Pennsylvania, and moved to Kentucky in 1795; thence to Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1801. Mr. Ewing lived in Hamilton and Clermont counties until fourteen years of age, and then came to Xenia and entered the store of James Gowdy, as a clerk, in which capacity he re- mained until grown up, when he entered into partnership with Mr. Gowdy. This partnership was continued until 1838, when Mr. Gowdy withdrew from the business, and it was continued by. Mr. Ewing until 1861, when he retired to a more private life. A common school education was all that he received in his early life.
Paul Fetz, farmer and gardener, was born in Germany, February 1, 1825, and is a son of Paul and Elizabeth Fetz, both of whom were natives of and died in Germany, having raised a family of nine children. Paul, the subject of this sketch, came to Ohio in 1849, and was married in 1852 to Miss Elizabeth Seppert, daughter of Henry Seppert, of Cincinnati. The result of this union is five children, George P., Henry, Katie, Charles, and Willie, all living. Receiving his education in Germany, he served in her armies for a year and a half, and obtained his release and came to this country in his twenty-fifth year. He is now engaged in farming and! gardening about a mile from the city, and by economy and faith- fulness to business he has become a man of comparative wealth, and enjoys life as a man only can who has a clear conscience, and knows his accumulations have been made from honest toil and square dealing.
R. S. Finley, physician, was born in Winchester, Adams County, Ohio, in 1827. His father, Samuel S., a Virginian by birth, and his mother, a Pennsylvanian, were married in Rockbridge County, Virginia, and immigrated to this state in 1808, raising a family of four children. R. S. Finley received a common school education in Xenia, and graduated in medicine in Cincinnati, in 1850, and immediately commenced practice in Xenia. He graduated in the eclectic school, but is practicing the homæpathie principle, and is to-day one of the leading citizens of the county. The Presby- terian Church is honored by his membership.
John W. Gazaway, minister, Wilberforce, was born in Zanes- ville, Ohio, in 1841, and is a son of Wesley and Cynthia Gazaway, both of whom were born in this state, and the parents of seven children, Charles H., Samuel J., John W., Virginia A., Martha E.,
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Sarah P., and Jacob P. John W., the subject of our remarks, was married, in 1865, to Miss Jerome L. Jackson, daughter of Wilson and Maria Jackson, of Putnam, Ohio, and has a family of five children, Grafton W., Lucy A., William W., Eva V., and Maria J .; and Martha E., and Annie L., deceased. Educated at Zanes- ville, where he spent the greater part of his life, he was ordained an elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1873. He commenced preaching in 1868, and joined the traveling con- nection in 1871. The greater portion of his labors up to this time have been spent in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. He is a member of Doric Lodge No. 6, Free and Accepted Masons, of Newark, Ohio. He is now ministering to a congregation in Spring- field, Ohio, where he is beloved by all who know him, for he is a man who shows his work by his daily walk and conversation. He was converted in the year 1855, in the city of Zanesville, Ohio, under the administration of Rev. A. R. Greene, and has always been an upright Christian man.
James E. Galloway, retired merchant, was born in this state, and is the youngest son of old Major Galloway, one of the old pioneers of Greene County. They immigrated to this county in 1778, and here spent nearly all their lives. James E., the subject of this sketch, received his education at the Miami University, and graduated there in 1844. After graduating, he engaged in the mercantile business in St. Louis, Missouri, and in 1849 left that city and crossed the plains to California, where he remained for seven- teen years, engaged as a wholesale merchant. Leaving there, he went to Montana, Idaho, and various other places, and then left the West for Ohio, in 1870. Remaining here until 1872, he went to Chicago, where he remained for some years, and then returned to the old homestead in this county, where he has remained ever since. There are few men who have seen so much of the world as Mr. Galloway. He has visited South America, New Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba, and many other points of interest. At one time he went with a train and a party of six men across the plains to Cali- fornia. Stopping at Salt Lake City, they did some trading with Brigham Young's elder, Hyde. The old priest would not trade with them, but his substitute, Hyde, did the trading in the way of notes, and when they wanted their notes cashed old man Brigham was generous enough to do so, with a small shave of from twenty to thirty per cent .; showing there are some tricks among the
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prophets as well as the gentiles. The country at that time was so new that most of the inhabitants were compelled to live in their wagons. When the name of old Major Galloway is spoken, it carries us back to his boyhood days, and it is hoped the son may live to the good old age of his father.
