History of Madison County, Ohio : its people, industries and institution with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families, Part 136

Author: Bryan, Chester Edwin
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : Bowen
Number of Pages: 1150

USA > Ohio > Madison County > History of Madison County, Ohio : its people, industries and institution with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families > Part 136

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Besides his business associations, Mr. Chenoweth has other important affiliations. His city has honored him by making him its treasurer and a member of the city council. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, is a Knight Templar and a Shriner. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. Politically, Mr. Chenoweth is a Demo- crat. The religious affiliations of Mr. and Mrs. Chenoweth are with the Presbyterian church, of which they are both members.

The above is a brief review of the life of a man not only well known in his community but well liked. Mr. Chenoweth has not permitted the pursuit of a liveli- hood to obscure the greater life values, and it is thus that he has won and retained the high regard of all who know him, whether in business relations or in private life.

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THE O'HARA FAMILY.

This family has always held a marked distinction in educational, musical and literary achievements on the two continents. Henry and Patrick O'Hara were born near Lisnagael, County Sligo, Ireland, and were sons of Charles and Mary ( Naughton) O'Hara, who had their children educated in the schools in Ireland. Many who are in high places today in Ireland and Massachusetts are still grateful to Henry O'Hara for the encouragement and knowledge he helped them attain, even after they were no longer his pupils.

Mrs. Henry O'Hara, who died on September 21, 1915, was a daughter of William and Cecelia McDonough, of County Sligo, Ireland. Her father was a relative of Charles Carroll, of Carrolton, who was the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence, and her brother, Patrick McDonough, was a captain in the United States army. Her relatives were all noted for their musical ability.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Henry O'Hara, of Madison county, are four chil- dren, namely : Charles, Mary, Cecelia and Helena, in whom the literary attainments are becoming no less pronounced. Their writings of both prose and poetry have already received favorable recognition from California to Maine. Some of their verses have been copied and sung in Egypt, Australia, Ireland and England and have been translated into Greek and Spanish.

The Misses Helena Frances and Mary Agnes O'Hara have been frequent contributors of their valued poetry to the London Democrat and other Ohio newspapers. Their verses express in their deepest feeling the keenest understanding of the people of their home community. They are bards of Madison county and of rural Ohio almost as truly as James Whitcomb Riley is the poet of all rural America. It is with regret that the editor of this history cannot devote more space to the rhymes of the O'Hara sisters.

A GLIMPSE OF PIONEER DAYS.

Near our home is the National road, stretching east and west through Madison county and often would I like to see a stagecoach coming down as it was said to do in days gone by, but today it is a matter of history, as it has long been replaced by the carriage, automobile and the trolley line which runs close by.

At first 'twas the path of the grim pioneer, Who sought for a home on the western frontier, Who stopped on his journey to build an abode, Of rough logs he hewed from where now is the road. More followed the trail and the silent woods woke

To the buzz of the saw and the sturdy axe stroke ;

Rude cabins loomed up, soon the green valleys turned To oceans of gold where the corn tassels burned. The soil blossomed forth with abundance for all, Who heard and came on to the far western call. The nation so pleased with a region so blest,

Constructed a highway connecting the West. Magnificent inns would the stranger beguile. To come and partake of their comforts awhile, The shrill whistle blew as the stagecoach and four Prancing steeds drew up by the tavern's great door. The occupants wearily sought for a rest,

Great statesmen among them, each stranger a guest,

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Still vivid the stories of many today When the neighboring inn heard the orator Clay. Long, long days elapsed and the old road at last Seemed doomed as a relic, or thing of the past ; The trav'ler no more sought the old western trail, But rode by the great iron steed on the rail. Who journeys at twilight down to the old inn That echoed with laughter to ceiling within? What equine goes now to the sheltering stall When lowering shadows the daylight enthrall? The friendly old trees there a welcome yet nod, And children now play where the statesmen once trod. The great doors still speak of the grandeur they knew, And love-light still blesses the old portals too. Instead of the foam on the prancing steed now, The draft slowly comes from the sweat of the plough, Caressed by the hands that he knows and loves best, He finds for each work-day, a nighttime of rest. No more the sharp whistle, no stagecoach is seen, But now the honk and the whiz of machine. Not toilsome or long does the journeying seem ; Surpassed e'en the pioneer's loftiest dream. A day's journey now marks a full week's of old, Within the great inn no more stories are told, And history returns with the old life bestowed, Restoring to traffic the National road.

