History of Preble County Ohio: Her People, Industries and Institutions, Part 82

Author: R. E. Lowry
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 985

USA > Ohio > Preble County > History of Preble County Ohio: Her People, Industries and Institutions > Part 82

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Democrat. Mr. Creager has made a remarkable success as a breeder of graded live stock. Mr. and Mrs. Creager are quiet and unassuming people and honorable citizens of Preble county, where they have spent their entire lives.

THOMAS S. SKINNER.

The biographies of successful men are instructive as guides and in- centives to those whose careers are yet to be achieved. The examples they furnish of patient purpose and consecutive endeavor strongly illustrate what is in the power of each to accomplish. Thomas S. Skinner is a con- spicuous example of one who has lived to good purpose and achieved a definite degree of success in the sphere where his talents and energy have been applied.

Thomas S. Skinner was born on April 7, 1857, in Somers township, Preble county, Ohio, the son of Jonathan and Lydia (Powell) Skinner. Jonathan Skinner was born in North Carolina. He left that state with his parents in 1806 and in 1812 located near Camden, Ohio, the country there- about at that time being a dense woods. Lydia Powell was born in Preble county, Ohio, the daughter of Hezekiah Powell.

Jonathan Skinner was reared in Somers township and educated in the common schools. He married Rhoda Bishop, who was the mother of three children, William Skinner being the only child born to this marriage who is now living. Mrs. Skinner died in 1842 and Mr. Skinner married, sec- ondly, Lydia Powell, who was the mother of three children, Helena, the wife of William Gregg, who resides near Lafayette, Indiana; Margaret, the wife of Philip Shafer, of Lanier township, this county, and Thomas S., the subject of this sketch.

Thomas S. Skinner was reared on a farm in Somers township and was educated in the district schools which he attended until his eyes failed, when he gave his attention to farming. He worked by the month on a farm and later in a shop at Eaton, Ohio. Still later he returned to the farm and worked by the month, remaining with Nathan Fouts for twelve years.

On March 18, 1896. Mr. Skinner was married to Louise Winholt, the daughter of Henry and Margaret (Swartz) Winholt, both of whom were natives of Nuthersladt, Germany, and both of whom came to the United States on the same vessel, arriving at Trenton, Ohio. April 3, 1866. They were married on October 25, 1866, and lived at Trenton, Ohio, ten years. Henry Winholt then rented a farm and later purchased a farm consisting

vi one hundred and fift sied on December 6, 189 soll living, John A., who wanty: Louise, who is 1 and thresherman in Dix F. Wilkinson, of Wash educated in the common

Mr. Skinner is a and proprietor of "Wa ated four miles southwr Mrs. Skinner was member of Waverly L Mrs. Skinner are me Sfr. Skinner is a Rep! He and his wife are where they are so we! active part.

The personal r cumstances to a po romance in itself. their personal qual individuality upon good to such instit Unwittingly, perh: To this class of belongs.

Slias Q. Bu Preble county. O county. the son ( whom had been Buriff was left educated. He fi a wagon and bc there two years in Highland co to Preble coun

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hundred and fifty-eight acres in Dixon township. Mrs. Winholt 1 December 6, 1890. She was the mother of four children, who are ing, John A., who is a farmer and thresher in Dixon township, this ; Louise, who is the wife of Mr. Skinner; George, who is a farmer resherman in Dixon township, and Anna, who is the wife of Frank Ikinson, of Washington township, this county. Mrs. Skinner was ed in the common schools of Somers township.

r. Skinner is a general farmer and stock raiser. He is the owner oprietor of "Walnut Grove Farm," consisting of forty acres, situ- ur miles southwest of Eaton, Ohio.

rs. Skinner was reared in the Lutheran church. Mr. Skinner is a r of Waverly Lodge No. 143, Knights of Pythias, and both Mr. and Skinner are members of Dorcas Temple No. 105, Pythian Sisters. tinner is a Republican, but has never taken an active part in politics. d his wife are highly respected citizens of Washington township, they are so well known and in the good works of which they take an part.

