History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 139

Author: Chester E. Bryan
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1207

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WILLIAM A. CLAWSON.

Great stability of character has been the lever with which William A. Clawson, . one of Range township's most substantial farmers, has wrested a competency from the soil, and by diligent effort and thrift, has earned the confidence and respect of his fellow men. He was born on April 19, 1850, in Ross county, Ohio, one of ten children born to Strawder and Louise (Ogden) Clawson, eight of whom are now living.

Strawder Clawson, the father, was born on March 1, 1823, in Kentucky, and in 1837, when a lad of fourteen, removed with his parents to Ross county, Ohio.

Four years after the arrival in Ross county of Strawder Clawson, Louise Ogden, who was to be his future bride, arrived with her parents from Maryland. She was born in 1883, and when she came to Ohio was a girl of eight years. The family had traveled all the way from Maryland to Ross county, Ohio, in a covered wagon. Although an extensive farmer in his day, Strawder Clawson, in addition to his agricultural inter- ests, was a stock buyer and shipper. In 1874, while on a visit in Illinois, he was taken ill and passed away very suddenly. The wife is still living and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Silas Drais, near Mt. Sterling, Ohio.

William A. Clawson received what little schooling he could in the district schools near Madison Mills, Ohio. His education was very limited, owing to his father's need of him in connection with the work on the farm at his home. In 1876, when only a lad of seventeen, he came to Madison county, and rented the Curtis Ward farm, situated near Sedalia, which he subsequently tilled for twenty-five consecutive years. During fifteen years of his career on this 1arm, aside from his agricultural pursuits, he engaged in buying cattle for a large export company, and hogs for a packing plant in Massa- chusetts. Most of the stock purchased for the export trade was shipped from Madison and Fayette counties.

For twenty years past the breeding of Shorthorn cattle, Duroc-Jersey hogs and Norman horses has been the specialty of Mr. Clawson. He enjoys the distinction of being an exceptionally good cattle feeder. On one occasion he reared and fed four yearling calves that tipped the beam at one thousand two hundred and ninety-six pounds each, at time of sale. On January 1. 1902, Mr. Clawson purchased the farm on which he now resides, containing one hundred and twenty acres, located on the Fed- eral roads between Danville and Sedalia, in a soil region of great fertility, well improved with hnudreds of rods of tiling, a good barn and other improvements in the process of completion.

On September 1, 1904, William A. Clawson was united in marriage to Mrs. Lillian L. Young, daughter of Reuben T. Latham, of Sedalia. Receiving her education in the village schools of Sedalia, one year each at the London and Springfield schools, Mrs. ' Clawson began teaching school in her native township at an early age, engaging nine

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consecutive years in this occupation, spending five years of this time at one district in Paint township. She is an active member of the Presbyterian church in the town of her birth, a loyal church worker, interested in the missionary cause, identified with the .Woman's Christian Temperance Union, an ardent supporter of all movements having an educational or moral intent. She stands for all that is noble and uplifting, and is highly respected. In the different sections where she has resided.

Mr. Clawson is identified with the ' Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order uf Odd Fellows, in which orders he is regarded as a member of high esteem. Still hale. and hearty, in the prime of life, he displays' more than ordinary interest in all civic and political questions, and has a Host of friends in and out of his immediate community.

FRED L. CRABBE.

The liquor question today is'a great issue, and the entire country awaits with inter- est the final outcome of the great battle that is being waged between the "wets" and "drys." To the casual observer it would seem that the issue is even greater than the combatants themselves realize; and true it is that if the people had realized years ago the tmiportance of the strictest regulation in regard to this vital 'question, there never would have been the need for national prohibition. Nothing ever becomes a menace if properly regulated in the beginning; however, the fight is on, and many good, strong soldiers are taking part in the campaign, one of whom is Fred L. Crabbe, attorney and school teacher, of Mt. Sterling. Madison county, Ohio.

