History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 54

Author: R. S. Dills
Publication date: 1881
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1037

USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio > Part 54

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).

SECRET SOCIETIES.

Odd-Fellows .- Cedarville Lodge, No. 630, was organized June 20, 1876, by W. C. Earl, special deputy from Grand Lodge at Cleveland. The charter members were as follows: N. B. Cleaver, J. W. MeLane, A. C. Owens, T. C. Gibson, F. J. Huffman, E. W.

Digitized by Google

558

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Van Horn, William Shull, M. Rasor, S. L. Walker, M. Albitz, J. W. Walker, W. H. Walker, and Alexander Noble. First officers were, N. B. Cleaver, N. G .; W. H. Walker, V. G .; T. C. Gibson, record- ing secretary, J. W. Walker, permanent secretary, F. J. Huffman, treasurer. Present officers are: Dr. W. P. Madden, N. G .; E. W. VanHorn, V. G .; J. W. McLane, treasurer, Byron Miller, record- ing secretary, Alexander Noble, corresponding secretary. The lodge at present contains a membership of twenty-six. E. W. Van Horn is the oldest member of the lodge, and Barton White the youngest. The society has no room of its own, but holds its delib- erations in the hall built by Mr. Gowdy for this purpose, which he rents to the order for $72.00 per year.

The G. U. O. F. (colored) received its charter in January, 1879. The charter members were: Daniel Smith, Thomas Mitchell, Wil- liam Fields, James K. Smith, Moses Moss, David Samuels, John Smith, Newton Gaines, James Gaines, Joseph Ross, William Gallo- way, Stephen Thomas, Vincent Smith, Wilson Smith, John R. Smith, Joseph, Wright, Robert Pigg, James Robinson, David Stout, Harris Taylor, Milton Robinson, Amaziah Hamilton, Harrison Tilley, Graham Sellers, John Woodford, and Charles Smith. Pre- sent officers: John Silvey, N. G .; Stephen Thomas, V. G .; John Smith, R. S .; John R. Smith, P. S .; Thomas Mitchell, T .; James Wright, P. N. G .; James K. Smith, N. F. The lodge numbers thirty-five members, and meets in the town hall, which they rent for that purpose.

Order of United American Mechanics .- Continental Council No.

1 . 27, of the State of Ohio, received its charter from the State Coun- cil, at Cleveland, August 9, 1873. The charter members were: E. W. Van Horn, W. H. Walker, J. W. Walker, Robinson Satter- field, J. B. Beamer, S. L. Walker, Jos. Van Horn, J. F. Studivant, W. S. Walker, E. A. Thomison, A. B. Cline, D. II. McFarland, J. P. Satterfield, G. W. Randall, II. D. Gibney, W. H. Iliff, R. Fitz- gerald, G. W. Werntz, D. W. Walker, Jasper Ballard, J. W. Mc- Farland, J. A. Sites, II. Cross, W. Beamer, C. W. Mincer, T, P. Iliff, John Phillips, and A. C. Scanland. The present officers are : J. Van Horn, C .; T. V. Iliff, V. C .; D. II. McFarland, R. S .; John W. Booth, F. S .; S. L. Walker, T .; A. B. Cline I .; J. W. McFar- land, Ex .; R. McFarland, I. P .; W. Beaver, O. P .; E. Van Horn, J. Ex. C .; W. H. Iliff, S. Ex. C. The order at present consists of forty members at this place. They meet every Wednesday even-

Digitized by Google

559

CEDARVILLE TOWNSHIP.

ing in the hall built by the town council, for which they have pro- cured a lease for a term of five years. S. L. Walker is the oldest, and Albert Barr the youngest member of his lodge.

SOLDIERS.

