USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio > Part 50
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Rev. Daniel A. Payne, D. D., was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in the year 1811. Is the son of London and Martha
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Payne. Daniel spent his youth in Charleston, as a carpenter and teacher. Received a liberal education at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Ile is a married man, but has no children, and is a man of exten- sive knowledge, all his works and efforts being to do good and to serve his Master. He is generous and kind-hearted toward the poor and suffering, and is the founder of Wilberforce University, an institution well known throughout the United States, and even in the old country. He is constantly traveling all over the country, doing good in whatever way the Master calls. He owns one of the finest residences at Wilberforce, known as the evergreen cottage, and it well deserves the name. While the writer is penning these lines the bishop is at Raleigh, North Carolina, and knowing the good this man is doing, we feel like uniting, with the thousands of his friends, in the prayer for his protection and a long, happy, and prosperous life.
Silas D. Piper, grocer, Wilberforce, was born in Louisiana, in the year 1857, and is the son of Philip and Nellie Piper, who were both natives of Louisiana, and immigrated to Cincinnati, where they remained about two months, then removed to Wilberforce in 1859. They have a family of three daughters and three sons, all living : Adelia, Alexander E., Silas D., Philip J., Ella L., and Jose- phine. Silas D., the subject of our sketch, was married to Ella S. Bass, daughter of John and Maria Bass, of North Carolina, in the year 1879, but they have no children. Taught school in Harrisburg County, Louisiana, in the fall of 1876, after which he returned to Ohio, and located at Wilberforce, where his mother and family re- side. He is now engaged in the grocery business, and by his hon- est and fair dealing, and sociable and genial disposition, has gained a good trade, and a great many warm friends. Received his edu- cation at Wilberforce University, where he has spent the principal part of his life. Is a Republican in politics, and is always ready to advance the interests of his country, and to aid in all worthy un- dertakings for the good of those around him.
K. B. Rader, carriage painter, Xenia, was born in this city, in the year 1859. Is the son of Levi and Elizabeth Rader, both natives of Ohio, who had a family of six children, Jolin A., Emma D., Jennie, Henry, Kimber, and Clara. The latter, who was the second child, died many years ago. The subject of our sketch is a carriage painter by trade, but is now engaged with Mr. Sowards, in the sale of musical instruments, at No. 18 South Detroit Street, and is much
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better fitted for his present position than a painter, having a fine musical ear, with a talent for music which but few possess, and is a man of genial disposition.
Drostus Saunders, grocer, Xenia, was born in Warren County, Ohio, in the year 1854. Is the son of Hiram and Sarah Saunders, both natives of Virginia, who came to Ohio about the year 1814, with a family of three sons and two daughters. Drostus, the sub- ject of our sketch, was married to Rebecca J. Barnes, daughter of John and Margaret Barnes, of Warren County. They had one child, William Harrison, who died, September 17, 1880, in the third year of his age. By trade he is a carpenter, but is now engaged in the grocery business, as clerk for E. Smith, on Detroit Street.
William S. Scarborough, professor of Latin and Greek at Wil- berforce, born in Macon, Georgia, in the year 1852, is a son of Jeremiah and Frances Scarborough, both natives of that place. The subject of our sketch came to Ohio, and entered Oberlin Col- lege, in the year 1871, and graduated in the year 1875. Is now professor of Latin and Greek at Wilberforce University. Received the degree of Master of Arts in 1878, and is a member of the order of Good Templers. Is also a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church at Wilberforce. Is now engaged in a work on Greek, called the "Elementary Text Book," or the first lessons in Greek, which is intended for new beginners. Was principal of the Albany Enterprise Academy ; also taught at Cuthvert, Georgia, at the Howard Normal School, as principal. Taught Latin and Greek under the American Missionary Society, and was principal of Payne's Institute, at Coaxville, Abbeyville County, South Carolina. Is a great favorite at Wilberforce University, and wherever known.
George A. Schardt, sewing machine agent, Xenia, was born in Cincinnati, in the year 1857, and is a son of John and Barbara Schardt, both natives of Germany, who immigrated to this country about the year 1850, with a family of three sons and three daugh- ters, George A., Lena, Bennie, Rettie, Joseph, and Katie. George A., the eldest son, and the subject of our sketch, received his edu- cation in Baltimore, Maryland, and Ohio, and has spent the greater portion of his life in this city, where he is now engaged in the sew- ing machine business, and by his untiring energy and genial dispo- sition has worked up a trade second to none in the county. Ilis place of business is in George W. Conners' drug store, corner of Main and Detroit streets.