The majority of people applaud those who have the courage of their convictions, even though an enemy to their cause, and the residents of Mt. Sterling give their hearty support and co-operation to Mr. Crabbe in his campaign against the liquor . interests. In his position as city attorney he wields great influence and stands squarely for purity in both public and private life. Fred L. Crabbe was born on August 19, 1885. at Big Plain, Madison county, Ohio, and Is the son of John W. and Ellen (Mfinshall) Crabbe. He was reared on the farm and attended the district schools of Fairfield and Deer Creek townships, Madison county. After finishing in the schools of Fairfield. Mr. Crabbe attended the Normal school at Athens, Athens county, and then. in 1903. began teaching at South Solon, this county. For four years he taught in the district schools of Union township, and in the year 1011 began teaching in the Mt. Sterling schools, where he was principal of the grammar department. Later, Mr: Crabbe resigned his position in the Mt. Sterling schools and is now devoting his entire time to fighting the liquor traffic. After being amliated with the Ohio Anti-Saloon League for three years. he was elected attorney for that organization. and is' now serving as attorney for the Anti-Saloon League in the Toledo district. He is devoting his entire time to the prosecution of violations of the liquor laws and lecturing for the cause of temperance. : That Mr. Crabhe was peculiarly fitted for the practice of law, is attested by the fact that. three years after he was admitted to the bar, he was elected as city attorney and solicitor for Mt. Sterling and of all the cases he has pleaded, both in the civil and criminal courts, he has never lost a case. He began the study of law with his brother, Charles, in 1905. and was admitted to the bar in 1913. He now devotes his entire time to his law practice. In all questions of civic betterment, Mr. Crabbe is a diligent and conscientious worker.

On May 21, 1907. Fred L. Crabbe and Ione M. Phillips, of South Solon, Ohio, were united in marriage. Ione M. Phillips was born on May 24. 1890. at Lima, Ohio, and is the daughter of Mrs. Clara J. Phillips, now of London, Ohio. -

Mr. and Mrs. Crabbe are the parents of one child. Gerald, who has developed traits

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that will very likely decide him to follow the example of his father, in becoming a 'leader on all questions pertaining to the public welfare. Mr. Crabbe takes great pride In acknowledging himself a Republican and a stanch supporter of this party. Mr. Crabbe is termed a "live wire" and any cause' which has his support is fortunate Indeed.

JOHN' WOOD JOHNSTON.

The individual homes of a nation give it stability or cause it to degenerate to the plane of weakness. So inspeaking of a nation as a whole, we accuse or praise the individual honie. Therefore, to make the establishing of a home the ambition 'of one's life, is to contribute to the strength of the nation. It is this innate love of home that develops the finest qualities of human life and he or she who has saisfied this love has been a greater factor, in the conservation of the human race, than all else beside.

In introducing John Wood Johnston, of Range township, Madison county, Ohio, to the reader of this history, it is mere justice that actuates the statement that he is one of those whose nobility of aim and untiring perseverance has contributed so largely to the betterment of this community. His grandparents came to Pennsylvania in the early days and settled in Range township, Madison county, and it was here that the son, George, and the grandson, John Wood Johnston, were born. William and Mar- garet (McClimans) 'Johnston, the grandparents of John Wood Johnston, were of hardy pioneer stock and many a sud broken life, today, would be in perfect harmony with the universe, had euch succeeding generation been prompted to the supreme efforts displayed by these thrifty pioneers.

George Johnston. actuated with this same homing instinct which impelled his parents to seek their fortunes amid the greatest hardships, toiled day by day, patiently, persistently and religiously until he finally accomplished that which was dearest and meant most happiness to his family, a home. He was born on November 29, 1814, in Range township, Madison county, and after reaching the age of maturity, availed himself of the privilege necessary to the completion of a perfect, home, marrying Barbara Beam, who bore him seven children, three of whom are now living. George Johnston followed agricultural pursuits during his entire life and passed away on the farm. which had been the nucleus of his abundant success. His death occurred on December 26. 1906. Barbara Beam Johnston was born on September 4. 1812, in Pennsylvania, and after assisting her husband in the building and maintenance of their home. passed away on July 10, 1899. Both husband and wife were members of the Methodist church and reared their children in the faith that has been such a com- fort to them through joy and sorrow.

Reared on the farm. John Wood Johnston received the rudiments of his education In the district schools of Range township. where he was born, which event took place on November 7, 1850. His labors on the home place, during his apprenticeship in the agricultural line, were very onerous. but his outstanding character has proven their worth. In order to cultivate the soil the heavy timber had to be removed, and in this process he assisted by driving an ox team for logging and hauling. He served his father faithfully for twenty-five years and in appreciation was given a farm with which to build his future competency. On this farm he built a small house and added to it as his earnings and family increased.

