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 49
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of age. He has always been a staunch Republican. His father died when he was young, leaving his mother to toil for their sup- port until they were old enough to help themselves. His mother, sister, and himself have always lived together. They are now liv- ing with him, and have a good and happy home. He has rendered all the service to his country that could be done by any one man, fighting from the commencement to the end of the war, and is now enjoying some little return for his services, but a lifetime in such an office could not repay the risks of life he has gone through. This, however, is not what a valiant soldier, such as our subject, risks life for, but rather for the glorious old stripes and stars, with- out one taken away.
John F. McCain, Burnett House bar, Xenia, was born at Batavia, Clermont County, Ohio, on the 29th day of May, 1854, and is the son of Patrick and Susanna McCain. His boyhood days were spent principally in this city. Received a liberal education at Xenia Col- lege, and in the year 1868 engaged in the liquor business, clerking for T. G. MeAniffe, London, Ohio. He has continued in this, his chosen business, up to this day. He is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. His father entered the Union army in 1861, as a member of the Seventy-Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, an authentic history of which appears in this work. He was twice wounded, and came home on furlough, but returned, and was again wounded and taken prisoner, and taken to Libby Prison, where he endured all the hardships and privations in that human hell. From there he was taken to Andersonville, and from thence to a prison at Charleston, South Carolina, where death relieved him of his suf- ferings, on the 11th of October, 1864, just one year after being taken prisoner. The subject of our sketch opened a sample room, on the 6th of December, 1880, in connection with the Burnett House. The room has been beautifully arranged, and is now, with- out exception, the finest in the city. A billiard and pool table has been added, which is being patronized by the elite of the city. He is a young man of prepossessing appearance, is well and favorably known throughout the community, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him.
James McDonald, conductor, Xenia, was born in Cincinnati, in the year 1856. Is a son of Oliver and Catharine McDonald. His father is a native of Scotland, and his mother of Ireland. They immigrated to this country about the year 1840, with a family of
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five children, Mary, Katie, Bridget, Julia, and James, the subject of our sketch, who is now a conductor on the narrow-gauge railroad, from Dayton to Chillicothe. He has been in the railroad business a great portion of his life, and is one of the favorite conductors of the road, always gentlemanly, and willing to accommodate his pas- sengers, and is so well adapted to his position, that all with whom the writer has conversed say he has, or ought to have, a life lease on the road. Received his education in this city, where the princi- pal portion of his life has been spent, and where all who know him wish him to spend the remainder of it.
Austin McDowell, lumber merchant, Xenia, was born in Alle- ghany County, Pennsylvania, on the 27th day of April, 1815, and is the son of William and Charlotte McDowell, his father being a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Maryland. They had - three sons, and have always lived in Pennsylvania. Our subject re- ceived his education in a couple of log school houses, about a mile and a half from his father's farm, where his youth was spent, with the exception of the winters he spent at school. At the age of eighteen he left home to learn the carpenter trade, and worked two years in the country, finishing his trade with Andrew Millen, in Pittsburgh, in 1836. He was a journeyman until 1837. In the fall of that year he came to this county, and in 1857 engaged in the lumber business, in which he still continues. He was second lieu- tenant of infantry in the state troops from 1844 to 1846, and was elected and commissioned as captain of Company D, Seventy- Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, December 28, 1861, and went into Camp Chase, February 24, 1862. Removed from there April 20, 1862, and reported at Nashville, Tennessee, on the 24th of the same month. Remained with the regiment, being in com- mand of it several times, until September 1, 1862, when they were ordered to report to General Buel, and was sent home on recruiting service. Was taken prisoner, with recruiting squad, at Franklin, Kentucky, paroled soon after, at Hartsville, Tennessee, reported to Governor Wood, at Columbus, Ohio, and was granted permission to remain a few days at home. Returned to Columbus, and remained until he was exchanged, and then reported to his regiment in Ten- nessee, remaining until February 10, 1863, when he resigned, on account of an injury received while building a stockade at Frank- lin, Tennessee, in August, 1862. Was commissioned captain of Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Regiment, Ohio
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Volunteers, December 25, 1863, a regiment principally engaged in garrison duty. In March, 1865, was sent by General Ord to serve on general court martial. Served until July, when he was ordered back to his regiment, which was ordered to Camp Chase, and there mustered out, July 17, 1865. He was county commissioner at the time he entered the service; also a member of the Board of Edu- cation and trustee at the same time, for several terms. Was once member of council at Wilmington, Clinton County, and is now councilman of the first ward of this city. He has been connected with the Reform Church here, as ruling elder, since 1853, it being now the First United Presbyterian Church. He was married on the 22d of March, 1843, to Susan A. Finney, daughter of John and Isabella Finney, of Pennsylvania. They have two children, Char- lotte F. and Isabella. He has often been called to preside over celebrations, and other matters of importance, and was appointed chief commander at the centennial celebration, July 4, 1876. He was a Democrat until the beginning of the war, but from that time he has voted with the Republican party.