SILAS Q. BURIFF.

he personal record of a man who has raised himself from poor cir- nces to a position of responsibility and trust in a community is a :e in itself. Self-made men, who have achieved success by reason of personal qualities and industry and have left the impress of their uality upon the political and civic life of a county, effect a permanent o such institutions as are embraced within their sphere of usefulness. tingly, perhaps, they build monuments more enduring than marble. is class of men. Silas Q. Buriff, of Preble county, undoubtedly S.

lias Q. Buriff, farmer, stockman and one of the county officials of county. Ohio, was born on October 6, 1867, in Lanier township, this . the son of Andrew J. and Minerva (Carter) Buriff. the former of had been born in Perry county, Ohio. At an early age Andrew J. was left an orphan and was taken by his uncle to be reared and ed. He first worked on the farm in Perry county, Ohio, but went in on and boat to Iowa, in which state his uncle took a claim. He lived two years, at the end of which time he returned to Ohio and worked yhland county on a farm, later coming, with the owner of this farm, eble county. He was married here to Minerva Carter and for some

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time was located on a farm, but in 1909 moved to Eaton, where he and his wife now reside. They were the parents of nine children, six of whom are living, Silas Q., the subject of this sketch; Emma, who is the wife of William White, of Lewisburg, Ohio; Sallie, who married Carl Ballinger, of Dixon township; Charles Manuel, who married Allie Weeks and lives in Dayton, Ohio; Lawrence, who married Bertha Treffinger and lives in Casper township, and Clara, the wife of Irvin Shock, of Washington township.

Silas Buriff was reared on a farm in this county and received his edu- cation in the district schools and the normal school. He became a teacher and taught in the schools of Preble county for eight years, at the end of which time he went to farming.

Silas Q. Buriff was married on August 4, 1893, to Susie Greenwood, who was born in Campbell county, Kentucky, the daughter of John and Pernelia Greenwood. Mrs. Buriff was educated in the common schools of her native county. Mr. Buriff was a poor man when he was married and rented a farm for some years, after which he bought a farm of ninety-four acres in the southwest quarter of Washington township. He has made substantial improvements upon this farm, including a modern eleven-room house, which is equipped with furnace, lights, bath and all modern con- veniences.

To Mr. and Mrs. Buriff six children have been born, Stanley, Elsie, Gilbert, Minerva, Leroy and Leonard, all of whom are at home. Gilbert is a student in the Eaton high school. Mr. Buriff owns a fine automobile. He gives much attention to the raising of hogs, out of which he has made the largest part of his money.

Mr. Buriff is a Democrat and served two terms as trusteee of Wash- ington township. In 1912 he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners, and was re-elected in 1914, in a county that is normally Republican, by three hundred majority. Mr. Buriff's repeated elections are the best testimony that can be presented of the efficiency and courage with which he has served the people. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Sugar Valley and are active in the work of that denomination. Mr. Buriff is a trustee of the church and is superin- tendent of the Sunday school. He is a member of Waverly Lodge No. 143, Knights of Pythias. In Preble county, where Mr. Buriff is so well known, he is regarded as a quiet and unassuming man and a most honorable citizen, deserving to rank as one of the most successful men now living in Preble county.

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The best history ( lives and activities of i! and indomitable energ where they deserve th has outstripped the les: a career of satisfactory men delight to honor and industry.

William R. Chris Ington township, Prel July 12, 1843, the so

Jacob Christman Daniel and Susanna ginia, who came to t He and his wife we Daniel and Jacob.

Jacob Christma to Julia Ann Riner 1816, the daughter si Preble county. Methodist Episcop; Because of her hig in the community neighbors. She di were the parents Eliza J., deceased

William R. ( school. He alway same upon his fat much admired ir Methodist Episco years and his dez political adheren( of the Republica Republican ticke election to the h

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WILLIAM R. CHRISTMAN.

he best history of a community is that which deals most with the nd activities of its people, especially those who by their own endeavor idomitable energy have forged to the front and placed themselves they deserve the title of progressive men. William R. Christman tstripped the less active plodders on the highway of life and achieved er of satisfactory accomplishments in agriculture and a name which all elight to honor, because of his upright life and his habits of thrift dustry.

'illiam R. Christman, a highly respected farmer and citizen of Wash- township, Preble county, Ohio, was born on the farm he now owns, 2, 1843, the son of Jacob and Julia A. (Riner) Christman.