THE STATE FISH HATCHERY AND OLD ROBERTS' MILL.

The State Fish Hatchery, three and one-half miles west of London, is among Madi- son's most attractive and picturesque places. It occupies the site of an ancient distillery and of the old-time Roberts' grist mill. Here the pure limpid water rushes forth from the ground in great springs and in sufficient volume to have supplied these industries with their power for almost a century.

For there beneath our eager gaze Green avenues appear, O'er shadowed by the friendly bough Of weeping willows near. The limpid waters press along, Their frame of mossy green,

Presenting to our wondering eyes An awe inspiring scene. Could Switzerland in all her pride, A rarer grandeur show? Or give to man such sights sublime With all her peaks of snow? Above the crystal water's edge The weeping willows bend, With drooping, lengthened boughs that seek Forever to descend.

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No sky above they strive to gain, The only blue they know Is that reflected in the ponds Of waters deep below. Unlike their sister willow trees That lift each stately bough To greet each jewel star that decks The night's illumined brow. TWO RUSTY MILL WHEELS.

Outside of the mill near the stream two rusty mill wheels tell the silent story of a day long past.

Aye, there they are recalling all The stormy days gone by ; Displaying on their rusty arms The frown of winter's sky. -

Quite useless and deserted now Upon the velvet grass, As sentinels they rest beneath The varied winds that pass. Their very presence seem to throw An echo o'er the way, And bring us swiftly to the time When they held regal sway. When steadily their tones rang out Across the summer air ; Like to a mystic songster's tone Adown the star-lit stair.

As ceaselessly they hurried round To grind the meal and flour,

And all throughout the livelong day Marked not an idle hour. Ah, then their voice was truly king Of all surrounding plains; Of all that potent power now Their strength alone remains.

The relics of a by-gone age, Their careless shadows throw

A sparkling mirror on the scene Of sixty years ago. Of sixty years ago, when 'neath The old mill's rooftree high.

Both men and boys from far and near Passed countless hours by. Their steps are slow and falt'ring now, Their hair as white as snow,

The very ones who were the boys Of sixty years ago. And though we travel in the realms Of youth's exquisite bowers. We think of days that were to them As sweet as these of ours.

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MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.

.CLINTON JUNK.

Considering the farm the great recruiting ground for the populations of' cities, there is a sense in which civilization is dependent upon the rural districts. As one writer puts it: "If it were not for the fresh and healthy blood; muscle and brain from the farms, our large cities would degenerate." . In this sense, then, he who contributes to the healthy, wholesome life of the country helps to develop the conditions"upon which the cities may draw for their best type of citizens. Clinton Junk, therefore, belongs to that type of men who, by useful living, contribute much to the general good.

Clinton Junk was born on November 8, 1854, in Ross county, Ohio, and is the son of William and Rachel ( Hicks) Junk. The parents of Mr. Junk possessed all the characteristics of the noble soul's who braved pioneer life, and were inured to the hard- ships of the frontier. During a long period of their life they were three miles from their nearest neighbor.

William Junk was far above the average in public spirit, and seemed to possess that type of civic loyalty which is so lauded today. This spirit was shown in his gifts, one of which was the. ground upon which a Range township school house was built. He also opened up the pike now known as the Junk pike which runs from Mt. Sterling to London. Always in favor of public improvements, he contributed to the expense of laying seven pikes before there was one "built in front of his own home. William Junk was boru in 1825, in Ross county, Ohio, coming to Madison county in 1858, and settling in Pleasant township. He was a farmer of practical experience and broad insight. He bought the six hundred acres of land which constitutes the present Junk farm. the purchase price being nineteen dollars and twenty cents an acre. The home built upon this property consisted of a two-story house of ten rooms. This house, which is still standing, was one of the finest in the county, being splendidly built and constructed of large studdings. Mr. Junk himself built this house. At the time of his death Mr. Junk owned one thousand acres of well-improved land in Pleasant and Range townships. One of the industries in which this early - settler engaged was the raising of sheep. He died in 1901.