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Thomas E. Scroggy, attorney-at-law, Xenia, was born in Harris- burg, Warren County, Ohio, on the 18th day of March, 1843, and is the son of John and Sarah Scroggy, both natives of New Jersey, who immigrated to Ohio about the year 1820, with a family of seven children. His father's first wife died about the year 1830, and in 1835 he married Miss Lucy A. Smith, by whom he had eight children, John B., Charity A., Margaret J., James W., Thomas E., Elizabeth II., Lydia L., and Catharine A. Thomas, the subject of of our sketch, was married, January 18, 1866, to Mary S. Ledbet- ter, daughter of Robinson and Keziah Ledbetter, of this city, and had one child by her, Earl Edmund, who died at the age of ten months. Our subject enlisted in the three months' service, at the opening of the war, in the Twelfth Regiment, Ohio Volunteers, and re-enlisted for three years, in Company H, Thirty-Ninth Ohio Volunteers. This regiment was organized at Camp Dennison, Ohio, and left in July, 1861, for Camp Benton, at St. Louis, Missouri, and from there went to New Mexico, Missouri, and thence to the relief of Colonel Mulligan, at Lexington; but when within six miles of that place, they learned that the rebels had captured it, and being surprised, retreated to Liberty, where they took boats, and went to Kansas City, and from there to Springfield, under General Fremont, following him until he reached New Madrid, where he had his first engagement. After capturing the place, they went to Island No. 10, which they took, with over five thousand men, and all their munitions of war; thence to Fort Pillow, Pittsburgh Landing, and Corinth, and at its evacuation they were the first regiment to enter the fort. At Nicojack Creek he was shot through the right lung, taking out forty-two pieces of bone. He has the ball which did the work in his possession, and an open wound as large as a ball, which, in all probability, he will carry to his grave, as a memento of that bloody battle. After being wounded, he was sent to Nash- ville, Tennessee, and after laying there a month, his friends brought him home. He was reported mortally wounded, but being a man of uncommon nerve, he survived the sickness, and after going through the many hard-fought battles with his regiment, received an honorable discharge in April, 1865, and to-day is engaged in the practice of law, in which, from the writer's knowledge and informa- tion, he stands at the head.
John M. Sellers, carpenter, Xenia, was born in the year 1824. Is a son of Jacob S. and Susan Sellers, who were both born in
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Warren County, Ohio, and had a family of seven children, Henri- etta, John M., Lucinda, Elizabeth, Cynthia, Newton, and Jane S. John, the subject of this sketch, was married, in 1846, to Miss Olive Holcomb, by whom he had two children, both daughters; Millie, the eldest, who died in her twenty-first year, and Clara, now living with her parents. He enlisted in Company II, Ninety-Fourth Ohio Volunteers, in 1862, and had a taste of battle at Tates' Ford, Ken- tucky, and after many long and tedious marches, was discharged in November, 1862. Received a common school education in Warren County, Ohio, where he spent the principal portion of his life. Re- moved to this city in April, 1852, where he has since remained. A portion of the time he was engaged in the grocery business, and the balance of his life has been spent at his trade. By his faithful- ness, and strict attention to business, he has gained a full share of patronage from the people of this county. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for twenty-six years, and is to- day one of the influential men of the town.
Rev. James A. Shorter, bishop of the African Methodist Episco- pal Church, Wilberforce, was born in Washington, D. C., in the year 1817. Is the son of Charles and Elizabeth Shorter, both na- tives of Maryland, who were blessed with a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters. The father and mother both died in Washington. James, the subject of our sketch, was married to his first wife, Miss Julia Stewart, of Philadelphia, in the year 1839, and by her had three children, James A., Emma A., and Joseph P. They all lived happily together for thirteen years, when the mother was called to the better world, and in 1851 he was again united in the holy bonds of wedlock to Miss Maria Carter, of Washington, D. C., daughter of Amos and Julia Carter, of Montgomery County, Maryland, by whom he has two children, Julia A. and Roberta P'., both living. IIe has been a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for forty-two years, and for over thirteen years has filled the exalted office of bishop. Received his education at Washington City, where his youth was spent. In politics he is a Republican, and is a staunch believer in the democratic doctrine that the majority shall rule, and in free speech, free ballot, and a free press, and is a zealous worker for the right in all things. By his hard labor, and his firm and sturdy example, he has made every one who knows him his friend. He has a son, who is now one of the professors at Wilberforce University, and a leader in his profes-
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sion. To visit them at their homes, one would think that nothing more was needed to make their happiness complete. The old gen- tleman, with his frosted locks, and the young son following in his footsteps, and probably soon to fill the vacant place, is encourage- ment enough to ease the mind when the summons shall come, and we hear the words, ""Tis enough; come up higher."
Henry W. Shields, reporter of banks, was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, in the year 1823. Alonzo and Celia Shields, his father and mother, are lost to memory. Born and raised a slave, he was the property of William Shields, who purchased him on the auction block, and kept him for some six years. Just before the breaking out of the rebellion, Mr. Shields willed Henry his freedom. In 1847 he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Weaver, and by her had one son and two daughters. One child died a natural death, and the other two were drowned, with their mother. IIe settled in Xenia, and after seven years was married to Miss Amelia Petway. Two sons and six daughters, Robert W., Mamie E., Anna R., William H., Stella E., Henrietta V., Luella F., and Laura D., all living, are the fruits of this union. Anna A., and Minnie, are dead, and have gone to meet their friends where the troubles of life are over.
Joseph P. Shorter, professor of mathematics, Xenia, was born in Washington, D. C., in 1845, and is a son of bishop James A. and Julia Shorter-his father a native of Virginia, and his mother of Washington, D. C. His youth was passed principally at Wilber- force, where he received the greater part of his education. In . 1878 he was married to Miss Susie I. Lankford, of Richmond, Indiana, and the result of their marriage was one child, a daugh- ter. Now professor of mathematics at Wilberforce University, and member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, he is highly regarded by all friends and acquaintances. His father, James, has been a bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for some sixteen years, and now resides near the college grounds.
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, clergyman, 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. Ile 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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Ile 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. Ilis 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, 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. IIe 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.
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