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 50
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David W. Shoemaker, solicitor, Xenia, born in that city on the 19th day of June, 1844, is a son of Isaac and Lucinda Shoemaker, who immigrated to Ohio about the year 1810, with a family of five sons and two daughters. David was educated in his native city, where his youth was passed. During the war he belonged to an independent military company, which was consolidated with others, forming the Sixtieth Regiment Ohio National Guard. They were
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called out in the spring of 1864, and served some four months, participating in several engagements. On the 23d of August, 1865, he was married to Miss Abigail Gorham, daughter of David and Lucinda Gorham, of this county. They have been blessed with four children. Their first, Harry A., is living ; the second, Albert, died when only five weeks old; and George F. and Lucinda, twins, died when eight months old. Mr. Shoemaker's father was a Dem- ocrat, and died when our subject was only thirteen years old. The children were all Republicans until after the war, when one of them became a Democrat. They were all in the army. John F. was captured at the battle of Pittsburg Landing, and was held a prisoner for three months. John F. and George W. have died since the war. Our subject has always been a true and outspoken Republican, and is ready and willing at all times, in peace or war, to be found in the front rank.
John F. Shaffer, elergyman, Xenia, was born in Fairfield Coun- ty, Ohio, March 28, 1837, and is a son of John and Sarah Shaffer, both of this state, and both pious people. With their family they moved some fourteen years ago to Jasper County, Missouri, where they still remain, with the exception of the father, who died about five years ago. John, the subject of this sketch, when but a boy was put into a woolen mill, with the intention of becoming its foreman, but before he was engaged quite a year he became dis- gusted with the place on account of the malaria, and left it. While there, however, he taught school, and hungering for more knowledge, his friend, Thomas Davis, persuaded his father to send him to a better place, where he could more thoroughly complete his education. He was consequently sent to Wittenberg College, at Springfield, this state, in June, 1854, being then in his seven- teenth year. Remaining there one year, in the fall he commenced teaching a country school, in which he was very successful. Teach- ing until he was nineteen years of age, he returned to college, and remained until he graduated, June, 1860, and then returned home. After much persuasion by the school board, he concluded again to teach the home school. While engaged at this, he commenced the study of theology under private instruction. After this he return- ed to the theological seminary, where he finished his studies, and received license to preach the gospel. In the fall of 1861 he re- ceived a call from Xenia charge, which embraced two congrega- tions-one in Xenia and one on Beaver Creek-called Mt. Zion.
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He accepted the call, and August 28, 1861, preached his first sermon in Xenia. Good congregations have been built up at both charges, and the best of harmony prevails. Has been a member of the board of examiners of this county for thirteen years; a member of the board of examiners of city teachers for nine years, and has recently been appointed for three years more; and has been a member of the city school board for nine years, having been elected last spring for three years more. Was not in the army, but spent many days at Camp Dennison in helping the men, and wrote many hundred letters home for the boys. September 18, 1862, was married to Miss Eliza J. Puterbaugh, daughter of Samuel Puterbaugh, one of Xenia's oldest merchants and pioneers. The result of this marriage was five children : Sallie M., Franklin N., Walter S., Augusta V., and John S. March 2, 1873, his wife died, and on the 8th of October, 1874, Mr. Shaffer was married to Miss Ella Barnes, daughter of Henry Barnes, an old citizen, at one . time sheriff, and subsequently treasurer of this county. Mrs. Shaf- fer is now president of the Women's Home and Foreign Missionary Society of the Miami Synod, and also president of the Women's Home and Foreign Missionary Society of the General Synod of the United States.