Alfred T. McDaniel, cattle broker, Xenia, was born at Cæsar's Creek, this county, in 1817, and is a son of Wilson and Elizabeth McDaniel. His father immigrated to this country about the year 1798, and landed in Cincinnati, where he remained for about two years, and then removed to Lebanon. Remaining there one year, he removed to Cedarville, where he was married to Miss Elizabeth Ladd. The result of this marriage was eleven children, six sons and five daughters. Alfred received his education in this county, and in 1839 was married to a Miss Bone, who bore him one child, which died when nine months old. Two months after this his wife succumbed to the grim destroyer, leaving him alone to fight the battle of life. In 1842 he married Miss Catharine Smith, by whom he had three children, two sons-Hiram, and William L .- and one daughter, who died in infancy, and her mother followed her in eight days after the child's birth. After a space of nine years he was again married, to Miss Mary F. Maxey. She gave him four sons and one daughter, James E., Ella, Xenia, Chauncey S., and the little lad who died in his second year, "Tippy." The father has been a resident of this county nearly his whole life; is an active business man, and a staunch Republican, and when Kirby Smith made his raid through Ohio, was among the first to shoulder his musket and assist in his capture.
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XENIA TOWNSHIP.
Wilford McDonald, farmer, was born in Tennessee, March 9, 1798, and is a son of Isaiah and Edith McDonald, who immigrated to this state in 1801. He was educated in this county, where he has passed the greater portion of his life. In 1831 he was married to his first wife, Miss Martha Lyon, who presented him with eight children, all of whom are living but two. Three of his sons, Franklin H., Mills S., and Columbus, were in the Union army, and all were honorably discharged. Melville and John H. are now in Nevada seeking their fortunes among the hills. These, with Americus Jane, are all living. The other two, Sarah E. and Mary E., are dead. Mr. McDonald was married to his second wife, Miss Elizabeth A. McCorter, of Clinton County, Ohio, in 1854. She has borne him no children. He is one of the old settlers and suc- cessful farmers of the county, and any one going over his farm would not have to be told that he understands his business.
William M. North, farmer, Xenia, was born in Oldtown, Greene County, in 1831, and is the son of Orin and Martha North, natives of Connecticut and Kentucky. His father came to Ohio in 1817, and his mother in 1825. She rode on horseback all the way to her brother's, whom she came to visit, and while there was married, in 1828. They had only one child, the subject of this sketch, who, on the 20th day of November, 1856, married Miss Sarah E. Snyder, daughter of Jasper and Rachel Snyder, of Oldtown. IIe is the father of six sons and five daughters, Albert, Laura, Kenton, Anna, John W., George R., Willis G., Hester A., Margaret M., Orin, and Martha R. John W., George, and Orin, are dead. Mr. North's mother was a neice of Simon Kenton, a noted pioneer of Kentucky, who passed the latter part of his life in Logan County, this state. Mr. North is now master of the Masonic lodge in Xenia, and also a member of Reed Commandery No. 6, of Dayton, Ohio, and of Xenia Lodge No. 1658, Knights of Honor. He en- listed in the Union army in 1864, and was mustered out the same year. Both himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He received a common school education in this county, and after- wards took the higher branches. He has disposed of his farm here, and purchased in Clinton County, where he expects to pass the remainder of his life.