Rachel Hicks was born in Ross county, Ohio, in'1829, being of English descent. She is the daughter of Willis and Frances (White) Hicks, the former of whom was a colonel in the War of 1812. A proof that this man was a brave fighter is shown by the fact that he had ten horses shot from under him. He himself was unhurt. Mrs. Junk is living at present in Mt. Sterling. Five children were born in the home of these estimable people. Pryor W., of St. Sterling, Ohio; Clinton, the subject of this sketch ; Beecher, of -Columbus, Ohio; Webster, deceased, and Mrs. Eva L. Core, of Mt. Sterling.

Clinton Junk early showed signs of unusual ambition, for at the age of twenty, having completed the usual course of studies in the district schools of Pleasant and Range townships, he rented land from his brother, Pryor, and also from his father and began his own career.' He has never lived outside of these two townships. Inheriting at the time of his father's death one hundred and fifty acres of land, he bought ninety acres more in 1895, and to these holdings he has added until he now owns four hun- dred and eighty acres. Besides his prominence as a farmer Mr. Junk is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Mt. Sterling. Like every good citizen whose time and attention are not limited exclusively to personal affairs, Mr. Junk has taken a deep interest in educational matters, and has occupied a place on the school board for sixteen years. He also gave practical assistance in building the school.

Miranda Alkire became Mrs. Clinton Junk on October 15, 1878. She was born in 1855. in Pleasant township and is the eldest daughter of George and Mary (Bragg)

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Alkire. The children born in this household are Homer, deceased; Willis, mentioned in another sketch; Elmer, of Range township; Mary, deceased; Harry, a graduate of a business college of Columbus and now living in Range township; Ida R., Bessie L. and Bruce C. The three last named are living at home.

The political affiliation of Clinton Junk are with the Democratic party. Both he and Mrs. Junk and family are honored and active members of the Christian church at Mt. Sterling.

Mr. Junk is possessed of those sterling qualities which make his type of citizen- ship a true asset to any community. Inheriting from his parents a strict sense of honor and of neighborly obligation he has widened this sense of obligation until it has come to mean the whole community with which his life is directly associated. With such a spirit of loyalty, it is not surprising that his life has been full of generous deeds and kindly consideration for others.

JOHN SIMPSON.

The late John Simpson, who was an honored veteran of the Civil War, was one of those progressive and influential citizens of Madison county who figured conspicu- ously in the progress and prosperity of this county for more than a half century. By his industry and good management, he was able to improve a splendid farm and win for his declining years a substantial competence. He died full of honors and respected as only a man who has done his full duty to his home, his family, his country and his neighbors. can die.

John Simpson, a native of Nottingham, England, was born on June 24, 1840, and was brought to America by his parents when a mere child. He was a son of the Rev. James A. Simpson. an elder of the Baptist church, who after living for a time in Canada removed to Ohio in the early forties, and, for twenty-five consecutive years, was the preacher at the Big Darby Baptist church, and who collected funds for the erection of present church building during the Civil War. He preached at several places in Madison county, and lived in the county until his death. His residence for many years was at Lafayette, where he died. In early life the Rev. James A. Simpson had been an infidel and had used the power of his large intellect against the Christian religion. At his conversion. however, he became a stanch Christian, and lived as a Christian in all the relations of life. He was a radical abolitionist and was connected with the "underground railroad" movement so much used in Civil War times in aiding fugitive slaves to escape to Canada. As an earnest and effective speaker he had many debates in this part of Ohio, some of which lasted as long as seven days. The first wife of Rev. James A. Simpson was Ellen Ryder and his second wife, Mary Gatton, a widow, who survived him and lived at Dayton, Ohio. James A. Simpson had the fol- lowing children : James, who went to Kansas in early life, is still living at Fitzgerald, Georgia. Elizabeth was the wife of W. H. C. McCoy, a farmer of Madison county, both are now deceased. Anna married Jonathan Henry, a minister in the Christian church. John Simpson, the subject of this sketch. Harriet married Jerry West, a farmer of Champaign county, Ohio. Mr. Simpson was a great huntsman and a gun- smith by trade. A rifle made by him, in 1857 (quite a work of art) is still owned by the Simpson family. He hunted with Buffalo Bill in the early seventies on the Kansas plains. He died in Champaign county, Ohio. Alfred B .. the youngest child, left the county in middle life.