Charles C. Shearer, attorney-at-law, was born in Xenia, October 8, 1840, and is the eldest son of John and Mary E. Shearer. He was educated in Xenia High School and local academies, and pass- ed his youth at these places until he was seventeen, when he en- gaged in various avocations. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and went into camp at Piqua, Ohio. The post surgeon sent him home as unfit for service, and he was afterwards discharged by the adjutant general of the state. In 1864 he began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1866. In 1872 he formed a partnership with Hon. John Little, which connection still exists. In 1869 he was elected city clerk, and held the office four years. In 1872 he was elected prosecuting attorney of the county, and was re-elected in 1874, holding the office two terms. Has been United States Commissioner since July, 1871. Is a member of Warren Lodge No. 410, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he was master dur- the years 1875 and 1876, and then declined a re-election ; of Xenia Chapter No. 36, R. A. M .; Reese Council No. 53, R. S. M .; and Reed Commandery No. 6, of Dayton, Ohio. Has always been a
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Republican. January 3, 1867, he was married to Miss M. B. Dun- lap, of Utica, Ohio, who died February 25, 1869, without issue. In February, 1872, he was married to Emma J. Powers, eldest daughter of J. W. Weakley, D. D., by whom he has one daughter, Helen, born June 5, 1873, and one son, Frank, born June 10, 1875. His office is on Greene Street, and he is doing a very prosperous business.
Lewis Sides,' carriage maker, was born in North Carolina, in the year 1818. Mrs. Patsey Page, a white lady, raised him from the time he was three weeks old until he was in his eighth year, when he was bound out to a farmer until he became of age. Remaining here until he was eighteen, through the persuasion of his mother he was allowed to go to a trade. The farmer was to give him a horse, saddle, bridle, nine months schooling, fifty dollars, and a free suit. He only received six months schooling, at odd times, ยท when there was nothing to do, and in going to his trade forfeited all the rest. Samuel Kessler and George W. Spears were his em- ployers, and they were to give him a set of bench-tools, a suit of clothes, and fifty dollars in money. From February 8, 1835, to February 8, 1838, was thus occupied. Court being in session at that time, he was taken before it and received his papers of re- lease; but his employers being bankrupt he received nothing from them. When he was at liberty he took the only five dollars he had and went to a lawyer, who procured his free papers by getting parties to certify that he was free-born. After working for one year, at two dollars a day, he was married to Miss Martha Holder, by whom he had three sons and eight daughters: Mary L., Martha E., Martha J., Louisa, John W., Richard, Julia C., and Charles H., living, and three dead. Educated in North Carolina, he passed the principal portion of his youth there. At twenty-two he went to Lincoln, North Carolina, and thence to South Carolina, where he worked at his trade some two months. One Sunday morning he was assaulted by a lot of roughs, because he was a free man, and chased out of the county. He then went home, and shortly after- ward came North, arriving in Cincinnati February 8, 1846, and endeavored to get work as a stone mason, but failed on account of his color. After this he followed painting for a while, until he finally got work at his trade, at which he remained for eleven years-working five years for one man. For ten years he lived in the country, and selling out he located in Xenia, where he has been
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living for some fourteen years. By his honesty and fair dealing he has accumulated a good trade, and made many warm friends.
Joseph A. Simons, coal and lime dealer, was born in the state of New York, where he was married to Miss A. J. Gillett, of the same state. In 1854 he came to Ohio, and settled in Cortsville, Clarke County, and engaged in the corn planter business. After a time he moved to Cedarville, and engaged in the coal and lime business. From there he went to Michigan, but remained only a short time, and returned to Cedarville, whence he removed to Xenia, where he has remained ever since, engaged in the same business. He has a family of three sons and four daughters. The oldest son is mar- ried, and is a lieutenant in the United States Navy. Mr. Simons is a member of the Odd-fellows, and has passed all the chairs of both the lodge and encampment; has also taken the degrees in the grand encampment. Is also a member of the First Baptist Church.
Rev. Alexander Smith was born in Harrison County, Ohio, in the year 1845. Is a son of John and Mary Smith. His father was a native of Virginia, and his mother of North Carolina. The for- mer came to Ohio when he was but six years old, and the latter in her seventh year. After maturity they were married, and had a family of thirteen children, six daughters and seven sons. Alex- ander, the subject of our remarks, was married, in the year 1874, to Mary E. Morgan, daughter of William and Nancy Ann Morgan, of Springfield, Ohio. They have no children. He is a member of the Masonic order, David Temple Lodge No. 15, and has filled the office of senior warden for some time. Received his education at different schools, but finished at Wilberforce University. Spent his youth in Harrison County, and now has charge of a congrega- tion at the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Yellow Springs, Ohio. A congenial, attractive man, he shows from his fruits that he practices what he preaches.