During the War of 1812 quite a number of the pioneers of this locality laid by the ax and left the plows standing in the furrow, and went forth to battle for their homes and firesides. Judge Samuel Kyle, the Townsleys, McMillens, McFarlands, Reids, and many others might be named, who fought bravely for their coun- try during the war. And in later years, when the clanking from the chains of many thousand slaves was wafted northward, the noise of the coming tempest was heard here, and many stout hearts and strong bodies turned from Cedarville Township, and joined the boys in blue who went to fight for freedom in freedom's holy land. Among those who went to fight from this township were: John Anderson, Michael Agen, Andrew J. Bays, Joseph Berger, John HI. Bickett, John D. Crooks, Michael Conroy. James H. Evans, B. J. Fuvnier, Charles Howard, Adam Jordan, William Kitchens, Theodore Klingsohr, John J. Langden, W. H. Liter, Michael Mc- Hugh, Thomas II. McClellan, Alfred Qualls, John Sall, Albert J. Sprinkle, Moses B. Stout, Fred. Strasbaugh, Andrew Troup, James A Turner, William B. Turner, Thomas Underhill, Carey A. Wy- koff, Joseph Welsh, Joseph L. Wiley, Daniel Wilson, Francis S. Waring, Rudolph Garper, Thomas Mitchell, and Creed T. Price. Some of these returned safe home; some lie buried on southern battle-fields, in unknown graves; others were maimed for life ; but the cause for which they battled was won, and a halo of glory sheds a lustre around their names that time can never dim.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Stephen C. Beal, deceased, Cedarville, son of George and Rachel (Driscol) Beal, was born in Greene County, August 1, 1827. He married, August 28, 1852, Miss Amanda J. Smith, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Kimble) Smith, who were natives of Vir- ginia, and ranked among the early pioneers of this county. Ste- phen was the father of four children, all living: Rosetta J., George D., Etta L., and Charles M. Ile was a member of the Methodist

Digitized by Google

560

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Episcopal Church, respected by all, and among the prominent business men of this part of the county. Departed this life, April 13, 1877.

George W. Brown, farmer, Cedarville, was born in Louden County, Va., February 13, 1804, son of Jacob and Judith (Walters) Brown. George immigrated to this county with his parents at the age of thirty-one years. His father located two thousand acres of land in the woods, where George and his parents lived under one roof for fifty-five years-an occurrence which is seldom known. They lived and toiled together, cutting away the dense forests, and making themselves a farm. Our subject was married, December 15, 1849, to Miss Eliza McCroy, the daughter of James and Elizabeth McCroy, who were also natives of Virginia. George is a member of the Friends' society, a stalwart Republican, and cast his vote for James A. Garfield.

William H. Bull, farmer, son of James and Anna (Gowdy) Bull, who were born in Pennsylvania, about 1776, was born in Cedarville Township, November 14, 1805. James departed this life at the age of ninety-two years, and Anna at sixty-two years. William spent the early part of his life at home with his parents ; when he reached the age of twenty-five, he hired to work on a farm at $8.00 per month. Was married December 22, 1836, to Abby R. Kyle, daughter of Joseph and Jane (Gowdy) Kyle. Six children have been born to them. Four of their sons took part in the late war. James Kyle was a member of the Thirty-Fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer In- fantry. Serving four years, following his regiment through several hotly contested engagements, was incarcerated for some time in Libby Prison. John Gowdy served as a soldier two years, W. II. Gowdy one year, and Joseph K. Gowdy three months. William and his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church -Massic's Creek congregation.

J. P. Caldwell, druggist, was born in Cedarville Township in 1836, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (McMillan) Caldwell, who were born in South Carolina, and with their parents came to Ohio in an early day. Mr. Caldwell located on the eastern side of the town- ship. To them two children were born : Joseph P., and David R. The husband and father died at the age of forty-two or forty-three; the mother survived her husband, and died at the age of sixty-three years. They were members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. They left their native state on account of slavery, and came to Ohio

Digitized by Google

561

CEDARVILLE TOWNSHIP.

that they might escape its degrading influence. Our subject was reared on the farm, and at his father's death, was taken by his grandfather, David McMillan, with whom he lived till twenty-four years old. IIe then began life for himself, and engaged in farming, which he followed till 1873, when he came to Cedarville, and en- barked in the drug business in which he is yet engaged. In 1860, he was married to Susan McQuillen, who presented him with three children : Elizabeth, James, and Mary. Mrs. Caldwell died in the bloom of womanhood, April 7, 1876, aged thirty-nine years. In the township he has been assessor, and in the village, member of the council for five years. His brother was a member of Colonel Stephenson's regiment of one hundred day men.

