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 87
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and her brave sons were called to the front Mr. Butler enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He took part in several important skirmishes in Grant's campaign in Virginia, acquitting himself with honor.
Through his marriage, Charles Butler became allied with one of the most prominent families in London, his wife being a daughter of Doctor Aquila Toland, who is not only one of the most prominent physicians of the state, but also one of her most public- spirited citizens. Doctor Toland has contributed so much to the civic life of the town that he is held in grateful appreciation by the community. His biographical sketch is presented elsewhere in this work. Jane Toland became Mrs. Butler on November 16, 1869. Her mother was Elizabeth ( Lewis) Toland, who was a pioneer of Madison county. Philip Lewis, the grandfather of Mrs. Butler came to the county during the early days, and kept one of the local taverns which was given the picturesque name. "Log Cabin Tavern." Mr. and Mrs. Charles Butler are the parents of two children : Guy, who assists his father on the farm, and Frederick Max, a resident of Columbus, Ohio.
While Mr. and Mrs. Butler have lived a quiet and unassuming life, their influence has been felt beyond their home, both in church and in social circles. They belong to the Episcopal church.
Mr. Butler is a Democrat. He is a public-spirited man, as is evidenced by the fact that he was a member of the commission that built the present fine court house. In this public office as well as in all other trusts which have been imposed upon him by the people, Mr. Butler has served with honor and fidelity. Mr. Butler's life is an interesting exemplification of the truism that usefulness in the community need not be through conspicuous activity, but that he who lives the life of a modest. unassuming gentleman of scholarly tastes and good manners, however quiet, will have a forceful- ness that may transcend the influence of those whom the world calls great.
CASPER SPEASMAKER.
This age is admittedly a commercial age. The general tendency is to place an emphasis upon material possessions, out of proportion to the intrinsic value of those possessions. So accustomed is society to the pervading commercial atmosphere that the person who rises above it in a higher idealism, and who insists upon spiritual valu- ations is recognized as a great soul. When such a one passes on, he is missed and mourned not only by his own loved ones, but by the community in which he has lived and which he has served. The estimate recently placed upon an American philan- thropist is appropriate, it is believed, in a chronicle of the life of Casper Speasmaker. who, judged by the standard there set forth was "truly great." To be truly 'great, it is not necessary that you should gain wealth and importance. Steadfast and unde- viating truth, fearless and straightforward integrity, and an honor ever unsullied by an unworthy word or action, make their possessor greater than worldly success or pros- perity. These qualities constitute greatness.
The subject of this memoir who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on January 10, 1865, and who died in London. this county. on March 8. 1910. was baptized "Casper" Speas- maker in the Lutheran faith, but "Cass" he signed himself, and "Cass" he will ever be to the legions who knew and loved him.
He came of good old Teuton stock, his parents, John and Anna (Kuehner) Speas- maker, having come to America in the early fifties from the Rhine country of Bavaria where the former was born. Three years after they reached the shores of America, they came to Madison county and located at London.
Cass Speasmaker was the youngest of the flock, and as was usual in those days, was expected to bear the burden of earning his own livelihood when he was still a
CASS SPEASMAKER.
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youth. At sixteen, he began his business career, working as a clerk for Foley Broth- ers, in the coal business, and before he had reached his majority, he had "struck out for himself," and "his whole business in a bushel basket," as he once expressed it, "and that on borrowed capital." But all of his "capital" was not borrowed, for he was for- tunate in inheriting indefatigable industry, no prejudice as to pedigree, and perhaps best of all, no dollars. As a consequence, he had no false schooling to overcome after he entered upon his business career, and was never compelled to unlearn that vicious doctrine that success, like charity, covers every sin. After his first clerical experience, he was employed by the Hubbard Company, also coal dealers, and then presently became his own proprietor, becoming so successful that in the early nineties, he annexed the ice business. He was still comparatively a young man when, with George Van Wagener, he bought the James Ryan brick plant, thus forming a partnership that proved fortunate, and which continued until the firm sold out.