John Simpson grew to manhood in Madison county, Ohio, and was a self-made man. He served through the Civil War in Company A, One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, covering a period of four years. He was wounded at. Kenesaw Mountain, while carrying the flag. He was officer of the color guard at

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the time, and, the two color bearers being shot, and also the seven color guards, and he being the last of the guard, he picked up the flag but was soon shot down. He, how- ever, again raised the colors, but was so badly wounded that he had to retire. He leaned the colors against a tree and was carried to the hospital. This incident ter- minated his active services, and he was discharged at the end of the war. The wound, however, never healed, and, after thirty-two years of a running wound, the limb was amputated. During all these years he had been a great sufferer. His musket and canteen are still possessed by the Simpson family.

In 1866, John Simpson was married to Philomelia McDonald, the daughter of the late John McDonald of Deer Creek township. She was born on February 17, 1841, on a farm in Deer Creek township. She and her husband eventually became the owners of a farm adjoining the McDonald homestead, and owned over three hundred acres of land. In 1884, they erected a substantial brick house which still stands on the farm, four miles northeast of London, on the Simpson road. Before that, however, they had lived for fourteen years in a log cabin, one of the oldest in the country.

John Simpson developed the "Honest John" variety of corn. It came from a car- load of corn shipped into Madison county, in 1858, by John McDonald and others. This corn has been grown by the family through three generations. John Simpson was a loyal Republican in life, a man who was frank and open in all of his dealings and who was widely respected. He was very radical in his political beliefs, and stood firmly by Republican principles. He once confessed to a Democrat that he had voted for him, but said that he would never vote for another.

Mr. Simpson was a fine comrade and companion. During the latter years of his life he attended many reunions, especially the reunions of the "Blue and Grey," and very few men were so near and dear to his old comrades. Soldier reunions were fre- quently held on his birthday at his home, and, on his last birthday, all of his old con- rades gathered there. He died on October 30, 1910, and his beloved wife some years previously, May 23, 1902. His second wife, Phebe B. (Lombard) Bradley, who survived him, was the widow of a former comrade and friend of Mr. Simpson. Of his family of eight children by his first wife, J. Sherman was the only member of the family to reach maturity.

J. Sherman Simpson was born on August 21, 1869, at the John McDonald home- stead. Sherman was reared on the farm and he experienced all those things which fall to the lot of the average country boy. He has always been engaged in farming and stock raising, and has made a specialty of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. Mr. Simpson is the proprietor of "Tekenink Stock Farm." an Indian name which means "house in the woods." He is a progressive and up-to-date farmer.

On October 26, 1892, J. Sherman Simpson was married to Nora J. Jones, the daugh- ter of Lucian B. and Laura (Kinney) Jones. Lucian was the eldest son of the late John Jones, of this county. He died at the age of thirty years, and, at the time of his death, was one of the firm of Jones Brothers, in the warehouse business at London. His widow survives and lives at Springfield, Ohio. Mrs. J. Sherman Simpson was born in London and was graduated from the London high school. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have had three children, Amelia, a graduate of the London high school and who lives at home; John L., and one who died in infancy.

J. Sherman Simpson is a member of the Madison county Young Men's Christian Association board of directors, and has been prominent in the work of this organization. The present board has had much to do with the improving of the conditions of the young men of the county. Mr. Simpson's aim always has been for the betterment of mankind and the social uplift of the county.

MADISON COUNTY, OHIO.

LEROY CORNWELL.

Mention' is made in this volume of the many worthy citizens of Madison county, citizens who have figured in the growth and development of this community and whose interests are identified with its various phases of progress. Each has con- tributed in his particular sphere of action to the well-being of the community where he resides and to advancement of its legitimate growth. Among this number is Leroy Coinwell, the recorder of Madison county and for many years one of the leading educators of this county. Having begun his educational career at the age of nine- teen. he has taught for twenty years in Madison county and for seven years has filled the position of principal of the Summerford schools.

