USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio > Part 48
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95
Digitized b Google
497
XENIA TOWNSHIP.
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. IIe 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. IIe 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
Digitized b Google
498
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 II., 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 II. Gram, farmer, was born in Xenia, in the year 1859, and is a son of Harvey and Aun 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
Digitized by Google
499
XENIA TOWNSHIP.
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. IIe 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
Digitized by y Google
500
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
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, he 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. Ilubbell, 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
-
Digitized by Google
501
XENIA TOWNSHIP.
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.
Joseph D. Kyle, clerk Second National Bank, Xenia, was born in that city, October 2, 1852. Is the son of James and Rachel Kyle,
32
Digitized by Google
.
502
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
natives of this county, and one of the oldest families in the county. They had a family of three children, Joseph, Olive, and Nellie, the last one having died at the age of one year. Joseph, the subject of our sketch, was married to Sallie E. Neville, daughter of Henry Neville, of this city, on the 16th of December, 1879. They have one child, James LeRoy. Joseph received his education in this city, and spent fifteen years of his life in Cincinnati, where he was engaged in book-keeping for different branches of business, and is now correspondent for the Second National Bank of this city, a very prominent and responsible position. Is a member of Damon Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of Cincinnati. His father and mother are now living in the last named city, keeping the Merchants' Union Hotel, which is connected with the Union Bethel. Was mayor of this city in 1861, at which time a number of young men of fighting quality came to him, and proposed to raise a company for the war, and make him their leader, to which he responded, and was com- missioned as captain of Company H, Ninth Regiment Ohio Volun- teers. Was appointed provost marshal under General Rosencrans, and resigned on account of ill-health. Was a brother of Dr. James A. Kyle, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of this city.
Prof. B. F. Lee, President of Wilberforce College, Xenia, is a son of Abel and Sarah Lee, and was born in New Jersey, in 1841. Passing his youth in that state, he came to Ohio in 1864, and re- ceived his common school education in Gouldstown, a post-place; entered the theological department of Wilberforce University in 1865, and graduated in 1872, making this his home ever since. In 1873 he was appointed Professor of Pastoral Theology in Wilber- force University. In 1874 he resigned the practical duties of the position, but retained the principalship; and in 1876 was appointed president of the university, and still occupies that position. For ten years he has been a member of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1873 he married Miss Mary E. Ash, of Mobile, Alabama. She was also a graduate of Wilberforce University. Four children, Francis A., Sarah HI., Mary A., and John F., are the result of their marriage. Ilimself and family enjoy life at Wilberforce, and the people of the county will find it a hard matter to fill his place, should he be called to some other locality.
David Lee, coal dealer, Xenia, is a son of Merideth and Sabra Lee, both of North Carolina, where his mother died, His father
Digitized by y Google
503
XENIA TOWNSHIP.
immigrated to Ohio in 1859, with his only son, David. He married Miss Lucy Tyler, who died in 1870, and in 1874 he married Miss Charlotte Harris. He is a plasterer by trade, but is also a dealer in coal. IIe is an industrious man, a Mason (in which he has filled some of the offices), Odd-fellow, and a member of the Baptist Church. He. was in the Union army for two years and a half, and was honorably discharged in October, 1865. Is now a member of the city council.
Noah Lones, peddler, Xenia, was born in Virginia, in 1836. Is a son of Jesse and Mary Lones, both natives of that state, who im- migrated to Ohio in 1859, with a family of eleven children. Noah was married, in 1858, to Martha A. Burton, daughter of George W. and Mary Burton, of Virginia. They have a family of four chil- dren, Ida, Carson, Early, and Herman. Received his education in Virginia, where he spent the principal portion of his life. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is now engaged in the peddling business throughout the country, making his home in this city.
Basil V. Lucas, dealer in wood and iron fencing, Xenia, was born in Berkeley County, Virginia, in the year 1837. Is a son of Den- nis and Elizabeth Lucas, both natives of that state, who removed to Ohio in the year 1858, with eight children, Basil V., Emily C., Matilda A., John W., Elizabeth B., Dennis T., Charles D., and Eliza S. The subject of our sketch was married, October 24, 1868, to Rebecca A. Niswanger, daughter of Perry and Hester Niswan- ger, of this city. They had a family of six children, Effie G., Ida May, Minnesota, William A., Basil V., and Lee McClung. The daughters are all dead. IIe enlisted in the Union Army on the 3d day of February, 1864, in Company D, Seventy-Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and received his discharge in 1865, at Camp Dennison, Ohio. He was in many hard-fought battles, and at Tunnel Hill was in a continual fight until the battle of Jones- borough, and was with Sherman in his famous march to the sea. At Buzzard's Roost, on the 10th day of May, 1864, his collar bone was broken, by being struck with a piece of shell, disabling him in the right arm. Received his education in Virginia, where he lived until he was twenty-one, when he came to Ohio, where he has been engaged in carpentering since the war. Is now, in connection with his trade, contracting and putting up iron fencing, and is also en- gaged with George Barnes in the manufacture of a patent folding
Digitized b Google
504
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
lounge, one of the best, if not the best, ever brought before the public.