On September 6, 1853. Lizzie Gregg. who was to be the future wife of John Wood Johnston, was born in Paint township, Madison county, Ohio. Their marriage was solemnized in 1875, and they are the parents of four children: Mrs. Eva Henry, of Range township: Eva. who lives at home; Alva, a farmer living in Indiana, and

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Mrs. Ona Housman, who lives in Paint township, this county. On May 31, 1884, Mrs. Lizzle (Gregg) Johnston passed away.

After his many years of efficient industry, John Wood Johnston has acquired two hundred and sixty-three acres of good land upon which he is now living. In his political faith he is a Democrat and in his religious faith a Methodist, in which church he is both a trustee and steward. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also of the Farmers Grange. In the russet years of his life, John Wood Johnston can feel a satisfaction that is denied the restless, money-mad crowd that surge the cities, looking with longing eyes at the peaceful farm homes that are the root of happiness.

COL. EUGENE TRIMBLE WILSON.

Col. Eugene T. Wilson, who is a retired officer of the United States army, is a son of Thomas B. and Elizabeth S. (Trimble) Wilson, and the grandson of James and Eleanor (Smith) Wilson.

Thomas B. Wilson was born in Canaan township, October 31, 1841, and received his education in the Lafayette schools and in Ohio Wesleyan University, from which institution he was graduated in 1865. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty- fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in May, 1864, one year before his gradua- . tion, and was mustered out the following September. He was married to Elizabeth S. Trimble, August 24, 1865, shortly after his graduation from the university. She was a native of Grayson, Kentucky, and his classmate in college. They were the parents of five children : Eugene T., the immediate subject of this sketch; Morrow Beach; John T .; Mrs. Mary T. Keifer, of Springfield, Ohio, and Betty W., the last of whom is the companion and housekeeper for her brother, Col. Eugene T. Wilson.

Thomas B. Wilson was an ardent Republican and although his farm of six hun- dred acres kept him very busy, yet he nevertheless found time to serve the public in positions of trust and responsibility. He was twice elected township trustee, and in 1890 was the nominee of the Republican party for state senator from the seventh Ohio district. He was triumphantly elected and became an earnest, conscientious and able representative of the people in the sixty-ninth General Assembly. His success as a farmer and his career as a public servant were eminently gratifying to his friends, who were legion. He died at his attractive country home on the Lafayette pike, three miles north of London, September 16, 1908. His beloved wife, who had been his companion for many years, had died about seven years previously, September 30, 1901.

Eugene T. Wilson was born at Lafayette, in Madison county, and after com- pleting the high school course in the London high school, entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, and was graduated with the class of 1888. Gen. 'J. Warren Keifer was at that time the representative in Congress from the district and the speaker of the National House of Representatives.

Colonel Wilson began his military career proper as a second lieutenant in the First Artillery, at San Francisco, and was retired on July 24, 1914, with the rank of lieu- tenant-colonel of the coast artillery. He was assigned for one year as commandant of the military school conducted in connection with the Ohio State University at Columbus. From 1898 to 1899 he was chief of the depot commissary at Santiago, Cuba. From 1899 to 1901 he was aid to General Shafter, and for one year was on special service in charge of the trans-Alaska military road and government telegraph. In 1904 he was elected as one of the few officers to receive special training in the school of submarine defenses, and continued this study for one year. In 1906-7 he attended the Army War College, where special training is given for such officers as

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have ability to conduct administrative phases of war. In June, 1908, he was sent to Panama, where he remained in charge of the subsistence department until February, 1914. On March 4, 1915, by a special act of Congress, he was made colonel along with Goethals, Gorgas and others, and retired after thirty years of continuous service.

In the magnificent residence of his father, two miles north of London, on the Lafayette pike, Col. Eugene T. Wilson makes his home. This residence was built in 1800, and is one of the beautiful country places of the county. Colonel Wilson is specializing in the breeding of Shropshire sheep, and the head of his flock is the champion ram of Ohio.

MRS. MARGARET TAYLOR.