Jacob Ganyon, grocer, born in Germany in 1854, is the son of John and Elizabeth Ganyon, both natives of Germany, who immi- grated to this country in 1866, with a family of five children. Jacob, the subject of our sketch, was married, in 1879, to Miss Mary Paul, daughter of John and Effie Paul, of Warren County, Ohio. They have one child living, Elizabeth, and one dead, Mary. He is a member of the Red Men, and is now engaged at No. 129 Second Street, Xenia, in the grocery business. Mr. G. is an active, energetic young German, such as our people may be proud to wel- come among them.
George Ganyon, grocer, was born in Europe, January 10, 1852. Is the son of John and Elizabeth Ganyon, both natives of Europe, who immigrated to this country in 1865, with a family of five chil- dren. George, the subject of this sketch, was married, January 28, 1874, to Miss Enz, by whom he had one child, Lucy. Was mar- ried to his second wife, Miss Lelila Kelsay, daughter of John and Kelsay, on the 25th day of August, 1879, and by her has one child, George. "Mr. Ganyon is a member of the German Protest- ant Church, and is now engaged in the grocery and restaurant business, on the Cincinnati pike, in Xenia. Like his brother, he is one of the prosperous Germans that all true Americans take pleas- ure in welcoming to our borders.
M. M. Gaunce, editor Xenia Democrat. The Xenia Democrat- News began its existence sometime in 1872, under the ownership of John Fahey and Frank Funk, then called the Xenia Enterprise. and was independent in politics. In February, 1874, it was changed to the Xenia News, and made a nine-column paper, Fahey, propri- etor, with Coates Kinney the editor, and independent in politics. Early in 1875 W. V. Luce bought a half interest in the paper, be- came its editor, and made it Democratic in politics. In September, 1876, Luce & Fahey sold the paper to M. M. Gaunce. In January, 1878, Gaunce named the paper the Xenia Democrat-News, and has conducted it as a Democratic paper ever since, as it was under the Luce & Fahey proprietorship. Since the time Gaunce became the owner, LeGrand Tiffany has been its foreman, and has set up two
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
sides of the paper each week. The paper has been a co-operative, or patent outside, with the exception of short intervals.
John M. Gee, engineer, Wilberforce, Greene County, was born in Ohio, in 1849. Is the son of Charles W. and Jane A. Gee. The former was a native of Ohio, and the latter of Virginia. They had a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters. The subject of our sketch was married to Miss Frances V. Woodson, daughter of George and Anna Woodson, of Jackson County, Ohio, in 1874. Two children, Anna B. and Julia, are the result of this union. Mr. Gee is a practical engineer, and an honor to his pro- fession. He is making his home at Wilberforce.
Ballam T. Goings, farmer, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1822. Is the son of Joel and Elizabeth Goings. His father is a native of Hindostan, and his mother of Dublin. They came to Ohio about 1830, with a family of ten children. Ballam, the sub- ject of our sketch, was married to Miss Mary A. Taylor of Xenia, in 1870, by whom he has four children, Zora B., Peninnah, Tecum- seh, and Oswego K. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in Company C, Eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and partici- pated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Island No. 10, and many others. Received an honorable discharge in 1864, and returned to Rich- mond, Indiana, where he remained five years, and then came to Xenia, remaining in that city ever since. Received his education at Oberlin, Ohio. Spent most of his former life on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. After settling in his present home, he discov- ered on his farm a vein of silver sand, used for molding purposes, which, if properly managed, will give him a comfortable living the remainder of his days. Mr. Going is a man of great energy, and knows the value of his mine, and is now shipping his sand all over the country.