Charles Orr, bookseller and stationer, Xenia, was born in Cedar- ville, Ohio, January 8, 1858, and is a son of John and Henrietta Orr. He graduated in Xenia High School, in 1875, and passed his
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
youthful days in that city. He is now engaged in the book and stationery business, in connection with which he has a book-bind- ery, and has succeeded in building up a very extensive trade. He is probably as well known as any dealer in his line in the county, and by his promptness in business, square and honorable dealing, has made for himself a pathway to a competency in the future.
Wesley Owens, fireman, was born in Xenia in 1844, and is a son of George and Malinda Owens,-his father a Virginian, and his mother of this state,-who were the parents of one son and two daughters. Wesley has been twice married, his first wife dying without issue. His second marriage was celebrated with Lillian, daughter of Jesse Wright, of Xenia, by whom he has had one child, George W. His education was received in the Beaver Creek school house. He followed farming until 1870, and then made Xenia his home, following teaming for a while, until he be- came connected with the fire department. Enlisting in the army at the first call for troops, he was discharged after nine months service on account of disability. He is a member of the Odd-fel- lows and Knights of Pythias, and is ever ready to give a helping hand wherever duty calls.
James A. Payne, grocer, Xenia, was born in Kanawha, Virginia, in the year 1840. Is a son of Alexander and Agnes Payne, natives of Virginia, where his father still resides, his mother having died thirty-one years ago. James came to Ohio in the nineteenth year of his age, and in 1868 was married to Mary F. Hughes, daughter of Nelson and Rebecca Hughes, of Kentucky, by whom he has had three sons, Charles N., Freddie C., and Louie, who died, Octo- ber 24, 1880. He was a soldier in the Union army, enlisting in the year 1863, in Company I, Fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out the same year, on account of physical disa- bility. He saw some severe fighting, being engaged in the battles of Scare Creek, Bull Run, Antietam, South Mountain, and many more. He is a member of the Free American Lodge of Masons, No. 2, of Cincinnati, also of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, of this city. Received his education in Virginia, in the common schools, and has spent the principal portion of his life in this county. Is now engaged in the grocery business on Church Street, in this city.
Rev. Daniel A. Payne, D. D., was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in the year 1811. Is the son of London and Martha
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Payne. Daniel spent his youth in Charleston, as a carpenter and teacher. Received a liberal education at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He is a married man, but has no children, and is a man of exten- sive knowledge, all his works and efforts being to do good and to serve his Master. He is generous and kind-hearted toward the poor and suffering, and is the founder of Wilberforce University, an institution well known throughout the United States, and even in the old country. He is constantly traveling all over the country, doing good in whatever way the Master calls. He owns one of the finest residences at Wilberforce, known as the evergreen cottage, and it well deserves the name. While the writer is penning these lines the bishop is at Raleigh, North Carolina, and knowing the good this man is doing, we feel like uniting, with the thousands of his friends, in the prayer for his protection and a long, happy, and prosperous life.
Silas D. Piper, grocer, Wilberforce, was born in Louisiana, in the year 1857, and is the son of Philip and Nellie Piper, who were both natives of Louisiana, and immigrated to Cincinnati, where they remained about two months, then removed to Wilberforce in 1859. They have a family of three daughters and three sons, all living: Adelia, Alexander E., Silas D., Philip J., Ella L., and Jose- phine. Silas D., the subject of our sketch, was married to Ella S. Bass, daughter of John and Maria Bass, of North Carolina, in the year 1879, but they have no children. Taught school in Harrisburg County, Louisiana, in the fall of 1876, after which he returned to Ohio, and located at Wilberforce, where his mother and family re- side. He is now engaged in the grocery business, and by his hon- est and fair dealing, and sociable and genial disposition, has gained a good trade, and a great many warm friends. Received his edu- cation at Wilberforce University, where he has spent the principal part of his life. Is a Republican in politics, and is always ready to advance the interests of his country, and to aid in all worthy un- dertakings for the good of those around him.
K. B. Rader, carriage painter, Xenia, was born in this city, in the year 1859. Is the son of Levi and Elizabeth Rader, both natives of Ohio, who had a family of six children, John A., Emma D., Jennie, Henry, Kimber, and Clara. The latter, who was the second child, died many years ago. The subject of our sketch is a carriage painter by trade, but is now engaged with Mr. Sowards, in the sale of musical instruments, at No. 18 South Detroit Street, and is much
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
better fitted for his present position than a painter, having a fine musical ear, with a talent for music which but few possess, and is a man of genial disposition.