II. D. Cline, postmaster, was born December 20, 1834, in Berkeley County, Virginia, and is the son of Hiram and Annie Cline, who came to this place with their parents when this was a new country, and erected a log cabin on the ground where the United Presby- terian Church now stands. The subject of this sketch spent his youth at home, receiving the rudiments of education in the com- mon district schools. On the 19th of April, 1861, he was the first to enlist in the Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, following his regi- ment through six general engagements, with credit to himself and his country. Was mustered out of the service the fifth of August, 1863, on account of disability. Was appointed postmaster in 1869, which he has held to the satisfaction of the people until the present time. Has also been mayor of this town for two years, councilman three years, and a member of the school board; is recognized as one of the public spirited men of his village. In 1863, he was mar- ried to Anna C. Powers, by which marriage two children are now living : Armence A., and Carrie E. The deceased are: John W., Josephine, Frank C., and Effie C. Mr. and Mrs. Cline are mem- bers of the Methodist Church.

James S. MeCollum, farmer, born in Butler County, Ohio, Au- gust, 1832, was raised a farmer, and received the rudiments of his education in the common distriet schools. Was a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-Sixth Regiment, Ohio National Guards, stationed near Cumberland, where he remained as a soldier four months. Was married, January 1, 1868, to Miss Priscilla Elliott. She departed this life March 17, 1871. October 5, 1876, he mar- ried Sarah Creswell, daughter of Samuel and Eliza Creswell, whose names appear in another part of this work. James and his wife are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Digitized by Google

562

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Robert M. Cooper, farmer, born on the farm where he now lives, January 23, 1838, is the son of John A., and Agnes (King) Cooper, who were among the pioneers of this county. Robert was educated in what was known as the Kyle district, and has remained at his present home all his life. He married, Decem- ber 24, 1862, Margaret J. MeClellan, daughter of James and Am- anda (Hyslop) Mcclellan. He and his wife are members of the Re- formed Presbyterian Church, and have two children now living: Mary E., and James McClellan.

Samuel Creswell, farmer, born on the farm where he now lives, January 12, 1820, is the son of James and Anna (Junkin) Creswell, who were born in Pennsylvania, and emigratedwith their parents to Louisville, Kentucky, about 1781, which place was but a small village at that time. Remaining here about eighteen years, they removed to this county, in 1813, and located on the farm where Samuel and his family now live. June 10, 1846, Samuel, our subject, married Eliza J. IIffuman, daughter of Aaron and Martha (White) Huffman. The children have been born by this marriage, all of whom are now living. The family are active members of the Reformed Presby- terian Church.

James Dunlap, lumber dealer and farmer, Cedarville, was born in the County of Antrum, Ireland, April 29, 1812, and is the son of William and Jane (More) Dunlap. He received his early edu- cation in Ireland, and at the age of sixteen came with his father to Cincinnati, where he made his home with his brother, working in a box manufactory, which business was carried on by his father and brother Robert. At the age of eighteen he was employed in a bank as messenger-boy, and remained as such for several years. Finally he rose to the position of book-keeper in the Franklin Bank, and filled that position until 1836, when he was compelled to abandon his place on account of poor health. During his bank- ing experience he at one time was sent in charge of two thousand six hundred pounds of specie, which was loaded in an open wagon and drawn from Cincinnati to Lexington, Kentucky, being four days on the road, and passing through dense forests and lonely val- leys, with but two men in company with him. Archbishop Wood was also a clerk in the bank with our subject. Soon after James retired from his position in the bank, he embarked in the lumber business, which he has followed almost continuously until the pres- ent time. In the year 1835 he married Jane M. Limerick, daugh-

Digitized by Google

563

CEDARVILLE TOWNSHIP.

ter of James and Rachel Limerick, and raised from a small child by Mrs. Jepthah Gerard. She departed this life in the year 1871, at the age of fifty-three years, leaving her husband and five chil- dren to mourn her loss.

