USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio > Part 46
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out under a negro's cabin; but being exposed, were recaptured and returned to the rebels. During this escape he received a shot from one of the rebel pickets through the left arm, above the el- bow. He is now pursuing his trade, and by his steady habits and perseverence is doing a business he may well be proud of. He was married in 1871, to Miss Cynthia Reed, of Xenia, daughter of Arnold and Cynthia Reed. The result of this marriage is one son, Charles A., now in his fifth year. Mr. Beatty is a staunch Repub- lican in politics, and can be relied on at all times when his country needs his services.
George Bell, deceased, was born in Baltimore County, Maryland, in 1780, and with his father and three brothers came to Ohio in the winter of 1805-'6, and settled for a few years five miles south of Xenia. In 1812, he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land three miles southeast of Xenia, which he cleared and lived upon until his death, his father and mother remaining under his care until their death, August 16, 1817, when he married Vinca, daughter of Tinsley Heath, who preceded him to this county from Virginia. This union was blessed by ten children, nine of whom are now living, John M., James M., Thomas L., Lewis L., Erasmus U., Jewett F. G., Ann M., Sarah C., and George F. He was very active in the anti-slavery cause, and was a member of the first anti- slavery society ever founded in this country, which advocated the unconditional release of those thousands of souls in bondage. He was of Scotch descent. His grandfather was a shipper between England and the colonies, and by going securities lost heavily, and came west. They were descendants of the Bells of Edinborough, Scotland. He was not an office seeker, but always took an active part in whatever he thought was right, and was a man of great in- fluence. IIe commenced without anything, and succeeded in get- ing a good home, and was well known for his acts of charity throughout the country. His son Jewett F. G. was united in mar- riage with the daughter of the late John Eavey, near Xenia, Octo- ber 14, 1880. He attended the Ohio University, and graduated, in 1862, in the scientific course. His wife also graduated at Xenia College. In politics he is a Republican, and during the war was a staunch supporter of the cause, doing his share of the work at home, and donating more money to the government than he actu- ally earned. He is now living near Xenia, where he is engaged in farming and stock raising. He is a man of very genial dispo-
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sition, well educated, and beloved by all who know him.
Mrs. Isabella Bickett was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1802, and is the daughter of Matthew and Isabella Alexander, na- tives of Pennsylvania, who immigrated to Ohio in 1804, with a family of six children, Francis, John, William, Isabella, Matthew, and Robert. Isabella and Robert are the only survivors of the family. Isabella was married, in 1827, to William R. Bickett, of Greene County. They raised a family of six children. Adam R., Matthew A., Mary J., William H., Elizabeth I., and Lydia A. The last named died in 1865. Mrs. Biekett received her education in Greene County, where her life has been spent. She is a member of the Second United Presbyterian Church. She is now living on a farm three miles east of Xenia, with her daughter, Mrs. Solomon Foust, who was married in 1868, and has one son, Edwin, who is living with his mother and grandmother on the farm, and attend- ing school. Mrs. Bickett is now in her seventy-ninth year, and is uncommonly active for one of her age. The family, from the old- est to the youngest, are Republicans, and enjoy the reputation of being benevolent, and always ready to lend a helping hand in time of need.
Wendel Bloom, grocer, was born in Bavaria, in 1835. He is the son of Wendel and Catharine Bloom, both natives of Bavaria, and both deceased. They raised a family of three children, John, Wen- del, and Martin. Wendel, the subject of our sketch, was married, in 1857, to Miss Margaret Byer, daughter of August and Johanna Byer, of Wittenberg, Germany. She has borne him seven children, John, Mary, Wendel, Kate, George, Edward, and one dead, whose name was Martin. Mr. Bloom is a member of the Red Men, and has filled all the offices; is also a member of the Catholic Church. He is now engaged in the grocery business, on Main Street, in Xenia, and has lately purchased the property on Detroit Street, known as the old Hivling House, fitted it up, and now has one of the finest rooms in the city. He is a thorough business man, and by his genial disposition has gained many warm friends.
Peter Boon, minister, was born in Virginia, in 1825, and is the son of James and Sarah Boon, who had a family of nine children. Peter came to Ohio in 1850, and in 1860 was married to Miss Louisa E. Lewis, daughter of Henry and Ann Lewis, of Canada. He has a family of five children, four by his present wife, and one by his
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first, Laura J., Mary M., Louis P., Dora M., and Anna B., all living. He enlisted on the 16th of March, 1864, in Company K, Sixteenth Ohio, and was mustered out March 16th, 1865. Received his edu- cation as best he could, never being sent to school; but by his un- tiring energy fitted himself for the ministry, and has been laboring in the First Baptist Church in Xenia for ten years.