Drostus Saunders, grocer, Xenia, was born in Warren County, Ohio, in the year 1854. Is the son of Hiram and Sarah Saunders, both natives of Virginia, who came to Ohio about the year 1814, with a family of three sons and two daughters. Drostus, the sub- ject of our sketch, was married to Rebecca J. Barnes, daughter of John and Margaret Barnes, of Warren County. They had one child, William Harrison, who died, September 17, 1880, in the third year of his age. By trade he is a carpenter, but is now engaged in the grocery business, as clerk for E. Smith, on Detroit Street.
William S. Scarborough, professor of Latin and Greek at Wil- berforce, born in Macon, Georgia, in the year 1852, is a son of Jeremiah and Frances Scarborough, both natives of that place. The subject of our sketch came to Ohio, and entered Oberlin Col- lege, in the year 1871, and graduated in the year 1875. Is now professor of Latin and Greek at Wilberforce University. Received the degree of Master of Arts in 1878, and is a member of the order of Good Templers. Is also a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church at Wilberforce. Is now engaged in a work on Greek, called the "Elementary Text Book," or the first lessons in Greek, which is intended for new beginners. Was principal of the Albany Enterprise Academy ; also taught at Cuthvert, Georgia, at the Howard Normal School, as principal. Taught Latin and Greek under the American Missionary Society, and was principal of Payne's Institute, at Coaxville, Abbeyville County, South Carolina. Is a great favorite at Wilberforce University, and wherever known.
George A. Schardt, sewing machine agent, Xenia, was born in Cincinnati, in the year 1857, and is a son of John and Barbara Schardt, both natives of Germany, who immigrated to this country about the year 1850, with a family of three sons and three daugh- ters, George A., Lena, Bennie, Rettie, Joseph, and Katie. George A., the eldest son, and the subject of our sketch, received his edu- cation in Baltimore, Maryland, and Ohio, and has spent the greater portion of his life in this city, where he is now engaged in the sew- ing machine business, and by his untiring energy and genial dispo- sition has worked up a trade second to none in the county. His place of business is in George W. Conners' drug store, corner of Main and Detroit streets.
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XENIA TOWNSHIP.
Thomas E. Scroggy, attorney-at-law, Xenia, was born in Harris -. burg, Warren County, Ohio, on the 18th day of March, 1843, and is the son of John and Sarah Scroggy, both natives of New Jersey, who immigrated to Ohio about the year 1820, with a family of seven children. His father's first wife died about the year 1830, and in 1835 he married Miss Lucy A. Smith, by whom he had eight children, John B., Charity A., Margaret J., James W., Thomas E., Elizabeth H., Lydia L., and Catharine A. Thomas, the subject of of our sketch, was married, January 18, 1866, to Mary S. Ledbet- ter, daughter of Robinson and Keziah Ledbetter, of this city, and had one child by her, Earl Edmund, who died at the age of ten months. Our subject enlisted in the three months' service, at the opening of the war, in the Twelfth Regiment, Ohio Volunteers, and re-enlisted for three years, in Company H, Thirty-Ninth Ohio Volunteers. This regiment was organized at Camp Dennison, Ohio, and left in July, 1861, for Camp Benton, at St. Louis, Missouri, and from there went to New Mexico, Missouri, and thence to the relief of Colonel Mulligan, at Lexington; but when within six miles of that place, they learned that the rebels had captured it, and being surprised, retreated to Liberty, where they took boats, and went to Kansas City, and from there to Springfield, under General Fremont, following him until he reached New Madrid, where he had his first engagement. After capturing the place, they went to Island No. 10, which they took, with over five thousand men, and all their munitions of war; thence to Fort Pillow, Pittsburgh Landing, and Corinth, and at its evacuation they were the first regiment to enter the fort. At Nicojack Creek he was shot through the right lung, taking out forty-two pieces of bone. He has the ball which did the work in his possession, and an open wound as large as a ball, which, in all probability, he will carry to his grave, as a memento of that bloody battle. After being wounded, he was sent to Nash- ville, Tennessee, and after laying there a month, his friends brought him home. He was reported mortally wounded, but being a man of uncommon nerve, he survived the sickness, and after going through the many hard-fought battles with his regiment, received an honorable discharge in April, 1865, and to-day is engaged in the practice of law, in which, from the writer's knowledge and informa- tion, he stands at the head.