D. S. Ervin, lime manufacturer and dealer, Cedarville, was born in Morrow County, Indiana, near Bloomington, on the 25th day of April, 1836. His father was born in the County Antrum, Ireland, and his mother in South Carolina. They were married about the year 1828, and removed from South Carolina to Indiana about 1829,-to avoid the influences of slavery,-locating on a farm in Morrow County. Charles Ervin departed this life in 1869; his wife remaining in Indiana until 1878, when she removed to Greene County to make a permanent home. The subject of this sketch passed the early part of his life at home with his parents. In the year 1865, he removed to Princeton, Gibson County, Indiana, and embarked in the lumber business. IIe remained there a short time, and then came to this. In May, 1877, he married Miss Belle Murdock. They have two children by this union : J. B., and Mary B. Mr. and Mrs. Ervin are members of the Reformed Presby- terian Church, and are recognized as good Christian people in the community in which they live. Mr. Ervin is not only the largest lime manufacturer in the place, but has an interest in a large grist- mill, is an extensive grain merchant and coal dealer, paying out $150.00 per week for common labor.

Robert Ervin, milling and grain dealer, Cedarville, was born in Monroe County, Indiana, near Bloomington, September 10, 1848, and passed the early part of his life on a farm, receiving the rudi- ments of his education in the common district schools. In the spring of 1877 he removed to this county, and engaged in business for his brother a period of about ten months. Being favorably impressed with this county and its people, he returned to Indiana and sold the greater portion of his property, after which he settled in this place to make it his permanent home. IIe is the son of Charles and Jane (Smith) Ervin. His father was born in Ireland and his mother in South Carolina. They emigrated with their parents to Bloomington, Indiana, in 1830, and married, December 21, 1833. Eight children were born to them, six of whom are now living : John M., D. S., Nancy, Margaret, Jennie, and Robert. Our subject is recognized as one of the leading business men of the town. Is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and a strict, conscientious, Christian man.

Digitized by Google

564

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

John F. Frazier, merchant, Cedarville, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, in 1813, and is a son of Andrew and Ann (Adair) Frazier. His father was born in County Downs, and his mother in County Antrum, Ireland. In County Downs they were married, and about 1805 immigrated to America, landing in Phila- delphia during the great plague. The morning following their arrival, they hurriedly left the city, leaving their baggage aboard ship, which they never got. They located in Fayette County, and lived there till 1817, when they moved to Adams County, Ohio, and three years later removed to Brown County, where they died; he in 1823, aged forty-five, and his wife in 1844, aged sixty-six or sixty-seven years. Nine children were born to them, five of whom are living; Jane, Eliza, Lavina, Rebecca, and John F. The de- ceased were Hugh, William, James A., and Esther. James A. was a missionary in the United Presbyterian Church, and was stationed in Damascus, Syria, where he labored from 1851 till his death, in 1863, with the exception of two or three years he passed at home. His daughter Mary is a teacher in the mission schools of the Uni- ted Presbyterian Church in Egypt. Mr. Frazier was reared on the farm till fifteen years old, when he was apprenticed to learn the tanning and shoe-making business, in Russellville, Brown County Ohio, where he labored for two years and a half, then worked at various points, at journeyman's work, and finally purchased a tan- yard in Decatur, Ohio, to which he gave his attention eleven years, after which he sold out, and in 1847 located in Cedarville, and em- barked in the mercantile business, in which he is yet engaged. He has been married four times; first, to Sarah Kelley, in November, 1833, by whom he had three children, Andrew S., Margaret J., and James K. Mrs. Frazier died in 1847, aged thirty-two years. See- ondly, to Ann E. Mccullough, in February, 1849. She departed this life, August 1, 1849, aged twenty-seven years. Thirdly, to Eliza V. Dille, in March, 1851, by whom he had four children, Flora, William S., Mary A., and Johanna. Mrs. Frazier died in the fall of 1861, aged thirty-eight years. ITis fourth and last mar- riage was celebrated in 1866, with Nancy - -, of Pennsylvania, by whom he had one child, John II. Mrs. Frazier died in 1869, aged forty-two years. In politics he is strongly Republican, always voting with that party upon all questions at issue. Has been treas- urer of the township eleven years, and has been a member of the United Presbyterian Church since twenty-one years of age. His