Mr. Speasmaker was never an aspirant for office, but he served his city by holding two positions of trust. He was at one time vice-chief of the London fire department, and on several occasions was offered appointment as its chief, a place which he refused. He also served London as a member of the school board from 1902 until the day of his death-a bit of official recognition that probably brought more joy to his heart than any public service he was called upon to render; because he was genuinely interested in the young and in the problem of education. The big majorities, made up from all shades of political belief, encouraged him to continue this latter service, marked, as it was, by good sense, business experience and a welcome freedom from academic theory.
On June 25, 1890, Cass Speasmaker was married to Rose Weber, the sweetheart of his childhood, his bride being the daughter of the late Peter Weber, a pioneer citizen of London. To that union was born one son, E. P. Speasmaker, or "Ned," as he is familiarly known. As his father's successor, he is engaged in. the coal and ice busi- ness in London, and is a young man possessing many of the striking characteristics of his father. He is one of London's most prominent young business men, and is already a success.
Searching for the elusive dollar was never a passion with Cass Speasmaker. Money to him was a means, not an end. At work, he was capable of the most grind- ing, devastating labor, but he also had a delightful capacity for play. To those who knew him best, the picture will be brightest that portrays him in the open, searching the streams for fish, coaxing the dying camp fire into life, singing rollicking songs beneath the swaying canvas tent.
The biographer is fortunate in being able to present here the following tribute by one who wishes to call himself "a life-long friend :"
"Cass Speasmaker gone! The words fall like a pall, darkening the joyous light of day, and filling loving hearts with inexpressible woe; he, the bright, the genial, the ever-helpful. He whose mission seemed ever to make life more pleasant, more joyous for all who came near him. Gone! Ah, gone from his accustomed place among us, leaving the living memory of a dear presence we shall always have near to us; a noble soul just passed on ahead, awaiting the lifting of the curtain to welcome those who still wait. Cass Speasmaker! The name brings up the sweet memory of the golden days of boyhood, many, many happy days of comradeship, when we wandered care- free, and knew to their fullness the joys of youth. Then came the years of young manhood, ripening later into the dignity and duty of family ties. Some of us changed with the growing years, and their weight of added trouble, but Cass always remained the same. That full, joyous disposition seemed to have partaken of the fountain of perennial youth. Even the continued suffering of many months failed to quell the
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happy tide of kindliness. Now and then, bits of humor sparkled , from that bed of pain, and although the body was crushed with its weight of ills, yet. the spirit ever shone brightly on the loved ones gathered about his bedside. What a lesson of true resignation to the inevitable, and of unselfish consideration of the feelings of others.
"Cass Speasmaker was a charitable man, and a very modest one; many came to him in trouble, asking for assistance, help that was sure. of being granted to the worthy, yet the one hand knew not of the other's giving. Then who shall tell of the cheering words of sympathy which lightened the burden of many a heart-sore pilgrim. Kind words and kind deeds came naturally to this man. They were a part of him, and all who approached him, expected them.
"Modest, sincere, conrageous, charitable, and, with all. an honest man-'the noblest work of God'-such was Cass Speasmaker, and such will he ever remain in the hearts of all who knew him but to love him."
Ned Speasmaker is a Republican and takes a good citizen's part in the public affairs of London and of the county generally, for some time having served very accept- ably as a member of the board of public affairs of the corporation of London. He is deeply interested in baseball and is a stockholder and the treasurer of the London "Grays," a popular baseball team. On July 1, 1915, he bought an interest in the London Pure Ice Company and is one of the most active young business men in the county seat. Mr. Speasmaker is a Mason and is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. the Elks and the Eagles, being very popular among his associates in these various orders. He is energetic, public-spirited and enterprising and enjoys the con- fidence and the esteem of the entire community.
PHILIP MARKLEY.