John G. Bowser, railroader, was born in Greene County, in 1854. IIe is the son of Mike and Hulda Bowser, who have a family of four children, Frank, Maggie, Emma, and John. Emma was mar- ried to W. II. McCaidy, of Springfield, Ohio. The father is one of Xenia's oldest settlers, and at one time kept what was then known as the Hivling House. He was also, at one time, sheriff of War- ren County. John has been engaged in various branches of busi- ness; was clerk in the Xenia post-office some four years; engaged in the Neff House, at Yellow Springs, for some time, and for the last five years has been engaged in railroading and telegraphing in Chicago. He is an energetic young man, of fine appearance, and well adapted for almost any position.
Barclay Y. Berry, tobacco manufacturer, Xenia, was born in the State of Pennsylvania, June 25, 1832. He is a son of Michael and Martha Berry, both natives of Pennsylvania. His father died in his native state, and his mother came to Ohio in 1860. The family consisted of John L., Barclay Y., Thomas R., and Jane-all living but the daughter, who lost her life in her eighth year by being burned to death. Barclay, the subject of our sketch, has followed the manufacture of tobacco and cigars since he was eleven years of age. He married Miss Mary O. Lutz, and by her had seven chil- dren, John H., Frank R., Fannie and Annie, who were twins, Em- ma S., William A., and Charles, deceased. He enlisted in the union army in 1864, and was honorably discharged the same year. HIe was also one of the Squirrel Hunters, who drove Kirby Smith from this state. He was city marshal in 1867-'68, filling the office two terms, and was street commissioner for six years. He is a member of the Odd-fellows, and Knights of Pythias. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for ten years. By his genial disposition and faithfulness to business he has gained for himself many friends, and a steadily increasing patronage.
Thomas A. Brown, mail agent and farmer, Xenia, was born a slave in the State of Maryland, in the year 1814. His father and mother, Jeremiah and Isabella Brown, were both slaves, and na-
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tives of Maryland, and had a family of five children, William, Charles, Dennis, Anna, and Thomas A. The subject of this sketch was married in 1840, to Miss Frances J. Scroggins, of Wheeling, West Virginia, by whom he had a family of six children, Jere- miah A., Bell J., Anna E., Hallie Q., John G., and Mary Frances, who was burned when her father's house was destroyed by fire. He lived in Canada from 1861 to 1870, and came to Ohio in 1871 for the purpose of educating his children, which has been done successfully at Wilberforce. Two of them, John G., and his daughter, Hallie, are teachers, and she is a very fine elocutionist. He is a self-made man, and at one time owned real estate worth nearly a million dollars. He bought the freedom of his two broth- ers, one sister, and himself, and to-day owns a very fine property at Wilberforce, and also a fine farm in Canada. He is a staunch Republican in politics. He is now making his home at Wilber- force, and has the esteem and confidence of all who know him.
Charles Brooks, farmer, was born in Paris, Kentucky, in 1836, and is the son of Dr. John and Evaline Brooks, both natives of Kentucky. Charles, the subject of our sketch, was married, in 1856, to Miss Hannah Blackburn, daughter of David Blackburn, of Kentucky. They have one child dead, Joseph, and one living, Charles Anna Brooks. He is a member of the Christian Church, and also a member of the Odd-fellows, and is right supporter of the noble grand. He is now living on his farm of forty-three acres, four miles east of Xenia, on the narrow-gauge railroad, and is one of the many men of his color who came here after the war. He is now one of the prosperous farmers of Greene County, a good citizen, and well beloved by all who know him.
