USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio > Part 49
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James B. Monroe, furniture dealer, Xenia, is a son of David and
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Barbara Monroc, who immigrated to this country from Scotland, in 1818, and had at that time the county of Greene in view as their future home, it being at that time a central point of the association to which they belonged, known as the Associate Church, which is now merged into the United Presbyterian Church, by the union of Associate and Associate Reformed churches. They were among the oldest settlers of Greene County, and had a family of three children, George, Margaret, and William, who came to this country with them, after which was born Mary Ann, who is now Mrs. John Moore. Her husband is one of the old merchant tailors of this county, having been engaged in this business for some thirty years or more. James B., the subject of this sketch, was born in Xenia, on the site where he now resides, and was, in 1849, married to Miss Henrietta Riley, of Troy, Ohio, a daughter of one of Miami County's oldest settlers, Z. Riley, who for nearly the natural term of his life held some one or another of the highest county offices. The result of this marriage was four sons and two daughters, Juliet C., James S., Laurence R., Minor W., and Riley, the eldest, who departed this life in the seventh year of his age. While on a visit to his grandmother, in Troy, Ohio, he was taken suddenly ill of brain fever, and lived but a few days. During the war Mr. Monroe was a trustee for the relief society for the benefit of soldiers' wives and children, and was one of its most active mem- bers. He is a member of the school board, a position he has held for over thirty years. IIe is now engaged extensively in the furni- ture business, is a man of sound Republican principles, and highly appreciated by the community at large.
Scott Mongold, clerk, Xenia, was born in Hardy County, West Virginia, March 17, 1859. Is the son of George and Caroline Mon- gold, who immigrated to this county, in 1863, with seven children, John W., Charles II., Cary, Jacob F., Harvey W., Virginia, and Scott. The subject of this sketch worked on a farm for John Le- vally for about eight years after he came to Ohio, and then lived with David Davis until 1880, when he came to this city and took the clerkship of the Burnett House, where he still remains. Is a young man of promise, pleasant ways, and accommodating dispo- sition. His father, during the war, or at the commencement of it, was living in Virginia, but, true to his country, he took up arms for the side of right, and fought for the Union, and when at home on furlough, was captured, taken South, and imprisoned, first at
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Wheeling, and from there to Libby. Watching an opportunity, with some others he broke guard, came to this city, and wrote to his wife and son Scott to meet him here, which they did at once.
D. T. Montagne, druggist, Xenia, was born in Vermont, on the 7th day of November, 1830, and is a son of Otis and Abigail Mon- tague, natives of New York. They moved to Ohio in the year 1837, with one child, and were afterward blessed with the second, Charles Otis. The subject of our sketch was married to Miss Eliz- abeth Hosack in the year 1855, who bore him four children, Charles Otis, Frederick, Florence May, and George II., the first two having died. Mr. Montague is a member of the Masonic order, and has gone through the chapter and commandery, and has been their treasurer for several years. Is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is now engaged in the drug business, on De- troit Street, in this city, and is one of the main druggists in the county, looking well to his interest, and also his customers, not trusting his prescriptions to be filled by a clerk, but attends to that department himself. IIe is an agreeable, pleasant gentleman to do business with, and well deserves the great trade he has worked up ..
W. J. Morris, dealer in notions, and son of George and Lila Morris, of Maryland, was born in this county in the year 1842. Was married, July 27, 1865, to Martha E. Harshman, daughter of George and Nancy Harshman, of Spring Valley, and has a family of six children, John W., Mary E., Rilla E., Pearly M., James B., and Charles, all living. He enlisted in the Eighty-First Ohio, and remained with it one year, and was discharged on account of disa- bility. Afterward he joined the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio, with which he remained eleven months, and was engaged in all the bloody and hard-fought battles through which the old veteran reg- iment passed, receiving an honorable discharge on the 3d day of July, 1865, when he returned to the bosom of his family. Received his education in Allen County, and has spent the greater portion of his life in this county, now residing in Xenia.
Joseph Morrow, farmer, Xenia, was born in this county in the year 1812. Is the son of James and Anna K. Morrow, both natives of Virginia, who were married in the year 1801, and had a family of twelve children. The subject of this sketch was married to Sa- rah Findley daughter of John and Ann Findley, in the year 1838. Joseph was one of the first to shoulder his gun to drive Morgan's rangers out of Ohio, and gained the title of squirrel hunter, which
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· we all remember was a very large and lively company of hunters. Ile and his estimable wife are both members of the United Presby- terian Church. With the exception of about ten years, he has spent his life in this county, and is one of its old citizens. He is a Republican in politics, and a hearty supporter of the cause of free- dom. In slavery times he was one of the strong anti-slavery men, until he joined the Republican party. With his wife, he is now living about four miles northeast of Xenia, on one of the finest farms in the county, and in all the writer's travels through his dis- triet, he has met no one who seems to enjoy life more than they.
William A. Mullen, farmer, was born in Brown County, Ohio, in the year 1847. Is the son of James and Amanda Mullen, of this state, who have a family of seven children. The subject of this sketch was married, September 23, 1875, to Miss Sarah J. Shockey, daughter of James and Rachel Hueston, of Allen County. Her parents are both dead. They were married in Dayton, by Rev. W. A. Robinson. Mr Mullen enlisted in Company I, Fifty-Ninth Reg- iment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, February 6, 1864, and was in many of the hardest battles of the war, such as Chickamauga, Ringgold, Cumberland Gap, and Buzzards' Roost, where he was wounded, May 9, 1864, in the left side, in the lung and shoulder, twice in the right knee, and again across the back. His collar bone was cut off by a ball, totally disabling him in the left arm. After being wounded he was taken to the post, and left for dead twice, and lay in an unconscious state from May until September, when he was sent back to Cincinnati, where he was discharged by command of General Joseph Hooker. He had some four hundred dollars with him when wounded, and when left for dead, one of his party tried to get hold of it, but his name is withheld on account of his family. Mr. Mullen's father died when he was but two years old, and he was placed with J. C. Wells, with whom he remained from his fifth to his eighteenth year, when he enlisted. Received his education in Brown County, where he spent the most of his life.