George Gordon, farmer, was born in Cumberland County, Penn- sylvania, September 7, 1786. In 1790 his father removed West, and settled in Kentucky, and in 1802 removed to Ohio, and settled near the present site of Lebanon, then a part of Hamilton County. George remained with his father until 1813, and then married Miss Agnes McDaniel, who was three years his junior, and who had come with her parents from Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and settled in Warren County, Ohio, within a few miles of where his parents then lived. In March of the same year the newly-mar- ried couple came to this county, and settled in the woods, in Sugar
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Creek Township, about three miles west of the Spring Valley and Centerville pike. Upon arriving at this place he built a log hut, and, together with his wife, continued to follow, for several years, the usual avocations, and to endure the hardships of pioneer life. After a few years of earnest toil in clearing and improving his farm, he was able to possess a good four-horse team. Finding that he could make more money by teaming than in any other way, he fol- lowed that business for several years, between Cincinnati and Xenia, getting $1.25 per hundred. In 1831 he purchased a farm on Mas- sie's Creek, lately owned by a Mr. James, and now the property of Henry Conklin. To this he moved with his family the same year, and soon after erected new buildings on the place. In 1851 he pur- chased the ground between North Detroit and King streets, and began the erection of a residence, finishing it in the spring of 1853, and removed to this residence from his farm on Massie's Creek in that year. His wife died in May, 1860, in the seventy-first year of her age. Mr. Gordon leaves three sons, George R., William I., and Andrew A., of Holton, Kansas, and a daughter, wife of Rev. D. M. Dill, of Monmouth, Illinois. George R., the oldest now living, still resides at the old homestead, with his brother. They are both single, are enterprising farmers, and belong to the United Presby- terian Church, following in the footsteps of their father, who was called to the better world less than a year ago.
James M. Griffiin, minister, Xenia, son of John G. and Judith Griffin, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 10th of October, 1847. He received his education at Wilberforce University, spending his youth principally at that place, going to school. He removed from Cincinnati to Wilberforce with his parents, September 17, 1857, and attended school until 1866, when he went South and engaged . in teaching, as principal of the Union School, at Woodville, Mis- sissippi. Returning to Wilberforce, in May, 1876, he accepted a call to the pastorate of St. Paul's Church, Yellow Springs, until March, 1877, and his stay of twenty-one months was pleasant and prosperous. He then received a call to the Zion Baptist Church of Xenia, where he now presides as its pastor. He is a member of Wilberforce Lodge No. 21, Free and Accepted Masons, and Lin- coln Chapter No. 2; Tonssant Lodge No. 1823, of Odd-fellows; New Idea Lodge No. 117, Independent Order of Immaculates ; district deputy master of the Baptist Church; and Kadess Chapter Eastern Star No. 3. December 16, 1869, he was married to Miss
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Sarah B. Black, of Mississippi, and has a family of two sons and four daughters: John J., Carrie E., Aurelia B., Eugenia F., Dora L., and William H., all living. During his residence in the South he was, at different periods, alderman, city clerk, city treasurer, mayor, and ex officio justice of the peace, of the town of Wood- ville; clerk of circuit court, and superintendent of education, of Wilkinson County, Mississippi. November 5, 1874, he was or- dained a minister of the gospel, and has been trying faithfully to serve his Master ever since. By his gentlemanly deportment and Christian walk, he has gained many warm friends.
William H. Gram, farmer, was born in Xenia, in the year 1859, and is a son of Harvey and Ann Gram; his father being a native of Maryland, and his mother a native of this state. October 2, 1877, he was married to Miss Sallie Rodgers, daughter of Amos and Susan Rodgers, of Xenia. Educated at Yellow Springs, he is a good general business man, and has spent the most of his life in this county. Two children, Anna M. and Amie S., brighten his household. A young man of energy, perseverence, and a genial, social disposition, he is greeted by a host of acquaintances.