Digitized by Google

565

CEDARVILLE TOWNSHIP.

first vote, for W. H. Harrison, was not deposited, yet he held a contrary ballot on the opposite side. In 1844 he voted for Birney.

Robert Gray, grocer, Cedarville, was born in Covington, Keu- tucky, in the year 1844. The early part of his business life was spent in traveling for Kimball, Aikman & Co., of Indianapolis, and Ilenry Hammond & Co., of Cincinnati. He has been a commercial traveler for seventeen years. Came to this place, August 11, 1879, and commenced his present business, which he has carried on suc- cessfully until the present time, keeping in stock almost everything that can be found in a first-class grocery store. He is the son of John and Jane Gray, who were natives of the North of Ireland. His father was born December 25, 1798, and his mother October 5, 1802. Robert, the subject of this sketch, was married, in 1870, to Miss Belle Dempsey. They have one daughter, Daisy E .; are members of the Presbyterian Church, and we recognize in Mr. Gray one of the leading business men of the town in which he lives.

George W. Harper, farmer and stock raiser, Cedarville, was born in this county, May 30, 1825. Is a son of Thomas and Mary (Sir- lotte) Harper, who were born at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, the name of which place originated from the same family of Harpers. They came to this county about the year 1812, and are numbered among the earliest settlers of the same. Mr. Harper grew to be one of the wealthiest farmers, and departed this life, January 8, 1878, aged eighty-two years. His wife, Mary S. Harper, died April 6, 1873. George, the subject of this sketch, spent the early part of his life at home, with his parents. At the age of eighteen he commenced business for himself, dealing in cattle in Illinois, and has remained in that business until the present time. He was educated in the common schools, except one year, when he attended Thomas Steele's select school. He was married, in the year 1860, to Vinnie Murray, daughter of George and Vinnie (Morris) Murray. We are pleased to record George as one of, if not the largest, land owners now in the county, owning eleven hundred acres at the present time, and has about completed the handsomest dwelling now in Cedarville.

James Jeffreys, furniture manufacturer, Cedarville, was born in Greenville County, Virginia, January 30, 1821. Is the son of Silas and Susan (Pruit) Jeffreys. Silas was a descendant of the Catawba tribe of Indians. James was married, September 7, 1852, to Miss Nancy Wooten, who bore him six children, three of whom are now

Digitized by Google

566

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

living, Salathiel A., Elmer, and Emma. His first wife dying, he again, January 24, 1865, married Elizabeth Crone, daughter of Levi and Margaret Crone, natives of Virginia. Three children were born by the last marriage, U. II., W. O., and Ernest. James is the senior member of the Jeffreys Furniture Manufacturing Com- pany, salesroom, No. 9 Greene Street, Xenia, where can be found the latest patterns in furniture.

Mason Jeffreys, furniture manufacturer, Cedarville, was born in Cedarville, September 8, 1835, and is the son of Uriah and Caroline Jeffreys, who were born in North Carolina, and came to this coun- ty about the year 1830. Uriah was a descendant of the tribe of Catawba Indians. Mason, the subject of this sketch, remained at home with his parents until he reached his majority, receiving his education in the common district schools. In 1860, he married Miss Johanna A. Heithcook, daughter of Decatur and Emeline IIeithcook. Three children have been born to them, two of which are now living, John R. and Freddie.