Rev. Jesse H. Smith, Yellow Springs, was born in Harrison County, Kentucky, in the year 1845. Is the son of Simpson and Sallie Smith; his father a native of Virginia, and his mother of Kentucky. They were married about the year 1838, and had a family of twelve children, eight sons and four daughters. The sub- ject of our sketch was married, in the year 1868, to Martha J. Har- ris, daughter of Starlen and Martha Harris, of South Carolina, and have a family of three daughters, Jessie A., Josephine C., and
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Anna M., all living. He is a member of Wilberforce Lodge No. 21, F. & A. M., and also a member of Lodge No. 1823, I. O. O. F., having filled all the chairs in the latter. Received his education at Yellow Springs, and at Wilberforce University; has taught school in this county, where he has spent the principal portion of his life ; has gained many friends, and has unbounded success in all his un- dertakings. Is a staunch Republican, and always stands ready, with open hand, to assist in any good cause.
Martin Snyder, superintendent county infirmary farm, Xenia, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, in the year 1847, and is a son of Eli and Ellen Snyder, both natives of Virginia, who came to Ohio about the year 1830, with a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters. The subject of our remarks has spent the principal portion of his life in Miami County, Ohio, leaving there about fifteen years ago, and has been doing for himself many years. Is a self-made man, single, and has the experience of many years' farming, and is a model for many much older in the business than himself, as the farm at the county infirmary will show.
Alfred Soward, dealer in books and stationery, Xenia, was born near Bellbrook. His parents are natives of Ohio, and his grand- parents of Pennsylvania. Our subject received his education in this county, where his youth was also spent on a farm. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He was married to Miss Cunningham, and by her has a family of twelve children. Is now engaged in the . music business in this city, and has a branch store at Wilmington Ohio, and also one at Washington Court House, and is doing a , business of over one hundred thousand dollars per year. Mr. Soward is a very pleasant gentleman, always ready to greet his many customers with a hearty welcome, and this, in connection with his square dealing, and promptness in his business, is the secret of his enormous trade and many friends.
David E. Spahr, physician, New Jasper, this county, was born in the above place in the year 1852, and is a son of Gideon and Eliz- abeth Spahr; his father a native of Virginia, and his mother of Ohio, both having spent the last fifty years in this state, with a fam- ily of twelve children, five daughters and seven sons. The subject of our sketch was married, December 3, 1872, to Emma Highwood, daughter of William and Caroline Highwood, of Van Wert, Ohio, and has a family of one son and three daughters, Lillie M., James
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H., Gertrude C., and Jessie. Received his education at Van Wert, Ohio, and graduated at the Fort Wayne Medical College, in the allopathie school of practice, and has spent the principal portion of his life in this county. Is now residing at New Jasper, where, by his inveterate study and hard work, he has gained a reputation and respect that few of his age have been able to control.
John B. Spencer, proprietor Burnett House, Xenia, was born in this county, December 22, 1845, and is the son of George W. and Mary A. (Faulkner) Spencer. His father, a native of Utica, New York, was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and de- voted his life to the elevation of Christianity. . At the age of forty- five he removed to this county, continuing in the service of the Master, and closed his earthly career in 1850, while on a visit to friends in Utica, dying triumphantly. Our subject received a lib- eral education at the Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio. At the age of twenty, he engaged in the mercantile business, at Lam- berton, Ohio, continuing for a period of three years. At twenty- one, he married Hannah Hackney, daughter of Joseph and Debo- rah Hackney, of Wilmington, Ohio. Three children are the fruits of this marriage, Debbie L., George W., and Harry E., all living, and all have amiable dispositions. During the late unpleasantness he was a sergeant in the One Hundred and Fifty-Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was subsequently engaged in travel- ing, disposing of notions at auction. Abandoning this, he acted in the capacity of traveling salesman, being employed by the well- known firm of Foos & Co., of Springfield, for four years, until Feb- ruary, 1880, when he assumed control of the Burnett House, in this city.