It is said that "society advances in happiness and culture not through striking dramatic acts but through myriads of unnumbered and unnoticed deeds." Historically considered, woman has been the goddess of the freeide. While it was man's duty and custom to hunt and ash and thus provide food and shelter, woman's was the care of the home and the children and the preparation of the food out of the materials which ber husband supplied. From this division of labor has come about the compara- tive obscurity in which woman bas heretofore lived, and even the modern woman finds her greatest happiness in melt-forgetful ministration to her loved ones. She whose life forms the theme of this brief chronicle, like her sisters, has been faithful to her trust. Mrs. Margaret Taylor, widow of William Taylor, was born on July 28, 1860, in Pleasant township, this county, and is the daughter of John and Margaret (Alkire) Tanner, to whom seven children were born.

The father of Mra. Taylor was a native of Pickaway county, and was born on October 4, 1809, and died in 1809. John Tanner came to Madison county when it was possible to buy good land for one dollar and fifty cents an acre. Building materials were crude at that time, but this pioneer showed his inventive genius by building a log cabin and making other improvements with the materials at hand. Living here for some time be then bought land in Madison county and the seven room house built ppon this property was considered the finest house of its time in that vicinity. This residence is still standing. Mr. Tanner's father was Cortney Tanner and his wife's maiden name was Emery, both these grandparents being natives of Kentucky.

Margaret Alkire was born in Pleasant township in 1823, her parents being Abraham and Jennie (Creath) Alkire, both of whom were born in this county. She died in 1825. Although the subject of this sketch was one of seven children, she is the only one living today. The children of Mr. and Mrs. John Tanner were. Malissa, Courtney, Hannah J., Abraham, Catherine C., William and Margaret.

Margaret Tanner remained on the home of her father during her childhood and girlbood, during which she attended the school of Mt. Sterling. The event which took ber away from the farm was her marriage to William Taylor, which occurred in 1809. Mr. Taylor was a son of Warner and Jane (Blackburn) Taylor, natives of Virginia, who emigrated to Pickaway county in the early days of 1827.

William Taylor was born in Pickaway county on October 4, 1836, and came to Madison county in 1800, where for a short time he worked on a rented farm. Subse- quently he bought land belonging to the brothers of his future wife. His next enter- prise was the buying and selling of stock, the basis of his operations being Mt. Sterling and Era, Ohio. He was too enterprising to be limited in his business dealings by absence of a railway and before the railroad was built, he drove his cattle to Columbus to be marketed. He was one of the most extensive shippers in the county, and it is said that the First National Bank of Mt. Sterling cashed more personal checks for

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him than for any man in the county. He was honored by being placed in the office of trustee of Pleasant township, and was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. He passed away in 1893, leaving as the only child of this union a daughter, named Ella T., who afterwards became Mrs. Zahn. She was born on May 28, 1871, in Pleasant township, and in' 1893 was married to John Zahn, a farmer and plumber, and to them have been born an onty son, Maxwell Taylor Zahn, born on January 21, 1804.

Mrs. Margaret Taylor, although living an uneventful life as far as outward affairs . . are concerned, has been active' in matters which 'concern the happiness of those closely associated with her and of the less fortunate. As a daughter of the Eastern Star, she has given of her time and means for the worthy purposes of this organization, and the work of the local Presbyterian church and its service to the community have been greatly enhanced by. the devotion of . this good woman. In all of the movements of this church, and especially in. the Sunday school has she been a conscientious worker ..

LUTHER M. JOHNSTON.

When. it is known that nearly half the ppoulation of the United States is found upon farms, and that upon them existence depends, it becomes evident that agriculture is 'the basic industry' of national life. He, therefore, who makes the waste places to blossom, who turns the desert into a garden, makes no small contribution to human health and happiness. The man whose life record is here briefly considered is one of the army of men who have thus placed humanity in their debt. Luther M. John- ston was born on June- 8, 1851, in Range township, this county, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Mathers) Johnston, to whom ten children were born, four being still alive.

. Luther M. Johnston has followed the same vocation as that of his father, who' was born .on March 12, 1806, in ' Ross county, Ohio. When a lad of eight years old John Johnston crossed the 'intervening country with his parents and came to Madison county, they purchasing land. here. Subsequently; John Johnston fell heir to one hundred acres of land and to this he later added real estate until he was at the time of death; July 29, 1882, the owner of three" hundred and five acres. ' Elizabeth Mathers was born on April 20, 1811, and was a native of Ross' county.' She died' on July 4, 1890. The date of the marriage of this worthy couple was October 6, 1831 ....