William Kyle, farmer, Cedarville, was born on the farm now known as the Mardock Place, August 27, 1821, and is the son of Samuel and Rachel (Jackson) Kyle, of whom mention is made in another part of this work. Received the rudiments of his educa- tion in a log school house, that stood not far from where the Oak Grove House now stands. At the age of twenty-four, he married Rachel Cherry, daughter of James and Elizabeth Cherry, natives of Virginia. He is the father of nine children, all living. Are members of the United Presbyterian Church.

James Kyle, retired farmer, Cedarville, was born in this town- ship, November 8, 1819. Is the son of Samuel and Rachel (Jack- son) Kyle. Samuel was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and emigrated, with his parents, to near Cynthiana, Kentucky, and was married at about the age of twenty-three, to Miss Mitchell. Six children were born to them. She departed this life about the year 1813. Again, in 1815, Samuel married Miss Rachel Jackson. Fif- teen children were borne by this marriage, ten of whom are now living. James, the subject of this sketch, was the tenth child, and remained in the family until the age of twenty-five, when he mar- ried Jane Parks. She died one year after, and in nine years from her death he married Miss Maria Tarbox. They have but two children, John M. and Charles HI. Mr. and Mrs. Kyle are both members of the United Presbyterian Church, and are living on a farm of one hundred and four acres, pleasantly located.

Digitized by Google

567

CEDARVILLE TOWNSHIP.

J. W. MeFarland, farmer, Cedarville, was born on the farm where he now lives, January 15, 1846. Is the son of G. C. and Evaline (Hicks) MeFarland. Received an early education in the district schools, and remained at home with his parents until July 1, 1863, when he enlisted in the naval service, and was a seaman on the gunboats Victory and Benton, plying the Ohio, Mississippi, Cum- berland, Red Rivers, and was engaged in a number of skirmishes. Ile was mustered out of the service, August 28, 1865. December 20, 1877, was married to Mattie Marshall, daughter of Hugh and Mary Meeny Marshall, natives of Ireland. Arthur HI. McFarland, deceased, and brother of our subject, was born in this township, September 10, 1843, and was much beloved by all who knew him, as a model young man. He enlisted in the Seventieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in the service but three months, when he returned home on furlough, and died shortly after, Janu- ary 26, 1862, of typhoid fever.

Samuel K. Mitchell, lumber dealer, Cedarville, was born in Xenia Township, June 20, 1822, and is the thirteenth son of James and Martha (Espy) Mitchell, who were born in Pennsylvania, and when yet young, went with their parents to Kentucky in a very early day. Grandfather David Mitchell erected the first cabin on the present site of Lexington, Kentucky. They remained here some years, when, on account of slavery, he sold out about the year 1800, came to this county, and settled near Bellbrook, where they resid- ed some years, being one of the first settlers in that locality. From here he removed to Clark's Run, north of Xenia, where he made a permanent home, and died in 1848, his wife dying in Xenia, Sep- tember 1, 1865, aged eighty-eight years. Mr. Mitchell, sen., was a soldier in the war of 1812, in which he contracted sciatic pains, which made him a great sufferer, and incapacitated him from doing manual labor. They were parents of thirteen children, four of whom are living: Margaret, Thomas, Robert, and our subject. The deceased were David, James E., Eliza, Ann, Josiah, Martha, Sarah, Francis P., and Maria. They all grew to manhood and womanhood. Francis P. was a physician, and died of yellow fever, in New Orleans. Mr. Mitchell and his wife were mem- bers of the United Presbyterian Church, in which he was an active and zealous worker. Politically, he was an Abolitionist, and in the exciting times of 1844, was one of the three or four men in Xenia Township who voted for James G. Birney, anti-

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.

History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio, Part 54

Author: R. S. Dills Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1037

Author: R. S. Dills
Publication date: 1881
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1037