.cob Christman was born in Preble county March 1, 1810, the son of and Susanna Christman. Daniel Christman was a native of Vir- who came to this county in 1798, where he spent the rest of his life. d his wife were the parents of five children, Solomon, Eliza, John, and Jacob.

cob Christman grew up on a farm in Preble county and was married a Ann Riner, who was born in Preble county, Ohio, November 18, the daughter of John and Polly Riner, her father also being a native ble county. He was one of the devoted and honored members of the list Episcopal church and was well informed in Bible literature. e of her high moral ideals, Julia Ann Christman was much admired community in which she lived and also was greatly honored by her ors. She died in her ninety-eighth year. Jacob Christman and wife he parents of four children, John W., a resident of Eaton, Ohio; ., deceased; Oliver, also deceased, and William R.

illiam R. Christman was reared on a farm and attended the local He always remained on the home farm and assumed charge of the pon his father's death, April 30, 1894. Jacob Christman was a man admired in his community, having been a stanch member of the list Episcopal church and a member of the official board for many nd his death was sincerely mourned. He was quite as strong in his 1 adherence as in his religious faith, having been a lifelong adherent Republican party and having been one of the first men to vote the ican ticket in Washington township. He had been honored with I to the board of directors of the county infirmary.

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On February 23, 1871, William R. Christman was married to Eliza- beth Bowsman, who was born in Preble county, a daughter of James and Kosanna Bowsman, who were the parents of three children, two of whom are now living, Harry, a farmer of Monroe township, who married Dora Surface, and Wilber H., who married Glenna Sample and lives on the old homestead. Mary died in infancy.

Mrs. Elizabeth Christman died on February 13, 1893, and Mr. Christ- man married, secondly, Harriett J. Ervin, who was born and reared in Jefferson township, this county.

Mr. and Mrs. Christman are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Eaton, and Mr. Christman is a member of Waverly Lodge No. 143, Knights of Pythias. Mr. Christman is a stalwart Republican and for years has been active in the councils of his party. He served as school di- rector for many years.

Mr. Christman is possessed of a genial disposition, which alone would make him popular, but he also is admired and respected for his upright character and uniform record for square dealing.

JOHN A. DALRYMPLE.

Practical industry, wisely and vigorously applied, never fails to bring success. It carries a man onward and upward, brings out his individual character and acts as a powerful stimulant to the efforts of others. The greatest results in life are often attained by simple means and the exercise of the ordinary qualities of common sense and perseverance. The every-day life, with its cares, necessities and duties, affords ample opportunity for ac- quiring experiences of such kind, and its beaten paths provide a true worker with abundant scope for effort and self-improvement. John A. Dalrymple, a young farmer living in Washington township, this county, has, from the beginning of his career, taken advantage of opportunities as they were offered. In the community in which he lives he has established a reputation for industry, thrift and good management.

John A. Dalrymple was born in Washington township, Preble county, Ohio, August 16, 1885, a son of F. J. and Laura (Kayler ) Dalrymple, both of whom are natives of Preble county, and are now residents of Eaton. F. J. and Laura Dalrymple were the parents of four children: Charles A .. a farmer in Darke county, Ohio, who married Gladys Shoemaker : John A.,

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the immediate subject married Nellie Gates, who is living with he

John A. Dalrym received his educatic ated, after which h Dayton, Ohio, from school he returned to Mr. Dalrymple beli extensive set of bool and losses are on 1 invaluable service to

Mr. Dalrymple daughter of Thoma was a student of same. To Mr. anc L. Myrtle C .. Mil 1. 1915.

The Dalrymp Dalrymple is one is a member of th oi this organizatic much part in poli a pre-eminent sul sixty-five acres. si citizens of the co

Farming as of application. said that the fa work is never ( farming is tha county, Ohio. ; and at the sam Irvin Kis

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nmediate subject of this review; Earl O., a resident of Eaton, who ed Nellie Gates, and Mary M., a graduate of the Eaton high school, s living with her parents.

ohn A. Dalrymple was reared on the farm where he now lives, and ed his education in the district schools, from which he was gradu- after which he became a student of the Jacobs Business College, n, Ohio, from which institution he was graduated. After leaving ! he returned to the farm and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits. Dalrymple believes in the modern science of farming and keeps an live set of books, and at any time can ascertain exactly what his profits osses are on the farm. His bookkeeping knowledge has proved of able service to him.

Ir. Dalrymple was married on January 28, 1906, to Cora Kirkhoff, the ter of Thomas M. Kirkhoff, who is a resident of Eaton, Ohio. She

student of the Eaton public schools and was graduated from the

To Mr. and Mrs. Dalrymple have been born four children, Blanche yrtle C., Mildred L. and Lois J., the latter of whom died on March 5.