Leroy Cornwell, the son of Thomas and Ellen Jane '( Wilson) Cornwell, was born near the old Roberts mill, three miles west of London. in Union township, Madison county, Ohio, March 11, 1874. His parents were both born in , Union township, Thomas Cornwell's father was Addison Cornwell, a native of Westmoreland county, Virginia. who, after his marriage to Tabitha Trussle, in Virginia, about 1840, came to Madison county and settled on a part of the present state farm, two miles west of London. Here in the woods he cleared a part of the farm and, after living here for several years, settled on what is now known as the Dave Gerard farm, near the state fish hatchery, where he spent the remainder of his life, clearing about six hundred and fifty acres. He was a highly educated man, having a good academic education, read law and preached in the Methodist church for several years. Hle died on the old farm about 1893. after having attained the age of seventy-two. His wife had died some years pre- viously.

Of the children born to Addison and Tabitha ( Trussle) Cornwell, Thomas Corn- well, who was born on the first farm owned by his father in Madison county, in 1842, grew up in the country. "At the beginning of the Civil War he enlisted in Company D. Fortieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. and served during the war. - He was veteranized in Company B, One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Regiment, and was discharged at the close of the war as sergeant. During the entire four years he was always with his command.

After the war, Thomas Cornwell settled on a farm of one hundred acres, where he lived the remainder of his life, dying on December 13. 1912. He was prominent in the Christian church at Wilson's chapel and his wife was also a member of that church. He was a member of the Masonic lodge, at London, and of the Grand Army of the Republic. By his marriage on January 5, 1868, to Ellen Jane Wilson, the daughter of John and Julia Ann { Prugh) Wilson, there were five children, as follow : Otis, of Somerford township; William, of Deer Creek township; Leroy, the subject of this sketch; Ernest, of Range township, and Esta. the wife of Jolin Ellsworth, of Range township. Mrs. Thomas Cornwell's father, Jolin Wilson, owned a large tract of land in Madison county. Mrs. Thomas Cornwell was born in 1847 in Union town- ship and, throughout her life. was active in the work of the church. She is now living with her children.

Born and reared on the farm and educated in the common schools, Leroy Cornwell received his certificate to teach school at the age of nineteen and taught for twenty years in Madison county. For seven years he has been principal of the Summerford schools. Mr. Cornwell attended Wittenberg College and the Normal school at Ada, Ohio. Some years ago he was elected township clerk of Somerford township and served four terms, covering a period of ten years. He is a Republican, and having been nominated by the Republican county convention of 1914, was triumphantly elected county recorder with a plurality of eight hundred and ninety-seven, the second highest on the ticket. Mr. Cornwell took office on September 6. 1915.

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On January 1, 1900, Leroy Cornwell was married to Jeannette Smith Florence, the daughter of G. A. and Mary G. Florence, the latter of whom is the daughter of the late Henry Smith, a well-known attorney of this county, and a sister of Luke Smith, of Deer Creek township. Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell have been the parents of three children, Marcus, Mary and Eloise, all of whom are living at home with their parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Cornwell are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are interested in all religious works. Mr. Cornwell is a member of the official board. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He has passed all of the chairs in the Odd Fellows and has served as district deputy of this lodge in Madison county.

GEORGE W. BUSWELL.

One of the largest landowners in Madison county, Ohio, is the gentleman whose brief history follows. George W. Buswell has confined his interests on the farm to the raising and shipping of hogs and hay, both of which have been very. remunerative avenues of income. and he is now not only one of the largest landowners of Madison county, Ohio, but is also one of the wealthiest and most influential men of his district.

George W. Buswell, general farmer and stockman, London, Ohio, was born on December 5, 1873, in Jefferson township, Madison county, and is a son of George and Nancy (Toops) Buswell. He was two years old when his parents moved to the old homestead, where he grew to young manhood, and attended the district schools. After his marriage, Mr. Buswell rented his father's, farm and began the life of an agricul- turist on his own behalf, giving his attention especially to the raising of hay, and feeding large numbers of hogs, which he sold by the carload. Politically, he has always given his vote to the Republican party, while . his religious membership is with the Presbyterian church at Plain City. His splendid tract of land, consisting of three hundred and eight acres, is located on rural. route No. 3, six miles north of West Jefferson, Ohio.

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History of Madison County, Ohio : its people, industries and institution with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families, Part 136

Author: Bryan, Chester Edwin Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : Bowen Number of Pages: 1150

Author: Bryan, Chester Edwin
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Indianapolis, Ind. : Bowen
Number of Pages: 1150