. The man whose life forms the theme of this brief chronicle had only .limited advantages as a boy for he was born and' reared on a farm and attended .the country' schools of Range townshfp. During his parents' lifetime he remained at home. At his father's death he inherited thirty-seven acres of good farm land to which he later' added forty-five acres, buying' a portion of the home place." On this he has built a fine . modern home and has made many improvements. He raises fine Poland China hogs; and for the past six or eight years has frequently won prizes at the Madison commty fair in London, for his exhibits of corn' and potatoes ..

""Mrs. Johnston, to whom Mr. Johnston was married on March 4, 1875, at London, was' formerly Josephine Gregg, a 'native of Union township, "being born there on April 18, 1855. She is the daughter of Amos and Emiline (Wagner) Gregg, who is a farmer of Paint township. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are the parents of ten children as follow : Mrs. Bessie Ducker, of the state of Washington ; Mrs. Daisy Dunkle, of Range town- ship'; John; who lives at home; Ray, a resident of Range township; Mrs. Pearl Cris- man and Mrs. May Junk, both of Range township; Guy and Ruth, who live at home, and two children who passed away in early childhood.

Mr. Johnston and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, the former is prominent in the Farmers Grange, taking a deep interest in the subject of agriculture and its allied interests. Mr. Johnston has been a member of the school

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board serving in this capacity with honor and with loyalty. In his domestic relation Luther M. Johnston has been a devoted husband and loving father. In his relations to his fellowmen he has been just, conscientious and kind, a striking example of the power of perseverance and oneness of purpose in achieving one's ambition.

J. CLARK MURRAY.

A man of distinct ability who has eminently merited the high regard and confidence in which he is held in his community, and whose progressive qualities and inherent traits of honesty and thrift have made for him a prominent place in the agricultural world of Madison county, is J. Clark Murray, for many years manager of the "Lower Gwynne Farma" His knowledge of all branches of farming and his wide acquaintance throughout the rural district of Ohio, have given him a commanding standing both in the town of Mt. Sterling and the surrounding country. He is a man of alert and well- matured mentality, who from his earliest years has been interested in the problems of the occupation which became his life work.

J. Clark Murray was born on the 19th of October, 1870, in Union township, Madison county, Ohio, and is the son of Maxwell and Elizabeth (Leach) Murray. His father was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, on the ard of February, 1885, and moved to Ross county, Ohio, with his parents when he was only three years old. Three years later the father died and Maxwell was taken by the McCreary family of Ross county and reared by them. In 1826 he came to Madison county, and soon after married the daughter of Judge Armstrong. The first wife of Maxwell Murray was the widow of James Gibson. She had three children who are now deceased. They were Creighton, Mra Jane Rayburn and Elizabeth. By her second marriage she became the mother of Armstrong, Alexander, Robert and Mrs. Josephine Creath, all deceased,

After the death of Mrs. Jane (Armstrong) Murray, which occurred en the 6th of August, 1863, her husband, Maxwell Murray, married again. His second wife was Elizabeth (Leach) Timmons, a widow, who was a native of Fayette county, Ohio, having been born near Mt. Sterling on the 19th of June, 1838. She died on the 18th of January. 1904. The children by her first marriage were Benjamin, Othello and Owen, who are deceased; Layton, manager and superintendent of transportation for Mandel Brothers, Chicago; Mrs. Susie Hewitt, who is deceased, and Mrs. Sallie Ford, of Champaign county, Ohio. After her marriage with Mr. Murray she became the mother of three children, Mrs. Belle Linson, who is superintendent and matron of the County Children's Home of Madison county; Helen, who makes her home with her brother in Pleasant township, and J. C., the subject of this sketch. Maxwell Murray reared and educated all of these children, giving them the educational advantages of the locality in which they lived. He farmed in Union township, Madison county, until 1875, when he moved to, Midway, Ohio, now known as Sedalia, where he died: Elizabeth Leach was the daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Bostwick) Leach, the former a native of Maryland and the latter a native of Virginia.

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History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions, Part 139

Author: Chester E. Bryan Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1207

Author: Chester E. Bryan
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1207