'he Dalrymples are active members of the Lutheran church, and Mr. mple is one of the trustees of the church to which he is attached. He ember of the Preble County Protective Association, and was secretary · organization for three years. He is a Democrat, but has never taken part in politics, and has never aspired to or held office. He has made eminent success in managing the old homestead of one hundred and ive acres, situated five miles north of Eaton, and is one of the respected s of the community in which he lives.

IRVIN KISLING.

arming as a vocation is a hard master. It requires the closest kind lication, much hard physical labor and long hours of service. It is at the farmer's work is never done, but it is also true that a man's s never done, no matter what his vocation is. The hopeful phase of ig is that men like Irvin Kisling, of Washington township, Preble , Ohio, are able to perform the hard work connected with the farm the same time retain their high spirits of optimism.

vin Kisling was born in August, 1855, in Washington township,

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Preble county, Ohio, the son of Daniel and Anna (Werts) Kisling, the for- mer a native of Preble county, born in 1829, the son of Henry Kisling, who was a native of Virginia, and who came to Ohio about 1806, locating five and one-half miles north of Eaton, being one of the first settlers in that township. Henry Kisling cleared away a small tract of land where he built a cabin, and there he spent the remainder of his life. To him and his wife were born ten children.

Daniel Kisling was reared in this township and there was married to Anna Werts, the daughter of Conrad Werts, who also was a native of Vir- ginia. Daniel Kisling and wife were the parents of twelve children, ten of whom are living: Theodore Kisling, of Wabash, Indiana; Aramitta, the wife of James Cheeks, of Richmond, Indiana; Mary J., the wife of Henry Hoops, of Eaton, Ohio; Irvin, with whom this narrative deals; Effie, the wife of Cornelius Jones, of Indianapolis, Indiana; Emma, the widow of Mason Shack, a resident of Kansas City, Missouri; Annetta, the wife of Milton Williams, a resident of Harrison township, this county; Valanding- ham, of Spokane, Washington; Harvey, a farmer of Gasper township, and Edward, of St. Louis, Missouri.

Irvin Kisling was born and reared in Washington township, receiving his education in the district schools of his home township, attending school in the winter and working on his father's farm during the summer seasons. After his marriage he settled in Washington township, and began life with- out any financial assistance whatever. During the early years of his mar- ried life he rented land, and in 1891 he purchased his present farm of fifty- six acres.

On February 22, 1876, Irvin Kisling was married to Susan C. Cox, the daughter of Meredith and Elizabeth Cox, who was born in White county, Indiana, May 30, 1858. Mrs. Kisling's parents were reared in Preble coun- ty, but went to Indiana after their marriage. They returned, however, to Preble county, where they spent the remainder of their lives.

Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Kisling are the parents of five children: Mason, born on April 10, 1877, was graduated from the common schools, married Nina Shoemaker, and lives on a farm in Washington township; Eva E., born in December, 1878, was graduated from the common schools and is the wife of Ezra House, a farmer of Monroe township; Mary B., the wife of Leroy McNeal, of Eaton, Ohio; Henry F., also a graduate of the common schools, married Mary Gochanour, and lives in Washington township; Charles E., a graduate of the common schools, married Versie Siler, and is a farmer living in Washington township.

Mr. Kisling is a D active in political affai terms in that capacity. able efficiency and to tive of party lines. J community where he 1 est esteem.

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Agriculture has output of the United put of all the factor exist independently other men. The m the farmer's crops. merchant, wreck th ness men may see lapse within a wee' er. Land is, as i Panic may sweep ! er can survive wl the backbone of where only one § man can perform anywhere in the advancement of there is none n Flora, former c ship and propri acres lying in t Josiah E. ! gust 11, 1860, Flora was born rillis (Pagan) known throug ability, but he died at the aĮ They had a l;

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Mr. Kisling is a Democrat, and although he has never been particularly : in political affairs, he was elected township trustee and served two in that capacity, discharging the duties of the office with commend- efficiency and to the entire satisfaction of his fellow citizens, irrespec- of party lines. Mr. Kisling is an honored and respected citizen in the unity where he lives and where he and his family are held in the high- iteem.

JOSIAH E. FLORA.