The importance that attaches to the lives, character and work of the early settlers of Madison county, and the influence they exerted on the cause of humanity and civil- ization is one of the most absorbing themes that can possibly attract the attention of the local chronicler or historian. If great and beneficent results-results that endure and bless mankind-are the proper measure of the good men do, then who is there in the world's history that may take their places above the pioneer. To point out and lead the way ; to make possible our present advancing civilization, with its happy homes. its arts and sciences, its discoveries and inventions, its education, literature, culture, refinement and social life and joy, is to be the truly great benefactors of mankind for all time to come. This was the great work accomplished by the early settlers and it is granted that they builded wiser than they knew. Among the pioneer families of Madison county who are still identified with this locality. no family is better known than that which bears the name Markley. A worthy representative of this family in past years was he whose name forms the caption to this review. a man who, through all his years, stood ever as an exponent of those things which tended to upbuild the community and advance the general public welfare. Because of his sturdy character and exemplary life, he is eminently deserving of specific mention in the annals of Madison county.
Philip Markley was a native of Madison county, having been born in Somerford township on August 12, 1825. His parents were Jonathan and Mary (Cryder) Markley, both of whom were pioneer settlers in Madison county, where Jonathan eventually became the owner of four hundred and thirteen acres of good farming land. Jonathan Markley was twice married. To his first union were born three children. namely : John, Gabriel. and Adam, all of whom moved to Wells county, Indlana, in the year of 1836. To him and his second wife. Mary, were born eight children, Philip. whose name forms the caption of this sketch : Jonathan, who settled in Clark county ; Samuel ;
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Jacob B., who located also in Wells county, Indiana; James; Mrs. Nancy Pemberton ; Mrs. Mary Fix; and Mrs. Jane Hannah, who moved to Bates county, Missouri. Philip Markley inherited fifty acres of land from his father's estate, and, when twenty-one years old, bought fifty acres more, this forming the nucleus of the splendid estate which he finally owned. He endured all the privations and hardships incident to the life of a farmer in those days of comparatively crude implements and primitive farming methods, but he was energetic and wide awake to his opportunities, laboring indus- triously and persevering in the face of obstacles and discouragements. He ever stood for that which was best in the life of the community, in which he spent the greater part of his long, useful, unselfish and benevolent career.
In this connection, it is worthy of note that the old Markley homestead in Somer- ford township is the oldest farm residence now standing in central Ohio, it having been erected in the year 1813, by one Levi Cantrell. This house is situated on a beautiful eminence on the old Federal road leading from Springfield to Columbus, and one mile north of the village of Summerford. The site of this house is on a natural terrace situated a few rods north of the headwaters of Deer creek. The main struc- ture of this now historic house was built of hewed logs, with a wing on the west side thereof, which wing was detached a few years ago. The interior of the remainder of this old landmark is in a fair state of preservation, while the exterior is marked and dimmed with the rust and dust of age.
One of the most striking features connected with this old homestead is the double willow trees, one of which was planted by Grandmother Kate Markley, about the year 1815, and the other by Mrs. Nancy Roberts Wilson, in 1825, and now overshadowing a bubbling spring of pure water. The tree, from a mere twig, has assumed gigantic proportions, measuring twenty-seven feet in circumference, and there are limbs that measure from two to three feet in diameter.
This house was used in pioneer days as a tavern or inn by John Roberts. Valen- tine Wilson, an early settler and who became one of the most extensive landowners in this section of Ohio, courted and married two of his wives in this house. Mr. Wilson was the owner of this place at the time of his death. The illustrious Henry Clay, of Kentucky, while en route to and from Washington, D. C., was wont to make this old tavern one of his favorite stopping places. John Markley, who later occupied the old homestead, was a lineal descendant of Gabriel Markley, who at one time owned the place, and was also the paternal ancestor of the Markley, Prugh and Potee families of this county.
Philip Markley was married three times. In 1847 he married Catherine Kiskaden, of Clark county, who was an aunt of the distinguished and much beloved actress "Maud Adams." To this union was born two children, James and Vitoria Markley, both of whom died shortly after the death of their mother in 1850.
In 1851 Philip Markley married Eliza Jane Atchison, whose death occurred in 1861. To them were born six children-the first born being twins: James A., deceased, and William A., of Wells county, Indiana ; Jacob M., of Indianapolis, Indiana : Jona- than F., Mariah and Eliza Jane. Of the daughters. Mariah is the wife of Jerry Shire, of Lagrange, Indiana, and Eliza Jane is the wife of I. T. Allen, of Wells county, Indiana.