· He is a self-made man, and hard study has made him what he is. Is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife is a Presbyterian. They are now living in Xenia, where he expects to make his home.
George A. McKay, engineer and surveyor, Xenia, was born in this county, December 25, 1850, and is a son of Samuel F. and Angeline A. Mckay. Ilis mother is a Virginian by birth, and
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came to Ohio when she was but seven years of age. His father was born in Ohio, and was married in the year 1850 to Miss Ange- line A. Moore, daughter of Persley Moore, of this county. He lost his life by a tree falling on him, and left a family of five children, George A., Maria L., Oscar F., Sarah J., and Irving F. George A., our subject, was married September 25, 1873, to Miss Ada I. Peterson, daughter of Jacob S. and Sarah C. Peterson, of Clinton County, Ohio. They have a family of two children, Werter P., and Mable. He commenced engineering when but sixteen years old, and now holds the position of civil engineer of the Miami Valley and Columbus Railroad, where he has been for the last two years, and where he is likely to remain as long as he wishes. He was raised on a farm, but being of an active mind and an aspiring nature, he left it and engaged in his present profession. He re- ceived a common school education in this county, and afterwards graduated in mathematics at Antioch College, Yellow Springs.
A. B. MeIntosh, plasterer, Xenia, was born in Boone County, Kentucky, March 22, 1846. Is the son of William R. and Ann C. MeIntosh, his father being a native of Ohio, and his mother of Pennsylvania. The subject of our sketch was married, September 7, 1864, to Miss Kate Cochern, daughter of Samuel and Lucinda Cochern, of this city. They have had three children, Glisoe G., who died young, Cyrus W., and John P., who are still living. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Tenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, January 8, 1864, and was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864, and was transferred to Washington, after which he reported to his regiment at Danville, and after going through all the bloody and hard-fought battles participated in by that noble old regiment, received an honorable discharge in 1865. Received his education in this city, where he has spent the greater portion of his life, and is now engaged at his trade of plastering, doing a business second to none.
Thomas J. MeGaughey, laborer, Xenia, was born in Pennsylvania, in the year. 1839. Is the son of Wilson and Catharine MeGaughey, his father being a native of Kentucky, and his mother of Pennsyl- vania, and had a family of twelve children. Thomas, the subject of our sketch, was married to Miss Elizabeth Sybert, of Maryland, in the year 1864. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, Ninety-Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in the battles of Look- out Mountain, Mission Ridge, Chickamauga, Big Shanty, and many
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others; was a good soldier, and in 1864 was honorably discharged. Received his education in Pennsylvania, and was formerly a distil- ler. Is now living in this city, and is a man loved by all who know him.
Frank E. McGurvey, assistant county treasurer, Xenia, was born in this city, in the year 1855. Is the son of James McGurvey, of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio about the year 1832, and his mother came when quite young. They had a family of five chil- dren. Frank E. has always lived in this city, and was educated here. In the year 1870, he entered the book store of J. C. Trader & Co., where he remained three years, and then became book- keeper for Merrick & McClure, which position he filled two years, when he became book-keeper for J. C. Trader & Co., remaining with them for two years more. In 1876 he was appointed deputy county treasurer, under Lester Arnold, which position he now holds, though Mr. Arnold has been succeeded by J. H. Cooper, Esq. HIe has been connected with Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, as organist, for six years. In 1880 he was married to Miss Julia Dean, daughter of Daniel Dean, Esq., all of this county.
James M. McCann, sheriff, Xenia, was born in this city, August 29, 1841. His father, Wilson B., was born in Virginia, October 4, 1811, and came to Ohio in 1833. His mother, Catharine (Williams) McCann, was born in this city, December 29, 1812. They were married August 13, 1835, in this city, and have a family of three children, two daughters and one son, our subject, who is the young- est of the family. The daughters were Cassander, the eldest, and Cinderella, who died December 19, 1879. James received his edu- cation in this city, and his youth was spent on a farm near here. He is a painter by trade, which he followed several years. He was among the very first troops called out for the three months' service, and re-enlisted for three years, serving that time, and re-enlisted again, as a veteran, for three years more, or during the war, serving four years and four months, and for his valor as a soldier, was promoted from a private to first lieutenant, and then to captain of the company. He went out in Company B, Seventy-Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Is now sheriff of this county, and has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for several years. He was married, December 7, 1870, to Miss Luella Hatch, daughter of Ebenezer and Lydia IIatch. She has borne him two children, John G. and Katie May, the son seven, and the daughter five years
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of age. He has always been a staunch Republican. ITis 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. McAniffe, 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 anthentic 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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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 Caesar's Creek, this county, in 1817, and is a son of Wilson and Elizabeth McDaniel. Ilis 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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Wilford McDonald, farmer, was born in Tennessee, March 9, 1798, and is a son of Isaiah and Edith MeDonald, 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 HI., Mills S., and Columbus, were in the Union army, and all were honorably discharged. Melville and John II. 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. He is the father of six sons and five daughters, Albert, Laura, Kenton, Anna, John W., George R., Willis G., IIester 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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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. Ile 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.
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