Smith A. Stowe, farmer, was born in this county, in the year 1835. Is the son of Joseph and Mary Stowe, who came to Ohio in the year 1827, with a family of two daughters and one son. Our subject was married, in the year 1867, to Maria S. Hook, daughter of Lewis Hook, whose mother was a Lloyd, one of the old settlers of this county. Received his education at the old Union Seminary, near where he now lives. He and his wife both belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, he being one of the trustees and lead- ing members, and is also one of the successful farmers of the county. During the war his wife was connected with the Christian commission of workers, who so promptly and effectually soothed the cares and anxieties of the sick and wounded soldiers on the
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
field of battle, and is a woman of nerve and energy, equalled by few of her sex. Mr. Stowe was a member of the Seventy-Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving three years, and about half of the time was in charge of a supply train, a very responsible position to fill, and in December, before the close, received his discharge. Mrs. Stowe, the mother, settled on Caesar's Creek in early life, and remained until her family grew up. John L., her brother, became a very popular and prominent minister of the gospel, and a mem- ber of the Methodist Book Concern of Cincinnati, and was also presiding elder for some years, and postmaster at Thorntown, In- diana. Her brother Matthew was elected to the Indiana Legisla- ture for two terms, and her brother Benjamin F., in Delaware County, has held several offices of importance, and is now county commissioner. She had six sisters, also, all of whom married prominent professional men, except Louisa, who remained single until her death. Mr. Stowe is now living about two miles south of Xenia, on one of the finest farms in the county, which speaks for itself of the enterprise of its owner.
S. S. Street, dentist, Xenia, was born in New Burlington, Clinton County, Ohio. His father and mother were born in Lumberton, Pennsylvania, and immigrated to Ohio about the year 1835. Our subject received a common school education in Ohio, and com- menced the study of dentistry in the fall of 1877, graduating at the Ohio College of Dentistry and Surgery in the spring of 1880, and immediately commenced practicing in this city, and has a very fine and rapidly increasing business. "Is a single man, and stands second to none in his profession.
Francis A. Stewart, musician, Xenia, born in the State of Vir- ginia, in the year 1854, and only son of William E. and Elvira E. Stewart; received a common school education in this city, and spent his youth in Pickaway, Hardin, and Greene counties, making car- riages and going to school. Left his birthplace in 1857, and came to Ohio, remaining until 1873, when he connected himself with a . concert troupe, known as the Tennesseeans (now known as Dono- ven's Tennesseeans, who were engaged in giving concerts, the pro- ceeds of which were for the erection of a new college building at Nashville, Tennessee, for the education of the colored race in the South), and is now tenor singer for the company. Is a Republican in politics, and by his steady habits and economy has amassed a sufficient sum to be the owner of a fine two-story dwelling on Main
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Street in this city. Is also a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and for a single man he is nicely fixed for the future.
J. D. Stine, editor and business manager of the Xenia Torchlight, was born near that city in June, 1833. Received a common school education until seventeen years of age; became a student of Miami Academy, in Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1853, and attended An- tioch in 1854-'55; was superintendent of public schools of James- town, in 1855-'56, and principal of the German school department of the public schools of this city, in 1856-'57. Graduated in the scientific department of the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1859, and was superintendent of the public schools of London, Ohio, from 1859 to 1864. Married Miss Jennie A. Evans, of Delaware, Ohio, in 1860, and was a member of the board of school examiners of Madison County for eleven years ; clerk of the Ohio House of Rep- resentatives from 1874 to 1876; editor and proprietor of the Madi- son County Union from 1863 to 1870, since which time he has been connected with the Torchlight, as above mentioned, a paper having as large, if not a larger, circulation than any paper in the county.