Harvey Gram, superintendent of Greene County Infirmary, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1822, and is the only child of Henry M. and Elizabeth Gram, of Maryland and Pennsylvania, both of whom died when our subject was quite young. By his first wife, Miss Ellen R. Prince, of Lebanon, Ohio, he had one son, Clarence L., now dead; and March 4, 1857, he married his present wife, Miss Ann Parkhill, of Waynesville, Ohio, and by her had one child, William H. He received his education in Maryland, where he lived until he was seventeen years of age, when he came to Ohio. Some ten years was spent in the hotel business, affording him a good opportunity to study human nature, and fitting him for the position he now occupies. He is a wagon-maker by trade, but being a man of good judgment and a genial disposition, he was chosen and appointed superintendent of the Greene County Infirmary in 1874. He still occupies that position, and a glance through the institution satisfies one that the right man is in the right place.
George W. Harding, miller, Xenia, born February 6, 1841, is a son of David M. and Pricilla Harding, both Virginians, who, after his maturity, emigrated to Tennessee, where his father died, about the year 1855. In July, 1858, his mother immigrated with him to
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Ohio. George W. was married, March 6, 1861, to Miss Emaline Cathleman, of Tennessee, and by her has three children, Fannie O., Willie M., and Arthur. He received a common school educa- tion at Wilberforce University, and has been a resident of this county since he was seventeen years of age.
David S. Harner, farmer, Xenia, born in Greene County in 1838, is a son of David and Anna E. Harner, both of this county, who have a family of four children, David S., Jonathan, Sarah E., and Maggie. David, the subject of this sketch, was married in 1866 to Miss Lavina Wall, daughter of Andrew and Mary A. Wall, of this county. Four children, all living, are the result of this union: Casper B., Franklin B., Mary L., and Emma L. Both himself and wife are members of the Reformed Church. He received his educa- tion in this county, where his life has been passed, and is now the occupant of a model farm. A man of a genial disposition, he is one of the staunch men of the county.
Daniel Harbersteg, farmer, born in Maryland, July 19, 1826, is a son of Daniel and Catharine Harbersteg, natives of Maryland, who immigrated to Ohio in April, 1837, with a family of sixteen chil- dren. Daniel, the subject of our sketch, was married, about the year 1841, to Miss Parthena Brown, daughter of Michael and Jane Brown, of. this county. They have a family of three children, Harriet, Mary O., and William. He was educated in this county, and is a member of the German Reformed Church. He is now en- gaged in farming one mile from Xenia, and resides at No. 57 Mar- ket Street, Xenia. A well-known, thorough-going business man, he possesses the esteem and confidence of all who know him.
George W. Holland, farmer, Xenia, born in South Carolina in 1846, is a son of Daniel and Maria Holland, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of South Carolina. His father died in South Carolina, and in 1856 his mother came to Ohio with her three children, Andrew J., William McD., and George W., the subject of our sketch. In 1872 he was married to Miss Evaline Bradly, of Kentucky. They have a family of four children, Wil- liam A., Lee A., Ophelia M., and Gertrude, all living. He is a member of Wilberforce Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, and has filled the office of senior deacon for several years, and is also a member of the Baptist Church. In 1875 he was admitted to the bar, in Edgefield County, where he practiced law for some two years. His mother, Maria, is a surprisingly young-looking woman
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for her age, and is the owner of a good farm near Wilberforce, where she is spending her days, in company with her son George and his pleasant family, and improving the farm in such a manner that they may all pass their last days in peace and plenty.