Mrs. Eliza J. Bryant, matron of Greene County Infirmary, Xenia, was born in Bath County, Kentucky, December 25, 1822, and is the daughter of Augusta and Sarah Shoat. Her father was a na- tive of Maryland, and her mother of Virginia. He immigrated to Ohio in 1808. She was stolen when a child, and brought to Ken- tucky. They had thirteen children, who are all dead but Eliza. She came to Ohio in 1841, on account of the oppression of slavery, it being the year of the reign of the black Indians, when the slave- holders were disguising themselves, and killing off the colored women and children. She has been twice married; first to Mr. Thomas, by whom she had two children, James and Louisa. She came to Ohio in 1845, on account of her health, to spend the sum-
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mer. She was again married, March 2, 1854, to George W. Bryant, a Baptist minister, who died in Natchez, Mississippi, October 8, 1867, in the home missionary field. God blessed them with seven children, George, Sarah, John, Eddie, Franz, William, and James. She is at present matron of the Greene County Children's Home, which position she has filled for the last four years. She professed a hope in Christ in May, 1841, and is now a member of the church. She is a woman of unusual ability, remarkably well preserved, and peculiarly adapted to the position she now fills.
Henry S. Buckles, carpenter, was born in Greene County, in 1815. He is the son of John and Elizabeth Buckles, both natives of Vir- ginia, who immigrated to Ohio in 1804, with a family of nine chil- dren. Henry, the subject of our sketch, was married, in 1837, to Miss Ellen Thomas, daughter of Archibald and Catharine Thomas, of Greene County. They have a family of eight children, three of whom are dead, James W., Mary E., and Archibald T. Those liv- ing are Narinah P., Eliza J., William M., Emma V., and Arthur S. Mr. Buckles is a member of the Good Templars, and also of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Xenia. He received his education in an old log school house, in Bellbrook, where most of his life was spent, with the exception of eighteen years in Champaign County. He is one of the oldest carpenters in Xenia, and none in the coun- ty surpasses him in his profession. He is a truly good and moral man; not only moral, but religious, being one of the old class leaders in his church, and is a man who shows his religion by his daily walk.
Abner S. Buck, attorney-at-law and notary public, Xenia, was born in Washington, Fayette County, Ohio, on the 20th day of September, 1818. He is a son of Samuel and Sarah Buck. His father was born in Pennsylvania, March 7, 1780, and his mother in New Jersey, September 29, 1789. Our subject received his educa- tion at Wilmington, Clinton County, Ohio, where his youth was spent at school and at labor. He studied law in his father's law office, which he entered in May, 1837, and was admitted to the bar in May, 1841. During the time he was studying, he cut three hundred cords of wood. After practicing four or five years he , became dissatisfied with his profession, and withdrew from it and engaged in various other avocations. He was elected to the office of justice of the peace of Xenia Township, on the 3d day of April, 1876, and reelected April 8, 1879. He is a member of the
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United Presbyterian Church, second congregation, of Xenia. His home has been in Greene County for thirty-eight years. His father came to Ohio in 1799, and his mother in 1805. Mr. Buck is the youngest man for his age in Ohio, and a general favorite with all who know him.
Charles J. Buck, teacher, son of Samuel and Sarah Buck, was born in Washington Township, Clinton County, Ohio, in the year 1832. His father is a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother a native of New Jersey, and they raised a family of ten children. Charles J., the subject of our sketch, was married in 1857, to Miss Julia Campbell, daughter of Hugh Campbell, of Xenia. They have three children living, Nettie S., Nellie M., and Charles M .; and Maggie F., and Effie May, deceased. He received his educa- tion in Ohio, where he has spent the greater portion of his life. On the 6th day of August, 1862 he enlisted in the Seventeenth Ohio Battery, and took part in such prominent battles as Vicks- burg, Arkansas Post, Fort Morgan, Mobile, etc., and in 1865 re- ceived an honorable discharge, and returned to his home. The family are members of the First United Presbyterian Church of Xenia. A fine teacher, and a man of a genial disposition, he has many warm friends in this community.
Lewis M. Bull, grocer, son of James R., and Anna A. Bull, was born in Xenia, in 1848. His father and mother were natives of Ohio and Maryland, and had a family of five children. Lewis, the subject of our sketch, commenced the grocery business in his na- tive place some six years ago, and by his gentlemanly deportment and fair dealing has built up a trade which is a credit to himself and the city. In 1877 he was married to Miss Lizzie A. James, daughter of Joshua James. They have one son, Lester J. Bull. Lewis is a member of the Odd-fellows, and also of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics a staunch Republican.
William II. Bull, jr., farmer, Xenia, was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1845. IIe is a son of James R. and Amelia Bull, natives of Ohio and Maryland, who had a family of five children, three of whom are living. William H., jr., was married in 1877, to Miss Annie L. Stevenson, daughter of Samuel and Olive Stevenson, of this county. He received his education in Greene County, where he and his wife have both spent their lives. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They are a young couple, just starting out in life, and a passer-by would readily judge the out-
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come from their beautiful farm, and the neatness of its surround- ings.