L. A. F. Summers, engineer, Xenia, was born July 22, 1832, on the Great Kanawha River, near Red House shoals, in Mason Coun- ty, Virginia, and is a son of Lewis, one of ten children, five sons and five daughters, of Francis and Sarah Summers. But little is known of their ancestry. Lewis died August 24, 1833, in his twenty-fourth year. Three years before his death he was married to Samantha Webster, a native of New York, born September 2, 1805, and daughter of Augustine and Mary (Tyler) Webster, both natives of Connecticut. They immigrated to Ohio in 1810, and located in Meigs County, on the Ohio River. After remaining there a short time, they moved to near Chester, in the same county," where they raised a family of seven sons and five daughters. When two years of age, the subject of this sketch came with his widowed mother to Meigs County, this state; thence to Athens County; and from there to Washington County, near Plymouth. He received a common school education at Savannah, and after- wards attended Coolville Seminary, and Delaware College. At the age of eighteen he began teaching during the winter, and in the summer worked on the farm. In the fall of 1853 he moved to Bellbrook, this county, and devoted his entire time to teaching. In 1855 he was married to Miss Eleanor J., second daughter of
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Henry and Elizabeth (Lawrence) Mills. Seven children were born unto then. Two boys (twins) died when but a few days old; the others, three sons and two daughters, are living. Mr. Summers continued his teaching for ten years ; was a strict disciplinarian, and was accounted a thorough educator. Many of our eminent busi- ness men credit him with giving them their first start. In the fall of 1863, finding that teaching brought too small an income for a growing family, he attended the Dayton Commercial College until he secured a situation as book-keeper. Remaining there about six years, he left Dayton, and settled on a farm near Bellbrook. Fi- nancially, his farming was a failure; and at the end of ten years he relinquished it, and resumed book-keeping. He has suc- ceeded in raising a family who are entirely free from all the vices of the world,-not even using tobacco,-all of whom bid fair to fill any position of trust in the community, creditably to themselves and their employers. During the war he was drafted, but was dis- charged on account of physical disability. In politics he is an unswerving Republican, yet always ready to oppose dishonesty, wire-working, or any unfair means of electing a candidate. He is at all times a strong advocate of temperance, and all measures for its promotion. Since 1851 he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is ever ready to espouse the cause of the oppressed against the oppressor, justice against injustice, morality against immorality, and right against wrong.
Oscar Summers, engineer, was born in this county, July 10, 1856, and is a son of Henry and Matilda Summers, who raised a family of five children, all living, but one. His father was a native of South Carolina, and his mother of this county. Oscar, the subject of our sketch, was married August, 1876, to Miss Fannie Sterling. They have a family of two sons, Earl and Albert. The principal part of his life has been passed in Xenia, where he received his education. He is now employed as engineer at the Greene County Infirmary-a position for which he is admirably adapted. Mr. Summers has made hosts of friends by his promptness and sterling qualities.
George W. Thomas, carpenter, Xenia, was born in Berkeley County, Virginia, in the year 1821, and is a son of Archibald and Catharine Thomas. His father was a native of Wales, and his mother of Germany. They immigrated to America about the year 1800, with a family of thirteen children. George W. was married,
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September 5, 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Gaskill, daughter of Hudson and Mary Gaskill, of New York. During the war he was one of the " squirrel hunters," who drove Morgan from Ohio soil in 1864. Received his education in this county, and is now extensively en- gaged in carpentering. Being an active, jovial man, and having traveled for some thirty years, has many friends and acquaintances.
Alfred Trader, cashier First National Bank, Xenia, was born in this county in 1810. A limited common school education was all that was bestowed upon him. In 1834 he was married to Miss Lucinda Robbins, and has a family of four sons and one daughter. He was engaged in the mercantile business with his father for a number of years. In 1839 he was elected county treasurer, and continued in that position for twelve years. At the end of that time he was elected cashier of the Xenia Branch Bank, and con- tinued in that capacity after it was merged into the First National Bank of Xenia. In 1871 he was succeeded by another party, and in 1878 was again elected to the position, which he continues to occupy at the present time. He is a self-made man, and compe- tent to fill any business position.
George Watson, farmer, Xenia, was born in Virginia, in the year 1816, and is a son of Francis and Martha Watson-both Virginians -who immigrated to Ohio in 1818, with a family of three sons and six daughters. George, the youngest, was married in 1840 to Miss Cynthia A. MeDaniel, who bore him one son. His wife died in April, 1841. Mr. Watson was again married, the lady being Miss Margaret Richarson, by whom he has four children : James W., John F., William H., Sarah E., Robert L., and Thomas R., all liv- ing. Mr. Watson received a common school education in this county. His son, James, served over three years in the Union army, in the Thirty-Fourth Ohio Regiment.' William was in the one hundred days service, and his son John enlisted, but was sent back from Camp Dennison. All were honorably discharged. Mr. Watson and his sons are among the most energetic farmers in the county.
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