R. F. Howard, lawyer, Xenia, was born in Hamilton, Ohio, at College Hill, on the 20th day of July, 1813. Is a son of Cyrus and Lucy Howard. Received his education at Miami University, and graduated at Augusta, Kentucky. Also graduated at Cincinnati Law School in 1837. In 1849 was married to Miss Margaret Steele, a native of this city. They had a family of seven children, only two of whom are now living, Charles F. and William S. Mr. How- ard has been mayor of the city, and has been one of the school board examiners for twenty years, and has been a member of the legislature for five years. Commenced the practice of law in 1837, and by his untiring energy has climbed, step by step, until he stands in the front rank at the bar, being one of the most able lawyers in the county. In 1873 his first wife died, and in 1876 he was mar- ried to Miss Mary Pollock, of Logan County. Is a member of the Presbyterian Church in this city, and has gained a host of friends throughout the county.
John W. Hill, engineer, Xenia, was born in Hocking County, Ohio, in 1824. Is a son of Joseph and Lucretia Hill, the father a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother of Virginia. They immi- grated to Ohio about 1820, with a family of five sons. The subject of our sketch was married, in 1845, to Alicia Ann Gee, daughter of John and Mary Gee, of this state. They had a family of four children. Amanda Jane and Birdie are living, and Samantha and William L. are dead. John W. enlisted, in the year 1863, in the Third Indiana Battery, and was engaged in thirty-six different bat- tles. Some of the principal fights were Corinth, Shiloh, Island No. 10, and Fort Pillow. While in the fort at Mobile, lie was under fire for thirty-nine days. Was also at Mobile Bay, and participated in the last fight of the rebellion. Is now living in this city, where he expects to spend the remainder of his days.
Hezekiah R. Hubbell, carpenter and plasterer, Xenia, was born in Shelby County, Ohio, in 1843. Is the son of Stineman and Ann Hubbell, of this state, who had a family of ten sons and two daugh- ters. The subject of our sketch was married to Sarah E. Gaskill, daughter of William and Susan Gaskill, and had a family of five children. William S., Isabella, and Rachel E. are living. Jacob
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A. and Sarah J. are dead. In 1861 he enlisted in Company B, Twelfth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and received his dis- charge in 1864. Was in the battles of Scare Creek, Colfax Ferry, Lewisburg, Princeton, South Mountain, and others. Received his education in this city, where he has spent the principal part of his life. Is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Lost his wife in 1877, and has remained here ever since.
C. B. Jones, physician, Xenia, was born in 1849. In 1833 his father, George W. Jones, immigrated to this county from Virginia, and his mother came from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1818, when but a child. They reared a family of nine children. The subject of this sketch received his education as a physician in 1872, in Cincinnati, and commenced practicing the same year. Was married to Miss Alice Ewing in 1874, and has two children, Flor- ence and Ewing, who are both young, and living with their parents. Is now physician at the Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home, near this city, which position he has held for over five years. Is master of the Masonic lodge in this city, and is a young man who, by his gentlemanly deportment, has gained the good will and a fair por- tion of the patronage of the people of his county.
William J. Johnson, minister, Wilberforce, was born in Rich- mond, Virginia, in 1845. Is the son of Wescom and Susan John- son, both natives of Virginia, who came to Ohio about 1851, and settled at Cadiz, where his mother still resides, his father having died twenty-two years ago. They had a family of six children, Walter L., Eddie, Katie, Fannie, Susie, and William. The subject of this sketch was married, in 1868, to Rhoda J. Smith, daughter of John and Mary A. Smith, of Cadiz, Ohio. In 1864 he enlisted in Company C, Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was a corporal, and received an honorable discharge in September of the following year. Received most of his education at Wilberforce University, and has spent the greater portion of his life in Harri- son County, Ohio. Is a member of the Masonic order, and is also a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been a minister for seven years. Is now stationed at Cambridge, Ohio, and has a fine congregation. By his Christian deportment and godly example he has endeared himself to his congregation in such a way that it will be difficult to fill his place in that charge.
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