W. V. Luce, ex-editor, Spring Valley, was born in this county, August 12, 1843. Is the youngest son of Abner G. and Avaria Luce, both natives of Ohio. She was the daughter of Robert Buckles, an officer in the war of 1812, who removed from Virginia and settled in this county, in 1799, raising a family of eight chil- dren. Our subject received a good common school education, hav- ing attended the normal school at Lebanon, and the college at Delaware, Ohio, in which way his youth was spent up to the time he enlisted in the army, on the 16th day of August, 1862, only a few days after he was nineteen years of age. He entered the army as corporal in Company D, One Hundred and Tenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, where he remained until he was mustered out, in June, 1865, at the close of the war. Received a wound in the hand, by a minnie ball, at the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864. After being mustered out, he engaged in the drug and grocery business, in Spring Valley. Removed to Dayton, in 1868, and there engaged in the drug trade until 1871, when he returned to Spring Valley, where he still resides. He has served as assessor of this township seven terms, and is now constable. Was elected justice of the peace in 1873, and resigned in 1875, to take charge of the Xenia News, a paper neutral in politics, which he converted into a Democratic journal, the first of that politics published in that city for thirty years. He continued its editor, in connection with John Fahey, until the fall of 1876, when they sold to Mr. Gaunce, the present editor. He was married to Evaline Clark, daughter of George C. and Charlotte Clark, October 10, 1867, and has a family of five children, Lottie A., Ella, Abner C., Stella, and Robert. Is now engaged in the insurance and collection business, in which latter he does an extensive business. Is a Democrat, and as such has figured conspicuously in this county. His father, Abner G. Luce, was appointed one of the associate judges of this county in 1842, and continued in that office until his death, in 1849.
Campbell L. Maxwell, city clerk and attorney-at-law, Xenia, born in Fayette County, Ohio, April, 1849, is a son of Campbell and Henrietta Maxwell, both Virginians by birth, who immigrated to Ohio, a few years after their marriage and settled in Fayette County, where they bought a farm in the woods, upon which they raised a family of ten children. Of these Campbell L. is the fourth
Digitized by Google
1
505
XENIA TOWNSHIP.
son and sixth child. His educational advantages were poor, but by hard study and energy he managed to procure a good English education before arriving at the age of manhood, after which he attended Wilberforce University. While a student there the principalship of the colored schools at Zanesville, Ohio, having been tendered him, he accepted the same. Meanwhile, he had been prosecuting his law studies under the Hon. John Little, and at the close of his first year as principal, he returned to Xenia. In the following September, 1872, he was examined by the Supreme Court of Ohio, and admitted to the bar. He is now the city clerk of the City of Xenia, having been elected in 1879, and re-elected in 1880. In June, 1873, he was married to Miss Mary E. Cousins. Two children have been born to them. the oldest one dying in October, 1878. He is a prominent member of the Masonic order, having for several years been a member of the grand lodge of the state. He has a growing practice, and stands high in his profes- sion. In politics he is a Republican.
II. S. Mathewman, florist, Xenia, was born May 6, 1841, and is a son of Benjamin and Esther Mathewman, both of England, who emigrated to Canada about 1830. In 1866 the subject of this sketch concluded to try his fortune in the United States, and with this object in view he located in Xenia, and engaged in the nur- sery business, which he followed for some four years. Being a man of taste, and a lover of the beautiful, he became a florist, and has continued in the business up to the present time, having such a floral garden on North King Street as is seldom found outside the larger cities. July 10, 1866, he was married to Miss Josephine Cook, daughter of Isaac and Mary Cook. They have a family of two girls, Rena and Mary A. IIe is a member of the Odd-fellows, and also of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a Republican in politics, and a staunch union man.
George Marshall, plasterer, Xenia, was born in that city in 1842. His father and mother, Jesse and Jane Marshall, both natives of Kentucky, immigrated to this country about the year 1800, and raised a family of eight children, William, Jane, Eli, Albert, George, Robert F., and Simon. George, the subject of this sketch, was married in 1866, to Miss Sarah C. McFarland, daughter of Jacob and Margery McFarland, of Xenia ; her father being among the first born in Greene County. George is the father of one daughter, now in her fourteenth year, who is the pet of the family.
Digitized by Google
506
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
When the war broke out, he was among the first to respond to the call, and enlisted in Company G, Fifty-Fourth Ohio, under Colonel Smith, and served three years and eleven months. Entering the army as a private, by his bravery and faithfulness he was promoted to first lieutenant, which rank he held until he received an honor- able discharge and was mustered out, at Little Rock, Arkansas. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which they have been connected for some twelve years. In politics he is a Republican. A plasterer by trade, by strict attention to the wants of his customers he has built up a business any person might be proud of.
William G. Marshall, lawyer, Xenia, born in Ohio, August 27, 1856, is a son of William W. and Mary Marshall, both of this state, who have a family of two children, Mary M., and William G. The subject of our remarks received his education at home, and at common schools, and he can be counted among the self-made men of our country. His youth was passed principally in this county. Commencing the study of law, under Judge J. E. Hawes, when only nineteen years of age, he was admitted to the bar at twenty- one, making an uncommon advance in his studies. He has made his mark early in life, and is now engaged in the practice of law. A single man, a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and a staunch Republican in politics.
John W. Manor, carpenter, Xenia, was born in Frederick County, Virginia, in the year 1824, and is a son of Benjamin and Catharine Manor, both of that state, who immigrated to Ohio in 1828, with a family of twelve children. John W., the subject of our sketch, was married in 1844, to Miss Margaret A. Scott, daughter of James A. and Elizabeth Scott, of Xenia. They have a family of nine children, David I., William A., Catharine E., Samuel H., Asbury L., Henrietta M., Benjamin L., James S., and John E. Our subject, with two of his sons, enlisted in the one hundred days service. His life has been passed in Xenia, where he received his early education. From 1861 to 1869, eight years, he was superin- tendent of the Greene County Infirmary. He is a leading member of the Odd-fellows, including the Encampment, having filled all the chairs of both bodies; and is also a member of the Reformed Church, He is now carrying on his trade of carpentering, and has no superiors at the business.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.