In 1861 Philip Markley married his third wife, Susan T. (Bales) Whitaker, a widow, and they became the parents of five children, Philip M., of Morris, Minnesota; John G., of Delaware county, Indiana; Harvey K. and Bertha B. Squiers, of Jackson county, Michigan : and Rosa M., wife of Dr. Charles E. Gain, of London, Ohio.
Philip Markley, after a long and useful and honorable career departed this life at
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the age of seventy-five years. He was a member of the Christian church at Summer- ford, while his wife, Susan T., was a devout . Methodist.
Jonathan F. Markley, son of Philip and Eliza Jane (Atchison) Markley, was born on December 20, 1856, in Somerford township, on a farm adjoining the one now owned by his cousin, Charles G. Markley. Ile spent his boyhood days under the parental roof, securing his education in the common schools of the neighborhood. He assisted his father in the operation of the home farm, and upon reaching mature years he bought a part of the old home farm, situated along the national road. He erected the residence on the top of Markley hill now occupied by the Kimball family, and there he made his home until 1911. His present farm was formerly known as the Daye Woosley home- stead, and was occupied by Thomas Woosley, who now lives in Somerford township. The place comprises ninety acres of fertile and productive land, which, under the careful management of Mr. Markley, is being developed into one of the best farms of the locality. Mr. Markley has erected a set of splendid farm buildings, commodious, well arranged and equipped in an up-to-date manner, which indicates him to be a man of progressive tendencies and modern ideas. The home is located about a mile from the Madison-Clark county line, and is known as "Clover Leaf Farm."
In 1890 Jonathan F. Markley was united in marriage with Mary S. Minser, of Madison county, Illinois, but who had. for a time. lived with her Grandmother Guyton, in Clark county, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Markley have been born the following children, all of whom are living: Alta, the wife of Ross Wilson, of Clark county ; Philip, married Mae Paul and operates a farm near the old homestead; Harold, Noel, Hattie. Cleo and Marjorie are at home with their parents.
In his political views, Jonathan F. Markley is a Republican, as have been practi- cally all the other male members of his family before him, while, in matters religious, he also follows the family predilection and affiliates with the Christian church. Mr. Markley is a busy man, but he finds time and opportunity to take an interest in matters pertaining to the progress and growth of his community and county, keeping abreast of the times on all questions of vital interest and being regarded by all as a leading citizen. In this locality he is highly regarded by his neighbors and acquaint- ances.
WILLIAM H. HEADLEY.
William H. Headley is one of the best-known and most progressive farmers and stock raisers of the West Jefferson neighborhood in this county. He was born on April 24, 1860, in Greene county, Pennsylvania, a son of James and Sarah (Johnson) Headley, and came with his parents to Madison county when twelve years of age. He was educated in the common schools, attending during the winter months, and assisting his parents on the farm in the summer. At the age of twenty-one years, Mr. Headley began farming for himself, starting empty handed; renting a farm and trading in cattle on a small scale at first, which business proving a prosperous invest- ment, he soon had enough to pay for a farm of fifty-eight acres, and later bought fifty acres of the old homestead. His holdings have continued to increase until he now owns a splendid tract of four hundred and thirty-six acres, situated two and one-half miles west of West Jefferson, and known as the "Farm." When he first began to farm for himself, Mr. Headley did not find the road to success entirely along level path- ways and was compelled to work long, hard hours. He is a stanch Republican, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, being a member of the official board of the same. His fraternal membership is with Madison Lodge No. 221, Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. Headley is a great friend to education, and is demonstrating his interest by serving at present as clerk of the board of education of West Jefferson.
WILLIAM H. HEADLEY AND FAMILY
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James Headley, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, and his wife, Sarah (Johnson) Headley, was a native of Monongahela county, Virginia, where both grew to maturity and were educated at the district schools. In 1867, James Headley moved to Licking county, Ohio, where he purchased a farm near Newark and became very successful. In 1872 he came to Madison county and located in Deer Creek township, near London. There he purchased two hundred acres of land, on which he lived until he passed to the "great beyond" in 1887. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, three of whom are living, those besides the subject of this sketch being Malinda, who became the wife of David Lenley and resides in Iowa, and Benson F. Headley, who is following agriculture in Delaware county, this state, near Sunberry.