Agriculture has always been an honorable vocation. The agricultural t of the United States today is more than equivalent to the total out- [ all the factories of the country put together. The farmer's ability to independently of other vocations is a point that distinguishes him from men. The merchant, the banker, the manufacturer, all depend upon irmer's crops. A famine in this country would bankrupt the strongest ant, wreck the largest bank and close the most gigantic factory. Busi- nen may see their prideful commercial or industrial enterprises col- within a week, but nothing short of an earthquake can ruin the farm- and is, as it always has been, the most stable financial investment. may sweep the manufacturer out of business over night, but the farm- 1 survive when every other industry falls. Therefore, the farmer is ackbone of the nation, and he who makes two blades of grass grow : only one grew before is performing the most useful mission that a can perform. Preble county farmers are as good as may be found here in the world. Their history is largely the history of the material icement of the county. Among Preble county's excellent farmers, is none more deserving of recognition in this day than Josiah E. , former commissioner of Preble county, a resident of Gasper town- and proprietor of Elmwood farm, consisting of one hundred and sixty lying in the southeast corner of Gasper township.

fosiah E. Flora was born in Lanier township, Preble county, Ohio, Au- II, 1860, the son of Joseph and Mary A. (Eikenberry) Flora. Joseph was born in Gratis township, this county, the son of Henry and Ma- (Pagan) Flora. Marillis Flora was a remarkable woman and well n throughout Preble county. Not only was she a woman of unusual y, but her temperament and disposition were the marvel of all. She at the age of ninety-six, her husband dying at the age of ninety-one. had a large family, only one of whom is now living.

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Joseph Flora was reared in Gratis township and his wife was reared in Lanier township. They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living: Marillis, the wife of John Stoner; Henry, of Lanier township; Lydia, the wife of William Smith; Elizabeth, the wife of S. F. Andrews; Isaac, of Dayton, Ohio; Elvira, the wife of Edward Copp, of Dayton; Dru- silla, the wife of Van Landis, of Washington township, and Josiah E., the subject of this sketch.

Josiah E. Flora was reared in Lanier township, attending the district schools about three months each year during his early youth. He remained at home until he was married, at which time he had saved very little money. Mr. Flora rented land for six years and then bought a part of his father's farm. This land has been improved by the construction of splendid build- ings, good fences and drainage.

In 1885, Josiah E. Flora was married to Catherine Ankerman, who was reared in Washington township, and to this union two children were born: Orville, who married Anna Baker, and Ethel, who married Vinage Murphy. Mrs. Catherine Flora died in 1900 and Mr. Flora married, sec- ondly, Mrs. Nancy (Casey) Burns, to which union was born one son, Joe Gorden, born on June 9, 1905. Mrs. Flora has one son by her first mar- riage, Chester Burns, a graduate of the Camden high school and a student of Miami University. He is resident engineer of state highways in Preble county and lives at Eaton. He married Marie Alexander and they have two sons. Mrs. Flora was born in Gasper township, July 1, 1864, the daughter of O. D. and Rebecca ( Mikesell) Casey, and was educated in the common schools of Preble county.

Besides the one hundred and sixty acres which Mr. Flora owns in Gas- per township, he also owns one hundred and sixty acres in Lanier town- ship and three tracts of fifty, sixty-five and one hundred and fifteen acres, respectively, in Somers township, making five hundred and fifty acres in all. Mr. Flora operates his farms on a large scale and raises a high grade of live stock.

Mr. Flora is a Republican and was elected as one of the commissioners of Preble county in 1902, serving more than six years in that office, and making a record that was eminently satisfactory to the citizens of Preble county. Mr. Flora is one of the directors of the Preble County National Bank, at Eaton. He has served as a member of the Preble county fair board for many years, and in January, 1915, was elected president of that board. For many years he has been interested in farmers' institutes in Preble county and is president of the Preble County Telephone Company, a

position he has held for i the Gasper township as one of the represent irasiness interests, active jeps the confidence and

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The office of bic mate of himself and als the verdict estal ix neighbors, friend been such as to elicit tren loyal to the tru his fellow men, and ment of any worthy

Frank Batdor was born in Montg iel and Rachel (Dc Ohio, a son of Joh in Pennsylvania, a dori, was a native man and locating

Daniel Batdo shoemaker by tra He now makes } She was the mot iam resides in C

1 wife of John \\' widow of Frank ington township and Frank, the

Frank Bat lived until nine ty. He came farm hand, af ing with that acquainted wi

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History of Preble County Ohio: Her People, Industries and Institutions, Part 82

Author: R. E. Lowry Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Number of Pages: 985

Author: R. E. Lowry
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 985