John M. Sellers, carpenter, Xenia, was born in the year 1824. Is a son of Jacob S. and Susan Sellers, who were both born in
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Warren County, Ohio, and had a family of seven children, Henri- etta, John M., Lucinda, Elizabeth, Cynthia, Newton, and Jane S. John, the subject of this'sketch, was married, in 1846, to Miss Olive Holcomb, by whom he had two children, both daughters; Millie, the eldest, who died in her twenty-first year, and Clara, now living with her parents. He enlisted in Company HI, Ninety-Fourth Ohio Volunteers, in 1862, and had a taste of battle at Tates' Ford, Ken- tucky, and after many long and tedious marches, was discharged in November, 1862. Received a common school education in Warren County, Ohio, where he spent the principal portion of his life. Re- moved to this eity in April, 1852, where he has since remained. A portion of the time he was engaged in the grocery business, and the balance of his life has been spent at his trade. By his faithful- ness, and strict attention to business, he has gained a full share of patronage from the people of this county. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for twenty-six years, and is to- day one of the influential men of the town.
Rev. James A. Shorter, bishop of the African Methodist Episco- pal Church, Wilberforce, was born in Washington, D. C., in the year 1817. Is the son of Charles and Elizabeth Shorter, both na- tives of Maryland, who were blessed with a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters. The father and mother both died in Washington. . James, the subject of our sketch, was married to his first wife, Miss Julia Stewart, of Philadelphia, in the year 1839, and by her had three children, James A., Emma A., and Joseph P. They all lived happily together for thirteen years, when the mother was called to the better world, and in 1851 he was again united in the holy bonds of wedlock to Miss Maria Carter, of Washington, D. C., daughter of Amos and Julia Carter, of Montgomery County, Maryland, by whom he has two children, Julia A. and Roberta P., both living. IIe has been a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for forty-two years, and for over thirteen years has filled the exalted office of bishop. Received his education at Washington City, where his youth was spent. In politics he is a Republican, and is a staunch believer in the democratic doctrine that the majority shall rule, and in free speech, free ballot, and a free press, and is a zealous worker for the right in all things. By his hard labor, and his firm and sturdy example, he has made every one who knows him his friend. He has a son, who is now one of the professors at Wilberforce University, and a leader in his profes-
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sion. To visit them at their homes, one would think that nothing more was needed to make their happiness complete. The old gen- tleman, with his frosted locks, and the young son following in his footsteps, and probably soon to fill the vacant place, is encourage- ment enough to ease the mind when the summons shall come, and we hear the words, ""Tis enough; come up higher."
Henry W. Shields, reporter of banks, was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, in the year 1823. Alonzo and Celia Shields, his father- and mother, are lost to memory. Born and raised a slave, he was the property of William Shields, who purchased him on the auction block, and kept him for some six years. Just before the breaking out of the rebellion, Mr. Shields willed Henry his freedom. In 1847 he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Weaver, and by her had one son and two daughters. One child died a natural death, and the other two were drowned, with their mother. He settled in Xenia, and after seven years was married to Miss Amelia Petway. Two sons and six daughters, Robert W., Mamie E., Anna R., William H., Stella E., Henrietta V., Luella F., and Laura D., all living, are the fruits of this union. Anna A., and Minnie, are dead, and have gone to meet their friends where the troubles of life are over.
Joseph P. Shorter, professor of mathematics, Xenia, was born in Washington, D. C., in 1845, and is a son of bishop James A. and Julia Shorter-his father a native of Virginia, and his mother of Washington, D. C. His youth was passed principally at Wilber- force, where he received the greater part of his education. In 1878 he was married to Miss Susie I. Lankford, of Richmond, Indiana, and the result of their marriage was one child, a daugh- ter. Now professor of mathematics at Wilberforce University, and member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, he is highly regarded by all friends and acquaintances. His father, James, has been a bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for some sixteen years, and now resides near the college grounds.
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