William H. Headley was united in marriage on February 22, 1888, to Mary E. Sidner, who was born in this county on March 18, 1866, daughter of Wesley and Lydia (Jones) Sidner, well-known residents of Jefferson township, who were the parents of the following children : James, Mcclellan, Charles, John, Mary, Margaret and Dollie. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Headley, four of whom are living-Edith, who was graduated from the high school and from the State University at Columbus, married Joseph M. Maddox, an architect of West Jefferson, and has two children, Robert H., born on September 6, 1912, and Ruth Adele, November 23, 1914; Gladys, also a graduate of the local high school, and at present a student in the Ohio State University ; Harold L., a graduate of the local high school, who also is now attending Ohio State University, and Mary, who attends the grade schools.
Mr. Headley is a conservative man, and one whose advice is frequently sought, and Mrs. Headley is an active and earnest worker in the Methodist Episcopal church of West Jefferson, where they are highly esteemed and honored.
HARRY S. ILIFF.
Harry S. Iliff was born on July 12, 1873, at Cedarville, Greene county, Ohio, and for thirty-one years he dwelt in the place which had been the home of his parents and grandparents before him; his parental grandfather, Wesley Iliff, having been a pioneer of Greene county, Ohio. Mr. Iliff was also a pioneer in the manufacture of lime, this being an important industry in that section.
William H Iliff was a son of Wesley Iliff, the pioneer. He became interested in the contracting business and remained in that calling for several years. He chose as his life partner Margaret Louise Small, who was also a native of Greene county, Ohio, as were her parnts. William H. Iliff did in 1911, His wife still lives in Greene county, Ohio. Five of the seven children that were born to them, grew to maturity and are now living, namely : Mrs. J. G. McCorkin, Cedarville, Ohio; W. C., of Cedar- ville Ohio; Rev. W. W., of Brookline, Massachusetts, who is pastor of the Presbyterian church ; Mrs. Rev. William Graham, Yellow Springs, Ohio, and Harry S., of London.
Harry S. Iliff received his education in the Cedarville high school and the Cedar- ville College. He began his business career as a cement contractor and the town of London bears evidence of his ability in this line, as nearly all the sidewalks of the town were laid by him. He is now engaged in building steel bridges, principally rail- road work.
On January 1, 1902, Harry S. Iliff was married to Viola Eyler, of Hillsboro, High- land county, Ohio. To them have been born four children, Howard, Paul, Mary and Richard. Mr. Iliff removed to London in September, 1904, where he is now a member of the London Club and a sincere worker in the Presbyterian church. He is also a member of the Masonic order and Sons of Veterans.
Among those brave young Americans who responded so nobly to their country's
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call, during her trouble with Spain, none reported for service with more patriotic enthusiasm than Mr. Iliff, who served in Company A, of the Second United States Volunteer Engineers, which were among the first troops to arrive in Havana, Cuba.
AQUILA TOLAND, M. D.
If there is one profession above all others where faith and optimism are essential, it is that of the physician. Coming as he does in daily, almost hourly contact with pain, sorrow and suffering, he must be endowed with skill so great and a personality so strong that it unconsciously belittles the power of these adverse forces and trans- forms them into health, harmony and happiness. When a man is successful in this noble profession, it may be said of him as of no other, "Blessed is the man who has found his work," for to all of humanity does he minister.
Aquila Toland was born in Harford county, Maryland. on September 26. 1793. His early opportunities afforded him only the common branches of an English educa- tion, but later he obtained a fair knowledge of Latin. When quite young. lie became a pupil of Doctor Luckey of Baltimore, and in 1818 continued his studies, which included a valuable course of lectures in the University of Maryland. The same year, as an undergraduate. he started West to seek a fortune through work in his profession, but after a brief stay in Franklinton, now a part of the city of Columbus, he came to London, then only a village, and resided here from the year 1818 until his death.
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