George J. Burdell, engineer, Xenia, was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1853. His father, Asa, born in New York, and his mother, Harriet Burdell, born in New Jersey, were the parents of nine children, Alice B., George G., Charles H., William M., Edward P., and Hattie, who are living; and Ida, Carey, and Gracie, deceased. They came to Ohio about the year 1860. George G., the subject of this sketch, was married, August 28, 1878, to Miss Ella N. Beck- om, daughter of Mary Beckom, of Charleston, Illinois. They have one son, Asa P., the pet of the household. He has held po- sitions on many of the prominent roads of the country, and is now engineer of the steam shovel on the Pan-Handle. He received his education in Xenia, where he has spent the greater portion of his life. A young man of energy, his accommodating disposition has gained for him many warm friends.
George N. Burgess, tinner, was born in Gallipolis, Gallia County, Ohio, in 1848. His father and mother, Thornton and Elizabeth Burgess, were both born in Virginia, and immigrated to Ohio about the year 1844, with a family of eleven children. George, the subject of this sketch, is now working at his trade in Xenia, where he received a common school education, and has spent the latter portion of his life. He also went to school at Gallipolis, West Union, and Rochester, New York. In 1872 he was married to Miss Emma J. Roots, and by her has three daughters and one son, all living. During the war he was in the Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry, Fourth Division, serving two years and seven months, and received an honorable discharge on the 16th day of April, 1865, at Beverly. His children, Morris E., Mary E., Laura, and Pearl, are models, and the pride of their parents. He is a staunch Republican, and a good worker for his party.
Alfred Campbell, carpenter, son of James and Rose Campbell, both natives of Pennsylvania, was born in Alleghany City, same state, February 6, 1834. Received his education in Pennsylvania. From boyhood until his seventeenth year, his time was chiefly spent on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. At the age of seven- teen he was put out to learn the carpenter trade, which he followed in different cities of the South and West, until the first Lincoln campaign, when he left St. Louis for Pittsburgh, to cast his first vote. On the 19th day of April, 1861, he enlisted in the old mili-
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tary organization known as the Jackson Independent Blues, which was organized as Company A, Twelfth Pennsylvania Regiment, and volunteered for three months. Afterward he enlisted in the Sixty-Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, which was en- gaged in many of the hard-fought battles of the war, some of which were Bull Run, Stone River, Chickamauga, the seven days' fight before Richmond, Mission Ridge, and the capture of Ring- gold, Georgia, and was discharged August 10, 1865. On the 15th of April, 1861, just four days before starting for the seat of war, he was married to Miss Hannah M. Atkinson, daughter of Frank and Sarah Atkinson, and by her has two daughters, Ellen and Bertha. IIe is a member of the Masonic order, and has also been a member of the Odd-fellows for over twenty years. In politics he is a staunch Republican, and is a man who can always be de- pended upon when his country is in danger. He is now carrying on his business in Xenia, and stands at the head of his profession.
James B. Carruthers, grocer, was born in Scotland, on the 19th day of March, 1821. His parents, John and Mary B. Carruthers, both natives of Scotland, immigrated to this country in 1834, and lived in Granville County, North Carolina, for about two years. In 1836 they removed to Ohio, and settled in Ross County, where they remained six years, and then came to Greene County, where they both died. James was in his thirteenth year when he came to this country with his parents. He clerked in a country store in North Carolina for eighteen months, and after he came to Ohio, worked on a farm with his father until he was twenty-three, when he left farming and taught a country school. Afterward he went to Thomas Steele's school, in Xenia, and again taught for some time. In 1850 he engaged in book-keeping with Torrence & Co., of Chillicothe, for two years, and then went back to Xenia, and embarked in the grocery business, in which he still continues. On the 28th day of August, 1852, he was married to Miss Jeannette Smith, daughter of William and Helen (Scott) Smith, who were both natives of Scotland. They had five children born to them, Johanna M., who died when fourteen months old, Ella B., Jennie S., William S., and Jessie B. His wife died September 2, 1876, and on the 20th of August, 1878, he was again married to Miss Eliza A. Hyslop, daughter of George and Margaret Hyslop, he a native of Scotland, and she of Pennsylvania. Mr. Carruthers is a mem- ber of the First United Presbyterian congregation of Xenia; has
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been councilman for six years, and at present is one of the police commissioners. During the war he was commissioned by Governor Todd as captain of Company D, Second Regiment, Greene County Militia. He was educated in Dumfries, Scotland, and in Xenia. By economy and square dealing, and his gentlemanly deportment, he stands on the top round in his line of business.
George Charters, jeweler, son of John and Margaret Charters, was born in Xenia, in 1835. His father came to Ohio from New York city, the place of his birth, in 1825, and his mother immi- grated from Scotland in 1816, and married Mr. Charters in 1830, the result of which was ten children, four sons and six daughters. George, the subject of this sketch, was married, in 1864, to Miss Jane Moody, and was blessed with. three children, Robert M., Mar- garet I., and John T., all living. Ile received his education in Greene County. Both himself and wife are members of the Asso- ciate Church. Ile is now engaged in the jewelry business, on Main Street, in Xenia, is doing a thriving business, and is respected by all who know him.
John W. Clifton, policeman, was born in Carrol County, Ken- tucky, in 1835, and is a son of William and Lavina Clifton, both of Kentucky, who reared a family of three children, two sons and one daughter. Two died in Kentucky. His mother was a slave of Thomas O'Neal, and his father was a free man, and lived in Ken- tucky until his death. John, the subject of this sketch, was born in slavery, belonging to Thomas O'Neal, and remained his slave until.he was twelve years old. His master then broke up, and took him to Owen County, Kentucky, keeping him about one year, when he died, and in his will John fell to his daughter, Mrs. Nancy Gar- vey, who kept him until he was twenty-nine years old, when he came to the conclusion that he had been a slave long enough, and concluded to take a steamboat and come North, which he did, and landed in Xenia. In 1863 he enlisted in the army, and served his country until September, 1865, when he was honorably discharged, and came back to Xenia, working at any odd jobs he could get, for about a year, when he went to Louisville, Kentucky, and remained there a year, working in a tobacco factory, and again returned to Xenia, and worked for Millen & Connable, cutting pork, for six or seven years. Afterward, or during part of that time, he had an appointment as deputy marshal, under Percival Ream, and has been on the police force since that time. By his faithfulness to duty he
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has made a great many warm and devoted friends. In the year 1863 he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Douglass, daughter of Janes Jones, she being a widow when she married Mr. Clifton. They are both members of the Baptist Church, he for seventeen years, and has never uttered an oath in his life, something that can be said of but very few.
John M. Coffelt, farmer, was born in Warren County, Indiana, in 1846. Joseph and Mahala Coffelt, his father and mother, were both born in Ohio, and had a family of six sons and three daugh- ters. John M., the subject of this sketch, was married in 1872, to Miss Isabella Harris, daughter of Anthony and Hannah Harris, of this state. They have four children, Perry L., Herby A., Mary E., and Audis C. He enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fif- tieth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, under Colonel Taylor, and was discharged in August, 1865. The greater part of his life was spent in Indiana, and there he received his education. Now a resident of Xenia, he will, in all probability, spend the remainder of his days there.
John L. Connable, jr., express and ticket agent, born in Cinein- nati, in 1856, is a son of Luke and Abbey Connable. His father was born in Massachusetts, and his mother in Ohio. They were married in 1851, and have raised a family of four children, Mary E., Ralph M., John L., and Joseph M. John is now freight and ticket agent for the narrow gauge railroad, at Xenia. October 3, 1878, he was married to Miss Clara S. McClure, daughter of F. A. and S. J. McClure, of that city, They have one son, Frank A. John L. is a member of the Masons, Knights of Pythias, and Royal Arcanum, and now holds office in the latter. He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Cheney F. Cretors, painter and paper hanger, born in Xema, October 6, 1856, is a son of Samuel B. and Sarah Cretors. Ilis father was born in Ohio, and his mother in Massachusetts, and came to this state about the year 1849. They raised a family of five children. Cheney was married, December 25, 1879, to Miss Mattie B. Taggart, daughter of Thomas and Mattie Taggart, of Ireland, County of Monagan, town of Lissavaciga, who came to this country in 1864, with a family of seven children, Mrs. Cretors being the youngest. Our subject is a member of the Fay Light Guards, Knights of Pythias, and Odd-fellows. Leaving home at the age of fifteen, he traveled extensively through the South and
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